NRL head of football Graham Annesley has questioned why rugby league fans, coaches and media alike continue to hone in on the officiating of the game.
“This game has an ability beyond any other that I’ve ever witnessed – and I’ve seen sports all around the world – to focus in on officiating like I’ve not seen in any other sport,” Annesley said.
Attending his weekly briefing, where he discusses major talking points and refereeing decisions from the previous round of NRL action, Annesley explained why he wanted to front the media each week.
“We do this to try and put some balance back in the argument,” Annesley said.
“What we try and do is put some balance back into it and correct the record.
“Some of the things that happen in the spur of the moment or immediately after a game...we will hear all sorts of criticisms about."
Controversy has reigned all season in regards to the standards of refereeing and the implementation of a variety of rule changes, including the six-again rule, which has been under fire since its inception.
Annesley's statement comes in the wake of two officials being demoted as a result of their poor performances, with the Sydney Roosters said to be particularly unhappy with their treatment during a game against the Penrith Panthers.
The State of Origin series also incurred plenty of backlash, with Brad Fittler questioning the speed of the ruck after the series opener, while also debating the decision not to sin bin Tino Fa'asuamaleaui for his involvement in the punch-up in Game III.
According to Ricky Stuart, the Bunker has had a negative impact on rugby league, as the Canberra coach stated "it ruined the fabric of the game."
Des Hasler was issued with a $25,000 fine for comments he made after Manly's defeat to Parramatta earlier in the season, while more recently Brandon Smith was suspended for three matches for verbally abusing a referee.
Annesley defended the officials and explained how the storm of controversy which has surrounded them this year is wholly unjustified.
“I’d prefer if there was no need for me to do this. I’d also prefer referees not to make mistakes, but they do,” Annesley acknowledged.
A fortnight ago, Annesley admitted a number of crucial errors were made in matches, but stopped short of issuing apologies to the clubs that were on the receiving end of the incorrect decisions.
However, he claimed the officials were generally doing a great job and it was the mass hysteria around their calls afterwards that was contributing to a toxic situation within the game.
“No one at the NRL can stop the public criticism because everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” he said.
“[But the criticisms] are based on one or two replays on the big screen or on a small television.
“When you look at it in high-definition with all the camera angles available it tells a very different story.”
