Ivan Cleary took a jab at referees after the Panthers’ victory against the Sharks on Saturday night. The NRL decided not to penalize Cleary, but they did issue a warning to the coach over his “unhelpful” remarks. For weeks, there have been worries that an error by the referee could determine the grand final, and this weekend’s preliminary final calls did little to allay those worries.
While the Sharks’ lone try against Penrith occurred under dubious circumstances, the Melbourne Storm scored a decisive try against the Roosters following a clear knock-on. The Panthers had just been denied a four-point attempt by the Bunker when Cronulla’s try occurred in the set.
Luke Garner was found to have blocked Sifa Talakai with a decoy run by Chris Butler, who oddly also said that Garner had struck Talakai in the outside shoulder, which is against the law. Replays, however, proved it to be untrue—Garner struck Talakai’s inside shoulder.
Replays also seemed to indicate that Talakai made contact with Garner because he knew he couldn’t go through in cover and was trying to get a penalty. Fans and pundits alike lambasted the decision, and Cleary went on a furious diatribe about it during his news conference following the game.
The Panthers coach called the call “terrible” and mentioned Butler by name in remarks that are sure to infuriate the NRL. “There was an attempt at obstruction that was a horrible choice, and I’m quite nervous about whether that Bunker official will be there again next week. Chris Butler, I believe,” declared Cleary.
“That was incorrect, and it has continued throughout the year. That was the one occasion when we organized our belongings, executed the play flawlessly, and sprinted to his inside shoulder. It was Sifa who struck up the conversation. I’m concerned about that because it makes me wonder if the same Bunker official will be present next week or if someone else will be following the same script.”
Ahead of the NRL grand final, Ivan Cleary was critical of the referees.
Cleary drew attention to the fact that Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon immediately pulled Talakai from the field, demonstrating his awareness of his fatigue. “I’m not sure if Graham (Annesley) chooses who goes inside the Bunker, but whoever is in there needs to know what our goals are. Even though some of the top officials in the game won’t be officiating next week, there must be a way to make it work.
“The greatest player of all time, Wayne Bennett, made a statement during their match versus Newcastle, and he was absolutely correct. He predicted that in the championship game, someone would lose. Nobody really understands the play we’re attempting to run or what we’re actually trying to do, especially when it’s being performed.
“I believe Fitzy realized how exhausted Sifa was, because he took him off right away. That essentially sums it up. Although we managed to win the game tonight, I would hate for something similar to occur the week of the year’s biggest game.”
