NRL officials will take a harder line against player dissent from Thursday to ensure the ugly scenes that marred some of last weekend’s games aren’t repeated.
Head office will officially alert clubs of the stance on Wednesday, reminding them that any disrespect shown towards match officials will not be tolerated. Referee Kasey Badger has been criticised for her handling of the Bulldogs’ 22-14 win over Wests Tigers, a fiery contest in which she sent two players to the sin bin.
One of them was David Klemmer, for showing dissent towards her. Klemmer and Badger have received criticism on social media; Klemmer for pushing the boundaries with the referee, and Badger for being unable to exert her authority on a wild affair.
Some of the pile on against Badger – who has had to disconnect from social media at times – was of a sexist nature. She has retained her place in first grade and will officiate the Roosters-Warriors fixture.
NRL head of elite competitions Graham Annesley said the clubs will be warned that harsher action will be taken in round 10 if match officials aren’t shown an appropriate level of respect.
“Clubs and players will be reminded that there needs to be a level of respect shown towards match officials,” Annesley said.
“To be fair, there generally is, but on the odd occasion that a player oversteps the mark, they have to expect that there may be repercussions.
Tigers forward David Klemmer remonstrates with referee Kasey Badger.Credit: NRL Images
“The referees would prefer not to take any action, they would much prefer it didn’t happen in the first place. However, in cases where players do overstep the mark, the referees have a number of options open to them. That can include warnings, penalties, getting marched 10 metres and being sin binned.
“I’m not saying there will be a raft of that happening across the weekend, but it is ultimately in the hands of the players. If the players don’t push the envelope, there will be no need for the referees to react.”
Earlier in the week, Annesley said the interactions with Badger were “not a gender issue”, instead imploring players to show a greater level of respect generally towards match officials.
The Tigers had three decisions overturned via captain’s challenges, while Aidan Sezer was not sent to the sin bin for a tackle on Josh Curran that drew a grade-three dangerous contact charge from the match review panel and a four-game ban.
Jared Maxwell, the NRL’s general manager of elite officiating, is expected to contact clubs on Wednesday to remind players of their obligations.
“The referees have to set the boundaries of acceptable behaviour, and they will be supported 100 per cent by the NRL if they set that line in the sand and they ensure those standards are upheld,” Annesley said.
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