Eels leader cops heavy fine for the second time this NRL season.
Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart has been hit with a $15,000 fine after his outburst at NRL referees boss Daniel Anderson, after his side’s 30-10 loss to South Sydney.
The Eels were on the wrong end of a 13-6 penalty count as they plunged to their 11th loss of the season, promoting Stuart’s rage at the post-match press conference.
Stuart said he was voicing the concerns of other coaches in the NRL who feared the repercussions of speaking out against the offcials that run the game.
“Since we played at the Gold Coast and I had my little tantrum against the referees we have worked that hard in regards to discipline on the footy field, at training,” Stuart said.
“But we cannot be so different every week to the opposition.
“I am not blowing up about the penalties or the penalty count but the opposition isn’t copping the same as we’re copping.
“I have to be very careful of what I say because I don’t want to bring my club into disrepute again or the game into disrepute.
“But I’ve got to stand up. I’ve got to say that for the fans that follow us and for my players.
“It wouldn’t be right of me if I didn’t.”
Stuart said he is trying to work through the proper channels in the wake of being stung with a $10,000 fine earlier this year for criticising Anderson and the game-day referees, but admits it has been slow going.
“To keep my job I don’t communicate with Daniel Anderson because I don’t agree with what he is doing,” Stuart said.
“I know a lot of the coaches, or most, are the same in regards to my thoughts.
“I have Dean Pay do all my communication.
“Every week Deano is bashing his head against the wall in regards to showing him things we were penalised for.
“He shows Daniel Anderson and he agrees but yet nothing is done.
“I don’t know what his job description is but I don’t believe it is being fulfilled.”
COMMENTS