Each and every NRL season an incident ignites some sort of crazy reaction to something no one saw coming in the pre-season.
In 2016, that incident is David Klemmer’s placing his hands on a referee in the Dog’s late win over the Panthers.
Since the incident, and subsequent charge, there have been multiple photos or videos released that show minor referee contact sparking controversial debates across the NRL community.
James Roberts has also been charged for patting a referee on the chest, while Mitch Moses was seen placing a hand on a referee’s forearm in last night’s win for the Tigers over the Sea Eagles.
Trent Merrin, who also made contact with a referee, was not cited, despite the fact that incident was almost identical to the one that landed Roberts a charge.
Meanwhile Jamie Soward, accidently it must be said, clattered an official on Thursday Night, in an incident NOONE missed.
Klemmer is the only player likely to be suspended, and that is due to the fact he has a prior charge and suspension due to verbally abusing a referee in last year’s fixture against the Bunnies.
Prior to this weekend, the subject of touching a match official was arguably the furthest thing from the minds of most punters, but now it is the lead subject on every NRL show.
There have been a huge amount of suggestions offered, including a zero tolerance policy that has worked to an extent in the AFL.
For those who don’t follow the other codes, the rule states that players are 100% responsible for ANY contact made for a match official, although they work on a fine system with only really obvious and bad incidents resulting in suspension.
For all the suggestions though, I am yet to hear one of common sense being offered.
It is obvious to anyone who saw it that Jamie Soward’s contact with the referee was a complete accident and shouldn’t incur a fine or suspension.
David Klemmer did react far more aggressively toward the match official than Trent Merrin, Mitch Moses or James Roberts, and probably warranted his charge.
Common sense dictates that Klemmer should be the only one charged, with a week at most being the punishment.
There was no intent to hurt or intimidate the referee, however the way he did approach the referee was above and beyond. He is not the captain and had no right to question the decision. A one week suspension, based on his actions on Good Friday last season would suffice.
James Roberts will avoid suspension, but I’d argue that what he did, compared to the comments made by Johnathan Thurston, was barely worth mentioning.
Thurston arguably crossed the line in addressing Jarrod Maxwell on Saturday night, although most on social media did agree that the premiers were on the raw end of a few decisions.
I 100% support that players should respect officials. It doesn’t matter how badly a referee is performing, no players has the right to abuse an official or intimidate him/her.
Referees don’t get open slather on underperforming players, so why should players get free reign on referees?
That being said, tapping a referee on the shoulder or playfully tapping him/her on the back after a laugh should not lead to a suspension, or even a fine.
It’s up to the NRL match review panel, and judiciary, to apply the rule using common sense.
Given the recent track record of both panels, that may be more difficult than it should be, but you can’t be suspending players for sliding along the line and accidently bumping into a referee.
Being that the referees stand in the defensive line means accidental collisions are going to happen.
Common sense, it shouldn’t be that hard.
New that Kane Elgey has re-signed for a further two years should provide a huge boost to those on the Gold Coast.
The 22 year-old is a tremendous young talent and along with Ash Taylor, could form the halves pairing for the next decade on the holiday strip.
The fact he chose to re-sign for the Titans despite interest from elsewhere should be commended as far too many players chase greener pastured when the going gets tough.
The Titans aren’t a side who have the roster to challenge for the title this season, but he and Taylor can create the start of something very exciting.
I LOATHE when Origin teams are mentioned in the early rounds of NRL competition but given the form of James Tedesco over the past year and a bit, it’s time to measure him up for the number one jersey.
There is talk that Josh Dugan will revert back to fullback for the Dragons, and Matt Moylan will return in the number one jersey for Penrith, but Tedesco is the man for the job.
Make no mistake, this is no overreaction to one performance against a below-par Manly side, Tedesco has been the best fullback in the game for over a year.
RTS, Billy Slater and Greg Inglis are the only three challengers for the title, but being that none are available for NSW selection, Teddy is a sure thing.
Even if they were available, given the early season form of Tedesco, I’d be picking him at number one regardless.
The last series NSW won was dominated by Jarryd Hayne. Tedesco can inflict similar damage.
Reminder that each Thurday I will be appearing on the Forty-Twenty podcast, which is now on itunes, but is also available to stream Here.