NRL makes calls on fining Ivan Cleary over 'terrible' comment following Panthers victory

The NRL has opted against issuing a fine to Ivan Cleary after his swipe at officials following the Panthers' win over the Sharks on Saturday night, but warned the coach about his "unhelpful" comments. There have been concerns for weeks that an officiating blunder could potentially decide the grand final, and some of the calls in both preliminary finals this weekend did nothing to ease the fears.

The Melbourne Storm scored a decisive try against the Roosters after a blatant knock-on, while the only try the Sharks scored against Penrith came in controversial circumstances. Cronulla's try came in the set directly after the Panthers had been denied a four-pointer by the Bunker.

Chris Butler ruled that Luke Garner had obstructed Sifa Talakai with a decoy run, and bafflingly he declared that Garner hit Talakai's outside shoulder (which is illegal). But replays showed that to be factually incorrect, as Garner actually hit Talakai's inside shoulder.

Replays also appeared to suggest Talakai initiated the contact with Garner in an attempt to draw a penalty because he knew he couldn't get across in cover. The decision was widely panned by fans and commentators, and Cleary launched a scathing tirade about it in his post-match press conference.

In comments that will likely draw the ire of the NRL, the Panthers coach referenced Butler by name and labelled his call "terrible". "There was an obstruction try that was a terrible decision, and that gives me a lot of anxiety around next week if that Bunker official (is there again). I think it was Chris Butler," Cleary said.

"That was wrong, and it's been happening all year. That was the one time we sorted our stuff out and ran the play perfectly and ran to his inside shoulder. Sifa actually initiated contact. That worries me about next week if that same Bunker official (is there) or if he or someone else is going off the same script, then I'm concerned."

Ivan Cleary scathing of refereeing ahead of NRL grand final

Cleary pointed out that Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon took Talakai off the field straight away, indicating he knew he was tired. "I don't know if Graham (Annesley) makes the selection on who's in the Bunker, but whoever's in there needs to understand what we're trying to do. There are a lot of referees not reffing next week and they're some of the best in the game, so surely someone can work that out.

"Wayne Bennett – the best of all time – came out after their game against Newcastle and he was 100 per cent right. He said that someone's going to suffer in the finals. There's no understanding of what we're actually trying to do and the play we're trying to run, especially when it's run properly.

"Sifa got taken off straight after because I think Fitzy knew how fatigued he was. That pretty much says it all. I know we got through the game tonight, but next week is the biggest game of the year and I'd hate for something like that to happen."

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NRL won't fine Ivan Cleary for his comments

The fact that Cleary referenced Butler by name and called for him not to be picked next week appeared likely to draw the ire of NRL hierarchy. Coaches have been fined in the past for publicly criticising referees, with the most common sanction a $20,000 penalty.

Speaking on Fox League, Kangaroos coach Meninga said Cleary would be happy to cop a fine on the chin if it means the NRL and its referees take notice. But on Sunday, CEO Andrew Abdo said he won't be handing down a monetary punishment.

"Ivan is a great coach," Abdo said. "After the game he doesn't like to talk about match officials, which is something everyone should observe. Coaches or players making comments about individual match officials and speculation on appointments are unhelpful and detract from the focus being on the clubs and the players in the lead up to the grand final."

It wasn't the only refereeing drama to come out of the Panthers' 26-6 win. Toby Rudolf was lucky not to get 10 minutes in the sin-bin for a deliberate trip, and Talakai also lucky to remain on the field for a late hit on Jarome Luai.