LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The NRL has issued a warning to all clubs that harsher sanctions will be imposed on players and coaches for making disparaging remarks about referees or officials during the 2025 season.
This crackdown comes after coaches like Ivan Cleary and Wayne Bennett narrowly avoided a $10,000 fine in 2024 for comments made about match officials.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo sent an email to clubs emphasizing the need to enforce public comment rules more strictly to prevent criticism that amplifies fan and media attention on referee decisions.
The memo stated that existing rules, including post-match conferences, interviews, and social media posts, will be more rigorously enforced this season.
One of the most contentious incidents from last season involved Cleary, who expressed frustration with Bunker official Chris Butler for a decision in a preliminary final.
Despite his team winning the match, Cleary criticized Butler's call and expressed concern about his potential involvement in the grand final.
Cleary was quoted saying, "That was a terrible decision, and that gives me a lot of anxiety around next week if that Bunker official (is there again)...
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."
The NRL's initiative to crack down on negative comments about officials aims to maintain respect for the game and uphold the integrity of referee decisions.
By reminding clubs and head coaches to adhere to the rules on public comments, the league hopes to minimize controversies and negative attention surrounding match officiating.
The memo serves as a warning to all clubs to exercise caution when discussing referees in public forums to avoid potential fines or sanctions in the upcoming season.