LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
NRL players and coaches have been put on notice by officials after a tumultuous weekend of referee incidents left fans and officials shaking their heads in disbelief.
Rookie referee Kasey Badger found herself in the spotlight during Sunday's match, with the NRL issuing a stern warning to all involved in the game.
Football chief, Graham Annesley, didn't hold back in his criticism following a series of incidents in the Bulldogs vs.
West Tigers clash, which saw veteran prop David Klemmer attempting to intimidate the rookie referee during a heated player scuffle.
Klemmer was sin-binned for his dissent, with teammate Alex Seyfarth soon following for a headbutt as Badger tried to regain control of the match.
Despite the backlash against Badger, Annesley made it clear that attacks on referees were unacceptable, regardless of gender.
He emphasized the importance of players and coaches accepting mistakes as a natural part of the game, urging everyone to show more respect on the field.
In true rugby league fashion, Annesley's message was clear - it's time for players and officials to step up their game and show some sportsmanship, or risk inciting poor behavior among fans.
As the NRL cracks down on unsportsmanlike conduct, it's up to those involved in the game to play by the rules and support their fellow teammates, both on and off the field.