LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Queensland player Josh Kerr is under scrutiny from the NRL following his comments about referee Ashley Klein after the State of Origin decider.
Although he did not play in the match, he celebrated with the team and made his remarks while speaking to reporters outside the Maroons' hotel.
Kerr stated, "I'm not sure how much trouble I could get into for saying it, but I thought Ash Klein did a bit to try and - you know - even it up or make it a bit closer." He further claimed, "We were sitting there (on the sideline) going, 'it's rorted, the game's rorted.'" He jokingly added, "I haven't got the best eyesight at times but I'm watching forward passes and sh*t.
We were all on the sideline just going, 'oh, no, it's a double agent.' It makes it more exciting, doesn't it, and it brings out the Queenslander in all those players."
While Kerr's comments were likely meant to be humorous, they could lead to consequences given the NRL's strict policy on criticism directed at referees.
The league has already issued warnings to various coaches this season for similar infractions, with many feeling pressure to temper their remarks during press conferences to avoid fines.
Klein, in particular, has faced significant scrutiny this season, especially after he issued Queensland the first nine penalties of the final match.
Given the NRL's vigilance regarding commentary about its officials, Kerr's remarks are sure to attract attention.