LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a swift move, the NRL has put an end to any hint of favoritism, taking action to prevent a referee from officiating games involving one of the rugby league's powerhouses.
NRL's head of football, Graham Annesley, has made it clear that Kasey Badger will no longer be overseeing matches where South Sydney Rabbitohs are playing, as long as her husband Gavin remains associated with the club.
This decision is a precautionary measure to eliminate any doubts about the fairness of officiating.
Kasey was on duty in the Bunker during the recent clash between Cronulla Sharks and South Sydney, a game which saw the Sharks emerge victorious.
However, speculation arose when Gavin was spotted in the South Sydney box.
Gavin, a former referee himself, works as a consultant for the Rabbitohs, providing his expertise during training sessions and occasionally attending games.
The NRL's decision was influenced by a controversial call made during the game, where the Sharks had a try disallowed after a review by the Bunker.
While the NRL has cleared that particular incident, the potential for such situations is why Kasey has been sidelined from matches involving Souths for now.
"It's simply a matter of optics," explained Annesley to the NewsWire, referencing another instance where Kasey ruled against a challenge made by a South Sydney captain during the game.
"The NRL cannot afford even a hint of bias or conflict of interest."
With the fast-paced and high-pressure nature of rugby league, maintaining integrity and transparency in officiating is crucial for the sport's credibility.
The NRL's proactive approach in this case exemplifies their commitment to upholding the values of fair play and sportsmanship.