LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
League great Greg Alexander has come to the defense of Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall after Marshall's recent criticisms of NRL officiating potentially put him in trouble.
Following the Tigers' narrow 18-14 loss to Penrith, Marshall expressed frustration over two contentious calls against Jarome Luai, particularly regarding a penalty for a late tackle on Panthers kicker Blaize Talagi.
This penalty, along with another for an escort foul in the second half, was called into question by Marshall, who felt the officials made incorrect decisions.
In response, NRL head of football Graham Annesley maintained on Tuesday that both calls had been properly assessed and adjudicated.
He explained concerning the escort penalty: "It's clear from the vision that Jarome Luai props on his left foot and turns his back to initiate contact with Liam Martin." Regarding the late tackle on Talagi, Annesley emphasized, "The rules are very clear...
Players have a duty of care to avoid dangerous contact with kickers who are in the process of kicking and in a vulnerable position.
This is a player safety policy which has been in place for a number of years."
However, Alexander disagreed with Annesley's defense of the calls.
He resonated with the public outcry, asserting that Luai's tackle on Talagi occurred as the kicker was executing his play and was neither late nor dangerous.
"The tackle wasn't late, it wasn't high.
He was within his rights to make that tackle," Alexander expressed.
He lamented that current rules seem to penalize defenders for what was once deemed ideal effort in pressuring kickers: "Please tell me that we haven't ruled that out of the game."
This ongoing debate highlights the tensions between player safety protocols and traditional defensive strategies, as Marshall and Alexander advocate for the continued acceptance of pressure tactics on kickers in rugby league.