LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson has controversially asserted that NRL referees exhibit an inherent bias against lower-ranked teams.
This statement follows coach Benji Marshall's criticism post-match after the Tigers' 18-14 loss to Penrith, where Marshall highlighted a controversial kick-pressure penalty against Jarome Luai and another dubious offside call against the halfback.
Richardson reinforced Marshall's concerns during an appearance on the Tigers' Behind The Roar podcast, indicating that teams like the Tigers, currently ranked 13th and having finished last for the past three seasons, are more likely to face unfavorable officiating compared to more successful teams.
"I thought there were some pretty ordinary refereeing decisions (in the Panthers game) that certainly had an effect on us," Richardson remarked.
He further emphasized, "I've learned over the years, though, that refereeing decisions never really go your way when you're battling up the ladder."
Richardson's comments highlight a growing concern among struggling teams regarding the role of officiating in their performance and outcomes in the league, suggesting that the challenges they face are exacerbated by perceived biases from match officials.