Queensland squad member Josh Kerr is expected to formally respond to the NRL after receiving a breach notice and a proposed $10,000 fine for off-the-cuff remarks directed at referee Ashley Klein.
The Dolphins prop made the remarks during an impromptu interview with Fox Sports News outside the team hotel, following Queensland’s 24–23 victory over New South Wales in the State of Origin game three decider.
“I thought Ash Klein did a bit to try and, you know, even it up or make it a bit closer,” Kerr said.
“We were sitting there going, ‘it’s rorted, the game’s rorted’.
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“I haven’t got the best eyesight at times but I’m watching four passes and sh*t.
“We were all on the sideline just going, ‘oh, no, it’s a double agent’.”
The NRL swiftly issued a breach notice to the 29-year-old, ruling that his comments violated the game’s code of conduct and labelling them as “detrimental to the best interests of the game and also serve to undermine the credibility of match officials”.
Kerr has until close of business on Friday to formally respond to the league.
However, the AAP reported that while he is expected to acknowledge his comments were inappropriate, he will argue that the penalty is excessive, especially considering that NRL coaches have only received final warnings for criticising officiating this year.
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf defended Kerr, saying the remarks were made in jest and lacked any malicious intent.
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“We're supporting Kerry and have asked some questions around it, without going into details," Woolf stated.
“There were a couple of things (to consider). What everyone loves about Kerry is that you put a microphone in front of his mouth and he tends to talk if you ask him a question.
“That's his personality and why everyone loves being around him. He's happy and talkative and has always got something going on in his mind.
“He's a great, fun guy to be around. It was certainly said in a fun context. I don't think there was anything sinister about the comments at all. He was looking for a laugh.”