Ricky Stuart has delivered a clear message regarding the NRL's attitude to aggression ahead of the State of Origin opener.
The Raiders coach believes that rugby league is characterised by "real aggression and passion", and therefore, referees need to be "careful" when it comes to disciplining teams on the field.
Three players were sin-binned during Canberra's 16-10 win over New Zealand on Sunday.
While 'Sticky' acknowledged that foul play must be punished, he feels that players are being penalised simply for being aggressive.
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"We keep getting told this game is about entertainment, and that was an entertaining game tonight, but you can't discipline aggression," Stuart said post-match.
"Our game and our broadcasters promote aggression. We've got to be real careful that we don't scrutinise aggressive actions in the game that is moulded on real aggression and passion.
"On Wednesday night, we've got one of the most special games on our calendar. The profile and the passion of Origin is through aggression.
"I'm not at all promoting foul play, I am against foul play. With the speed and intensity of our game, that's just part of it.
"When there is a penalty given (for foul play), I get that, that's fine ... but don't go will-nilly bashing players for aggression, because you need it in our game.
"We keep calling ourselves an entertaining game... well, aggression is a big part of it."
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Corey Horsburgh and Tom Starling were the two Raiders players sent to the bin in Auckland.
Joseph Tapine was also penalised for a crusher tackle and a shoulder charge, but was not sent from the field.
Stuart was asked in the post-match press conference if his team overstepped the line with their discipline.
"Not at all," he replied.
"We had done a lot of hard work right through the game. You can talk about resilience and then sometimes you get thrown into a scenario where you have to show it.
"I've got a tough team, and never once did I doubt them. I was just proud of every individual who displayed it."