Wests Tigers boss Shane Richardson is facing renewed scrutiny over his public criticism of referees, with the Professional Rugby League Match Officials (PRLMO) calling on the NRL to release the findings of their investigation.
Richardson, who is in his first full season as CEO of the struggling Tigers, made the comments following the club’s narrow 18-14 defeat to Penrith in Round 14. Speaking on the official Behind The Roar podcast, he described the refereeing that night as “pretty ordinary” and suggested that bottom-placed teams rarely receive favourable decisions.
“I've learned over the years that refereeing decisions never really go your way when you're battling up the ladder,” Richardson said.
“For some reason, referees, and they're humans, they feel that the better teams are going to make better mistakes, less mistakes, when really that's not the case. But it is what it is.”
MORE: Panthers looking to poach prodigious Raider
Referees demand transparency
The NRL confirmed a review into the comments would be undertaken back in June, but a month and a half later, no update has been made public.
That prompted PRLMO chairman John Choueifate to demand action, accusing the league of double standards.
“Richardson's comments were very public and very hurtful,” Choueifate said in a statement. “They were broadcast across the country on social and digital media platforms and were the subject of radio talkback and football show panels.
“The NRL can't have it both ways. On one hand, they promise zero tolerance when it comes to criticism of match officials, while at the same time not disclosing what zero tolerance looks like.
“What have they got to hide?”
While coaches, including Des Hasler and Todd Payten, have received warnings this year for criticising officials, none have faced financial or disciplinary sanctions so far. The PRLMO now want the NRL and its Integrity Unit to back up their stance by publicly releasing the outcome of Richardson’s case.