Canterbury coach Des Hasler says he will send NRL head of football Todd Greenberg a breach notice after what he believes was a “misrepresentation” of the 10-metre rule against Newcastle.

Hasler’s comments will surely come under scrutiny at NRL headquarters, particularly after calling one of the referees “out of his depth” in what was an intense encounter on Saturday night.

The Bulldogs held off a brave Knights outfit to score a thrilling 20-18 win, but it didn’t stop Hasler from taking aim at the game’s officials.

“It was pretty obvious in (Newcastle’s) intent, getting off their line,” Hasler said post-game.

“You had a couple of times there where (the referee) could’ve done something about it but it was just out of his depth, the poor fella.”

Hasler began the press conference praising Newcastle’s performance in what was the final home game for a number of Knights players, including skipper Kurt Gidley.

Then the two-time premiership-winning coach turned on the referees.

“I don’t think many sides probably wouldn’t have got the points here tonight. It was a pretty willing kind of game,” Hasler said.

“But probably that’s just where the raps stop.

“I’m pretty disappointed in some of the interpretations of the rules.

“I didn’t know the game had gone back to five metres.

“And in fact, I think I might send Todd Greenberg a breach notice.

“In fact, I will. I want to send them a breach notice for misrepresentation.”

Asked which particular interpretation he was upset with, he said: “Just the offside.”

Hasler was the first coach to be slapped with a suspended $10,000 fine after the governing body banned coaches criticising referees at the start of the season.

He also copped a $5000 fine for failing to adhere to media guidelines in June.