Coaches, ex-players respond to ref dramas

HOW RUGBY LEAGUE REACTED TO THE CONTROVERSIAL NRL GRAND FINAL

* “Does that initial decision affect the way Canberra play out that tackle, yeah I’m sure it does? But if they had not and the Raiders had scored, I’d probably be sitting here telling you that a try had been scored off an incorrect decision.” – NRL’s head of football GRAHAM ANNESLEY defends the ruling of no six-again for Canberra, but not necessarily the process.

* “Instead of me saying what I think and then getting abused by everybody in regards to my unsportsmanship manner, you write what you think … The first thing I did when I went onto the field was congratulate the four officials. No one goes out there to make a mistake.” – Canberra coach RICKY STUART, opting not to discuss the six-again call and non-call after the loss.

* “We could go back to lots of decisions. Do you want to go back through each decision tonight? Not Cooper’s (sin bin)? You can go through every decision. But there were lots of decisions there we had opportunities but you’ve got to take them.” – Sydney Roosters coach TRENT ROBINSON.

* “I’m dumbfounded by that. You can hear the referees call it ‘six again, six again’ and then he’s changing the call on the run. It’s not a good look. It’s not a good look at all. I’d be pretty shattered if I was the Raiders because the next set Tedesco scores and wins them the match. It’s not a great look.” – JOHNATHAN THURSTON on Nine.

* “I was actually saying in my head ‘hold the ball, stop pushing the pass, hold it, hold it’ and then Jack Wighton obviously saw the call and he holds the ball. When he signalled change over it was 100 million per cent the wrong call. Very, very disappointing for Canberra players and supporters and everyone else who goes in to it.” – Cronulla premiership player LUKE LEWIS on ABC.

* “Absolute joke @nrl. Your refs have ruined this game!!! What an absolute joke!!!” – Brisbane and South Sydney premiership winner, LOTE TUQIRI on Twitter.

* “Horse***t result in the @NRL Grand Final. Yet another Rugby League embarrassment. Raiders ripped off. #sixagain” – South Sydney co-owner RUSSELL CROWE, also on Twitter.

* “Signalling six again & then changing their mind is the biggest referring blunder in grand final history… Absolute disgrace.” – Penrith premiership winner MARTIN LANG on Twitter.

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