Canterbury coach Des Hasler has leapt to the defence of NRL referees, blaming the media for heaping more pressure on under-fire whistleblowers.

Match officials have been in the firing line since last week’s State of Origin opener in Melbourne following some contentious decisions that upset NSW.

Referees chief Bill Harrigan is involved in showdown talks with the NRL in the fall-out from the game with his future believed to be in doubt.

And Hasler said referees do not receive the same protection as officials in other sports.

“The referees in AFL, NBA and NFL football are more revered,” Hasler said.

“To a certain extent referees are more persecuted in our game and you blokes (the media) have a fair bit to do with that.

“I back it up by saying it is part of the culture of rugby league to give it to the referee.”

Despite his claims, Hasler has himself been a staunch critic of officials in the past.

In 2009, when coaching Manly, he even took the step of reading out a prepared statement to accuse referees of costing his team the game with a controversial decision late in a game against Gold Coast.

However, the two-time premiership-winning coach said officials in the modern game need support, not widespread criticism and denied there’s a lack of respect for them from players and coaches.

He also praised Blues coach Ricky Stuart’s decision to snub the media in protest after last Wednesday’s game.

“Coaches don’t pick on referees, coaches just point out where they can improve,” he said.

“It a tough job. They get the respect, it’s more about support across the board.

“Coaches go heavy on referees behind closed doors, but with the media it’s fair play isn’t it.

“I liked the way Ricky Stuart went about handling the referee decisions, it was pretty smart as he took the media out of the picture.”

Hasler also refused to criticise Bulldogs captain Michael Ennis following his expletive-laden discussion with referee Jason Robinson following a decision not to award his side a try against the Sydney Roosters on Monday.

“Mick did what every captain should do. He was questioning the try and I expect a captain to do it,” he said.

“I didn’t hear any bad language, there were beeps over it. I heard the beeps not the swearing.”