NRL investigate Roosters tunnel incident

The NRL is investigating an alleged tunnel incident between at least one member of the Sydney Roosters coaching staff and match officials in the wake of the Tricolours’ controversial Anzac Day loss to St George Illawarra.

The investigation comes as the governing body also scrutinises Roosters coach Trent Robinson’s post-match comments that were highly critical of referee Ben Cummins and the bunker.

The Roosters could face a hefty fine over the incidents with a decision to be handed down by the NRL by Tuesday evening.

“The NRL are conducting two investigations,” an NRL spokesman told AAP.

“The first is in regard to the post-match comments made by Trent Robinson and the second is in regard to an alleged incident in the (Allianz Stadium) tunnel.”

The investigations come after Robinson expressed his discontent with Cummins in the post-match press conference.

“Ben has been horrible and disrespectful to our players for many years and it has continued,” Robinson said.

“He speaks poorly to our players. He won’t look them in the eye.”

Robinson then went to town on the use of video refs.

“The bunker has decided to be the on-field referee today, they jumped in at every occasion, they are not the match review committee,” he said.

“It was just soft on Anzac Day. We want to play a tough game and they were soft calls coming from the bunker, they were not good enough.

“I am not saying we would have won, I am saying we should have had a chance to win,” Robinson was particularly incensed over a 50th-minute penalty for a Kane Evans late tackle – the resulting penalty goal the difference between the two sides – and Dylan Napa being put on report late for a tackle on Taane Milne.

Robinson said he expected his comments to draw the interest of the NRL.

When asked whether he would call referees boss Tony Archer on Tuesday to discuss the issues, Robinson replied: “I would say (NRL CEO) Todd (Greenberg) might be ringing.”

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