Dodgy acts expose ‘real worry’ NRL must fix before finals
The NRL is facing criticism as players increasingly use gamesmanship and 'milking' tactics to manipulate referees and the Bunker during critical matches. Analysts argue that officials must apply more common sense to prevent these tactics from undermining the integrity of the upcoming finals.
Why it matters
The integrity of professional sports officiating is central to fan trust and the fairness of high-stakes competition.
- 11.55pm . First published at 8.11pm
shares Share article Crafty players are outsmarting referees and the Bunker at the business end of the season in a real worry for the NRL .
With so much at stake, gamesmanship has reached an all-time high - and the players are proving too good for the officials.
Stephen Crichton runs into Ashley Klein. Nine
There were three glaring examples over the weekend that the players are winning the battle of wits.
Parramatta skipper Mitch Moses - without doubt the best “milker” in the game - was way too smart for the referee and Bunker to earn his team a controversial victory over the Cowboys on Saturday night.
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