Tedesco wants consistency after refereeing errors
Jasper Bruce |
Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco hopes the NRL has delivered its last mea culpa on the controversial disruptor rule, pleading with the league for consistency.
The NRL admitted referees erred in denying Robert Toia a try against Cronulla in round six on the grounds he had illegally disrupted Sam Stonestreet’s attempt to field a kick just prior.
The disruptor rule was introduced to protect players fielding kicks from undue interference, but replays showed the Roosters centre had eyes only for the football so was contesting legitimately.
“I thought there was nothing wrong with that one on the weekend. They thought it was, now they’ve said they got it wrong,” Tedesco said in his role as an ambassador for Greyhounds As Pets.
The NRL made a similar admission over a penalty blown against North Queensland’s Scott Drinkwater in the win over Brisbane last Friday.
But the league indicated this week it would continue to penalise players who arrive early, do not have eyes for the ball or jump through the contest and hit it back with one arm.
The Sharks scored directly after Toia’s would-be try but the refereeing call ultimately did not cost the Roosters victory, with Tedesco’s men staging a miraculous comeback from 22-6 down to win by 12 points.
The fullback said the next team might not be so lucky.
“Let’s hope there’s consistency going forward and that it’s all cleared up,” Tedesco said.
The Roosters will this Sunday face off with former assistant coach Justin Holbrook, who has reigning wooden spooners Newcastle humming on a 4-2 start to the year.
Tedesco has been happy to see Holbrook receive another chance at head-coaching after Gold Coast fired him midway through 2023 to bring in Des Hasler for the next season.
“He’s a very high-energy guy, very positive, definitely brought out some of my best attacking footy as well,” Tedesco said.
“For him to get another chance up there and to see them doing really well with injuries to key players, I’m very happy for him.
“But there’ll be no happy feeling when we’re playing them.”
AAP