Benji Marshall Speaks Out Against Costly Refereeing Decisions as Tigers Recover from Defeat

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall expressed his frustration over two contentious refereeing decisions that significantly impacted his team’s 18-14 defeat to Penrith, branding one of the calls as “outrageous” and urging officials to let the players determine the outcome of the match.

Marshall did not hold back in his criticism of Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, who penalised halfback Jarome Luai for a tackle on Penrith kicker Blaize Talagi.

Luai’s tackle in the 54th minute was neither late nor high, yet the referee disagreed with the former Panther’s actions as he tackled Talagi during the kicking motion.

Nathan Cleary successfully converted a penalty goal, putting Penrith ahead 12-10.

Shortly after, Luai found himself penalised again when the referee ruled he had obstructed Liam Martin during the chase of a Cleary kick.

Penrith capitalised on the new set of six, with Thomas Jenkins completing a hat-trick, followed by a successful conversion from Cleary, extending their lead to 18-10.

“The game is incredibly demanding, and I truly feel for our players who didn’t get the chance to determine the outcome of this match,” Marshall stated during his post-match press conference.

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“The initial penalty on Jarome for making the tackle — I found that decision outrageous,” Marshall exclaimed.

“The second one was for an escort, which I also disagreed with, and then they went on to score from that set.”

“Let the players decide the game, just let them play. The game is tough enough as it is.”

Marshall underscored the necessity of protecting the kicker, having experienced the constant pressure himself throughout his impressive 349-game NRL career. However, he maintained that the referee’s judgment in this instance was flawed.

“I support the idea of protecting the kicker, but he didn’t take out his legs, nor did he put him in a perilous position; the contact was simultaneous with the kick, and it was just to Talagi’s chest,” Marshall emphasised.

“That shouldn’t have been a penalty. I’m all in favour of safeguarding kickers; don’t mistake me, but I believe it was the incorrect call, and I think it ultimately cost us the game.”

“Anyway, I’ve vented enough.”

When asked if he would reach out to the NRL regarding the penalties, Marshall responded promptly.

“Absolutely,” he admitted.

The decision to penalise Luai for his tackle on Talagi drew significant criticism from Nine pundits Phil Gould and Andrew Johns, who labelled the call “ridiculous”.

Luai expressed his frustration at the referee’s decision but was reticent during the post-match press briefing.

“If you saw my reaction, you could gauge my thoughts,” Luai said with a grin.

“I think the referee explained that it was a bit careless on my part.”

Marshall stepped in with a quip, “He’s saying he doesn’t want to offer any comments,” eliciting laughter from Luai and the journalists present.

Throughout the match, the Panthers were whistled for seven penalties, while the Tigers received six.

Marshall characterised the Tigers’ performance as “one of our best of the season,” adding, “I genuinely believed we were the stronger side.”

The Tigers now find themselves with a 5-8 win-loss record, positioned 14th on the ladder.

Next up, they will enjoy a bye before welcoming the league-leading Raiders to Campbelltown in round 16.