Benji Marshall Slams Referee Blunders After Tigers Suffer Costly Defeat

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall expressed his frustration over two controversial refereeing decisions that significantly impacted his team’s chances in their narrow 18-14 defeat to Penrith. He described one of the calls as “outrageous” and urged officials to allow the players to determine the outcome of the match.

Marshall was particularly critical following the Sunday clash regarding Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski’s decision to penalise halfback Jarome Luai for a tackle on Penrith kicker Blaize Talagi.

In the 54th minute, Luai’s tackle, which was neither late nor high, drew a penalty, a notion the referee clearly disputed despite the former Panther’s effort to knock Talagi down during the kick.

Nathan Cleary converted the ensuing penalty goal, giving Penrith a 12-10 lead.

Less than ten minutes later, Luai found himself penalised again, this time for allegedly obstructing Liam Martin as the Penrith back-rower pursued a bomb from Cleary.

Taking advantage of the new set of six awarded to Penrith, Thomas Jenkins completed a hat-trick before Cleary converted, pushing the Panthers’ lead to 18-10.

“The game is incredibly challenging, and I genuinely feel for our players because they were not allowed to determine the result tonight,” Marshall stated in his press conference.

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“The first decision regarding Jarome’s tackle was quite frankly outrageous,” Marshall commented.

“Then the second instance, he was penalised for an escort, which I also disagreed with, and they managed to score off that set.”

“Let the players play and decide the outcome for themselves.

“The game is tough enough as it is.”

Marshall underscored the necessity to protect the kicker—having endured considerable pressure during his own illustrious NRL career—but firmly believed that the referee’s judgement in this instance was erroneous.

“I support protecting the kicker, but he didn’t come in low or put him in a risky predicament; it was a simultaneous event with the kick, and he made contact with Talagi’s side,” Marshall explained.

“That shouldn’t be a penalty. I completely advocate for the safeguarding of kickers; however, I thought that decision was incorrect and it ultimately cost us the game.”

“Anyway, I’ve had my say.”

When asked if he planned to reach out to the NRL regarding the penalties, Marshall promptly replied, “Absolutely.”

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

Luai reacted angrily towards the referee over that decision but chose to remain tight-lipped during the press conference.

“You could definitely gauge my feelings from my reaction,” Luai chuckled.

“The referee mentioned it was deemed a bit careless.”

“I understand the rules, and in that moment, I was aware of what I was doing.”

Marshall interjected, jokingly saying, “He’s indicating he doesn’t want to offer any comments,” prompting laughter from both Luai and the reporters.

In response to news of Marshall’s ire over the first penalty on Luai, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary offered a cheeky reply, saying, “Was he displeased about that? I would have preferred seven yardage penalties; we only got one.”

The Panthers incurred seven penalties during the match, while the Tigers were penalised six times.

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

The Tigers’ win-loss record now stands at 5-8, placing them 14th on the ladder.

They are scheduled for a bye next round before hosting the ladder-leading Raiders in Campbelltown in round 16.