‘A Rising Concern’: Phil Gould Exits Set Amid Talks on Referee Issues in the NRL

Former Sharks star Paul Gallen has urged the NRL to establish referee post-match media conferences, similar to those held by players and coaches.

This plea follows comments from Wayne Bennett and Ricky Stuart over the weekend, as both expressed their discontent regarding the inconsistent application and understanding of certain regulations, such as hip-drops and obstruction penalties.

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo also stated he would be seeking clarification on the controversial penalty imposed on Josh Curran for mimicking a match official, citing “the spirit of the game”.

On Monday night’s episode of Nine’s 100% Footy, 9News reporter Danny Weidler revealed that several prominent coaches had voiced their own grievances regarding a pre-season gag order that prevents them from mentioning referees during press conferences.

“Everyone else involved in the game – media personnel, fans, and others – can voice their opinions, but the referees are left out,” he commented.

“There’s a growing sentiment among referees that they’re not accorded the respect they deserve from the NRL. This is a significant issue for the league.”

When host James Bracey prompted Bulldogs administrator Phil Gould for his input, Gould chose to leave the set instead. He was previously fined $20,000 by the NRL last May for what was deemed a “destructive attack” on certain “foolish” regulations. Although Gould appealed this fine, the NRL ultimately agreed to postpone the penalty for a year.

As Gould exited, Gallen interjected, advocating for coaches to be allowed to address controversial decisions in press conferences, and expressed a desire to see referees also answer questions after matches.

“Why should referees not face the media after such contentious calls?” Gallen questioned.

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“It’s essential to consider that coaches and captains are speaking shortly after finishing a match, typically within five to ten minutes. Their emotions run high.

“Having just interacted with their players and witnessing their disappointment, it’s a challenging position to be in.

“Referees are crucial to the game, and we recognise their importance; for the most part, they perform admirably. However, there are times when particularly critical calls require explanation.

“This is why I’ve consistently suggested that referees should participate in post-match press conferences.”

NRL football chief Graham Annesley’s customary Monday briefings, where he would clarify contentious decisions from the previous weekend’s matches, have been discontinued for 2025, despite their introduction in 2019.

Weidler noted that coaches have also expressed frustration regarding the implementation of the six-again rule, highlighting that it is seldom enforced during midfield play and is usually only applied when a team is under pressure near their own goal line.

Gould made a brief return to the panel but exited once again as the discussion about the six-again rule persisted.

Gallen has called for the rule to be abolished, labelling it a “mystery tour”.

“In the three Channel Nine matches (Storm-Panthers, Broncos-Cowboys, Eels-Bulldogs), each game had over 20 infractions,” he explained.

“In the Melbourne-Penrith game alone, there were 14 penalties and ten six-agains. That totals 24 infractions. Imagine if there had been 24 penalties alone – fans would be furious.

“Yet, because the six-again rule persists, referees evade accountability for their decisions.

“I’ve always despised the six-again rule. It seems inevitable that it will remain for now.”