Shane Flanagan has expressed his frustration with the current state of officiating in rugby league, stating that he is bewildered by the inconsistency in rule interpretations. This sentiment came after his team, the Dragons, suffered a narrow four-point defeat to the Warriors in New Zealand, heavily impacted by injuries that left them down three forwards within the first 20 minutes.
Flanagan was visibly concerned for his team’s welfare during the match but became incensed after a pivotal moment in the 63rd minute. Adam Pompey managed to breach the Dragons’ defence, scoring a try that was questioned due to an apparent obstruction prior to the play involving Lyhkan King-Togia. Despite Clint Gutherson’s attempts to raise the incident with referee Todd Smith, no action was taken.
In a press conference following the match, Flanagan candidly remarked on the perplexity surrounding the rules, saying, “What was an obstruction last week is not an obstruction this week,” highlighting the confusion among players regarding the officiating. He noted that his players sought clarification on the field but were met with dismissal, which added to his frustration.
Flanagan lamented, “I started playing footy when I was four years old … I dead set do not know the rules anymore,” showcasing his disillusionment with the current game standards. However, despite the officiating issues, he conveyed immense pride in his team’s performance and spirit. He praised their effort, attitude, and commitment, stating, “I can’t talk highly enough of the group… I’m really proud.” He commended their fighting spirit, asserting it was among the best displays he had witnessed in a long time.
As the Dragons look to recover in the coming weeks, Flanagan remains optimistic about the resilience and unity of his team, emphasising their determination to continue striving together amidst their challenges.