Penrith punish rusty Roosters
10 hours ago | Aidan Edgecomb
The fallout from Anthony Quinn's grapple tackle claims continues. Newcastle coach Michael Hagan returning fire after Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy's criticism of the winger.
Bellamy was angered that Quinn blamed grapple tackles for his outburst against a touch judge, labelling it as an excuse after he "stuffed up".
"It is about time someone like Anthony Quinn stood up and took responsibility for his actions," Bellamy said.
"The simple fact is he abused an official and he has a reputation for doing it ... he went looking for an easy way out, and that annoys me."
But Hagan fired back, pointing to the poor judiciary record of the Storm.
"I think Craig would be better served to worry about his own players' discipline in respect to at least three players that have been suspended for periods of this year for a range of offences that would constitute a lot more than swearing or directing something at a touch-judge," Hagan said.
"So I think they should accept the win."
Asked if he was referring to Scott Hill (pushing referee), Michael Crocker (dangerous throw) and Billy Slater (contrary conduct), Hagan replied: "I don't know if I need to name the players.
"I think it was pretty well reported the type of offences we're talking about and I'm sure that people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."
Hagan also claimed the media had become too intrusive following criticism of captain Andrew Johns for swearing at referee Paul Simpkins.
"I mean the game has become so intrusive ... the game is becoming too invasive in that sense and I'm sure (swearing) has been said countless times before on the field," he said.
He also suggested Sports Ears, used by fans and the media to listen to the referee and the players, should be banned.
"If you put Sports Ears on the school playground, a lot of parents would be a bit rattled by the comments from their children at school," he said.