Hasler
escapes punishment

Manly coach Des Hasler will not be punished by the NRL for comments he made about referee Russell Smith after the Sea Eagles' 24-18 loss to Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.

Hasler questioned whether Englishman Smith knew the rules after a contentious penalty against winger Paul Stephenson while he was in possession. NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said Hasler's comments had not crossed the line of questioning the referee's integrity or being derogatory.