Stuart fined by NRL

The National Rugby League has fined Sydney Roosters coach Ricky Stuart for comments he made towards on-field officials during last Friday night?s clash with Brisbane at Aussie Stadium.

Stuart?s side is under pressure to maintain their status as a premiership heavyweight after two consecutive losses pushed them off the top of the table.

On Friday night, on-field officials made complaints about Stuart?s behaviour late in the game. Stuart has since apologised.

NRL Chief Executive David Gallop says despite Stuart?s apology, there was a need to issue the club with a breach notice.

"Coaches, players and club officials have to respect the position of the match officials," Mr Gallop said.

"Not only is it important to the running of the NRL but it is a foundation stone of the game from junior level up.

"Everyone has a right to disagree with the decision of a referee or touch judge and there are correct channels through which to pursue such disagreements.?

The Roosters say they will ?respond on Wednesday?, with hints that the club may appeal the breach notice, which proposes a $10,000 fine.

"There can be no excuse for club officials making inappropriate comments and abusing officials,? Mr Gallop said.

In a statement, the NRL said coaches such as Stuart have to be extraordinarily careful, given they situate themselves on the touchline as opposed to a box in the stand.

?The NRL reminds coaches who base themselves on the sideline that they are in a more public environment than a coach's box and that they may need to adjust their behaviour accordingly,? the statement said.

Stuart is the first coach to be fined by the NRL this season for inappropriate comments relating to on-field officials.

Meanwhile, the NRL appear to have no choice but to maintain their stance in relation to docking two competition points from the Brisbane Broncos for an interchange breach in their match against the Wests Tigers.

The NRL yesterday interviewed the interchange official at the centre of the controversy, who has maintained that Corey Parker ignored his requests not to enter the field.

The Broncos have hinted at legal action over the affair.