Cronulla fined $15,000 for abuse of
referee

The National Rugby League has slugged Cronulla with a $15,000 fine after coach Chris Anderson abused the referee in the players' tunnel following Saturday night's game at Toyota Park.

Anderson was fuming after his star halfback Brett Kimmorley suffered a broken jaw during the Sharks' 28-26 win over the Wests Tigers. NRL chief executive David Gallop says the nature of the Anderson's comments and the fact that the coach made no attempt to either apologise for, or excuse, his actions led to the $15,000 fine.

And he warned the NRL would increase future fines if necessary to get the message across that refs were entitled to leave the field without being abused.

Gallop also said clubs were given great latitude to comment on refereeing decisions and noted that Cronulla was not being fined for its critical comments made in the post-match press conference.