Canterbury coach Trent Barrett has unleashed on the referee’s decision to penalise second-rower Joe Stimson for a hair pull during his side’s 36-18 defeat to Manly.
One of the most bizarre penalties of the season was awarded when referee Chris Sutton blew his whistle and reported Stimson for a hair pull against Manly front-rower Marty Taupau in the 61st minute.
The controversial ruling led to the Sea Eagles potting a simple penalty goal and extending their lead to six points at a critical time in the Brisbane clash.
But it appeared as though Stimson couldn’t avoid getting his left hand tangled in Taupau’s hair, which droops down to below his shoulders.
As Barrett fumed at several contentious decisions during the loss to Manly in his post-match media conference, the former Sea Eagles coach was both ropeable and bewildered when giving his thoughts on the penalty against Stimson.
“The hair pull!” Barrett said.
“It gives them another two points and kicks them six points ahead instead of four.
“Joe Stimson – his hand got tangled up in (Taupau’s) hair.
“He gets put on report so they get a free interchange in the searing heat, which would have worked in our favour, as well, and it costs us two points.
“It’s not Joe’s fault Marty has long air.”
Barett then made mention of Roosters coach Trent Robinson’s explosive press conference following his side’s 54-12 loss to the Rabbitohs on Friday night.
The Tricolours mentor delivered an extraordinary spray at the game’s officials – the bunker’s Henry Perenara copped the brunt of the attack – over the handling of Latrell Mitchell‘s sickening hit on Joey Manu.
“I watched Trent Robinson’s press conference the other day and I can see why he was so frustrated,” Barrett said.
“I haven’t got that good a rant in me.”
