Des Hasler was fuming at the way his team was caned by referee Ben Cummins in a controversial loss to the Knights on Sunday - and it seems he has a point. The Knights got nine penalties to Manly's nil until the last 30 seconds, when the Sea Eagles received a token penalty. Some research shows that it seems referees feel particularly intimidated by the parochial home crowds at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium this year. In six games there to date, away teams have received a grand total of eight penalties - a remarkable average of just over ONE penalty per game. The home side, on the other hand, has received a healthy 27 penalties - little wonder that rival teams don't look forward to the trip to Newcastle. I'm not suggesting for one minute that referees are biased towards the Knights - but they are human beings and are clearly influenced by the home crowd's screaming and yelling. It's something that Graham Annesley and his men need to address ASAP. As Hasler diplomatically said on Sunday: "Well done to Newcastle, they got the two points, but they were ably assisted, let's be honest."
Yes i was far from impressed with the referring if thats what it was supposed to be The boys will bounce back
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