Paul Rowley slams “poor officiating” after “absolutely massive inconsistencies”

Leeds Rhinos came away with the win against Salford Red Devils today in a real battle royal of a game in the play-off race.

However, it wasn’t a game that was without controversy with two yellow cards and what Salford boss Paul Rowley described as “inconsistencies” in the officiating.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester, he said:

“It was difficult to watch. I think we took big steps forwards in terms of performance and it was good game to watch in some respects.

“I thought there were some really big inconsistencies in officiating but for both sides I will say.

“So it is not bitterness in defeat. So, it was very frustrating and I know Rohan was as well so yeah it was a tough loss but we will take a lot of positives out of.

“I am not a coach who accepts mediocracy so there is definitely some steps forward.”

However, he did also place focus on his side’s performance:

“You talk about controlling the controllables and there were some big moments where we lacked composure I thought and in particular in the second half.

“In the first half we spilled too much ball and chased the edges a bit. We had enough territory and good field position, Leeds defended their line really well and we didn’t.

“There were some things we were disappointed with and that we need to address.

“Simple lesson is that we have to work harder.”

However, when the 11-5 penalty count was brought up to him he added:

“I think that if you’re proactive and you don’t chase things I don’t think there is an 11-5 penalty count.

“That said you wouldn’t expect it at home and I don’t think it paints the picture on the six agains because I think we rolled Leeds and we couldn’t get a six again for love nor money so there was a lot of frustration with how the game nearly lost control or did lose control.

“Disappointed in how that side of things went.

“We gave away two points for a late hit and then the identical thing happens on the last play there and we don’t get the penalty.

“Inconsistencies throughout the game on both sides of the coin. They were absolutely massive and I thought the officiating was really, really poor.”