Stuart won't back off from speaking out - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Stuart won't back off from speaking out

By Laine Clark 19/04/2005 07:03:11 PM Comments (0)

Sydney Roosters coach Ricky Stuart is on a collision course with NRL chief executive David Gallop after saying he will not stop "standing up" for his team.

Despite narrowly avoiding a $10,000 fine from Gallop for bagging referee Paul Simpkins for his dismissal of Roosters forward Adrian Morley, a defiant Stuart said he would "do it again".

Roosters skipper Luke Ricketson said whistleblowers should always check with the video referee before dismissing a player to avoid a repeat of Morley's controversial send-off last Friday.

Ricketson admitted Morley's confidence had been affected by his send-off in the Roosters' gutsy 29-16 NRL win over the Bulldogs.

Stuart received a warning from Gallop for claiming Morley was targeted by officials, describing Simpkins' decision to dismiss the forward as "amateurish" and predicting the referee be demoted.

But Stuart said: "I have to defend the players in my team and I will again - if I have to do it again, I'll do it again.

"I do what I have to do...that's the way it is."

Stuart also ruled out talking with the NRL about the issue.

Simpkins kept his first grade spot after being appointed for Cronulla's round seven clash against Brisbane on Saturday night.

Asked if would take the issue further, Stuart said: "I'm the coach of the team, that's out of my control."

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