Brown's attack irresponsible: Storm CEO - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Brown's attack irresponsible: Storm CEO

By Melissa Woods 25/07/2008 05:07:17 PM Comments (0)

Melbourne chief executive Brian Waldron has labelled the NRL's decision not to fine St George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown as "extraordinary" as the Storm boss threatened legal action against the Dragons for damaging his club's credibility.

The war of words sparked by Monday night's fiery clash between the two sides continues unabated with Waldron claiming Brown was attempting to "incite a riot" the next time the two sides met.

A livid Brown on Thursday hit out at the Storm over their illegal wrestling tactics at the ruck and for labelling Dragons winger Jason Nightingale a headbutter - the outgoing mentor saying the only thing Nightingale had done wrong in his eyes was he did not headbutt Storm fullback Billy Slater hard enough during their first half altercation at Olympic Park.

Brown also vowed to turn any possible finals meeting between the two sides into a bloodbath, a comment Waldron claimed was out of line.

"If we get fined $10,000 for questioning the judiciary on a Michael Crocker incident two years ago, then it well and truly warrants a fine," said Waldron, who also claimed he would look at the club's legal options over the next 48 hours.

"I find that extraordinary (that he won't be fined). If they want people to continue to abuse and be disrespectful to their administrators well they're just going to make it open slather.

"We're not going to let him stand back ... and basically try to incite a riot for the next time we play them."

While taken aback by the outburst, NRL chief executive David Gallop said Brown's comments were not deserving of a fine.

"I thought his comments were emotional and over the top, but not warranting a fine," Gallop said.

"He didn't question the impartiality of any official. It's just a sign of the pressure that's building in the competition."

As for Brown's claim that he would instruct his players to take matter into their own hands the next time they faced the Storm, Gallop said:

"Any suggestion that players should retaliate is only going to have bad consequences for them.

"I don't expect Nathan to go through with that suggestion."

The reality is Brown - who is headed for Huddersfield in the English Super League next season - is unlikely to get that chance, unless the two sides meet in the upcoming finals series.

Waldron said Brown's outburst was not only a slight on the Storm, but also the game.

"I think it's incredibly irresponsible and it's very easy for him to do given he's not going to be here potentially when we play next," he said.

"The most damning thing from Nathan's point of view is to make ridiculous comments about what (Jason) Ryles should have done is belt him and what Nightingale should have done is headbutt him more.

"Where's our responsibility for trying to make sure the game's played in a manner that's appropriate to the future?"

Brown's assertion that the Storm were the kings of illegal holds around the ruck were refuted by match review committee chairman Greg McCallum.

Rival NRL coaches Brad Fittler and Ricky Stuart also came out this week and claimed the wrestling manoeuvres were becoming more prevalent following a crackdown earlier in the year.

"I haven't noticed an increase, it's been pretty consistent throughout the year," McCallum said.

"Out of the game the other night we reviewed five incidents and there were three from the Dragons and two from the Storm."

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