Storm slam other NRL clubs as hypocrites - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Storm slam other NRL clubs as hypocrites

15/08/2007 05:51:48 PM Comments (0)

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has accused other NRL clubs of using the grapple tackle issue to seek an unfair advantage in matches against the Storm.

The grapple tackle controversy has flared again in recent weeks with competition leader Melbourne subject to claims from premier Brisbane after their weekend clash that the Storm constantly use the technique.

The NRL made an alteration to its guidelines for adjudicating the tackling rules on Tuesday.

But Bellamy said other clubs tackle in the same way as the Storm and he believes it is a tactic by opposition coaches to try to influence referees to watch his side more closely.

"It's hard to swallow when I know it's happening over all teams, but these coaches are trying to use it as a ploy to get an advantage in the weekend games," Bellamy said.

He said the Storm did not set out to apply pressure to opposition players' necks and opposition coaches should look at the video of some of their own players' actions.

He said Brisbane and Parramatta had both criticised the Storm's tackling, but they tackled in similar ways themselves.

"I'm sure they are as guilty of doing as much around the head and neck as we are ... If you're going to live in a glass house you shouldn't throw stones," Bellamy said.

He and club chief executive Brian Waldron called a press conference to specifically air their grievances because they felt the issue was starting to hurt their side.

The coach said the club had tried to stay silent on the issue, but believed opposition comments were starting to have an effect on referees.

"I think there has been some evidence in the last few games that the match official's focus has been more on us than the opposition," he said.

Waldron also hit back at criticisms of the club, saying they were an affront to the reputations of Melbourne's representatives.

"How often do you have to stand in the corner and get punched, how long has this been going on?" Waldron said.

"At the end of the day you have got to stand up and defend the integrity of your people."

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