Australian rugby Referee Paul Marks has paid the price for his controversial decision not to award the Sharks a penalty try in the final minutes of their Super 14 loss to NSW last Saturday night.

The Australian newspaper has reported that Marks has been sacked indefinitely, with SANZAR referees boss Lyndon Bray conceding a penalty try against Waratah Kurtley Beale should have been awarded to the visiting South African side.

The decision to stand down Marks comes after Sharks coach John Plumtree and his players voiced their dismay at the officiating after their 25-21 loss to NSW, their fourth successive loss of 2010.

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