Stuart furious at ref despite Sharks win
Fuming Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart has launched an extraordinary attack on referee Jason Robinson after his NRL side's stunning 25-24 golden-point upset over Parramatta.
The Sharks claimed their first win since mid-June when halfback Brett Seymour booted a 35-metre field goal four minutes into extra time at Parramatta Stadium.
But instead of lauding his injury-ravaged side for breaking a horror seven-game losing streak and backing up from Monday's heartbreaking loss to Melbourne with an inspirational win, Stuart used his press conference to give the officials an almighty two-minute spray before storming out, refusing to answer any further questions.
"Look I'm really, really excited, really happy for the players. But that refereeing performance nearly cost us that win," Stuart began, after Parramatta won the penalty count 11-7.
"I'd like to apologise to all our Sharks fans and supporters. I won't be staying here for any longer now, because I'm very, very terrified of costing the club $10,000 and we can't afford that.
"But I'm absolutely filthy on the refereeing performance.
"That's happened to us at least four times this season and it's wrong.
"I can't say anything to protect it. The last time I got fined $10,000 (by the NRL) was when I mentioned a statistic in regards to refereeing, and I got fined $10,000 so I'm petrified of getting fined $10,000 again, so it's probably best left at that. Thank you."
Eels coach Michael Hagan refused to get roped into any discussions about the refereeing performance, concentrating instead on a lacklustre showing from his third-placed side, who were red-hot favourites despite the late withdrawal of Australian back-rower Nathan Hindmarsh.
"I probably wouldn't go too far down that track (of the referee) to be honest," Hagan said.
"I'm more concerned about our performance and our attitude tonight was down a touch.
"But full credit to Cronulla, the way they played and hung in there, and obviously they would be very happy with the win."
After storming to a 22-12 lead with two tries to start the second half, the Sharks looked well in control until a bell-ringer of a hit from Eels centre Timana Tahu on Fraser Anderson changed the momentum in an instant.
Mark Riddell scored a try just moments after, before the plucky hooker crossed again in the 73rd minute to send the game into extra time at 24-24.
Both sides had their chances to break the deadlock, with the Sharks missing three long-range field-goal attempts, and the Eels two, in regulation time and golden point.
It was left to Seymour to finally land the killer blow in the 85th minute - capping a remarkable three weeks for the halfback, who was unwanted by the Sharks a month ago but, after a string of impressive performances, now appears set to be retained by the club next season.
As well as the field goal, Seymour also set up the Sharks opening try with a well-worked scrum-base move, as well as two other scores from kicks.
Five-eighth Greg Bird, back a week early form a broken thumb after only having his cast removed on Monday, was also strong for the Sharks coming in as a late replacement for UK-bound Adam Dykes, who may have played his final game for the Sharks after succumbing to a groin injury.
Hagan said Hindmarsh - who was sorely missed - should be right to return next week.
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