The Eels’ captain, Mitchell Moses, has received a formal warning after a tense interaction with referee Peter Gough during his team’s defeat against the Wests Tigers.
As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, the NRL issued a concerning acts notice to the talented halfback for his repeated approaches to Gough during the match—this is a step below receiving a charge or breach notice.
Parramatta suffered a narrow 22-20 loss at CommBank Stadium, with Moses’ three attempts to dispute the referee’s decisions garnering a negative response.
Although the physical contact with the referee was minor—Moses merely touching Gough’s arm and back—the NRL has clearly communicated their expectations to the Eels’ leader.
Mitchell Moses of the Eels disputes with referee Peter Gough. Getty
In a press conference on Monday, Parramatta coach Jason Ryles emphasised that the referee’s calls were not the sole factor in his team’s defeat.
“Regarding the referee, we don’t let that influence us; that’s not the reason for our loss,” Ryles commented.
“They have a challenging role and are placed in very high-pressure situations, and if we had managed the latter part of our first half better, we wouldn’t have needed to rely on the referee’s decisions.”
“It’s a learning experience for everyone, I hope,” he added.
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The warning issued to Moses stemmed from his persistent attempts to engage Gough, initially protesting a penalty awarded against Parramatta after a collision involving Sean Russell and Heamasi Makasini.
Moses also contested Gough’s decision after Jahream Bula scored a try in the first half, arguing that the Tigers had gained possession illegally.
Later in the game, he was denied the chance to invoke a captain’s challenge following a play where Jack Williams lost control of the ball near the try line.
Mitch Moses and Peter Gough. Fox League
“[Williams] felt he was held down, and there were about four players on him, so he was trying to get up to play the ball,” Moses explained post-game.
“I requested to challenge it, but [Gough] mentioned he hadn’t called held yet, so I wouldn’t win the challenge.”
“He essentially told me not to challenge it, stating he hadn’t signalled held.
“There wasn’t a chance I was going to win that.”
Parramatta will next face the Gold Coast Titans this Sunday afternoon at home.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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