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Robinson wouldn't change bunker criticism

3 minute read

Trent Robinson has accepted NRL fines but the Sydney Roosters coach insists he wouldn't change his views of the bunker's failure to send off Latrell Mitchell.

TRENT ROBINSON.
TRENT ROBINSON. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Trent Robinson will wear his fine from the NRL but the Sydney Roosters coach maintains he wouldn't change the way he responded if given the chance after last week's dramatic loss to South Sydney.

Robinson and the Roosters were hit with $40,000 fines as part of a fiery fallout from the clash, including Robinson's condemnation of the bunker for not sending off Latrell Mitchell for his shot that broke Joey Manu's cheekbone.

The Roosters coach also pointed to a number of failures from officials to protect his players this season, after several contentious head shots did not result in players being sent off.

The comments, as well as those that criticised bunker official Henry Perenara, drew the ire of the NRL who came down hard on Robinson for suggesting there had been bias and that officials had been exposed to personal ridicule.

Robinson admitted on Wednesday that he could understand why he'd been fined even after the NRL admitted Mitchell should have been sent off, but stood by his words.

"I fully understand where the fine comes from. I know there's some language you can't use," Robinson said.

"I accepted the breach myself and the club the other day ... (but) I stand by what I said in that game post-match, and my views on that.

"I would sit in there and deliver the same post-match press conference that I delivered.

"That doesn't mean a disrespect to the NRL. I understand their position but they've got to also understand my position and I stand behind that."

Robinson also claimed that the Roosters had taken lessons from their actions with the fines also pertaining to abuse of match officials by club staff on the sidelines.

The three-time premiership-winning coach has tried to turn the attention back to football at the Roosters this week but admits it has been harder than usual.

A top-four spot is still not entirely out of the question if they beat Canberra on Thursday night and Parramatta and Manly both fall on Friday and Saturday.

Manu is also back with the group after surgery on his cheekbone, with the Kiwi superstar's face still swollen and his season over.

Robinson insisted Manu and Mitchell's relationship will mend after the ugly on-field aftermath of the hit came despite the former Roosters teammates even living together in their teenage years.

The Roosters coach also joined Rabbitohs players in leaping to the defence of Mitchell, after claims from his family he and his partner have received death threats following the tackle that resulted in a six-week ban.

"I think the way that people have reacted towards Latrell has been way too much as well," Robinson said.

"Joey got injured and it wasn't an incident that we wanted but they'll mend their fences and so should everyone else. Let's move on."

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