Refs won’t be swayed by Stuart: Barrett

MANLY coach Trent Barrett is confident NRL officials won’t be influenced by claims made by Canberra coach Ricky Stuart that clubs are getting away with murder in the ruck.

Stuart last week took aim at referees after his team were pinged for split markers in their win over the Sydney Roosters, saying rival outfits are often guilty of the same.

But, ahead of the Sea Eagles clash against the Raiders today, Barrett believes Stuart’s rant will have no impact.

“Teams try to slow down the ruck against every side and that’s where the game’s won. I don’t think the Canberra side cops any special treatment,” he said. The Raiders back five of Jack Wighton, Jordan Rapana, Jarrod Croker, Joey Leilua and Nick Cotric are widely renowned for supplying the momentum from their kick returns.

And it shows in the stats, with the Raiders receiving seven penalties a game this year – fourth in the competition behind North Queensland, Penrith, and St George Illawarra.

Barrett insists his backline is just as adept. “We’ve got a pretty good back five as well,” he said. “If we play the footy we have been over the last month, we’ll be okay. I don’t think the referees will be too influenced by that.”

The clash comes just five weeks after the Sea Eagles stole a golden point thriller with Dylan Walker’s penalty goal in a fiery contest at GIO Stadium. Walker was sledged numerous times by Raiders officials for his wayward kicking during the match, but had the last laugh with the clutch kick in extra time. Barrett backed Walker to maintain his composure should the Raiders target him again.