Holbrook defends controversial comments
TITANS coach Justin Holbrook has stood by his controversial comments about the Gold Coast being dudded but admitted he shouldn’t make public accusations after being warned by NRL chief Andrew Abdo.
Abdo called Holbrook during the week to discuss the coach’s claims of officiating bias against his team following last week’s round 1 loss to Parramatta at Commbank Stadium.
In his post-game press conference after the 32-28 defeat, an emotional Holbrook claimed the Titans didn’t get 50-50 calls because they weren’t “one of the big clubs” and “were on the wrong end of them (decisions) all last year and again”.
Holbrook made similar comments last year, but this time he caught the attention of Abdo, who warned the thirdyear coach about questioning the integrity of match officials.
Asked if he stood by the comments or wanted to apologise, Holbrook said: “I don’t think I needed to discuss it then.
“I don’t feel I was wrong, that’s why I said it. My exact words were ‘I’m being honest here’. But it’s not the right forum to come across. It doesn’t look good for the game and us.
“If we had played better we would have won. If those decisions go against us and you still win the game, I’m not going to be carrying on about it.
“You’ve got to do it the right way. I don’t think that’s a good example.”
The Titans were on the wrong end of a 7-1 penalty count and Parramatta made three successful captain’s challenges, prompting Holbrook’s outburst.
The game was decided by three Parramatta penalty goals in the last 13 minutes, but Holbrook said the Titans had to earn the praise of commentators, beginning in Saturday’s round 2 clash against the Warriors at Cbus Super Stadium.
“I’ve calmed down a lot since,” he said.