NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has lashed out at coaches Trent Barrett and Shane Flanagan, saying it is "ridiculous" to blame the referees for their sides losses in the two elimination finals.
Both coaches pointed the finger at the whistleblowers following their sides' elimination finals against the Penrith Panthers and North Queensland Cowboys respectively losses on the weekend.
But Greenberg told media on Monday afternoon that the game needs to 'grow up', and coaches must accept their teams can lose games all on their own.
- Manly coach Trent Barrett furious at match officials for dubious decisions that 'cost our season'
- Sharks coach Shane Flanagan launches tirade against referee following season-ending loss to Cowboys
"Unfortunately in this game we've developed a culture of blaming match officials for a loss," Greenberg told reporters.
"It sets a terrible example to fans and a terrible example to grassroots and it's got to stop. It's time for the game to grow up.
"We've just had one of the most exciting rounds of finals footy I think of all time.
"Every game went down to the wire, two games were decided by two points and another game went into extra-time. We're very fortunate to have a sporting contest as even as this."
In Manly's loss to Penrith, Trent Barrett was almost in tears with anger after the bunker upheld a questionable Penrith try in the closing stages of the games when it was tied 10-10.
While Sharks coach Shane Flanagan made a list of calls he felt the referees go wrong despite his side making 17 errors and conceding 11 penalties in the match.
"I'm not saying the referees are perfect. They have never been and they never will be," Greenberg added.
"I'm not saying that our referees got every call right, but I have reviewed the games and I can tell you the vast majority of calls were spot on.
"The disputes we're talking about are on some really tight calls 50-50 calls and there'll be debate and controversy no matter which way they go; that is the game.
referees. That culture has to change. We have to grow up and take responsibility for our own outcomes."
Both Barrett and Flanagan will both be fined for their tirades with Greenberg saying breach notices would be delivered "in the next 24 hours".
The Broncos will face the Panthers in the second week of NRL finals while the Eels will face the Cowboys.
The winner of the Broncos v Panthers clash will face the Melbourne Storm in the grand final qualifier - while the winner between the Eels and Cowboys will face the Roosters.
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