Wests Tigers say Adam Blair is being unfairly targeted by NRL match officials after the Kiwi backrower was suspended for a leg-pull on Canterbury’s Josh Morris.
Both Tigers captain Robbie Farah and coach Tim Sheens believe Blair, who copped a five-week ban for his role in the Battle of Brookvale in round 25 last year while with Melbourne, is being singled out unjustifiably.
“I didn’t think there was much in it,” Farah said.
“But maybe because he is Adam Blair he gets suspended. He has played every game this year, he is a key part of our team we will miss him for a week.”
Blair’s one-week suspension means he will miss Saturday night’s clash against Penrith at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Sheens said he was unhappy to be without his star backrower, who moved to the club for the 2012 season, but was also concerned about the perception of his work on the field in the eyes of the referees.
“I was surprised by the suspension,” Sheens said.
“I think when you look at it in real time there wasn’t much in it.
“When the kid (Morris) gets up and plays the ball with the leg that is supposedly twisted and then runs a decoy for the try a minute and a half later there isn’t much to report.
“I think it’s the very first one for a leg pull. (Tigers chief executive) Stephen Humphreys said it sets the bar low and I think that’s true.
“It will be interesting to see how many are suspended for a pull of a leg.”
Melbourne have been continually accused of controversial tactics in the tackle and Sheens said Blair’s time with the Storm may have contributed to his current predicament.”
“His Melbourne training… without (Storm coach) Craig (Bellamy) jumping all over me … they are very good at their ground work,” said Sheens.
“I’m not saying they are doing anything illegal; I’m saying they are very good at their ground work and maybe he is suffering because we are not so good at it.
“Certainly the referees seem to be on him. They have their tip sheets … I would rather see the referees have a blank whiteboard as preparation.
“There are players who are sometimes guilty before the event. It is the pre-empting that worries me.”