Hasler urges refs to clear up 'grey' area on kick escorts

Manly coach Des Hasler has asked NRL officials to take a little extra time adjudicating escort and mid-air contests to make sure they get them right.

Hasler said he would like to see the bunker engaged if it meant the ruling made was the correct one.

The Sea Eagles coach's comments come after NRL head of football Graham Annesley conceded officials should have awarded them a penalty over Tim Lafai obstructing winger Reuben Garrick in the 12-10 loss to the Dragons a week ago.

Manly could have kicked the penalty goal and forced the match into extra time.

Hasler was impressed with his captain Daly Cherry-Evans questioning of referee Dave Munro about not issuing a penalty.

"But I still think they [officials] could have made an over-call on it," Hasler said.

"I don't know the actual timing of it but they had plenty of time to confer, check with the bunker, get a tip … to say 'We need to go back, that's a penalty there'.

"They can have a look at it. They're in total control of it. Just because it was full-time doesn't mean they couldn't have gone back and fixed it up. And they do communicate with each other – from the box down to the referees."

Hasler said he had a phone call with referees boss Bernard Sutton over the mistake, but that he had not mentioned his idea to have the bunker check escort rulings.

"At least they're acknowledging their accountability," Hasler said.

The bunker can look at an incident if it is a try-scoring situation.

"It is something they probably have got to look at," Hasler said on the eve of hosting the Raiders on Sunday at Lottoland.

"I'm sure [Dragons coach] Paul McGregor will be looking at it as well over the catch contest," he said referring to Cory Norman being penalised in Thursday's Anzac Day match against the Roosters at the SCG.

"That was a penalty so all fine. But a set later, if I'm looking at it correctly, I didn't see much difference in the Daniel Tupou one when he went up and contested the ball.

"So I think they still need to clarify a little bit around the whole concept of escorts and the kick-catch to get that consistency – to make it less grey.

"I'm quite confident in the officials – it's only a little thing but it's that part of the game which has a big impact because there are potentially six points or two points on the line."

Meanwhile, Hasler had no concerns about the Lottoland playing surface despite Raiders coach Ricky Stuart raising issues with it.

Hasler also said former Test centre Dylan Walker was still training well, despite some rehab needed on a few bumps and bruises from contact sessions.

He said Walker would be considered for any match as soon as his future was more clear.

The 24-year-old has pleaded not guilty to domestic violence charges stemming back to December last year. His next court appearance is May 10.