War of words erupts between coaches after Rabbitohs win

Jason Demetriou claimed Todd Payten had a “habit of complaining” as a war of words broke out between the rival coaches after the Cowboys mentor accused the Rabbitohs of “bending the rules, at best”.

Souths secured a finals berth with a 20-10 win on Saturday night but the game was in the balance until Tom Burgess scored a 78th minute try after the Cowboys were reduced to 11 men following the sin binning of Coen Hess and Kyle Feldt.

Feldt was dismissed for a professional foul, while Hess received his marching orders after a spectacular 74th minute tackle which left Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham sprawled on the ground.

Graham also left the field but returned almost immediately after taking advantage of a free interchange for foul play.

In an explosive post-match press conference, Payten questioned why Graham hadn’t been required to undergo a HIA and called for an investigation into the Rabbitohs use of HIAs during the match.

“There was one in the first half where Jase [Taumalolo] actually hit Junior Tatola through the ribs and it was a HIA. That is bending the rules at best,” Payten said.

“Then there was one where I think we forced an error, it was a scrum and it was our ball, momentum was in our favour and that is just another opportunity where they can stop the game.

“They get the gas back and it halts all momentum in our favour, so I would like the NRL to have a look at it. They have got the right people to look at it and I would like them to investigate it or at least look closer at it.”

Asked about the sinbinning of Hess, Payten said: “I would like to get another look at it but from our point of view Campbell Graham didn’t come off for a HIA so I am not sure whether he got hit in the head or not. That’s the part that I am confused about”.

He also rejected any comparison between the incident and the head collision for which Cronulla forward Dale Finucane was suspended after rushing out of the defensive line and making contact with the ear of Penrith centre Stephen Crichton, who required surgery.

“His [Crichton’s] ear nearly fell off. There is a question about whether Hessy hit his head or not, so they are poles apart in my opinion,” Payten said.

Demetriou also said he wanted a better look at the incident to know exactly what happened but defended the Rabbitohs medical staff for clearing Graham to return to the field.

“I know there is head contact but whether that results in a HIA I am not 100 per cent certain and whether that results in 10 in the bin I am not sure,” Demetriou said.

“I will have to look at it closer but they have obviously deemed it as contact with the head. ‘Stretch’ [Graham] went down but he got back up, so I don’t know. They have done the assessment and he was good to go.”

Told of Payten’s comments, Demetriou hit back at the North Queensland coach, who earlier this season claimed teams nearer the top of the ladder were more likely to receive favourable calls after having three players sinbinned against Sydney Roosters.

“I think he has a bit of a habit of complaining about stuff,” Demetriou said.

“Our medical team are as diligent and as respectful of the rules as anyone in the game. I think if you looked at how many HIAs we have used and how many blokes we have pulled off the field we would be one of the fewest in the competition.

“To suggest that … I’m going to stick up for my staff here and they don ‘t do that unless they know there is a reason to do it.”