With Ricky's comments in regards to refereeing in the press conference I began to think about the coach who was the best at it. Jack Gibson was a genius at criticising referees to get a desired result. Stuart's comments were warranted but I think there was more than one motivating factor in what he said. Yes the refereeing was inconsistent however I think Sticky has used the media to increase the heat on the NRL and the referees.
In the words of Jack Gibson he was "feeding the pigeons". Sticky is a very smart coach both in regards to his team as well as in dealing with the media. He was careful with what he said and I believe he has got quite a good response. He has united the Parramatta supporters behind him by standing up for his team. As well as that he has prompted an explosion of questions towards the NRL and referees, asking for an explanation of the refereeing performances.
In answering the question I posted I'd say the way that Sticky addressed the referees' performance was very much like Jack Gibson. He said what he needed to say in order to get a desired response. Simply swearing his head off wouldn't have got him very far. But by carefully crafting his comments he gets his point across forcefully whilst also gaining support from fans and his bosses.
I doubt this will be the last time we hear about Sticky and the referees.
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much better than that clown who ran that three ring circus last year...what was his name again? Stephen 'The Clown' Kearney...on another note, I'll bet Top Dawg's house that NZ will get trashed this week