JOC escorted from Perth airport

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JAMES O'Connor's future in Australian rugby has been thrown into jeopardy after the allegedly intoxicated winger was escorted out of Perth airport by federal police.

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The AFP confirmed a 23-year-old man was removed from the airport after being denied entry to a flight in the early hours of Sunday morning.

O'Connor was travelling to Bali with his girlfriend on a 5am flight and has admitted to the ARU he was involved in a heated dispute with airline staff over seating arrangements.

"The AFP can confirm it spoke to a 23-year-old man at Perth International Airport in the early hours of the 15th of September (Sunday)," an AFP spokesman said.

"It is alleged the man was intoxicated. The airline the man was booked to travel with made a decision not to allow him to board the aircraft. The AFP subsequently escorted the man from the terminal."

Witnesses have told Rugby Gold they saw O'Connor being escorted from the Perth terminal, affected by alcohol, in the wee hours after the Wallabies beat Argentina at Patersons Stadium.

The ARU launched an investigation on Sunday but were satisfied with O'Connor's version of events relayed from Bali, which stated a dispute over seating arrangements at the gate led to O'Connor and his girlfriend being taken back through customs to re-book seats on a later flight. He denied being drunk and there was no mention of the AFP.

The Wallabies have had the week off before leaving on of a tour South Africa and South America next Monday.

O'Connor's presence on the two-week trip to South Africa and Argentina will now come under scrutiny in major doubt following a string of off-field incidents, and the airport matter could also threaten an impending deal with the Western Force, which was due to be finalised this week.

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O'Connor was let go by the Melbourne Rebels in July – with attitude cited as one of the reasons – and a return to his first club the Force is understood to be conditional on the 23-year-old agreeing to strict behavioural standards.

If the deal with the Force collapses, O'Connor is likely to be left without an Australian Super Rugby club for next season, with all others not interested. He may have to take up an offer overseas or in rugby league.

O'Connor's airport incident comes just weeks after he pledged to clean up his act following a series of off-field disciplinary issues.

In 2011, O'Connor was suspended for a Test after sleeping through the World Cup squad announcement and a few months later was involved in a fight in Paris with Wallaby teammates Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper.

Recently, O'Connor was again in hot water during the British and Irish Lions tour in June when he and Beale were photographed at Hungry Jacks at 4am, just a few days out from the second Test in Melbourne.

Along with missing a bus to training and a final Wallaby team meeting, O'Connor's behaviour infuriated senior Wallabies, some of whom spoke out against him.

After new Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie laid down the law about team standards, O'Connor said just over a month ago he was working to make changes.

"There's definitely things that I already have changed and am in the process of doing, personal things," O'Connor said.

"I don't play rugby to be talked about off the field.

"I'm playing rugby because I love it and that's what I want to be doing, playing for my country.

"At the moment I'm doing the hard yards and I'm trying to get involved and earn myself into the team."

"It's not hard to do, (team standards) is just putting the team first. I can't express everything, but it's something I'm pretty excited about.

"It's something I know I can be part of."

Wallabies captain James Horwill, who missed the Perth Test with injury, last month foreshadowed problems for O'Connor should he misbehave again.

"I think they (O'Connor and Beale) understand that's not what's acceptable being a part of the Australian team and we've got to make sure that that's clear and as long as we make that clear everyone understands where they stand, not just for those individuals but for everyone," Horwill said in August.

"Once you know where you stand and if you go away from that then that brings you into a place that you probably don't want to be, so that's something that we will make pretty clear – and have made pretty clear."

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O'Connor to face McKenzie's wrath

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WALLABIES coach Ewen McKenzie faces the first test of his firm stance on team discipline following James O'Connor's latest slip-up in Perth.

O'Connor was escorted from Perth airport by the Australian Federal Police on Sunday after a disagreement over seating for a flight to Bali. He was allegedly intoxicated.

McKenzie made it clear when taking over from former coach Robbie Deans that he would not tolerate poor off-field behaviour, something O'Connor had made a habit of under the Kiwi's regime.

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McKenzie must now make good on his word, both for the state of his side and Australian rugby in general.

"That (discipline) won't be a problem, I'll be making that very clear (what's acceptable)," McKenzie said last month.

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"There's been a lot of talk around this and in the end there's been some instances, I don't want anyone to think there's a big problem here, I think 95 per cent of the players are doing the right thing, every minute of every day, so let's not get bogged down in it.

"We'll make it quite clear what's acceptable and what isn't and I'll manage that process with the team manager but in the end I expect that's not going to be an issue and we'll get on with the business of playing rugby, representing the code and inspiring the next generation of players. We'll make it clear and then we'll just manage it."

Skipper James Horwill backed his coach's hard-line stance, saying the players would know where they stood under McKenzie.

"I think they understand that's not what is acceptable being part of the Australian team and we've got to make sure that's clear," Horwill said.

"Once you know where you stand, if you go away from that then that brings you into a place that you don't want to be."

O'Connor is without a Super Rugby franchise for next year with this latest incident is sure to hurt his hopes of re-joining Western Force. 

The Force were the only Australian franchise prepared to talk with O'Connor, even though he departed the same club in inglorious circumstances back in 2011.

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James O'Connor: the shame files

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JAMES O'Connor was given the nickname "Rabbit" when he was young due to his ability to jink and step his way out of trouble on the field.

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It was a talent that saw him win a Wallaby call-up as a teenager, but his ability to dodge the full effects off-field drama was almost as prolific.

That appears now at an end, with the latest incident at Perth airport set to test not only the paper-thin patience of the ARU, but throw into question his short-term future in Australian rugby as well.

For most Wallabies, being denied entry on a plane for being drunk and argumentative would earn a stinging rebuke but it would not spell the end.

For O'Connor, however, the airport matter comes after a long string of official rebukes by the ARU for misbehaviour, some of which never made into the public domain.

November 2010

O'Connor allegedly involved in altercation with teammates Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale in Paris. Reports of the alleged scuffle emerge nine months after the event. All three players attempted to play down its significance, although Beale hinted that tempers had flared between the trio. "We're good mates and you are always going to come eye to eye at one stage," Beale said. "We have obviously got over it and we had a good win over France later on the weekend."

June 2011

"I want what's best for myself and building my rugby brand," said O'Connor as he was widely ridiculed for his reasoning over his switch from the Western Force to the Melbourne Rebels. A fake Twitter account - @BrandJOConnor – was born along with countless jokes at O'Connor's expense.

August 2011

O'Connor was reportedly too hungover to attend Australia's official World Cup squad announcement. He was spotted at a popular nightspot in the Eastern Suburbs the evening prior and informed Wallabies officials that he slept through his alarm. O'Connor was suspended for one match and handed a suspended fine over the incident.

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June 2013

Together with Kurtley Beale, O'Connor was photographed at a fast food outlet in Melbourne at 4am in the week of the Wallabies' second Test against the British and Irish Lions. O'Connor apologised and described the incident as a "lack of judgement". Coach Robbie Deans was reportedly furious at the actions of the two players but no punishment was issued by the Australian Rugby Union.

July 2013

Following a lamentable performance at No. 10, O'Connor failed to attend a scheduled Wallabies team meeting after a late night in Kings Cross in the aftermath of the Wallabies loss to the Lions at ANZ Stadium. A week later, he and Kurtley Beale missed a team bus to training and were forced to take a taxi. The ARU announce the sacking of coach Robbie Deans, reportedly due to a decline in team standards.

July 2013

Despite holding down a place in the Wallabies squad, O'Connor was released by his Super Rugby side, the Melbourne Rebels. Franchise CEO Rob Clarke announced the move in a press release, stating the Rebels were "entering the next phase of development." O'Connor is still without a Super Rugby franchise, although he has been strongly linked with move back to the Western Force.

September 2013

O'Connor is removed from Perth Airport after the Wallabies ugly victory over Argentina in the Rugby Championship. He was prevented from boarding his flight and led out of the terminal by representative of the Australian Federal Police. O'Connor is understood to have been intoxicated at the time.

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NSW extend Daley's Origin deal

NSW Blues State of Origin coach Laurie Daley. Source: Dan Himbrechts / AAP

NEW South Wales State of Origin coach Laurie Daley has extended his tenure as coach of the Blues for another two seasons.

"I was incredibly honoured to be originally appointed as coach of the NSW VB Blues, however to already have confirmation that I have a further two years in the role is very exciting", said Daley.

"The support and assistance I am getting from the new executive team in regards to attempting to bring my plans to life is extremely motivating and I am confident that our program will evolve to another level over the next two years."

NSWRL CEO, David Trodden stated that, "the concept of high performance figures prominently in the strategic plan that we have recently completed. It is important that all facets of the business adopt a high performance outlook so that it becomes engrained in our culture".

"Laurie's understanding of best practice HP and desire to enhance our professionalism across a number of critical HP systems has already seen him commence a number of exciting initiatives", said Mr Trodden.

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Mumford's grand Sandi plan

Shane Mumford will have his hands full against Freo. Source: Ryan Pierse / HeraldSun

It won't be just high kicking Shane Mumford needs when he takes on the biggest man in the AFL Aaron Sandilands in Saturday night's preliminary final against Fremantle in Perth.

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At 211cm and 120kg Sandilands towers over the Swans big man.

But Mumford has a plan to curb the Fremantle ruckman's physical advantages.

"I'll be trying to get him around the ground and try to make him work," Mumford said.

"He's got me by about 12cm and 15kg, (so) for me to move him is a pretty tough thing to do but I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

"I think I've got a little bit better tank than him and hopefully me and Pykey (Mike Pyke) can run him into the ground and wear him out by half-time."

Mumford's combination with former Canadian rugby player Mike Pyke has developed into one of the best in the competition.

Mumford is back to his best form since he finished runner up to Kieren Jack in the 2010 Bob Skilton Medal.

Pyke has followed up his outstanding Grand Final performance with his best season yet, finishing second in the AFL for contested marks (52) and kicking 27 goals.

"It's pretty safe to say he's more of an AFL player than he ever was a rugby player - I don't think he was that good anyway," Mumford said.

"He almost unlucky not to make All Australian ... his year was sensational.

"I think the partnership we've formed now is probably one of the tougher ones in the league.

"Credit to him the way he goes about his footy and he's always looking for ways to improve. It's not a shock that he's taken the leaps and bounds he has."

Pyke and Mumford will need to combine well if the Swans are to have any chance of upsetting the Dockers, who will have the benefit of a week's rest and being on their home ground.

"Anything can happen in a prelim. It's a pretty big game whether you've had the weekend off or a hard game of footy you're going to be doing everything you can to get yourself right," Sandilands said.

"I'm feeling really good about this week and the body is feeling fresh."

Pyke and Mumford's responsibilities won't stop with ruck duties.

With star full-forward Kurt Tippett out with a knee injury, the big men will also be spending plenty of time up forward.

"The way we played on the weekend once Kurt went down I think I only came off the ground for a minute of the game," Mumford said.

"I definitely think I'll be spending a bit of time forward as well as in the ruck because it's a pretty tough gig and I doubt I'd be able to go for the whole game running around in the ruck."

Mumford is out of contract and remains noncommittal about his future at the Swans beyond this season.

His good form is attracting plenty of interest from other clubs including cross-town rivals the GWS Giants.

"It's not in my mind at all - that will be sorted out at the end of the season so I'm just focusing on footy and playing well each week," Mumford said.

The preliminary final in Perth will be Mumford's 100th game in the AFL after playing 21 for Geelong and 88 for Sydney.

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Finals bolters from the vault

Shane Ellen savours his incredible performance in the 1997 Grand Final. Picture: Darren Tindale Source: HeraldSun

STEELE Sidebottom booted 10 goals in the 2008 TAC Cup Grand Final. Two years later and he was at it again at AFL level. See Jon Anderson's best finals bolters.

Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood)
2010 Grand Final: Having played just 11 games in his debut season of 2009, the boy from Congupna with the catchy name had shown a liking for the big stage at U18 level when kicking 10 goals for the Murray Bushrangers in the 2008 TAC GF. Two years later he was at it again, gathering 25 possessions and two goals as he staked his claim for the Norm Smith medal against St Kilda in the Grand Final replay.

Collingwood's 2013 report card

Steele Sidebottom leaves St Kilda in his wake in the 2010 Grand Final replay. Picture: Stephen Harman Source: HeraldSun

Shane Ellen (Adelaide)
1997 Grand Final: The poster boy for the eccentric ways of Malcolm Blight. Ellen, 24, was first recruited from Melton as a defender and had only kicked three goals in 37 games with Footscray and then Adelaide. But Blight found himself without a full forward when Tony Modra went down with a knee injury in the Preliminary Final, so he sent Ellen forward. The results were immediate, Ellen kicking two early goals before adding a further three when shifted back to defence.

Shane Ellen celebrates his remarkable performance in the 1997 Grand Final. Picture: Darren Tindale Source: HeraldSun

Lewis Roberts-Thomson (Sydney)
2005 Grand Final: A local product from Sydney's North Shore, LWT had been a project player leading into the 2005 season, one in which he received specialist coaching from Stephen Silvagni. He lined up at centre half back and by half-time was the unanimous choice as best afield. He faded slightly but was still rated by the club as its best player, even if the Norm Smith medal went to Chris Judd of West Coast.

Leo Barry takes the match winning mark in a congested pack. 2005 Grand Final. Sydney Swans v West Coast Eagles. MCG. Picture: Craig Borrow Source:

Aaron Lord (Geelong)
1994 semi-final: Geelong went into the cut-throat final against Carlton at Waverley without its legendary engine room of Mark Bairstow, Paul Couch and Garry Hocking.
So the Cats turned to a 183cm midfielder/forward from Doncaster Heights. He had played just one ineffective game during the season for seven disposals. But from the moment he hit the ground Lord was electric, picking up 24 disposals and kicking a vital goal in a win regarded by the club as one of its best in history.

Stuart Dew (Hawthorn)
2008 Grand Final: The burly left-footer was known for his powerful kicking and ability to turn games. He was a key member of Port Adelaide's 2004 Premiership side but surprised the club by retiring at the end of 1996 at age 27 with 180 games to his name. Hawthorn did their homework and picked him in the 2007 draft with pick 45. Their wisdom was highlighted in the third quarter of the 2008 GF when Dew set the team alight with two goals and direct involvement in two others.

2008 Grand Final. Geelong v Hawthorn. MCG. Stuart Dew. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source:

Paul Weston (Essendon)
1984 Grand Final: A centreman from Glenelg who had played in five losing SANFL Grand Finals, Weston thought he would try his luck in the VFL. But nothing changed with his first season of 1983 again ending in Grand Final defeat. He was transformed into a full back by Kevin Sheedy until the second half of the 1984 GF when he went forward with devastating effect, providing the spark the Bombers were looking for.

Glenn Freeborn (North Melbourne)
1996 Grand Final: The utility player from Woodville-West Torrens had been dropped twice during the season before returning for North's three finals. The Grand Final was just his 28th match but it is one the Kangaroos will never forget when he helped turn the game in the second quarter with three goals.

Glenn Freeborn tackles Derek Kickett. 1996 Grand Final. North Melbourne (Kangaroos) v Sydney Swans. MCG. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source:

Michael Cooke (Hawthorn)
1975 second semi-final: Long-haired complete with a beard, Cooke from Old Carey was plucked from obscurity for his first game to play full forward when coach John Kennedy moved Michael Moncrieff to defence. Cooke worked a treat, booting four as the Hawks moved into the GF with a 11-point win. Sadly for Cooke he couldn't repeat the dose and was taken goalless from the ground during the second quarter of the GF and never played again.

Bob Keddie (Hawthorn)
1971 Grand Final: Keddie was a talented half forward, good enough to win best and fairests with the Hawks in 1967 and 1969. By 1971 the Hawthorn forward line revolved around goal-kicking machine Peter Hudson with the Grand Final being no different. Problem was Hudson was concussed early and struggling for his best for, so Keddie, who had been very quiet, was moved to full forward in the last quarter and responded with four match-winning goals.

Ted Hopkins (Carlton)
1970 Grand Final: Of all the players to be remembered for a single September performance, none can match blond Carlton rover/forward pocket Ted Hopkins. During the 1970 season he had been a reserve 11 times in his 19 matches in the days before interchange. At half-time, with his side 44 points down, coach Ron Barassi told Hopkins to get ready. He took him seriously, booting two goals in the third quarter and four for the game as the Blues staged the greatest revival in front of a record 121,696.

1970 Grand Final. Carlton v Collingwood. MCG. Ted Hopkins is chaired off the ground. Source:

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Bellchambers commits to Dons

Tom Bellchambers signs a new deal with Essendon. Source: Michael Klein / HeraldSun

ESSENDON has won the race to Tom Bellchambers' signature with the goalkicking ruckman penning a two-year deal to remain at Windy Hill.

Bellchambers drew interest from rival clubs with GWS Giants reportedly keen to lure the 202cm target.

The 24-year-old played 18 games this season, taking his career tally to 61 as he edged closer to claiming the No. 1 ruck position at the Bombers.

A delighted Bellchambers took to Twitter to announce the signing on Tuesday evening:

"Wrapped to have signed with the dons for another 2 years today. #timetocelebrate."

His signature follows Dyson Heppell, Jake Melksham, Jake Carlisle and Jobe Watson all pledging their faith to the Dons, but the club could still lose Stewart Crameri.

The prized forward is weighing up a "monster" four-year offer from the Western Bulldogs but is expected to make his intentions known next week.

Fellow forward Scott Gumbleton is also out of contract and expected to draw interest at next month's trade table.

Bellchambers' commitment further shores up Essendon's big-man stocks, with the Tasmanian product expected to partner with father-son sensation Joe Daniher in years to come.

"I have so many great mates here and I wanted to repay the loyalty the club had shown me," Bellchambers told the club's website.

"With my contract out of the way, I'm just looking forward to next season, getting back into training and working really hard over summer because as a club we know we are heading in the right direction."

Assistant coach Simon Goodwin said Tom had emerged as one of the most dynamic ruckmen of the competition.

"Tom is highly regarded by the coaching staff and playing group and it's great to have him re-sign for another two years," Goodwin said.

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Teams: double blow for Sharks

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ONE was named and the other left out but NRL stars Brett Stewart and Todd Carney both face a race against time to overcome hamstring injuries ahead of Friday night's NRL sudden death final at Allianz Stadium.

Cronulla playmaker Carney will be monitored during the week despite not being included in the Sharks' line-up for the showdown with Manly's "50-50" prospect Stewart.

However, a Sharks official admitted they were not holding their breath on the NSW Origin pivot receiving the green light in what would be a huge blow to their title hopes.

"Sharks medical staff will continue to work on the injury (but) he is not expected to be fit in time for the match on Friday night," the official said.

Utility Luke Lewis has been named as Sharks five-eighth.

Manly pivot Kieran Foran expected Carney to play but could not say the same about teammate Stewart, despite the livewire being named as the Sea Eagles' starting fullback.

Stewart completed sprint work at training on Tuesday before the media was ushered away but Foran only rated him a "50-50" chance.

"He's been getting treatment on it and he's improving day by day so we'll just have to wait and see," Foran said.

On standby for Stewart is Sea Eagles rookie of the year Peta Hiku.

Manly coach Geoff Toovey also named Richie Fa'aoso on a seven man bench just days after the prop was taken from the field with a heavy head knock against the Roosters.

Meanwhile, Melbourne have confirmed Sisa Waqa will run out in Saturday night's home finals clash with Newcastle - but not before expressing disappointment over the TV coverage of his horror aerial collision against South Sydney.

While Storm physio Tony Ayoub was thankful Waqa did not even suffer a concussion in the accidental contact, he was not happy with Channel Nine upsetting the winger's family by showing the footage over and over on Friday night.

"It was very confronting especially for his family," he told the Storm website.

"Especially with the TV replaying it and replaying it which was a bit disappointing given that his wife and kids were watching.

"She (Waqa's wife) was pretty distraught when I spoke to her even an hour later."

English international Gareth Widdop was named as Melbourne starting pivot after returning from a dislocated hip against the Rabbitohs last round.

"There was a bit of controversy about him (returning last round) but he was never going to miss more than 12 weeks - we expect him to go ahead in leaps and bounds from here," Ayoub said.

Veteran playmaker Brett Finch (sternum) is on the Storm bench after being a last minute scratching last round.

Meanwhile, Knights coach Wayne Bennett named an unchanged 17 without Craig Gower (neck).

Sea Eagles v Sharks, Friday, 20/09, 7:45PM, Allianz Stadium
       
Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Brenton Lawrence, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Justin Horo, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Richie Fa'aoso, Jamie Buhrer, Tom Symonds, George Rose, Peta Hiku, James Hasson, David Gower.
       
Sharks: Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Ben Pomeroy, Jonathan Wright, Beau Ryan, Luke Lewis, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Sam Tagataese, Jayson Bukuya, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen (c). Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Chris Heighington, Bryce Gibbs, Anthony Tupou, Ben Ross.

Storm v Knights, Saturday, 21/09, 7:45PM, AAMI Park
       
Storm: Billy Slater, Sisa Waqa, Will Chambers, Maurice Blair, Justin O'Neill, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith, Bryan Norrie, Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman, Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Jason Ryles, Tohu Harris, Jordan McLean, Kenneath Bromwich, Brett Finch.

Knights: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Joey Leilua, Dane Gagai, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Tyrone Roberts, David Fa'alogo, Danny Buderus, Willie Mason, Robbie Rochow, Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Matt Hilder, Chris Houston, Neville Costigan, Alex McKinnon.

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Dusty denies walking out on Tigers

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DUSTIN Martin insists he hasn't walked out on Richmond and just needs time to make up his mind over a new contract.

Melbourne is leading the race for the 22-year-old's signature after Richmond released a statement on Monday saying Martin had told the club he wanted to pursue offers from rival clubs.

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But Martin later took to Twitter to deny he had quit the club.

"There have been a lot of conflicting stories going around about myself and the Richmond Footy Club," he said in the first of a series of tweets.

"At the weekend, I asked my manager Ralph Carr to request an extension of time from Richmond, to allow me to fully consider the options about my future.

"This decision was made purely by me, together with my family.

"As you can understand, this is a very important decision for myself and my family and one that I won't make lightly. I want to make it clear that I appreciate everyone's patience in allowing me the time to make this decision.

"The claims that I have walked out on the Richmond Football Club are totally incorrect. I can tell you that at this time, no decision has been made."

It is believed Demons coach Paul Roos has had several discussions with Martin's manager Ralph Carr in the past week.

The Demons, who could also use its priority pick if it was to receive one from the AFL, confirmed their interest late on Monday.

"Melbourne did make inquiries to his management about his intentions for next year," football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"We are waiting to hear back from them before we discuss any steps we might take as a club."

The Demons are not the only the club who have made inquiries about Martin, who told the Tigers today he wanted to pursue offers from other clubs.

Brisbane, which is without a coach, have also had discussions with Carr.

Greater Western Sydney is another club that will investigate a trade.

The Tigers and Martin were reportedly close to a deal on a new contract but Martin baulked at the club's latest offer.

The explosive midfielder/forward was on an estimated $450,000 this season and the club's offer was believed to be about $500,000 a season.

"Given the considerable effort we have put into Dustin's development both on and off the field, and our efforts to retain him all season, we are extremely disappointed with this decision," Richmond football manager Dan Richardson said.

"We are proud of the way Dustin has developed as a footballer, and as a person, in his time at Richmond, and we have been steadfast in our view that he is a required player who has an exciting football career ahead of him.

"However, we understand the business of football, and Dustin's right to pursue other opportunities.

"We have also stated previously that we are determined to adhere to our payment strategy for all of our players, many of whom have already committed to the Club and its future direction during the 2013 season."

Martin is not a free agent so Richmond will have to do a deal with another club to secure a move.

The Tigers also have the option of forcing Martin into the draft, where GWS has the No.1 pick.

Martin was taken with pick three in the 2009 national draft and has played 86 matches.

His move means two of the top three picks in that draft have left their original team, following No.1 selection Tom Scully's defection from Melbourne.
 
- with Al Paton

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All six officials axed for gaffe

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THE bloodshed started on Monday night with all six match officials behind rugby league's seven-tackle try drama unceremoniously dumped.

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Blundering referees Matt Cecchin and Henry Perenara were the first to go before video referees Jason Robinson and Matt Rodwell were then axed, as were touch judges Jeff Younis and Michael Wise. 

None will officiate another NRL game this season.

The decision is little consolation for North Queensland, who conceded a try on the seventh tackle to lose last Saturday's sudden-death semi-final against Cronulla. 

NRL officials last night announced the refereeing appointments for this week's games and all six were missing.

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"What's it matter to us now?" asked Cowboys football manager Peter Parr.

"It's not going to turn back the clock for us. You'd expect this would happen.

"Someone had to be held accountable and they decided all were six were."

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The NRL has been left embarrassed and battered by this controversy.

It appeared they simply had to dump all six match officials to salvage some dignity from this entire mess.

"Unfortunately, it is the right decision," said former NRL Referee's Coach Bill Harrigan.

"It had to be done. All six have to own responsibility for that decision."

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On Monday the NRL began taking steps to prevent a repeat scandal through a match review conducted by referees elite performance manager Daniel Anderson and NRL head of football, Todd Greenberg. 

As of today, on-field referees will be expected to vocalise each tackle to ensure players and other match officials are aware of how many tackles have been made in each set. 

Each match official has been told to share the responsibility of counting tackles.

"The referees accept that there are consequences for actions and that is likely to cost them significantly in the finals series ahead when Daniel confirms his appointments," Greenberg said. 

"We do need to keep a sense of perspective. At our end we need to ensure that everything can be done to prevent human error. 

"We also need to accept that in a game as intense and as fast paced as rugby league that you will never eradicate all mistakes either on the part of the players or the officials. 

"We will be doing everything we can to ensure this does not happen again."

The NRL also reviewed security which allowed fans to abuse Cowboys players and why a technical breakdown for the match clock occurred in the final minute of the game.

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