CRONULLA coach Shane Flanagan has referred to Australia captain Cameron Smith as “referee Smith” in the aftermath of a rugged and dramatic rematch of the 2017 NRL grand final.
Playing without the rested Cooper Cronk, the Storm opened up an early 12-0 lead before the premiers fought their way back to a one-point advantage headed into the final 10 minutes.
Felise Kaufusi’s late try won the day for Craig Bellamy’s side.
“They were at their best today, the Melbourne Storm. It was slow, it was frustrating,” said Flanaga. “Referee Smith did a good job.”
Captain Paul Gallen refused to add to his coach’s reference regarding Smith’s supposed influence over match officials.
Gallen said” “You know it’s going to be part of the game when you play Melbourne, with their wrestle. We’ve got a decent record against them. We wrestle ’em back.”
