Hasler not happy his team denied an escort penalty

Referees' boss Bernard Sutton can expect a call from Des Hasler in the coming days after the Manly coach claimed his team were denied an opportunity to send Saturday night's match against the Dragons to golden point. 

Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans questioned referee David Munro after the 12-10 loss over the lack of on-field action against St George Illawarra centre Tim Lafai for questionable contact with Reuben Garrick.

Lafai appeared to deny the Manly winger the chance to contest a cross-field kick on the last play of the match. If a penalty had been awarded, the Sea Eagles could have levelled scores forcing extra time.

Hasler questioned the consistency of the match officials after Manly centre Brad Parker was penalised for a similar incident just minutes earlier.

"That last kick – the escort – I will be taking that to Bernie Sutton," Hasler said. "I thought it was questionable.

"They spoke to us during the week about it. We questioned one the week before so it's a bit confusing when they say these are the guidelines on the escort, but they won’t rule on an escort there.

"It's not consistent with what they've been saying... would have taken the game at least into golden point."

Daly Cherry-Evans had a word with Munro about blowing a penalty for the escort, but the referee was adamant he made the right call.

"The referees didn't see it the way we saw it," Cherry-Evans said.

"I certainly don't have any confusion around what the rules are, I think most players are clear on what is an escort and what's not on the field.

"We felt as though that call definitely could have gone our way. But we just have to respect the call and move on."

Both sides arrived at WIN Stadium on three-game winning streaks built on the class and composure of their key playmakers and in the end it was the Dragons' No.7 Ben Hunt who had the final say when he grubbered for Mikaele Ravalawa to score the match-winner in the 78th minute.

Hasler said his side were left devastated after producing a performance that was deserving of a victory.

"The rugby league gods were cruel tonight," Hasler said.

"It's always a tough game here at WIN Stadium against a side like St George Illawarra.

"I thought we did enough to win the game but it's a bit of a tough one for the boys to take - they're pretty shattered about it."