The Maroons squad member made some extraordinary public remarks after State of Origin 3.
Queensland squad member Josh Kerr is set to challenge a $10,000 fine handed down by the NRL for extraordinary comments he made about State of Origin referee Ashley Klein. The Dolphins forward didn’t play in the Origin decider last week, but was on hand to celebrate with the team after being included in Billy Slater’s 20-player squad.
Kerr was in a jovial and forthcoming mood outside the Maroons’ team hotel on the morning after the game, after a night celebrating Queensland’s triumph. Speaking to reporters, the forward made some staggering comments about the performance of referee Klein that have since attracted a $10,000 fine from league headquarters.
I’m not sure how much trouble I could get into for saying it, but I thought Ash Klein did a bit to try and – you know – even it up or make it a bit closer,” Kerr said. “We were sitting there (on the sideline) going, ‘it’s rorted, the game’s rorted’.
“I haven’t got the best eyesight at times but I’m watching forward passes and sh*t. We were all on the sideline just going, ‘oh, no, it’s a double agent’. It makes it more exciting, doesn’t it, and it brings out the Queenslander in all those players.”
Josh Kerr slapped with sanction from NRL headquarters
The 29-year-old Dolphins prop was subsequently hit with a breach notice by the NRL for breaking the code of conduct. But speaking on Wednesday, Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said Kerr and the club will challenge the $10,000 fine.
Kerr has until the close of business on Friday to issue a response, and will reportedly admit his comments were uncalled for and wrong. But the Dolphins aren’t happy with the size of the penalty in dollar terms, especially considering coaches have only received warnings for similar indiscretions this year.
Woolf said Kerr, who is on a modest salary, had the club’s backing with his response. “We’re supporting Kerry and have asked some questions around it, without going into details,” the coach said. “There were a couple of things (to consider). What everyone loves about Kerry is that you put a microphone in front of his mouth and he tends to talk if you ask him a question.
“That’s his personality and why everyone loves being around him. He’s happy and talkative and has always got something going on in his mind. He’s a great, fun guy to be around. It was certainly said in a fun context. I don’t think there was anything sinister about the comments at all. He was looking for a laugh.”
Wolff expressed bewilderment that Kerr wasn’t shielded away from the media, and the player was initially bemused when reporters asked him for comment. “It’s a situation he shouldn’t have been put in, to be fair. It could have been handled a little bit better,” Woolf said. “I’m not going to point fingers at anyone or go into any more detail. (The penalty) is probably a little bit harsh, particularly with the context.”
The NRL has cracked down on coaches and players making critical comments about referees this season, with a number of coaches receiving official warnings after overstepping the mark. Numerous coaches have admitted to biting their tongue in press conferences to avoid being fined by the NRL, and Klein has been a lightning rod of criticism this season.
The whistle-blower copped widespread backlash after State of Origin 3 after handing Queensland the first nine penalties of the match. NRL bosses would be on red alert for any criticism levelled at the game’s top referee, meaning they’re sure to take notice of Kerr’s comments.
NSW won the penalty count 7-3 on Wednesday night – with the Blues getting a couple of favourable calls in the second half while trailing 20-0. Kerr clearly thought Klein was doing his best to keep the scoreline close, but his extraordinary public comments are very rare for a player to make.
NRL has cracked down on referee criticism in 2025
Titans coach Des Hasler and Cowboys counterpart Todd Payten have both received ‘final warnings’ from the NRL this season in relation to referee criticism. The league said in a statement earlier this season: “Negative public remarks about match officials significantly hinder the recruitment and retention of match officials at the community and pathways tiers of the game. All rugby league participants are reminded to respect match officials who perform a vital role within the game.”
Kerr was involved in post-match celebrations on Wednesday night, posing for photos with teammates and the Origin shield. He also joined Tino Fa’asuamaleaui in chairing Josh Papalii off the ground after the Raiders prop came out if rep retirement to help Queensland win the decider.
