MANLY coach Des Hasler has questioned the set-up of the referees coaching structure following the Dragons convincing 32-10 victory over the Sea Eagles at Kogarah Jubilee Oval on Monday night.

The result puts pressure on the Sea Eagles top eight hopes, with Saturday’s upcoming clash against the Warriors at Brookvale Oval a must-win game.

While the Dragons all but sewed up the minor premiership with the five tries to two win at Jubilee Oval to move four points clear at the top of the ladder, there is grave concern about the state of the NRL’s officiating with both sides awarded dubious four-pointers.

Dragons centre Mark Gasnier was the first to benefit when the former Test star was given the green light by video referee Bill Harrigan despite replays showing him losing the ball as he stretched out for the line.

The Sea Eagles were incensed with the decision, skipper Jamie Lyon approaching on-field referee Shayne Hayne to inquire as to how Gasnier was given benefit of the doubt.

Harrigan was subsequently sacked on Tuesday morning for his mistake following a review of the game.

“We expect people to be accountable and Robert Finch should expect that of me,” Harrigan said.

Lyon was less than impressed on Monday night.

“Benefit of the doubt - he didn’t even touch the ground,” Lyon fumed.

Harrigan’s explanation did little to clear up the situation.

“It was benefit of the doubt, there was no separation,” Harrigan said.

“The ball was put down short of the line then rolled onto it.”

Hasler questioned who will reprimand Harrigan for his mistake.

“He’s the referees’ coach? I think Bill got it wrong - that’s my opinion,” Hasler said.

“There was clearly separation - someone’s got to referee Bill and tell Bill. But if Bill’s referees’ coach, then who tells Bill?”

Gasnier thought it was a fair try, but admitted to some apprehension as he watched the replay.

“It felt like I did (get the ball down) but when I was watching the replay I guess there was an element of doubt there,” he said.

“I guess I got the benefit of the doubt ... it was kind of one of them 50-50 calls.”

While the Gasnier ruling was clearly a mistake, it had no bearing on the end result with the Dragons simply too good in front of 14,740 supporters.

The hosts led 10-0 after 30 minutes following tries to Jamie Soward and Gasnier.

Manly got back in the contest with a try on half-time to big Tony Williams, before the Dragons again edged ahead in the 43rd minute when prop Michael Weyman plunged over following some nice work from hooker Luke Priddis.

Six minutes later Manly got one back on the Dragons when Kieran Foran slipped over after accepting a line-ball pass from prop Brent Kite.

But having clawed back to within a converted try, the Sea Eagles then imploded with Soward’s restart allowed to roll over the sideline.

Then Nathan Fien - playing in place of bedridden skipper Ben Hornby who was missing his first game since round 10, 2008 - dummied past Glenn Stewart to give the home side some breathing space in the 55th minute.

Manly were now getting desperate but an Anthony Watmough grubber ended in disaster when Beau Scott picked up the crumbs and ran 90 metres to seal the win, winger Brett Morris completing the rout with his 17th try of the year three minutes from time.

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 32 (N Fien M Gasnier B Morris B Scott J Soward M Weyman tries J Soward 4 goals) bt MANLY 10 (K Foran T Williams tries J Lyon goal) at WIN Jubilee Oval. Referee: Matt Cecchin, Shayne Hayne. Crowd: 14,740.

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