Rugby League: Warriors brawl factor in NRL sacking of Hall

SYDNEY - Failure to hand out punishment after a wild all-in brawl between the New Zealand Warriors and Brisbane Broncos has potentially contributed to the axing of NRL judiciary commissioner Jim Hall.

The NRL told Hall at the weekend that he would not be required this season as the organisation reviews its judicial system.

NRL chief executive David Gallop and chief operating officer Graham Annesley gave Hall the bad news at his bedside in a Sydney hospital as he recuperated from back surgery.

"They said the role of the commissioner was being split in two and that I could apply for one of the new roles if I wanted to, but that it would be a waste of time. I know that if I did apply I wouldn't get it because I've been sacked from the role I had."

Hall was criticised by Gallop at least twice last season for failing to take a hardline on brawling.

He opted not to cite Brisbane captain Gorden Tallis for raining blows on Penrith prop Ben Ross in a fiery opening round clash.

Then in August players from the Broncos and Warriors did not have to answer charges after a melee at Ericsson Stadium.

In both instances Hall deemed yellow cards handed out by the referees as sufficient punishment, drawing the ire of NRL management.

"I thought it [the system] was working well. The game's as clean as it's been," Hall said.

"There are a few things you disagree on and that will happen in whatever system you've got."

Hall's fate was decided at NRL board level a week beforehand.

The league wanted to wait until Hall was out of hospital before telling him, but there were indications that the news was about to get out.

Asked to discuss Hall's sacking, Gallop was reluctant to comment.

"I'm just going to say we're close to finalising a review of the judiciary and until that process is completed I'm not going to make any further comment," he said.

Hall was appointed judiciary commissioner for the breakaway Super League competition in 1997 and continued in the role when it and the Australian Rugby League joined forces to form the NRL in 1998.

Apart from the Tallis and Warriors incidents, Hall was also upset the NRL chose not to continue funding legal action he and fellow judiciary panel members brought against New South Wales State of Origin coach and Sun-Herald columnist Phil Gould.

That action was eventually settled in favour of Hall and the panel members. Each received a payment.

"I haven't had a good relationship with David since the fallout over the Gould matter," Hall said.

Hall said he had not expected to continue in the role.

"I hadn't really decided whether I wanted to do the job again next year, but I'm not fussed that it's not there now and I won't hold it against him.

I've got a legal practice and I'll get on with that and other things.

"It doesn't matter who does the job. The fact is you can't do that job and satisfy everyone."

The role Hall formerly filled as commissioner - laying charges and prosecuting at hearings - will be split following the review.

- NZPA