NRL: Underfire referee Kasey Badger takes charge of pivotal NZ Warriors v Sydney Roosters clash

NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster has warned his players - and the rest of the NRL - to show appropriate respect to underfire referee Kasey Badger, when she presides over their clash with Sydney Roosters on Sunday.

Badger, 37, has copped onfield abuse and a subsequent social media barrage this week, after her performance during the Wests Tigers-Canterbury Bulldogs fixture, when she placed six players put on report for a variety of charges.

Wests forward David Klemmer copped a $3000 fine for contrary conduct, when he stood over Badger to intimidate her during an onfield flare-up, while Bulldogs second-rower Sam Hughes suffered the same penalty for making contact with the official.

The incidents have brought treatment of game officials into the spotlight and Webster is very clear he won't tolerate any repeat from his players this week.

"Treat the referees on their merit," he said. "Kasey's a very capable referee, the NRL wouldn't have her there, if they didn't think so.

"You've got to show the right level of respect to everyone - referees, touch judges, any official, fellow teammates, opposition. It's common sense how you need to treat other people.

"It's a good thing for the game seeing all sexes - male and female - get an opportunity to referee in the NRL."    

Join Newshub at 4pm Sunday for live updates of the Warriors v Roosters NRL clash

More to come

NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster has warned his players - and the rest of the NRL - to show appropriate respect to underfire referee Kasey Badger, when she presides over their clash with Sydney Roosters on Sunday.

Badger, 37, has copped onfield abuse and a subsequent social media barrage this week, after her performance during the Wests Tigers-Canterbury Bulldogs fixture, when she placed six players put on report for a variety of charges.

Wests forward David Klemmer copped a $3000 fine for contrary conduct, when he stood over Badger to intimidate her during an onfield flare-up, while Bulldogs second-rower Sam Hughes suffered the same penalty for making contact with the official.

The incidents have brought treatment of game officials into the spotlight and Webster is very clear he won't tolerate any repeat from his players this week.

"Treat the referees on their merit," he said. "Kasey's a very capable referee, the NRL wouldn't have her there, if they didn't think so.

"You've got to show the right level of respect to everyone - referees, touch judges, any official, fellow teammates, opposition. It's common sense how you need to treat other people.

"It's a good thing for the game seeing all sexes - male and female - get an opportunity to referee in the NRL."    

Join Newshub at 4pm Sunday for live updates of the Warriors v Roosters NRL clash

More to come

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