Voss calls for NRL to fine Robinson following “assassination” of Whitehead's character

SEN’s Andrew Voss has called on the NRL to fine Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson following his comments directed towards Canberra Raiders captain Elliot Whitehead after the Raiders’ 14-12 upset win over the Roosters.

Whitehead was sent to the sin bin after a tackle on Brandon Smith left the Roosters hooker with a ruptured ACL. Whitehead has since been charged by the NRL judiciary and can accept a three-match suspension.

Whitehead attempted to apologise to Smith and Robinson for the tackle post-match but Robinson denied the apology and double-downed in his press conference.

“I said to (Whitehead) that it was too many times,” Robinson said in his press conference.

“The hip-drop has been common in his game and we lost a player.”

Voss believes Robinson has launched a staggering attack at a player who only has two charges to his name during his 205-game career in the NRL for a total of three matches suspended.

“This is a 400-game player and Trent Robinson has assassinated him,” Voss declared on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“A week earlier, Robinson (claims that he) didn't see Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ hit.

“I don’t think it’s right what has been said about Elliot Whitehead. I think he’s been defamed.

“He has made an overview of his entire game. We are not talking about a bloke that has only played 20 games. He has been fated on both sides of the world for his efforts.

“He played 177 games in the Super League before he comes to Australia. That’s an illustrious career.

“There’s obvious disappointment with a serious injury in a big game with finals just around the corner but he’s an articulate man Trent Robinson and I don’t think he chose his words well in this instance.

“Should there be a fine? Does the league step in and tell Trent that he was out of line? I think the Raiders have every reason to be angry at the Roosters coach.”

Smith has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a ruptured ACL. The Roosters also lost halfback Sam Walker and forward Victor Radley to season-ending injuries in the shock loss to Canberra.