North Queensland Cowboys Scrimmage and Fan Day In Ayr
AYR, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 13: Cowboys coach Todd Payten looks on during a North Queensland Cowboys Scrimmage game against the Townsville Blackhawks at Rugby Park on February 13, 2021 in Ayr, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

There have been accusations of gamesmanship in the aftermath of South Sydney’s win over the North Queensland Cowboys, with Cowboys coach Todd Payten claiming the Rabbitohs exploited the rules to repeatedly prevent his team from gaining any momentum.

Payten claimed the Rabbitohs had bent the rules and exploited concussion checks at key moments to arrest North Queensland’s momentum and earn their players a break from the intense battle.

The Cowboys coach was left asking why South Sydney trainers stopped the game on multiple occasions for Head Injury Assessments – once when a player was hit in the ribs, and another just as the Cowboys were about to launch a set on South Sydney’s line.

“The game went for two hours tonight,” Payten said after the game.

“I’m very confused about something at the back-end.

“There was one in the first half when Jason (Taumalolo) hit Junior Tatola through the ribs and there was an HIA.

“That’s bending the rules at best.

“Then there was (another) one when we forced an error. There was a scrum, it was our ball and momentum was in our favour. It was another opportunity where they could stop the game, they get their gas back and it halts all momentum in our favour.”

Payten suggested it was something the NRL needed to monitor as this year’s finals series rapidly approaches.

“I’d like the NRL to look at it. I’d like them to investigate or at least look closer at it.

“I don’t think you see it across the league.”

Of the three South Sydney concussion tests that took place, not one resulted in a player coming from the field.

South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou hit back at Payten’s claims in his own post-game press conference, pointing to Payten’s history of similar comments.

“He’s made a bit of a habit out of complaining about stuff,” Demetriou said.

“Our medical team are as diligent and respectful of the rules as anyone in the game

“If you look at how many HIA’s we’ve used and how many blokes we’ve brought off the field, we’d be one of the fewest in the competition.

“I’m going to stick up for my staff, they don’t do that unless they know there’s a reason to do it.”

The sin-binning of Cowboys back-rower was also a point of contention, with Payten questioning why Hess was sent from the field yet Graham didn't even come off for a HIA, despite appearing heavily dazed after the initial contact.

"Campbell Graham didn't come off for an HIA, so I'm not sure if he got hit in the head or not," said Payten when asked about the incident.

"That's the part I'm confused about."