Rugby, Australian Football: Stuart's ref plea: stay consistent

SYDNEY Roosters coach Ricky Stuart has called for grand final consistency from referee Tim Mander after claiming rules and interpretations changed for last weekend's preliminary final.

Stuart intends speaking to NRL referees coach Robert Finch about inconsistencies in the performance of referee Paul Simpkins during the Roosters' 19-16 win over North Queensland.

Mander yesterday held off Simpkins' challenge to referee the grand final with Stuart asking for the same interpretations to be employed in the decider as were used in the regular season.