The NRL has reportedly axed referee Liam Kennedy after his controversial officiating of the Titans clash with the Dragons in Round 4.

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Kennedy awarded 17 penalties and 11 set restarts with CODE Sports reporting the Titans voiced their frustration to the NRL despite coming out as winners.

“The NRL have created a process where clubs can inquire about decisions they want further answers on,” Titans football chief Scott Sattler told CODE Sports.

“We felt as though even in a winning game there were some situations we wanted clarity on. The NRL, to their credit, have given us clarity on some of those calls.

“It’s easy to complain if you are not winning, but it’s more important for the development of officials that even when you do win that there’s still some areas of improvement.”

Kennedy was a notable omission when the referee appointments for Round 5 were released.

The NRL told CODE Sports this was planned and part of the game’s referee “rotation” policy.

GUTHO RESPONDS AS AWKWARD DRAGONS QUESTION EMERGES

Clint Gutherson has responded to questions over his form and impact after the Dragons disastrous start to the season.

Coach Shane Flanagan has stuck with the 31-year-old veteran fullback despite St George sitting bottom of the ladder.

This week CODE Sports David Riccio said the Dragons needed to shift Gutherson to kick start their season.

“You need an elite fullback in your team,” Riccio said on NRL 360.

“I still think Gutho has value but I don’t think he should play at six. I think the best spot would be at centre.

“Still have him out there, he’s a valuable contributor and a leader but at fullback, I think it’s gone past him.”

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Facing the media on Wednesday, Gutherson said he he still believed he could deliver for the Dragons when asked by a reporter whether he still had “juice in the legs” to remain in the No,1 jersey.

“I still think i’m doing a consistent job, always have my whole career,” he said.

“I like to think i’m just a seven (out of 10) or around a seven and it doesn’t go up or down too far.

“I know what I bring to the team and I’m the first one to look at my game and make sure I’m doing everything right. I’m off in a couple of little bits but that’s footy, you are never going to be perfect.

“I have full confidence in me doing the job, and until Shane and the staff don’t think I can, that’s where it’s at.”