The boss of the Warriors' major sponsor has apologised for attacking the integrity of the NRL's referees as the governing body issued a warning that similar assertions will not be tolerated.
Chief executive of telco One NZ Jason Paris on Friday tweeted a lengthy apology for his May's Magic Round tirade that followed the Warriors' 18-6 loss to Penrith.
Frustrated by a number of decisions, he accused the officials of "cheating of the highest order" in a Twitter post.
He then withdrew that accusation but still claimed there was an unconscious bias against his team.
NRL football boos Graham Annesley didn't miss Paris in his weekly debrief days later, claiming "there is no comment that could be worse" in a fierce defence of the integrity of his officials.
"It questions the integrity of the entire NRL administration because we appoint these people," Annesley said.
"I can go to eight losing clubs on any given week and they'll all tell me they didn't get the rub of the green.
"This is not something that's peculiar to a team in New Zealand."
The NRL launched an investigation but admitted they were unsure how to proceed with any punishment, given Paris was not a member of the Warriors staff.
On Friday a statement from the NRL confirmed the matter was closed, shortly after Paris's public apology.
"I unreservedly apologise for the comments I made about NRL match officials," Paris wrote.
"I am a passionate rugby league fan and have been for decades. I made those comments in the heat of the moment and am sorry for any impact they may have had on the reputation of any NRL referee.
"NRL referees are not cheats and are not biased. They go to work every week and do a tough job so that we get to enjoy the greatest game.
"Impugning their professionalism was a mistake. People can watch a game of footy and legitimately question the decision-making, but questioning the integrity of officials is unacceptable.
"Like many Warriors supporters I back my team 100 per cent and will continue to do so. I hope we can move past this distraction and focus on enjoying the game we all love."
In a statement, the NRL claimed Paris had reached agreement with the NRL referees, the match officials concerned and the match officials' association.
"Respecting and protecting NRL referees and match officials is a matter of critical importance to the NRL," the statement read.
"While there may be differences of view about particular decisions made during a game, comments that call into question the integrity or honesty of NRL referees and match officials are baseless and unacceptable.
"The NRL considers this matter closed, but all those associated with the game should know that any comments that call into question the integrity of NRL referees and match officials will not be tolerated in our game."
