Merrick admitted he had become frustrated during last week's match against Central Coast about some of the decisions by match officials.

"I got a little bit frustrated last week, as you may have seen. That's more to do with offside decisions and linesman more than referees," he said.

Merrick believes there is more pressure on the referees to maintain a firm hand over matches and perhaps that's making it harder for them.

"Some of the rules are fairly new, and the referees have been told to be very strict on on-field behaviour. I don't blame the referees they've got a job to do. They've been directed to do a job and they are doing that," he said.

"I think it's a double-edged sword. I think it's a good thing they clamp down on discipline but sometimes some of your best players are not out there performing for the crowds. We all want to play good quality football and have our best players out on the field. So it's getting the balance."

Merrick said he was looking for a more common-sense interpretation by referees and linesman.

"I think it's a fair comment. We all want to see good-quality football and a common sense approach," he said.