Last updated: 25th November 2008
Stuart: Under investigation
I don't think it would be right for me to comment on what might or might not happen until we know all the facts.
Colin Love
Quotes of the week
Australian Rugby League chairman and World Cup tournament director Colin Love has denied being verbally abused by Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart, but admitted the Rugby League International Federation are launching an investigation after a complaint.
The RLIF have appointed former barrister Rob Webber to head an independent investigation into a complaint that Stuart verbally abused World Cup final referee Ashley Klein and RFL referees' official Stuart Cummings.
Stuart exchanged angry words with ARL chief executive Geoff Carr minutes after Australia had been stunned by New Zealand in the World Cup final, claiming a conspiracy against his side for the benefit of the tournament.
Stuart then allegedly ran in to Klein and Cummings at a Brisbane hotel, and his behaviour towards the duo has resulted in a complaint being made.
"A complaint has been received and that now has to be investigated and will go before the executive of the international board," Love confirmed on radio 2KY.
"We'll have the matter investigated, get a report and act on it from there.
"Ricky's got to be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
"It will take as long as it takes so the right decision is made."
Stuart was reportedly furious with some of the refereeing decisions during the final, and believes officials thought a New Zealand win would be good for the tournament.
Asked if Stuart deserved to be retained as Australian coach, Love refused to back the current coach to keep his job.
"I don't want to speculate on that," he said.
"I don't think it would be right for me to comment on what might or might not happen until we know all the facts."
Love also insisted that he had not been on the end of a verbal tirade from Stuart in the dressing room after the game.
Although the ongoing investigation has slightly soured the end of the World Cup, Love insists the tournament was a big success.
"I thought it was a very successful tournament," Love continued.
"I think it exceeded the expectations of a lot of people.
"It can only go from strength to strength. It's going to help ensure the future success of international rugby league."

Pictures from Rhinos' victory over Tony Smith's Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Pictures from the World Club Challenge final between Leeds and Manly at Elland Road.
Pictures from Friday night's match where Giants claimed their first league win at Bulls for 40 years.
Pictures from Headingley Carnegie where Leeds and Celtic Crusaders kicked off the new season.
Pictures from Rhinos' victory over Tony Smith's Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Engage Super League | |
| Sunday 5th July | |
| 15:00 | Bradford vs Castleford |
| 15:00 | Huddersfield vs Wakefield |
| Friday 10th July | |
| 20:00 | Wigan vs Catalans Dragons |
| 20:00 | Wakefield vs Leeds |
| Saturday 11th July | |
| 15:00 | Harlequins RL vs Huddersfield |
| 18:00 | Celtic Crusaders vs Salford |
| Sunday 12th July | |
| 15:00 | Hull K R vs Bradford |
| 15:00 | Warrington vs St Helens |
| 15:30 | Castleford vs Hull |
| Friday 17th July | |
| 20:00 | Hull vs Celtic Crusaders |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Engage Super League | |
| Saturday 4th July | |
| Catalans Dragons 0 - 0 Hull K R | |
| Celtic Crusaders 6 - 22 Warrington | |
| Hull 30 - 43 Leeds | |
| Friday 3rd July | |
| Salford 20 - 10 St Helens | |
| Wigan 40 - 12 Harlequins RL | |
| Sunday 28th June | |
| Hull K R 28 - 36 Wigan | |
| Wakefield 20 - 18 Harlequins RL | |
| Warrington 24 - 12 Hull | |
| Saturday 27th June | |
| Castleford 20 - 22 Catalans Dragons | |
| Friday 26th June | |
| Leeds 33 - 20 Bradford | |
Read what Sky Sports' experts and bloggers have been talking about over the last seven days in sport...
As clubs start planning for 2010, Luke Dorn explains why July can be a nervous month for players.
Ian Millward told Boots 'n' All that it is his ambition to lead Leigh Centurions into the Super League.
Sean Long will be absent for around two months after it was confirmed he suffered a broken jaw in St Helens' 20-10 defeat at Salford
Launch the skysports.com scorecentre for the latest from Saturday's action, or watch Hull v Leeds LIVE on Sky Sports 1/HD1.
Sydney Roosters forward Mark O'Meley has agreed a three-year deal to become Hull's fourth signing for 2010.
Hull FC coach Richard Agar has been forced to make two changes to his squad for Saturday.
Celtic Crusaders chairman Leighton Samuel has dismissed fears over the Welsh Super League outfit's future financial viability.