'It's disappointing': Titans coach Des Hasler blows up over 'uncalled for' high-shot crackdown

Titans coach Des Hasler has taken aim at the NRL's crackdown on high shots as he fears the move could come back to spoil the nature of the game.

In a match which saw two players given their marching orders and another lucky to escape time in the sin bin, the Dolphins defeated the Titans to end their winless start to the season.

Hasler's men were left scrambling after Tino Fa'asuamaleaui was given his marching orders for a high shot in just the second minute.

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The sin-binning of Fa'asuamaleaui had not been identified by the on-field referee, rather the Bunker.

Hasler did not cite the incident as the cause for his side's loss but said he was concerned with how such calls may impact the state of the game.

"People pay good money to come and see a game of footy," Hasler said.

"(But) I don't think they're getting a fair deal.

"With the playing at the head, I think it just interferes a bit with the integrity of what the game is about.

"I'm not going to be using it as an excuse (for losing) ... but it's just uncalled for. It's not the first time it is going to be stated, but it's a forceful game sometimes.

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"Where is the intention? It's just another spoiling part of the game. It's not quite as bad as Magic Round two years ago, but I find it's disappointing.

"It's an area that they have to look at with the intention.

"In six weeks when another competition starts with State of Origin, there are going to be people in the sin bin."

Ray Stone was also sent to the sin bin against the Titans, punished for making contact with Isaiya Katoa's head while saving a try.

The high contact was identified in a video replay by the Bunker, which indicated time off the field would be given to Stone for the incident.

Hasler could not understand how such a "great play" could be marred by a tackle that was of no "malicious" intent.

"That is a great rugby league play," he said of Stone's try-saving tackle.

"To come from the other side of the field and get across there and make a great try-saving tackle.

"The referee comes and says you tapped him on the head.

"I don't think there was anything too malicious. I just don't get it. The pressure is coming from somewhere, but we are just too reactive sometimes.

"It's something they are just going to say they have to lower their target. It's not as simple as lowering your target."

With his players set for a nervous wait to learn their fate over the incidents, Hasler said he did not expect to be hit with his own fine for voicing his concern with the crackdown.

"I haven't been critical of anyone," said the Titans coach.

"I haven't been critical of the referees so I don't expect a $25,000 fine either."