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By Dean Ritchie, Daily Telegraph - Gold Coast Coast coach John Cartwright has expressed concerns over a jump in penalties throughout the pre-season under the two-referee system.

The Daily Telegraph has obtained statistics that show an average of 14.1 penalties were awarded during each pre-season game compared to 12.8 during last season's NRL premiership.

While other coaches were largely unconcerned, Cartwright said two referees could lead to more penalties. "I am a little bit worried,'' he said. "With two of them out there they will see more things to penalise, and people don't want more penalties.

"I guess it will depend on whether they decide that they will penalise. I saw two penalties last week that I haven't seen in 20 years. That was for not standing square in the play-the-ball. Look, I think two referees has merit as long as they don't overplay their hand. It will take a while to get right.''

Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore said penalties are traditionally high throughout the pre-season. "I'm not worried by it. In the early rounds there can be a high penalty count because referees are looking to assert their authority,'' Moore said.

"I guess there is potential (for higher penalty counts) but I don't see it as a concern.''

Roosters coach Brad Fittler added: "I'm not concerned.''

Penrith coach Matt Elliott said penalties would decrease through the season. "I think you will find penalty counts go down through the year anyway,'' he said.  "(A spike early) is not unusual. Players make adjustments as the season goes on.''