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In a performance many Parramatta fans will be disappointed with, the Melbourne Storm defeated the Eels at AAMI Park 46-10 on Sunday.
This score line is deceiving, because while the Storm look to have run away with the game, the blow out really only came in the last 15 minutes.
I have been very impressed with Chris Sandow this year. He has been one of our standout players and his infectious attitude has been the difference for Parramatta in many games this year. In 99 per cent of cases, no one player can be blamed for a loses. It is both a team effort to win and a team effort to lose.
However, I am feeling a lot of frustration toward Chris Sandow and I would almost go as far as saying he cost us the game.
Parramatta were their own worst enemy for most of that game with silly penalties, poor ball control and lazy defence. However there was one moment which put the game out of reach.
With 15 minutes to go, Sandow made a comment to the referee to the effect of “how much are you getting paid for this game”. We all know what happens when you question the integrity of the referees – 10 minutes in the sin bin. That’s exactly what happened and in the time Chris was off the field, the Storm scored three tries, adding an extra 18 points to their tally.
Sandow’s brain explosion ultimately cost Parramatta the game. Sandow has been one of our game changers this year, so to be minus your key playmaker to a quality side like the Storm will put any team on the back foot.
Questioning the referees’ integrity was an incredibly selfish decision. It was a decision which had little regard for his teammates and a decision which he knew would land him in the bin. The rules are clear but Chris completely disregarded them.
There has been much frustration throughout this year about the standard of refereeing, but it evens out in the end. Parramatta have had some extremely favourable calls this year and some extremely unfavourable ones – that’s football.
While this is of course frustrating, players need to be in control of their emotions and understand that their actions have consequences. In the case of the Eels, it cost them 18 points, the game, and perhaps even a position in the top four
Follow Mary on Twitter @Ladieswholeague