What was the worst refereeing decision in State of Origin I? Was it Michael Jennings’ sin binning for throwing a blind punch?
Or Greg Inglis’ controversial try, which sealed yet another victory for Queensland?
How about the idea of appointing two referees who had refereed one Origin match between them?
Referees boss Bill Harrigan should have a long hard look in the mirror after giving the nod to Matt Cecchin and Ben Cummins to referee game one.
It was a lack of experience that caused the referees to make two dud calls that ultimately cost NSW victory in game one.
The nerves and excitement got the better of the men in charge; Cecchin’s rash decision to punish Michael Jennings in the 24th minute changed the complexion of the entire game.
Its hard enough for NSW to beat Queensland with 13 players, let alone 12.
The controversial try was out of the control of the on-field referees.
But if the video referee had a high definition monitor the decision to award Greg Inglis the try may have come out differently.
These two game-changing decisions were well documented but it was the smaller facets like the ruck speed and 10-metre rule which factored heavily in the Game One outcome.
Players and coaches alike will never fail to tell you the speed of an Origin game is much faster than that of a regular club game.
The referees did not adapt to the increased speed from the outset.
The pair have refereed 274 NRL first-grade games between them, so it was natural that they would feel inclined to referee at the same speed as a typical club match.
The players noticed the extra leniency and took advantage by slowing down the play the ball and laid on tackles to halt any momentum the attacking side had created.
It may seem as if I am degrading the referee’s ability.
But don’t think for one second I think these two are bad referees.
Cecchin is arguably the best referee in the game and made his much-deserved State of Origin debut.
Cecchin was partnered with Cummins, the man who had made his debut in game two of last year’s series.
Before Game One the two had never refereed a representative game together.
And that’s the point: experience in Origin is invaluable. That applies for referees as much as it does players.
Tony Archer and Shayne Hayne are the two most experienced referees, having refereed in 19 origin games – that’s the equivalent of over six Origin series.
The better idea would have been to pair up Cecchin with Tony Archer, Shayne Hayne with Cummins or vice versa.
That way the younger referees would feel more confident making bigger decisions because they could rely on someone who has done it before.
After the fight broke out, Cecchin asked Cummins, a man with one-game of Origin experience, for advice on how to handle the situation.
And, ultimately, they both panicked.
Get Real
Guest
I'm sick of people saying the Inglis debacle was a try because it's in the rules. The point is how those rules have been applied and it's a knock-on every other day of the week. So shut your biased mouths.
Mac
Guest
Wonder what the man in the box would have made of this. The video linked below clearly shows C Smiith and Billy Slater clearly sliding in with the knees to stop Robbie Farrah from scoring a try in the first half. Didn't even get a review but shows the stinking state of affairs with rule interpretation in the NRL. Seconds 27 to 32 from the behind the goal line camera offers the most definitive view..Poor Robbie the Irony is tragic.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97FKs-S19jQ
Riggs
Guest
Yes, without the Inglis try its 12-10 QLD. Without the Bird penalty its 10-6 NSW. Without the Jennings sin bin its 10-0 NSW. What points did QLD get unaided by horrible decisions??! QLD Man of the match = Cummings and Cecchin.
Andrew
Guest
Sam Thaiday
Trardy
Guest
I'm not at all sure about the so called 'rookie' referees...With mighty credentials for first & A grade games, why should the State of Origin game be ruled any differently to these A grade game - rules are rules, and the experience was definately there to match - you can spin it whatever way you like. There are higher powers than all of us fans who make these decisions, and we just have to agree to disagree - typical of us Aussies, regardless of our State pride, we always want to blame someone. How on earth also, could it even be suggested that the sin binning of Jennings was 'the worst referee decision'...it was NSW's first provication that started it - they were lucky that only one player was given 10 to cool off, then it would have been interesting to see 11 v 13..... As to the try..look back in origin history - it probably would even out 50:50 for bad ref calls either way, calls of tries given as 'benefit of the doubt', unrealistic penalties etc......and if NSW supporters still want to whinge, take back the points, it would still have been 12-10 and if the emotions of a contraversial try against a side doesn't put a fire in the soul to win back on merits, it's very unlikely the final score would have been any different.... Go QLD, game 2.....
doug
Guest
NRL Rule #103 If the defending player was deemed to have practiced intent of dislodging the ball in the attacking in goal then the attacking team may continue play. However if the ball is deemed dead the defending team must proceed to a goal line drop-out. Also if you prevent a player from scoring by causing a penalty instead, that constitutes a penalty try. and leading with the foot is against the rules. As the rule states it was a try. NSW in 2009 got a 8 pelanty try for the same reason. We didnt hear NSW whinging over the rule then
josh
Guest
Thank you. Ben Cummins is among the worst refs over the last decade and whilst I used to think well of Cecchin he is quickly becoming the next Bill Harrigan with his arrogant displays. Archer and Hayne are the best refs in the game but we all know why they wern't selected don't we - same reason one of them was recently overlooked for the GF, it seems they don't spend enough time kissing Billy's arse.
Dominic Feenan
Roar Rookie
Both on field referees did a great job in what all the players have said was one of the fastest Origin matches in years. They allowed it to flow. There is no question Jennings should have been sin binned. The penalty against Bird for that lifting tackle was incorrect. So one penalty wrong all game...not too bad. All the blame should be aimed at the video referee for that howler. I know Harrigan has now said it is the correct call by I still have my doubts!!
buttery
Roar Rookie
Your kidding me, Checchin the best ref in the game, strike a light which planet are you from, when he eas dropped after a Souths game many years ago & relegated to the Reggies & touchies job, that is where he should have stayed.
Gareth
Guest
Jennings deserves to see out the season at Windsor. I've never seen him run with the same intensity for the Panthers as he did to jump over his teammate and throw a punch at the back of Tate's head.
PA
Guest
What was Harrigan thinking? Two rookie refs in one of the biggest games of the year? Tool or Fool. He ruined the Origin Match. He should step down.
turbodewd
Guest
Michael Jennings was a moron...who runs 20m to jump over a teammate to throw a wild haymaker?! A low reward, HIGH RISK play of stupidity. He deserved 10 for being a fool. The Inglis try was a try. I thought it was, Harrigan said it was. What do you want here?