NRL referees boss Tony Archer admits the bunker made its first wrong call of the season in Good Friday’s grand final rematch, but it wasn’t Johnathan Thurston’s controversial no-try.
Archer backed the bunker’s decision to deny Thurston a try during golden-point time in North Queensland’s 21-20 defeat to Brisbane, but it shouldn’t have mattered anyway.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg bravely predicted there would be zero errors from the command centre in 2016, but it took just four rounds for its first mistake.
Archer said the bunker messed up the decision to overturn Matt Gillett’s first-half try, incorrectly ruling he had lost the ball into Cowboys fullback Lachlan Coote.
“There was a live decision of try. The bunker ruled that Gillett lost possession of the ball, which then came into contact with the Cowboys player,” Archer told AAP.
“That constituted a knock-on before Gillett regathered the ball and grounded it.
“I agree that both hands came off the ball, but my view is there was insufficient evidence to rule that he had lost possession.”
The Cowboys were fuming about several contentious decisions late in the grand final rematch, but took particular exception to a knock-on call before Thurston’s would-be match-winner.
Thurston appeared to pounce on a loose ball batted back from the sidelines by diving winger Kyle Feldt, but also looked to have fumbled in his attempt to ground the ball.
On-field referee Bernard Sutton ruled no try, but an irate Thurston later said he couldn’t get an explanation on which knock-on he had ruled.
Archer confirmed it was the Feldt incident, and there wasn’t enough proof to overturn it.
What didn’t help the furore was Channel Nine opting to broadcast their own replays, including multiple views of Thurston’s attempted put-down.
“There was a live decision of no try. As he tries to bat the ball in field, the ball makes contact with Kyle Feldt’s leg,” Archer told AAP.
“Based on the multiple angles viewed, there was insufficient evidence to determine that the ball travelled backwards, which is what would have been required to overturn the live decision.”
Cowboys coach Paul Green said he’d like a please-explain from the NRL regarding a number of the decisions, including two more no-try calls late in the match.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
There is profundity here that eludes even the best of us Barry.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Thanks Sleiman. I'm starting to realise how little I know about this game.
The Barry
Roar Guru
You do...but how long you retain the information is what counts...
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I was very surprised it was called forward. It didn't look forward to me at all.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
He had both hands off the ball BEFORE he lost possession...
Big J
Guest
Well you learn something new everyday
no one in particular
Roar Guru
AFL already have video review and are looking at introducing a bunker
Josh
Guest
It is never never ever going to be perfect. But I do believe it is better than last year with less down time. I feel the obstruction rule has gotten very anal. Essentially you cannot run behind anybody anymore and score a try. Even if it has nil impact on the game. The thing is the Bunker is generally operating under the NRL rules. If the idea is to punish any running behind the man then the Bunker is not responsible for that. Also I was just watching Saints vs Panthers. Nightingale did a lovely strip on the Panthers player, but there was a second man in from Saints that touched the Panthers shoulder as Nightingale was pulling away. It had no impact on the play. But the Bunker ruled within the rules. We live in an age where there are cameras and microphones everywhere and everything is scrutinised to a millionth degree. I think for what the Bunker was designed for, it is better than what we had in terms of video refs. However, there was a time when we had none of this video refereeing, we actually had real scrums, people could run decoys without being pulled back. I love the game now, but I loved it then as well
The Barry
Roar Guru
Wrong about AFL and rugby not using video technology. You asked to be corrected if you were wrong. Happy to help out...
Big J
Guest
Ok read that so afl wants/is going down the same path, let's hope it weeks out better for them
Muzz
Guest
What a waste of money. Take a look at NRL meme f book. It takes 30 seconds to work out if someone is off side.
MAX
Guest
I hope Big J's insurance is up to date
no one in particular
Roar Guru
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-08-03/official-got-call-wrong-admits-evans-as-afl-looks-to-improve-video-system http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/afl-to-examine-nrlstyle-video-review-bunker-to-improve-consistency/news-story/23d08d3a554621b7998f0feb3bcd7d5b
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Deep breaths Barry
Chris Morrison
Guest
I think it's the third time wrong. I believe that the Morgan no try for an obstruction was the wrong decision too.
Big J
Guest
Please explain? Wrong about what?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Wrong.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Aaaaaah, of course. Thanks mate. It all makes sense now.
Big J
Guest
With all the money the nrl is wasting with this bunker junk they could invest it in grass roots or an expansion team. Correct me if am wrong but I don't think the afl or union waste thier time on third refs, just let the refs make the call and be done with it. This is only going to get worse
Big J
Guest
This is another example of human beings thinking they can create of error free system, hah!!! Anyone ever heard of the Titanic????