5 replies to this topic

[G Las D]

The video ref got it wrong - so say the NRL.
This refers to the wrongly awarded try for Oldfield in the Sea Eagles win over Cowboys.
On reviewing the decision the NRL have concluded the video ref got it wrong as neutral observers of this game saw at the time.
That this happened at all is regrettable, That it happened during such an important game is unforgivable.
Perhaps the most useful tip came from one of the match commentators who said that while it was clear in slow motion (almost frame by frame) there had been a knock on, by running the video at normal speed the evidence of a knock on was there clearly to see in the effect the attackers touch had on the ball.
Cowboys fans must be devastated.
Jonathan Thurston rose further in my estimation by his representations of complaint to the ref while somehow keeping his dignity and focus. The expressions on his face of exasperation spoke volumes though.
This happened at a key part of the game and robbed Cowboys.

Not good enough.
Dreadful outcome.
Hard luck Cowboys.

Edited by G Las D, 15 September 2012 - 03:27 PM.

[simonwref]

totally agree on thurston. class in difficult circumstances.

[G Las D]

What about when a defending player retrieves the ball, slips and grounds it - elbows touching the ground - touching it dead, but gets up and runs out into play as if nothing happened. Surely it should be a line drop-out?
I've seen this happen a few times recently. From memory in Oz the player was allowed to get up and play on as if he hadn't put the ball dead.
Here I saw the same thing live when a Leigh player did this at Featherstone last week and was allowed to just play on as if nothing had happened. In the Hull v Huddersfield game last night though the ref pulled the game up when the Giants player did the same and ordered a drop out.

[Bourbon Rat]

Official View: Finals week 2

Hollywood's view seems to be 'yes well they did a 'fairly good job on field'

[G Las D]

We have debriefed that game thoroughly and we believe the on-field referees had a really good performance.

No, I can't accept that, they got important things wrong. Yes, maybe the vid ref came up with a howler. Yes maybe the touch judge got a decision wrong. The two refs are charged with the job of seeing the game is fair and played by the rules.
Shayne Hayne reminds me of one or two old time refs - 'Whatever you think, the decision is made - just look at the scoreboard and then read the result in the paper tomorrow, now go away'. His aftershave is probably called "Whiff of Arrogance".

[G Las D]

What a surprise: lawyer thinks going to court will be the way to go.