NRL 2024 ROUND 2
Unraveling the Controversies
If the NRL would like me to referee I am available, because the officials they have don’t know what the rules are.
Before we start I had a bet and won so that is NOT the reason for this article. Its about fair play.
If the Eels miss the eight later in the season by a point, or if this was a final, everyone would be jumping up and down.
Coach, Brad Arthur was talking about a new rule bought in this year called, ‘DOWNTOWN’ , rule
The play that Arthur is referencing was Penrith’s first try of the night when Dylan Edwards chased down a Nathan Cleary grubber in the 10th minute.
When Cleary put the kick in, Panthers back rower Isaah Yeo was moving forward towards the line about 2-3 metres in front of the halfback and in front of where the previous play the ball took place.
The Downtown Rule Dilemma
A new interpretation on the ‘downtown’ rule was put in place by the NRL this season, which if policed correctly in this instance, should have meant a disallowed try and a penalty to Parramatta.
The rule reads: ‘In general play, if a player is in front of the kicker and intentionally advances beyond the point of the previous play the ball before the ball has gone past the chasers, a penalty will be awarded at the mark of the play the ball’.
It does not mention interference by the player in front, and if you are confused then read the rule again.
The rule reads: ‘In general play, if a player is in front of the kicker and intentionally advances beyond the point of the previous play the ball before the ball has gone past the chasers, a penalty will be awarded at the mark of the play the ball’.
Referee Fiasco: Incompetence in Officiating
These were the dummies in charge of the match.
Referee: Ashley Klein,
Touch Judge: Chris Sutton,
Touch Judge: Matt Noyen,
Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
So, NO TRY, and a penalty to the Eels was the correct decision. The Panthers may well have gone on to win the match, we don’t know, but six points at this stage of the game was a game changer.
I am sorry Eels fans, you were ripped off big time.
High-Flying Chaos: The Turbulence of Catching
In the game at 4 Pines Stadium, Manly playmaker Luke Brooks put up a towering bomb six minutes into the contest, with Tricolours fullback James Tedesco soaring high to reel the ball in.
But whilst in the air Tedesco had his legs taken out from under him after coming into contact with teammate Victor Radley and Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic.
Inconsistencies Reign: Disputed Decisions Galore
The interpretation this year of players not tunnelling through on catches of high balls and putting them off in catching it, Trbojevic makes contact with Tedesco’s legs, no penalty ,play continues ,try.
In another play, Roosters fullback James Tedesco dropped a Manly bomb which was picked up by Croker who crossed the line for a four-pointer.
It was a very contentious decision as Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic chased the kick but didn’t contest the ball all the while making contact with Tedesco. Again ,no penalty, try awarded.
Referee, Todd Smith, did not even send the decision upstairs. Fair go.!!
Memo to NRL: Call for Competence in Officiating
AND YET ANOTHER.
Having already had a try to Marcelo Montoya taken off the board minutes earlier, the Warriors came to rue another contentious decision as Jackson Ford was ruled to have taken out Jahrome Hughes in a crucial point late in the first half.
The Warriors were in scoring territory but instead were penalised against the run of play for the obstruction, which the visitors immediately challenged convinced it was a defensive decision from Hughes.
If you look at Jahrome Hughes’ movements as Johnson sinks into the line, he comes towards Jackson Ford.
Hughes follows forward in at least two steps, penalty to the Storm. WOW.
Memo to NRL, I am available, and so are many other referee’s who actually know the rules and can enforce them correctly. Read the rule book. If the decision makers bring in new rules, then instruct the officials to enforce them, or stand them down.
About Eels vs Panthers game
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