Panthers Aim for Fifth Consecutive Grand Final
The reigning Penrith Panthers aim to secure their fifth consecutive grand final appearance as they take on the Cronulla Sharks at Accor Stadium.
Refereeing Standards Under the Spotlight
In a season where NRL refereeing has faced intense scrutiny and frequent criticism, the officials’ performances in the second week of the finals have been met with praise.
Dramatic Decline in Six-Again Calls
Throughout the second week of finals, referees Ashley Klein and Grant Atkins awarded just two six-agains, a notable difference from the 43 called during the final round of the regular season.
That’s an average of 5.4 six again’s per game in Round 27 down to just one a piece in each of last weekend’s semi finals, a stunning turnaround in officiating .
Thank you Ashley Klein. Thank you Grant Atkins. Please do it again this weekend, it is beautiful football.
Turning a Blind Eye in Crunch Time?
I have noticed that with the season entering crunch time, NRL officials are “turning a blind eye to things they weren’t earlier in the year.”
They’re so important six again’s, they change the momentum of rugby league games, and big games that decide premiers at this time of the year.
The best teams are winning and there’s no momentum shifts on minor things they were calling six again’s (for) halfway through the season.
Praise for the Officials – But Is It Consistent?
I wasn’t the only one praising the performances of Klein and Atkins, with Canberra Raiders legend Laurie Daley also quick to celebrate the positive impact of the weekend’s officiating.
BUT, The question for me is, WHY ,WHY was an incident a penalty or a six again play for 20 odd weeks of the competition, and now suddenly it is not ??
If the incident warranted a penalty or a six again over the first 20 odd weeks, surely the same incident must be a penalty or a six again play in the Finals.
No wonder players, coaches, and viewers are confused. Just when I think I understand the game the rules change.
Inconsistent Officiating in the Preliminary Finals
Over week 2 of the preliminary finals I though the officials were only average at best. Gant Atkins was poor in the Storm v Roosters game, and Ashley Klein was only a little better in the Penrith/Sharks game.
The only consistent thing was the Bunker stuffed up in both games.
Bunker Blunders and Missed Calls
The try to the Panthers which became a NO TRY after the Bunker looked at it was a disgrace. Turuva scores and they say that the Sharks centre Siosifa Talakai had been obstructed in the build up. I believe the Panthers ran the play perfectly, with lead runner Luke Garner running to the inside shoulder of the Sharks defender. Sifa actually initiated contact.
In my opinion the Bunker officials do not understand the game of Rugby League at all. That’s why several ex players should sit in the Bunker every week. The same players every week. The referees they use at the moment are terrible, and change every game. One official will say it’s a try ,another a no try. They don’t know, They are guessing. Blind Freddy could see it was a try! Trouble is this week the NRL WILL COME OUT AND SAY THE OFFICIALS GOT IT WRONG. WELL STAND THEM DOWN!!
Controversial Moments with No Accountability
The game saw several controversial moments, including a trip by Toby Rudolf and a late hit by Siosifa Talakai on Jarome Luai. In the 35th minute, with the Panthers leading 8-2 and on the attack, Luai passed the ball inside before being completely leveled off the ball by Talakai.
The trip by Toby Rudolf has been a sin bin all season, but not tonight. Only a penalty.
The try to the Panthers after the ball was knocked on in the air. Nobody see’s it. Well if us viewers can see what happened ,how come the Bunker with all the technology stills gets it wrong. Poor again by Chris Butler.
Klein’s Crazy Call – A Potential Grand Final Disaster?
What about referee Ashley Klein’s “crazy” decision to penalise Luke Garner for a push on Tom Hazelton, Imagine if this happens in the grand final. I question whether a similar moment could prove decisive in the grand final.
I point to a moment in the 58th minute, which saw Garner bump his opponent in the back, which saw Klein blow his whistle for a penalty.
If that’s the 78th minute next week and it’s 16-all, and you get that penalty,
Then you go down field and someone gets a shot at a field goal to win a grand final on the back of something like that, that’s crazy.
Broncos: A Facade of a Review Process
BRONCOS.
The review is clearly just a facade. They had already made this decision. I think it’s Karl Morris, who’s the chairman. I think it’s Dave Donaghy, who’s the CEO. They clearly did extensive background research, were involved daily, and had already made their decision at that point.
The Real Problem with the Broncos’ Review
They’ve gone through the review process just to check the boxes and make it appear as though everything is neatly wrapped up, but in reality, I think it’s had the opposite effect. I’ve spoken to some influential figures in our game—people who have been involved in club reviews—and they all say it’s a coward’s approach because the CEO and chairman are avoiding making the tough decisions themselves.
But is the review actually focused on the entire club? Is it on the CEO? Is it on the recruitment? Is it on the board whether they’re making the right decision? No ,it was not. Only the coach was reviewed.
The Inevitable Sacking of Madge
A proper review should cover the entire club, not just the coach… if they keep blaming the coaches, they’ll end up sacking the next one, which, by the way, is likely to be Madge, because they were talking to him in August.
A New Coach for the NSW Blues?
With that in mind, the NSW Blues will likely be looking for a new coach soon. I nominate Kevin Walters.
The Broncos Board is Gutless – Phins Up!
DECISION. Broncos board is gutless. ME, I WILL BE SUPPORTING THE DOLPHINS, PHINNS UP.
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