NRL 2024: Des Hasler slams bunker after Knights win 28-24 over Titans, Bradman Best injured

Titans coach Des Hasler has blasted the Bunker after his side were controversially denied victory, while NSW coach Michael Maguire was dealt another injury blow.

Bradman Best has suffered a hamstring injury.

Gold Coast coach Des Hasler blasted the Bunker and claimed fans were being dudded after the Titans were robbed of a win in a controversial 28-24 Magic Round thriller on Saturday.

The injury-ravaged Titans, who already came back from a 10-0 deficit, looked destined to pull off a Houdini act at Suncorp Stadium when Brian Kelly scored a stunning try in the 76th minute.

But the Bunker overturned the decision – the third line-ball call to go against the Titans – prompting Hasler to unload in his post-match press conference.

“(It was a) try, every day of the week,” he said.

Des Hasler has unloaded on the Bunker after the Titans were denied a match winning try against the Knights. Picture: Fox League

“It’s crazy. His hand never came away from the ball…if it did, it’s a penalty for a strip.

“They don’t know, they don’t know. It was pretty clear to see. It was obvious.

“They’ll say ‘we got it wrong, we’re sorry, let’s move on. They’re only human, which they are, we all make mistakes.

“I’m feeling really sorry for the fans and players.

“The fans are getting the rough end, maybe Graham (Annesley, NRL head of football) needs to consider that.”

The Titans looked to have scored a stunning match winner through Brian Kelly, only for the Bunker to controversially take the try away. Picture: Getty Images

BUNKER BURNS TITANS

It was another big day for the Bunker and the key decisions went Newcastle’s way against a gallant Gold Coast team missing key players Kieran Foran, AJ Brimson, Tanah Boyd and Jayden Campbell.

First, Brodie Jones was awarded a try to get the Knights back in the contest despite Jack Hetherington appearing to deliberately knock the ball out of Titans fullback Keano Kini’s grasp.

The Knights took the lead in the 68th minute thanks to a penalty try after Gold Coast prop Moeaki Fotuaika tackled Jacob Saifiti as he chased a bouncing ball in the in-goal.

The Titans were then robbed of the match-winner after Kelly looked to have scored, only for the Bunker to spot a knock-on.

“The technology showed it was the right call,” Knights coach Adam O’Brien said.

KALYN WHO?

Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga (foot) may be missing for three months but Newcastle has unearthed a gem in rookie fullback David Armstrong.

With Dally M Medallist Ponga watching from the sidelines, Armstrong had a double within nine minutes as the Knights rocketed to a 10-0 lead before imploding and allowing the Titans to score five straight tries.

He made it a hat-trick early in the second half and has scored five tries in four games since Ponga went down.

David Armstrong has been a standout for the Knights in the absence of Kalyn Ponga, scoring a hat-trick against the Titans. Picture: Getty Images

Unfortunately for the Knights and NSW, incumbent Blues centre Bradman Best (hamstring) joined a growing casualty ward ahead of next month’s Origin series-opener.

It is understood that Best suffered the injury about 20 minutes into the first half and was able to manage it through until halftime. However, he was unable to take the field in the second half and spent the remainder of the match on the sidelines with ice applied to his hamstring.

“It’s not all doom and gloom,” O’Brien said.

“He had some hamstring awareness. He’s hopefully got some big things to come his way.

“There’s something to do with his hamstring. I really hope he’s going to be okay because he deserves to be there.”

With Best likely out of contention, Canterbury’s Matt Burton, Cronulla’s Jesse Ramien and Brisbane’s Kotoni Staggs shape as centre partners for Crichton.

Bradman Best suffered a hamstring injury in a massive blow for the NSW Blues. Picture: Getty Images

JACKSON A JOKE

Knights halfback Jackson Hastings should cop a rocket from O’Brien following his first half brain fart.

Trailing 14-10, the Knights were camped on Gold Coast’s try-line before Hastings decided to get lippy and cause a stink.

He turned over possession and was sent to the sin bin, along with Titans centre Aaron Schoupp, and Gold Coast kicked into gear

The Titans extended their lead to 24-10 at the break following Kini’s first NRL try, a scintillating 80m special, and a double to flying winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira.

A moment of madness from Hastings nearly cost Newcastle the game before The Bunker saved them.

Jackson Hastings could cop a spray from Adam O’Brien, as his side conceded two quick tries after he was sin binned. Picture: Getty Images

HAAS GOING STRONG

Titans forward Klese Haas is somewhat the forgotten figure in the fall of the Haas family.

Klese has been the Titans’ most improved player this season, but sits in the shadow of his superstar brother Payne – the Broncos, NSW Origin and Kangaroos prop.

The Haas family was rocked by the news Gregor Haas – Klese and Payne’s father – was arrested in the Philippines on Wednesday and could face the death penalty in Indonesia following allegations of drug trafficking.

Klese and Payne’s mother, Joan Taufua, has been behind bars since December 2022 following an horrific car crash that left three people dead.

Despite the family distractions, Klese has been in tremendous form for the Titans this year and scored Gold Coast’s first try before gesturing to “Dad” written on his wrist strapping.

FIFITA 2.0 FIRES

All eyes were on David Fifita following his backflip on the Roosters but it was his cousin Jojo Fifita that stole the show for the Titans.

Jojo scored a try and looked to have setup the match-winner for the Titans before The Bunker chimed in.

Meanwhile, David tried hard with 20 runs for 144m but he couldn’t land the killer blow for the Titans.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Des Hasler slams bunker after Knights win 28-24 over Titans, Bradman Best injured