NewsBite

Panthers ‘mugged’ as World Club Challenge furore explodes

There is outrage across Australian rugby league after Penrith was “robbed” in the World Club Challenge against Wigan.

3 min read
February 25, 2024 - 9:08AM
Taylan May was denied with the final play of the game.
Taylan May was denied with the final play of the game.

NRL commentators have been left fuming after a series of referee controversies helped Wigan claim the World Club Challenge on Sunday morning.

The Super League champions are celebrating a 16-12 win over the NRL reigning premiers in a thrilling match that came down to a video referee decision after the 80th minute.

There has been anger from across the Australian rugby league landscape after two howlers and a third contentious call all went the way of the home team at the DW Stadium in Wigan.

The only place to watch both games of the Las Vegas opening double-header live is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

Liam Martin was penalised for a perfectly executed one-on-one strip, leaving Panthers players perplexed.

Perhaps the biggest blunder of the whole game came in the 53rd minute when Jake Wardle was awarded a try by the video referee despite replays indicating a clear double movement.

“I can’t see a definitive reposition of that ball back to the line,” the video referee said.

“I’ve got a live call of a try, I have insufficient evidence to overturn the live call. I’m happy with these angles I need, I’ve made my decision.”

With Panthers fans already fuming about the decisions from the man upstairs, the final play of the game was also embroiled in controversy.

Running the ball from 20m out with just seconds remaining, Penrith went wide to their left edge and appeared to have stolen a famous victory when Taylan May barged over in the corner.

May had two defenders trying to wrap the ball in their hands as he fell over the white line - and the cameras weren’t able to show any sign of the ball when May hit the deck.

The on-field referee sent it up to the video referee with a no-try ruling and the video referee said there was not enough conclusive evidence to overturn the decision.

Taylan May was denied with the final play of the game.
Taylan May was denied with the final play of the game.

The reaction from NRL commentators surrounding the Wardle and May incidents was scathing.

“I don’t know how he (the referee) could award that a try or go up with a try,” Fox League’s Braith Anasta said about the Wardle try.

“He wasn’t in a good position, he couldn’t see the ball go down on the ground.

“That’s a no try.”

NRL reporter Martin Gabor wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “I think I got closer to the line than Wardle. And I’m sitting on my couch in Sydney. That’s a shocking decision”.

Former Dragons star Jamie Soward posted: “How can the ref call that. Absolutely rubbish. Double movement every day of the week. Worst call of 2024.

“That is absolute rubbish. The other angle is even worse. If the red sends it up no try it’s no try. I’m not watching anymore this is rubbish to have that give the lead in what’s a good game.”

Former Panthers star Josh Mansour posted: “Bias refereeing….how does the ref award try with the angle and look from the last Wigan try and in similar circumstances award no try on Taylans effort.”

Panthers icon Mark Geyer wrote: “Ya gotta beat more than the 17 in Wigan jerseys! 3 shocking decisions from the dude in the blue shirt wearing a balaclava”.

James Gordon wrote on Twitter: “Penrith have been absolutely mugged here by what is basically two guesses at try/no try”.

The Panthers’ biggest issue may be the immediate future of winger Sunia Turuva who suffered a leg injury in the first half.

Turuva flew in the air in an attempt to hit the ball back in play from over the sideline when he appeared to land awkwardly.

The Super League TV commentator said Turuva was “writhing in agony”.

The Panthers are yet to provide an update on Turuva’s injury.

Originally published as Panthers ‘mugged’ as World Club Challenge furore explodes

More related stories

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/panthers-mugged-as-world-club-challenge-furore-explodes/news-story/78f9da4a9e2d277a781fccec58d14c73