‘Academy Award’ obstruction act divides NRL in Broncos boilover

The Gold Coast Titans have shocked the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium but it was not without some major controversy.

David Fifita went to ground. Photo: Fox Sports

The Gold Coast Titans have pulled off an enormous win, knocking off the Brisbane Broncos 18-12 in the derby clash at Suncorp Stadium.

It’s a huge result for the Titans in the week they sacked head coach Justin Holbrook and interim coach Jim Lenihan took the reins for the remainder of the season until Des Hasler takes over in 2024.

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Despite the tumultuous week, the Titans pulled off a famous win, holding off a fast-finishing Broncos in a rare Sunday afternoon match at Suncorp Stadium.

But it wasn’t without controversy.

With just over 20 minutes left, the Broncos were down 16-6 when the ladder-leaders went wide before passing back on the inside to Reece Walsh to score under the black dot.

Or so it seemed — until bunker official Kasey Badger called it back, much to the chagrin of Broncos fans.

“What are they looking at?” Steve Roach said on Fox League’s call.

The issue was an obstruction in the back play as Jordan Riki had run into the line and straight into David Fifita as the ball shifted out wide.

David Fifita went to ground. Photo: Fox Sports

Fifita, who is an absolute bulldozer with ball in hand, went to ground with his arms above his head on the 40m.

Bagder said: “While the defensive structure of the Titans on the left hand side hasn’t changed, Brisbane continue to run and then play back to the inside, and it denies David Fifita an opportunity to chase and defend”.

Yay or nay on the obstruction call?

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Although it’s true that did happen, Walsh got the ball 20m down field and it’s unlikely he would have made it down in cover.

It may have been the right call by the letter of the law as the “block” runner in Riki did make contact with Fifita, the explanation didn’t convince everyone.

While the home crowd went up in boos, Fox League’s Matt Russell questioned: “Who initiated the contact between David Fifita and Jordan Riki?”

He further questioned if Fifita had run into Riki and not allowed him to run through the line as the decoy.

Another element of the rule states: “Defensive decisions that commit defender[s] to initiating contact with an attacking player(s) will not be deemed obstruction.”

“He played it pretty well, Academy Award for David Fifita,” Roach said.

Give No. 11 his gold statue. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

It was nearly a disaster for the Broncos as the Titans looked to have scored a try at the other end almost immediately but were denied by a fingertip touch.

But fans called out the decision.

Nine commentator Peter Psaltis tweeted: “The games turns on a call from the bunker.”

Western Weekender managing editor Troy Dodds posted: “What a ridiculous decision. Imagine defending that.”

That was a try. Terrible call.#NRLBroncosTitans

— Damien Straker (@DStraker90) June 25, 2023

One fan commented: “Fifita takes three men to stop him most times but falls over like a daisy from that?”

Another fan wrote: “Fifita had as much chance of stopping that try as I did from my lounge in Sydney.”

However, there were also defenders of the ruling.

One fan posted: “How many times do people need to be told that lead runners can’t collide with defenders on the outside? It’s funny how people want the rule to be black and white until it’s applied.”

While Ezra Mam scored soon after to make it a 16-12 scoreline, the Broncos couldn’t score again, although were denied late by a forward pass from Reece Walsh to Corey Oates.

The result sees the Titans move into eighth place on the ladder, while the Broncos have dropped to second on points differential, sitting equal with the Panthers and Storm on 24 points.

Originally published as ‘Academy Award’ obstruction act divides NRL in Broncos boilover