NRL News: Fifth tackle error costs Cronulla Sharks in match against the Titans

Cronulla were left reeling after this masthead revealed referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adasmki cost them a crucial attacking opportunity in the match on Friday night – and now they want answers from the NRL.

Referee calls last after just a four tackle set. Picture: Fox League

Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta wants answers from the NRL following a controversial refereeing blunder that robbed Cronulla of a crucial set of six in their loss to the Titans.

Cronulla were left reeling after this masthead revealed referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adasmki raised his hand for the fifth and final tackle when it was in fact tackle four.

The Sharks lost 20-16 in Coffs Harbour on Friday night and the refereeing blunder unfolded when Cronulla were attacking Gold Coast’s try line.

“We’ll certainly be seeking an explanation from (NRL head of football) Graham Annesley,’’ Mezzatesta said.

“As club’s we all get breach notices for putting a foot wrong, so where’s the accountability here?’’

The drama unfolded four minutes into the second half when Przeklasa-Adasmki raised his hand for the fifth tackle.

First tackle.

Second tackle.

Third tackle.

Fourth tackle.

Referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adasmki then calls last play one tackle early.

Surprised that Przeklasa-Adamski had cut short the set, Sharks five-eighth Braydon Trindall bombed on what he thought was the fifth tackle with the kick defused by Gold Coast in-goal.

Play resumed with a Titans’ seven-tackle set.

Cronulla centre Kayal Iro was dragged down just a metre short of the Titans’ tryline on the fourth tackle when Przeklasa-Adamski committed the error.

It’s understood the NRL have requested audio of the entire set to understand how the tackle count was incorrectly adjudicated.

The Sharks are also poised to request a ‘please explain’ from the NRL following a ‘no try’ decision against fullback Will Kennedy in the first-half of their clash with the Titans.

Kennedy was denied a try after Titans fullback Keano Kini slid with his leg to stop the Sharks fullback from planting the football down over the tryline.

After the match, Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon questioned the decision of Kini using his legs.

“I didn’t know you were allowed to lead with your feet,” Fitzgibbon said.