‘Can’t do that’: Penalty try call splits NRL, infuriates entire city

The nation’s capital was left fuming over a controversial call early in the Raiders’ loss to the Roosters which left the rest of the league divided.

Canberra's captain Elliott Whitehead was fuming. Photo: Fox Sports

The NRL world has once again been split over a controversial penalty try in the Roosters’ 44-16 thrashing of the Raiders in Canberra on Saturday afternoon.

The red-hot Roosters bounced back from a high-scoring Magic Round loss to the Sharks to show off their attacking flare once again, running in eight tries to three in another big win.

It’s now the fifth straight game the Roosters have scored more than 30 points in a game as the side sport the NRL’s best attack so far this season.

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But questions were asked early in the match over a controversial moment that left the crowd at GIO Stadium fuming.

Just over 10 minutes into the first half, Sam Walker put a kick through with Luke Keary diving on the grubber to seemingly score the Roosters’ second try of the match.

It was a perfectly timed run but replays showed Keary had knocked on in the in-goal as referee Todd Smith called time off, sending it up to Adam Gee in the Bunker.

While most believed it was an open and shut knock on, Gee threw a curveball, awarding a penalty try after Raiders lock Morgan Smithies made a play on Keary.

“At this point, Morgan Smithies illegally grabs Luke Keary under the arm, which twists and rotates his body,” Gee said. “Luke Keary then knocks the ball on.

“Due to the action of Morgan Smithies we are going for a penalty try because we believe he would have scored except for the grab of Morgan Smithies.”

Alexander argued it could have been a sin bin and a penalty. Photo: Fox Sports

Luke Keary was grabbed by Morgan Smithies. Photo: Fox Sports

The commentators were as surprised as anyone.

“Because he was the only one near the ball,” Greg Alexander said.

Matt Russell added: “Canberra Raiders fans are saying how did that affect the way Luke tried to ground the ball?”

“I don’t think it did,” Alexander replied.

Steve Roach said: “And it was a minimal touch too, he didn’t really knock him off balance. He doesn’t even grab him.”

Alexander continued: “He barely grazes him. I don’t think it affects anything that happens after he just grabs him by the arm slightly because he quickly got himself back on track running square to the ball. Did it have any impact on him?”

Raiders coach Elliott Whitehead was also incredulous, arguing that Keary wasn’t denied a shot at the ball, he got to it first — and he knocked it on.

“I’m finding it hard to argue with what Elliott Whitehead said,” Alexander commented.

However, at halftime, Alexander said “I don’t think the slight touch that Morgan Smithies had on his arm had any impact on how Luke Keary grounded the ball.”

Lara Pitt argued that Smithies did clip Keary and said “you can’t do that”, to which Alexander replied: “If you’re going to argue with me, you will win the argument.”

He then added: “I thought why don’t they bin him and award a penalty and sin bin him for a professional foul. But they’ve gone with the penalty try, we’ll all live with it and you are technically right.”

Elliott Whitehead couldn't believe it. Photo: Fox Sports

While Alexander appeared conflicted, it was nothing compared to social media.

The Western Weekender’s Lachlan Jeffery posted: “If Smithies doesn’t grab Keary, he gets both hands to the ball and grounds it. I can’t see why this is even controversial.”

Another fan wrote: “What? How can smithies touching him effect Keary grounding that ball??? That’ll do me.”

The Rugby League News X account said: “One of the worst bunker decisions you’ll ever see. Keary drops that clean, no way that is a penalty try.”

Another suggested: “The grab from Smithies has ZERO impact on Keary getting the ball down he’s always losing it.

“BUT the fact that Smithies grabs him and he gets to the ball first and loses it gives Adam Gee no option BUT to say penalty try.

“Is it a wrong call? No. Is it a good call? Probably no.”

Another fan commented: “Keary gets to the ball first and stuffs up the put down. How the hell does he get rewarded with a Penalty Try for the smallest tug on the arm by Smithies?!

“The Bunker really is a Parody!”

While the decision gave the Roosters an early 12-0 lead, the Raiders were next to score just five minutes later before going into halftime down 18-6.

But after a try to Roosters captain James Tedesco in the first set after the break to make it 24-6, the game was nearly put to bed.

A reply from Canberra’s Hudson Young gave the Raiders some hope, but three straight tries blew the scoreline out.

The sides traded one more try each, with Tedesco putting the cherry on top for the Roosters.

Any doubts about Tedesco for Origin were also put to bed after he laid on three try assists, four line break assists, made a line break and scored two tries himself in a massive game for the Sydneysiders.

Originally published as ‘Can’t do that’: Penalty try call splits NRL, infuriates entire city