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NRL fans fume over ‘farcical’ grand final call

NRL fans are fuming over a “farcical” incident in the NRL grand final that disadvantaged the Raiders.

Sia Soliola charges down a kick by Luke Keary.
Sia Soliola charges down a kick by Luke Keary.

NRL fans are fuming over a “farcical” incident in the NRL grand final that disadvantaged the Raiders.

In a major momentum-setter just three minutes into the match, Canberra’s Sia Soliola charged down a Luke Keary kick to set up a potential try scoring situation for teammate Elliott Whitehead.

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The ball rebounded from Soliola into the back field with barely a Rooster in sight, presenting the Raiders with a huge chance of scoring.

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Sia Soliola charges down a kick by Luke Keary.
Sia Soliola charges down a kick by Luke Keary.

However, the ball then ricocheted off a Roosters’ trainer, forcing referees to call a mandatory stop to play under NRL rules.

The Roosters were awarded a scrum feed as they were deemed the attacking team.

Trent Robinson’s side scored through hooker Sam Verrills in the ensuing set, a huge turnaround considering the Raiders were set to score themselves just moments before.

Why the trainer was on the field after three minutes will be a massive point of contention.

“That could’ve been a try under the posts,” said Phil Gould.

Andrew Johns added: “It hits the trainer right in the head. And have a look at Whitehead he is away there. Whitehead could have scored there.”

Originally published as NRL fans fume over ‘farcical’ grand final call

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/raiders/nrl-fans-fume-over-farcical-grand-final-call/news-story/4dfce1caf38004f32cd3ff3ab9db1294