‘That’s terrible’: Wests Tigers robbed of try as ref goes rogue

The Wests Tigers current predicament is largely its own fault but calls like the one Luciano Leilua copped are definitely not helping.

Not even checked. Photo: Fox Sports

The Wests Tigers have been robbed of a near-certain try as the referee actually made a decision rather than sending it to the bunker as the New Zealand Warriors claimed a 16-12 victory over the under-fire side.

The Warriors led the Tigers 14-12 at halftime but potentially should have been behind after the 18th minute incident.

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While referees often cop a mountain of criticism because of an over-reliance on sending calls for review, it still leaves a bad taste in the mouth when the officials get it wrong.

The Tigers were attacking the Warriors line and after an ugly fifth tackle option, Luke Brooks dribbled a pinpoint kick into the in-goal as second rower Luciano Leilua got to the ball first.

But referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski made the decision that it was put down over the dead-ball line, or that Leilua had knocked on.

“They’ve got to have a look at it don’t they?” Steve Roach said on Fox League commentary. “He’s knocked it on anyway has he?”

“Or did he?” Warren Smith said in reply as they watched the replay. “I don’t know. It was very close watching it live and that certainly had to be looked at.

Roach noted: “The fans are blowing up and rightfully so. The referee made a decision.”

Looks like a try. Photo: Fox Sports

Smith added: “Boy, there’s a moment that will be talk about beyond full-time depending how this one plays out.

“This one here from side on, hand on the ball, fingers on the ball as he brings it down, that angle I am saying four points.”

Roach agreed be believed it was a try, while Smith agreed: “Given how often we refer things to the bunker and how close that was, it’s stunning that wasn’t referred in the first place. The Bunker could have jumped in and said ‘hey, just before you restart at the 20m, let’s take a look at that’.”

As the bunker can give some controversial takes of its own, it’s hard to say it would definitely be a try but it’s undeniable that it should have been referred.

Luciano Leilua's face says it all. Photo: Fox Sports

The Daily Telegraph and NRL 360’s Phil Rothfield tweeted: “Seriously that had to be checked. That’s terrible.”

Sports reporter Bernie Coen agreed: “Cannot believe the ref didn’t go upstairs for that Tigers “try” mind you he also missed a pass that went two metres forward 3 Plays before #NRLTigersWarriors @FOXNRL bunker didn’t have much time to check it !!!”

WWOS’ NRL writer Matt Bungard said: “I’ve watched the replay a dozen times now, I think it’s probably a try – even if it’s not, it’s extremely close. How is that not at least sent upstairs for a closer look? Regardless, something so ridiculous would only happen to the Wests Tigers.”

Although it was hardly a match that will be replayed among the classics, the Tigers, who were torn apart over their insipid performance against the Newcastle Knights last week including a pokies drama during the week, showed plenty more backbone.

The Warriors had plenty of shots to score against the Tigers from good field position for but the second 40 minutes, all the Warriors could manage was a penalty goal.

But it was enough as the Tigers couldn’t get over the line, making a try that wasn’t even looked at seemingly more important.

It wasn’t enough for club great Roach.

“They haven’t really won it, the Tigers have lost it,” he said as the Tigers couldn’t crack the Warriors line despite plenty of chances of their own.