‘Worst call of the year’: Bunker torn to shreds over ‘unbelievable’ call as Titans dudded

The Bunker has done it again, this time robbing the Titans of a crucial try with a decision that turned the game and had fans fuming.

David Fifita no try.

The Bunker has done it again, this time robbing David Fifita of a certain try in Canberra’s 26-22 win over the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday.

The Raiders came out firing with two early tries, including a four-pointer to winger Albert Hopoate in the opening minute of the game.

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But the Titans hung in there and thought they were back in it when Fifita collected a crafty grubber kick from Alofiana Khan-Pereira and barged over to score just before halftime.

But Bunker official Kasey Badger ruled it wasn’t a try, arguing Fifita had pushed Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty out of the way to get to the ball, committing an obstruction.

Commentators and fans couldn’t believe the Bunker had intervened to deny Fifita what appeared to be a straightforward try.

David Fifita was going for the ball. Photo: Fox Sports.

Fox League’s Warren Smith said: “That’s hard to believe. Jamal Fogarty had the lead. He was in front of David Fifita in the chase for the ball, plants himself trying to block out the ball, Fifita goes past him and scores the try and it’s denied by the Bunker.

“Fogarty stops in the line, Fifita brushes past him and scores the try. Surely that’s four points.

“He doesn’t deny Fogarty. Fogarty didn’t want to have anything to do with the ball, wasn’t even going to the ball! That is unbelievable. A real bonus for the Raiders.”

“Controversy on the stroke of halftime here in Canberra It was about to very likely 12 points all. David Fifita still shaking his head.”

That is quite simply the worst call of the year against the Titans...

Just diabolical... I defend the refs and bunker frequently... but that was absolutely diabolical!!!#NRLRaidersTitans

— Rob Cucvara (@LoftusVersfeld) July 1, 2023

That is a DISGRACEFUL decision. Wheeeeeeee. #NRLRaidersTitans

— Tim Barrow (@TheBarrow) July 1, 2023

Fogarty positions himself in front of Fifita and has no intention of trying to get the ball.. and Fifita is penalised.. what a joke! #NRLRaidersTitans on @abcsport

— Zane Bojack (@zanofc) July 1, 2023

That's a terrible call! Fogarty is deliberately trying to block Fifita. No way that's not a try #NRLRaidersTitans

— Michael Atkinson (@kinson88) July 1, 2023

Steve Roach said: “What’s he supposed to do? You can’t pull up going at that speed.

“I don’t even know if he pushed him. He turned his back on his back and stopped. I think that’s a try to Fifita. It’s not a full on shove is it.”

The no-try ruling robbed the Titans of momentum heading into halftime and proved a turning point in the game.

The Raiders are racking up the wins. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Canberra’s Matthew Timoko ran the length of the field early in the second half, with Titans players giving up the chase because they expected the play to have been stopped following a knock-on in the in-goal.

But it wasn’t and the Raiders extended their lead before the Titans made a late charge through tries to Khan-Pereira and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

Raiders forward Hudson Young scored in the 73rd minute to seal Canberra’s second win in a row to stay fifth on the NRL ladder, while the Titans are in ninth ruing what might have been.

Interim Titans coach Jim Lenihan said after the game: “It’s almost a silly situation where if David runs into the back of the Jamal and falls over, then we get the penalty.

“But because David tried to contest the ball and get people out of his way that are trying to stop him from getting to the ball, he gets penalised. In the big scheme of things, it had a major part to play.

“We invited bad luck into the room and let it dance. We’re working hard but we keep handicapping ourselves.”