Behind The Moment: Controversial Sharks-Cowboys bunker decision forced ex-NRL coach to switch to AFL

It was the bunker call so triggering a former NRL coach turned off the Cronulla-North Queensland semi-final in favour for the AFL. MICHAEL CARAYANNIS dissects the decision that changed the trajectory of the do-or-die clash.

About two minutes after the controversial penalty try call a former NRL coach shot through a frustrated message.

“I’ve just changed channels to the AFL,” the unprompted text message read. The fact that six points were given to the Sharks in a sudden death playoff “for a maybe he might have got there” is what triggered the ex-coach.

There was no doubt it was a big call to award the Cronulla’s Braydon Trindall a penalty try after just 13 minutes, But was it the right one?

It isn’t quite up there with Beau Ryan’s seventh tackle try against the Cowboys in 2013. Nor the Kieran Foran knock-on a year earlier to bundle the Cowboys out of finals contention against the Sea Eagles.

BEHIND THE MOMENT: WATCH MICHAEL CARAYANNIS’ ANALYSIS IN THE VIDEO ABOVE

But the Allianz Stadium curse for North Queensland continues.

This time it was North Queensland co-captain Reuben Cotter’s significant infringement which had to be punished. It left the match officials with two clear options – a no try but sin-bin Cotter – or give the Sharks six-points with Cotter staying on the field.

Referee Ashley Klein – in his 400th match – referred the decision to the bunker but on his recommendation he indicated that he would have awarded a penalty try.

Trindall was sublime in the moment which set the tone for an outstanding first half where he had a direct hand in the opening three tries.

In the first effort he touched the ball three times in the play before putting boot to ball. He was then brought down by Cotter well after the Sharks five-eighth kicked it but still 11 metres from the tryline.

The ball landed perfectly in the in-goal with Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater not in picture because he unsuccessfully tried to halt the play.

Tom Dearden was first to the bouncing ball after Trindall was illegally put down by Cotter.

Klein and video referee Wyatt Raymond had to determine if Trindall would have beaten Dearden to the ball. Raymond said he was comfortable with Klein’s on-field decision and wouldn’t overrule the veteran referee.

Braydon Trindall was Cronulla’s man of the moment.

Dearden’s presence though could have been enough to stop the ball and at the very least should have created enough on Trindall’s ability to score.

The call was huge. The Cowboys suddenly trailed by 12 before they touched the ball again with Trindall having a hand in Cameron McInnes’ try just two minutes later.

As for the former coach? He kept sending unsolicited AFL scores.

Originally published as Behind The Moment: Controversial Sharks-Cowboys bunker decision forced ex-NRL coach to switch to AFL