NRL has reportedly admitted a referee blunder that robbed the Sharks of a chance at victory themselves

It was the golden point victory that helped Wests Tigers put a tumultuous fortnight behind them.

 

Now the NRL has reportedly admitted a referee blunder that robbed the Sharks of a chance at victory themselves

 

 

 

**Wests Tigers Secure Golden Point Victory Amidst Controversy**

In a dramatic NRL clash, the Wests Tigers edged out the Cronulla Sharks in a golden point thriller, a match that has since been overshadowed by a contentious referee decision. The game, which ended 21–20 in favor of the Tigers, was marred by a controversial sin-binning of Tigers prop Fonua Pole, a decision that led to widespread criticism from fans, players, and commentators alike.([The Australian][1])

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### The Controversial Sin-Bin Incident

The turning point of the match occurred when Fonua Pole was sent to the sin bin for what was deemed a high tackle. However, many observers felt the decision was harsh, especially given the context of the game. Andrew Johns, a former NRL star and current commentator, expressed his disapproval by dropping his microphone in protest during the live broadcast, labeling the decision an “absolute farce” .([The Australian][1])

Johns’ protest highlighted the growing frustration among the rugby league community regarding inconsistent officiating. The sin-binning came amid a broader crackdown on high tackles, with 18 players being sent to the sin bin across the round, many for questionable infractions. This inconsistency has raised concerns about the clarity and application of the rules.([The Australian][1])

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### NRL’s Response to the Incident

Following the uproar, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo acknowledged that the Bunker had overstepped its role, contributing to inconsistent officiating. He emphasized the need for clearer guidelines on acceptable tackling techniques to maintain the sport’s integrity .([The Australian][1])

Despite the controversy, the Tigers managed to hold on to their lead, with Jahream Bula scoring a crucial try and Adam Doueihi converting a penalty goal in the dying minutes. The Sharks mounted a late comeback, but a try from Hamish Stewart was not enough to secure the win.([Nine][2])

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### The Aftermath and Ongoing Debate

The debate over the sin-binning decision continues to dominate discussions in the rugby league community. Many believe that the Tigers’ victory was tainted by the controversial call, while others argue that the Sharks had ample opportunities to win the game despite the setback.

As the NRL heads into the final rounds of the season, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the significant impact that officiating decisions can have on the outcome of matches. The league faces the challenge of ensuring consistency and fairness in its officiating to uphold the integrity of the sport.

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The Wests Tigers’ thrilling golden point victory over the Cronulla Sharks has helped them move past a tumultuous fortnight. However, the Sharks are still reeling from a referee blunder that could have changed the game’s outcome.

Referee Blunder Details
– *Incorrect Call*: The NRL has admitted that referee Grant Atkins and Bunker official Liam Kennedy missed a blatant penalty against Wests Tigers forward Alex Seyfarth, who was clearly offside when he charged down Nicho Hynes’ potential match-winning field goal attempt in the 82nd minute.
– *Impact on the Game*: If the penalty had been called, the Sharks would have had a chance to kick at goal from 10 meters out right in front, potentially altering the game’s outcome. The Tigers ultimately won 20-18 after Sharks prop Tom Hazelton was penalized for stripping in the 89th minute.

Consequences for the Referees
– *Liam Kennedy*: Kennedy has lost his Bunker role for the upcoming Magic Round but will referee Saturday’s South Sydney vs Newcastle fixture.
– *Grant Atkins*: Atkins will referee Friday night’s Roosters vs Dolphins match at Suncorp Stadium and serve as backup for Bunker duties on Sunday when the Storm take on Canberra ¹.

 

 

**Wests Tigers Secure Golden Point Victory Amidst Referee Controversy**

In a dramatic NRL clash, the Wests Tigers edged out the Cronulla Sharks in a golden point thriller, securing a 20–18 victory. However, the match was marred by a controversial refereeing decision that has since been acknowledged by the NRL.

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### A Thrilling Golden Point Finish

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams displaying resilience and determination. As the clock wound down, the Tigers managed to capitalize on a penalty in the extra period, allowing them to slot a field goal and clinch the win. The crowd erupted as the Tigers celebrated their hard-fought victory.

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### The Controversial Referee Decision

Despite the Tigers’ triumph, the match’s outcome was overshadowed by a contentious refereeing error. In the dying minutes of regular time, the Sharks were denied a potential match-winning field goal opportunity due to a miscounted tackle. Referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adams mistakenly raised his arm to signal the sixth tackle after only the fourth, cutting short the Sharks’ attacking set. This premature call led to a turnover and deprived the Sharks of a final chance to secure victory. ([FOX SPORTS][1])

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### NRL Acknowledges the Mistake

Following the match, the NRL admitted to the error, acknowledging that the premature tackle count signal was a mistake. The league expressed regret over the incident and assured that measures would be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. This admission has sparked discussions about the consistency and accuracy of officiating in the NRL.

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### Implications for the Sharks

The referee’s blunder has significant implications for the Sharks, who were in a tight race for a playoff spot. Had they been awarded the opportunity to attempt a field goal, the outcome could have been different, potentially altering their position in the standings. The incident has led to frustration among players, coaching staff, and fans, who feel that the error unfairly impacted the game’s result.

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### Moving Forward

As the NRL continues to address officiating standards, this incident serves as a reminder of the human element in refereeing and the potential consequences of errors. While the Tigers’ victory stands, the Sharks’ grievance underscores the need for ongoing improvements in match officiating to ensure fairness and accuracy in the sport.

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