'F***ing filthy': Uproar over 'staggering' NRL controversy
Canterbury Bulldogs fans were left perplexed when Rabbitohs winger Jaxson Paulo snuck in a try in the corner, despite his foot touching the sideline, in their 26-16 Thursday night victory.
Ashley Klein awarded the try in the 33rd minute on the advice of touch judge Phil Henderson, who missed the error despite standing in perfect position.
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The Bulldogs were leading 20-0 at the time but, despite leaking another two tries, they managed to hold on to stun the sixth-placed Souths.
Despite the Bulldogs holding on for the win, it didn’t stop NRL fans questioning why the try wasn’t sent upstairs to the bunker.
Furthermore, some fans questioned why the bunker couldn’t retrospectively rule a no-try even if it wasn’t sent up stairs.
Okay I am going to be as calm as possible but... I AM SO SO FKN FILTHY AT THAT. THEY CHECK EVERYTHING ELSE FFS. #NRLSouthsBulldogs
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) September 17, 2020
Grrrrr the one time they don't go to the bunker this season!!! #NRLSouthsBulldogs #NRL
— Bernie Coen (@berniecoen) September 17, 2020
Staggering. Refs refer blatant tries to the Bunker all season long and then they decide to back themselves when the decision was actually worth a second look and get it wrong. Don’t even know what to say. #NRLSouthsBulldogs #NRL
— Jack Colwill (@JSKColwill) September 17, 2020
Can someone please explain why the @NRLBunker can change a decision on restarts without being asked, but is not allowed to disallow a try when they had plenty of time to do so? Anyone? #NRLSouthsBulldogs
— Brad Tallon (@oz_bat) September 17, 2020
Its funny how any other time the ref would go to the bunker even if the touch judge said it's a try 🤔 @NRL https://t.co/FaUi5FwQA6
— ÐξЯ†УÐØĠ (@Dertydog_Games) September 18, 2020
Wayne Bennett slams Rabbitohs attitude
Coach Wayne Bennett accused his players of having an attitude problem that needs fixing.
"In this game, if you underestimate your opponent and don't have enough respect for them you find yourself in that situation," he said.
"I can't tell you what's in their brains, I wish I could, it would make it a lot easier for me as a coach.
"The indications would be that they thought it was going to be a bit easier than what it was."
It was a big warning sign for the side who are losing their grip on a home final in week one of the play offs.
The Rabbitohs play Sydney Roosters on Friday week and will need a win to have a chance for a home ground advantage.
"The first thing is to be in the finals and then after that where you play is where you play," Bennett said.
"We've still got a game to go, we've got the Roosters, we're not going to be able to match it with them if we played like we did tonight.
"That's our challenge to get ourselves back somewhere we know we can play at and not dish up what we dished up here tonight."
With AAP