Klein under the pump again after two contentious Bunker calls
Leading referee Ashley Klein is under the pump again after multiple controversial Bunker decisions in the Roosters′ 36-20 preliminary final victory over the Dolphins.
Klein was axed from the prelims after some incorrect decisions during the dying stages of the Warriors and Knights semi final last weekend.
Jamayne Isaako scores in the corner. Nine
That match had five successful captain’s challenges and a costly escort decision that wasn’t called a penalty against Tyson Frizell right on full-time.
Klein was demoted to the Bunker for the Suncorp Stadium clash and came into play during the first half when Jamayne Isaako crossed in the corner.
Isaako’s effort looked to have touched the sideline simultaneously with the green grass but was ruled a try and needed conclusive evidence to be overturned.
Extensive looks followed from the Bunker which led to the try being confirmed.
Billy Slater was happy for it to remain a try, but Cameron Smith saw it differently.
“Looked like it was on the paint to me,” he said on Nine.
In the second half, the Bunker came into action again when Robert Toia scored after the half-time break.
Daly Cherry-Evans was rushed in the last tackle and kicked to the corner for Mark Nawaqanitawase, who found himself in open space.
Dolphins defenders Herbie Farnworth and Selwyn Cobbo committed the cardinal sin of giving the Roosters star time and space on the 20-metre line.
Nawaqanitawase ran forward 10 metres and passed overhead inside as Farnworth started to take him out. Toia picked up the ball, which looked suspiciously forward, and dragged four defenders with him over the line to score.
The try was awarded by referee Adam Gee which meant the Bunker couldn’t rule on the pass. Whether Nawaqanitawase was in the field of play when he passed became the contentious point.
“I think the heel hits the touchline,” Slater said.
Mark Nawaqanitawase’s offload to Robert Toia. Nine
The Bunker then cleared the try with caller Peter Psaltis saying “it’s a game of millimetres”.
The strong Dolphins crowd chanted “bullshit” very loudly after that decision. Toia’s try put the Roosters ahead 22-10.
The visitors raced away with the win from there to book their first grand final appearance since the 2019 premiership.
