'Night to forget' for Melbourne Storm star as two costly penalties lead to golden point loss against Raiders
The Canberra Raiders have completed a sensational golden point comeback in controversial circumstances after Melbourne were cruelled by a number of costly penalties.
With five minutes left in regular time, the Storm led 18-12 and it looked like Ryan Papenhuyzen had slotted a field goal to put the result beyond doubt.
However, referee Gerard Sutton checked with the Bunker on Trent Loiero's contact with Raiders prop Joseph Tapine in the play the ball beforehand.
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Loiero was penalised and put on report for an elbow to the head, ruling the field goal out.
Trent Loiero's elbow on Joseph Tapine. Nine
"That's a massive call," Kevin Walters said on Fox League.
Moments later, Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes executed a brilliant chip and chase to level it up and send the match into golden point.
There was more controversy ahead too.
The first came late in the Storm's tackle count when Hudson Young was penalised for a second effort on Sua Fa'alago who wasn't tackled out.
"I'm not sure about that one," Walters said.
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But then the Bunker intervened and the decision was changed to a different penalty for late contact.
Melbourne had prime field position when Stefano Utoikamanu ran the ball near the posts.
However, he came together with Tom Starling during the play the ball with both sides running in.
Stefano Utoikamanu and Tom Starling. Fox League
Utoikamanu was penalised and sent to the sin bin, along with Josh Papalii for running in.
Then just before half time of golden point, Loiero was penalised again for a high shot on Hudson Young.
"Night to forget for the Melbourne lock forward," Warren Smith said on Fox.
Trent Loiero's high shot. Fox League
Jamal Fogarty then just had to kick the penalty goal from in front, which he did, delivering a win for the Raiders and sending the club's fans into raptures.
"Amazing scenes," Walters said.
