'Ridiculously harsh' Bunker call leaves Phil Gould bemused as Roosters soar against the Dolphins

A late surging threat from their rivals and a denied try by the Bunker was not enough to rattle the Roosters as the Tricolours powered to a 10-point win over the Dolphins.

A total of seven players combined to flick the ball across the field and send Zack Dockar-Clay over but the sensational team effort was denied by the Bunker.

It all started with a high bomb from the Sydneysiders before the loose ball was flicked back into play from the sideline by Mark Nawaqanitawase.

READ MORE: Moses leaves ref stumped after controversial penalty

READ MORE: 'Past it' Beale makes ex-All Black eat humble pie

READ MORE: Halves clash in fiery exchange with Sharks star on report

The Dolphins scrambling defence then turned their attention to Dockar-Clay as he battled off three defenders from close range to storm over and score.

"That's not a try, that's a magic trick," caller Peter Psaltis said on Nine.

"The Roosters score tries that no other team scores. I don't know how they do it," Phil Gould added.

The try-scoring celebrations were quickly brought to an end as a grounding review was called by the Bunker.

A video replay left Nine's commentary concerned as it appeared the ball had been held up by Dockar-Clay's own arm before it was dropped and then regained.

"It's not 100 per cent convincing... but it's more a try than not a try," Gould said as the review was occurring.

"They've got to have significant evidence to overturn this," Billy Slater added.

But senior review official Kasey Badger then confirmed the no try decision.

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

"That is ridiculously harsh," Gould said.

"That is a try in every grade of football in the world. The only place it's not a try is in the NRL.

"That would have been on highlight reels for the rest of the season."

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow followed the call with his own individual brilliance as he darted over and put the first points on the board for his team as they trailed 14-6.

It was only a matter of time until the Roosters try-scoring blitz continued with Nawaqanitawase and Radley crossing for their second before Connor Watson pounced.

Still, the Dolphins were not ready to go down without a fight as Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth and Kodi Nikorima darted over to narrow the margin to 10 with five minutes remaining.

"Funny game, rugby league," Gould said.

The trios efforts were not enough to change the result of the match, with the Roosters holding on to claim a 36-26 victory.

Earlier, Roberto Toia opened the scoring for the Sydneysiders as his fancy footwork saw him speed pass Nikorima, Tabuai-Fidow and Jack Bostock to score.

Radley followed minutes later courtesy of some magic playmaking skills by Dockar-Clay.

Nawaqanitawase then dazzled down the sideline as he tiptoed into goal to put the ball down in style.

"If he got this down he's a freak. I can't believe he's got this down," Gould said.

"Wow that is brilliant."

Next week the Roosters have the bye, while the Dolphins play the Eels.