'That's what footy is': Reds coach left biting his tongue after controversial call in loss against Chiefs
The Queensland Reds' aspirations for a home qualifying final have effectively evaporated following a controversial 31-21 loss to the Chiefs.
The scoreboard favoured the visitors and the narrative at Suncorp Stadium was dominated by the whistle, leaving the Queensland faithful and coaching staff reeling from a string of divisive calls.
After the game, coach Les Kiss almost stopped Reds captain Fraser McReight from fronting media in a bid to protect him from questions regarding the officiating.
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McReight was visibly frustrated but chose his words carefully when speaking to Stan Sport.
Reds coach Les Kiss at Suncorp Stadium. Getty
"There were some tough ones out there tonight for sure," Reds captain Fraser McReight told Stan Sport.
"I felt there were definitely some calls that could have gone both ways.
"I thought we dug in really well. We came back from some really tough minutes there.
"It's a tough one to swallow."
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Queensland Reds' supporters were left disappointed. Getty
The whistle went against Queensland for the duration of the contest, but a late penalty for an "incorrect entry" at the breakdown served as the final nail in the coffin.
"I just think the clear message was for Fraze to chat to him (the referee). I feel for Fraze tonight," said Kiss.
"I was reluctant to let him go in front of the media to tell you the truth, just to protect him. But he created the conversations in a good manner. We heard that on the mics.
"That's there for someone else to interpret. But I'm bloody proud of the boys. They dug in, 14 men, we saw a try, thought we just stayed at it.
"And we'll own what we have to own, that's for sure. That's what footy is."
Coach Les Kiss of the Reds chose his words carefully in his post-game interview. Getty
The drama centred on the officiating booth as Reds players were left fuming when Chiefs fullback Isaac Hutchinson was initially awarded a 34th-minute try despite a series of obvious knock-ons in the lead-up.
When TMO Glenn Newman finally reviewed the play, three separate knock-ons were identified. This drew laughter from the crowd as each fumble played out on the big screen.
The controversy peaked after the halftime siren when Reds' Seru Uru was denied what appeared to be a legitimate try.
It was deemed Uru was held up, a decision seemingly made after viewing a single, obscured angle.
Seconds later, a different broadcast angle appeared to show Uru grounding the ball clearly. While Reds players pointed frantically at the big screen, their pleas fell on deaf ears.
"I thought it was a try. I walked straight down from the coach's box," Kiss further admitted.
"It was the only one they really reviewed, wasn't it? It wasn't a try perhaps, so that's what happens."
The Reds must regroup before they play Zac Lomax's Western Force on May 16 under the lights in Perth.
