LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Eels fans are in for a rough time as Graham Annesley steps up to defend the officials involved in a contentious game in Newcastle.
The controversial Bunker calls during the clash between the Knights and the Eels have left many fans feeling aggrieved, with two potential tries from Maika Sivo and Blaize Talagi being disallowed.
Despite the Eels going down 34-26 to the Knights, Annesley has stood by the decisions made by the officials.
He even supported the ruling that allowed the hosts to score a try, despite Clint Gutherson being obstructed by the referee during a crucial play.
The tensest moment of the game occurred in the second half when Talagi believed he had secured his third try.
However, the referee judged that he had not grounded the ball properly and had knocked it on in the process.
Annesley clarified the ruling, stating that the ball was initially placed short of the try line, and even if there was some doubt about separation, the ball rolling across the line with the arm did not constitute a valid try.
The game in Newcastle was rife with controversy, but Annesley's defense of the officials reminds us that the decisions made on the field are final.
In the unpredictable world of Rugby League, sometimes the calls just don't go your way.