LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a recent match, Storm duo Trent Loiero and Stefano Utoikamanu have avoided charges from the match review committee despite receiving penalties during their controversial loss to the Raiders.
Loiero faced penalties for a high shot in golden point and foul play that cost his team a field goal.
Utoikamanu was sin-binned for his involvement in a melee that affected the Storm's possession during extra time.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy acknowledged the need for more discipline from his players at critical moments, but the absence of charges against Loiero and Utoikamanu supports public sentiment that the Storm were unfairly treated as the match progressed.
Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen expressed his frustration with the officiating, stating, "he's gonna be on report for that and watch him get off it." The conclusion of the match raised concerns, yet reports indicate that the crackdown observed in Round 8 has eased, with charges in Brisbane dropping by half compared to the previous week.
There were worries that Magic Round might be adversely affected by bunker interventions; however, officials reaffirmed their commitment to adjusting the threshold for video referee involvement.