LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a stunning turn of events during last Friday's match between the Roosters and Penrith, coach Trent Robinson found himself on the receiving end of a controversial forward pass call that ultimately cost his team a crucial try.
The NRL's football chief, Graham Annesley, has weighed in on the decision, throwing his support behind referee Ashley Klein's ruling.
Despite the broadcast view suggesting that Sydney Roosters player Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's no try may not have been a forward pass, Annesley defended Klein's judgement, noting that the referee had the perfect vantage point to make the call.
The Roosters were left seething at the decision, as it came at a pivotal moment in the game with the Panthers leading 24-10 and only 18 minutes remaining.
As the Roosters made a promising break down the left side, their center was primed to score a much-needed try, only for Klein's whistle to halt their momentum.
Robinson expressed his disbelief at the call, stating, "I didn't think it was forward, I don't think anyone thought it was forward except for the ref.
Looking at the replays and the angle of the pass, that was a big call at that moment, and you can't get that wrong."
In a game where split-second decisions can make or break a team's fate, the Roosters found themselves on the wrong end of a contentious call that may have altered the course of the match.
While the outcome may have left fans and players alike feeling disheartened, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Rugby League and the importance of accepting the referee's decisions, no matter how controversial they may be.