MRC Weighs In on Raiders Forward After Disputed Game-Changing Penalty

In a pivotal match, two Canberra Raiders forwards found themselves on report during their 30-22 defeat to the Dolphins in Canberra on Thursday, yet neither faced any penalties.

Referee intervention saw Morgan Smithies penalized after an incident involving Ray Stone; during a scrum, Smithies received a penalty for elbows directed at Stone, who was on the ground.

The crowd at GIO Stadium reacted with disbelief as the penalty was awarded, allowing the Dolphins to convert the goal and secure an eight-point advantage. This decision proved to be detrimental to the Raiders, preventing them from closing the gap to just one try.

Despite the significance of the call, it did not result in any severe repercussions for the English international.

Meanwhile, Corey Horsburgh also appeared on report, facing a shoulder charge infraction against Dolphins forward Kurt Donoghoe in the 74th minute and subsequently receiving a penalty for dissent shortly thereafter.

Horsburgh had an impactful game for the Raiders, notably scoring a remarkable try after seizing the ball off the goalposts early in the match.

Both Smithies and Horsburgh will not be referred to the MRC, meaning the matter concludes on the field in Canberra without further action.