The LA Roosters faced elimination from the Vegas 9s men's tournament under contentious circumstances for the second consecutive year, as a player from their rival team remained down during the final moments of their semi-final match.
Trailing United Sporting Club - which included notable players like David Fifita, the twin of former NSW prop Andrew Fifita, and Curtis Scott - by a score of 16-14 with less than two minutes left, a United player went to the ground, claiming a knee injury.
Competition regulations stipulate that no stoppages occur during play, even in cases of serious injury, as each half lasts only nine minutes.
Sources familiar with the situation, although not authorized to speak publicly, revealed that the Roosters were incensed when the United player abruptly stood and played the ball as the match reached full-time, having remained down for approximately 90 seconds. This delay effectively thwarted the Roosters' opportunity for a potential late-game offensive.