The spotlight has once again turned to the NRL's contentious disruptor rule following the Sydney Roosters' impressive 34-22 comeback victory over Cronulla in Perth.
Finding themselves trailing 16-0 within the first 16 minutes, the Roosters rallied with Daly Cherry-Evans netting two tries and Mark Nawaqanitawase showcasing his athletic prowess.
This win represented the Roosters' first consecutive victories this season, a significant achievement after a rocky start where defensive issues were prevalent.
However, much of the conversation at Optus Stadium revolved around a crucial instance involving the disruptor rule that nearly derailed the Roosters' chances.
Robert Toia's potential try was disallowed when the bunker determined he interfered with Sam Stonestreet's arm while contesting a high ball, occurring just moments before the Sharks winger dropped the catch.
This decision led to a significant 12-point shift as the Sharks capitalized on the penalty, advancing the ball before Tom Hazelton scored following two set restarts.
Cooper Cronk, a former Rooster, voiced sharp criticism of the decision during the Fox commentary, arguing that the NRL is "rewarding mediocrity" when an elite player fails to make a catch.
In recent weeks, the disruptor rule has sparked considerable debate within the league, especially after a similar situation where Brisbane lost a try against North Queensland on Friday.
The NRL typically provides explanations for their contentious rulings via weekly briefings from head of football Graham Annesley, shedding light on the indicators that guide these decisions.