Two Huge Bunker Controversies Leave Newcastle Knights Fans Fuming
Viewers watching from home were absolutely raging – and understandably so.
Footy fans were left scratching their heads in bewilderment last night, after the NRL bunker made not one, but two mind-blowing decisions to derail the Newcastle Knights chances during their 36-12 loss against the Brisbane Broncos.
In the 35th minute of the match, with the scores levelled at 6-6, Knights centre Dane Gagai looked to have crossed four a four pointer and give his team a lead going into the break. Referee **, giving his opinion that it was a try, sent it upstairs to the bunker for approval.
Despite the vision showing Gagai losing possession of the ball, he clearly regathers it in time to stamp it down clean, but the bunker saw it as a knock on and ruled it a 'No Try'.
The home fans were shocked their team had been denied, along with Fox Commentator Michael Ennis.
"That's ridiculous. (Gagai) can't believe it, gee that's a bad call. I don't like that one at all," exclaimed Ennis.
"We just do everything we can to try and find ways to try and take tries off you these days. Gee it's frustrating."
Even Broncos fan couldn't believe the decision:
But the worst was yet to come, with one of the most horrible bunker blunders so far this season.
With ten minutes left on the clock, the Broncos lead 14-12 but the Knights were very much still in the fight. With the ball in his hands, Fullback Te Maire Matin runs behind teammate Jordan Riki, impeding Newcastle halfback Adam Clune from making a tackle. Selwyn Cobbo ends up with the ball and streaks away for a try. It was once again sent upstairs to be checked, with everyone expecting it be rejected - but ended up getting the green light.
Once again everyone was in disbelief, including Channel Nine commentator Brad Fittler.
"A lot of times when they do catch on the inside, it doesn't impede," he said.
"This time you can clearly see Clune has Riki right in front of him, so he couldn't see what Te Maire Martin was doing with the ball.
"That is a bad call. A bad call."
Once again, fans on Twitter agreed:
The Knights just couldn't regroup from the bad calls and the Broncos streaked away for the win.
From someone who was such a fan of the Bunker when it was first introduced, it keeps doing all it can to push me to side with the majority of fans that believe it is doing more harm than good.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/Fox LeagueTopics: Rugby League, nrl, Australia, Newcastle Knights
Danielle Smith