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The incident from Thursday's game which Corey Oates wanted to challenge.Source: Supplied

‘You won’t win it’: Ref heard telling Broncos NOT to challenge controversial call

The resumption of the NRL was a resounding success on Thursday night as the Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels played out a free-flowing game at Suncorp Stadium.

The new six-again rule for ruck infringements was the big winner of the night while it also saw one referee take charge for the first time.

One rule introduced prior to the shutdown of the competition which had also caused debate was the captain’s challenge.

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Sutton: You won't win it
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What was not picked up by most fans at home was an incident during the second half where referee Gerard Sutton appears to tell Broncos winger Corey Oates not to challenge a call.

It happened after Oates looked to shepherd the ball dead off a pinpoint Parramatta kick only for Waqa Blake to place pressure on him.

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Corey Oates believe the incident was worth challenging. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

However, the whistle was blown for the goal line drop out as Sutton said: “It’s already been looked at. You won’t win it.”

While Oates may have lost the challenge, the potential problem is the intervention from the referee as the intended purpose of the new rule was to put the onus on the players to make decisions in the heat of the moment.

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In this case, it instead appears that Sutton is interfering in the process - one that is intended to be independent and not influenced in any way by the officials.

What Smith made of solo ref
1:10

Fox League commentator Greg Alexander, upon watching the replay of the incident live, said that Oates had a case when it came to challenging the call.

“I don’t know, I think Waqa Blake’s effort to push him in the back was the reason it came off his leg,” he said.

The Eels were ahead 16-6 when the decision was made and went on to win comfortably 34-6.