‘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.
Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership, returning Thursday 28th May. Watch every game Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
0:32
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.
MORE NRL NEWS
CAM SMITH PLAYS HIS 63RD SEASON: Fletch and Hindy time travel to 2060
UNTESTED COMBOS, PROVEN PLAYMAKERS: NRL’s halves pairings ranked
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.
MORE NRL NEWS
THAT DIDN’T TAKE LONG! Eels score off back-to-back ‘six again’ penalties
‘NEXT QUESTION, MATE’: Grumpy Bennett snaps at Walker talk
REVEALED: ASADA took urine and blood from Xerri after Sharks tip-off
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.
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.