'Lost the plot': Unbelievable 'howler' that's stunned NRL world
Referees are back in the spotlight in the NRL after what appeared to be a blatant knock-on was ignored during a Roosters try.
The reigning premiers reignited their season on Saturday with a 48-10 thumping of fellow top four fancies Newcastle.
After spluttering through much of the representative period and winning just two of their previous seven games, Trent Robinson's side hit full flight on a sunny winter afternoon at the SCG.
However their final try came with plenty of controversy after Nat Butcher appeared to knock on before racing away to score.
Butcher goes for a run 🔥#NRLRoostersKnights#TelstraPremiership pic.twitter.com/cjlx8mvUgt
— NRL (@NRL) July 20, 2019
Referee Ashley Klein sent it to the Bunker as a try and it was allowed to stand, leaving Braith Anasta gobsmacked in commentary.
“That had to be a knock-on,” he said.
“Come on please. If that is not a knock-on what is? That’s got to be. He runs away for a nice try, but that is a knock-on.
“I’m done, see you guys. I’m done.”
Co-commentator Dan Ginnane said: “I don’t think there is a Roosters fan that would complain if that was a knock-on instantly.”
And there were plenty of fans who agreed.
Refs have lost the plot. The Bunker looks for ways to justify on field call. That’s a knock on #NRLRoostersKnights
— The Angry Fan (@AngryFan19) July 20, 2019
Wow. Just think... blokes who are supposed to be experts actually sat there, watched that knock on and said “Yeah, that’s a try”. Just, wow.#NRLRoostersKnights
— Matt Attard (@mattard90) July 20, 2019
And that’s why I’ve given up on the NRL .. knock on every other time !!!
Where’s the consistency? #NRLRoostersKnights— Harry Butler 🇦🇺 (@wildharry33) July 20, 2019
What about that howler from Klein on the Butcher try. Knock on, apparently not.
— TheRealNeville (@RedV111) July 20, 2019
That Butcher try was a bit dodgy. I agree...😜 😆
— Jarrod Blank (@OrbitalGoat) July 20, 2019
Nat Butcher knocked on for his try!!
— Mark Grace (@mgrace) July 20, 2019
74' TRY ROOSTERS!
Nat Butcher has taken advantage of the Knights stopping after the ref didn't blow his whistle for a knock on from a kick contest.
A controversial decision by The Bunker there, surely that was knocked on.
Roosters 40-10 Knights#NRLRoostersKnights— NothingButLeague 🏟️ rugby league website 🏉 (@NothingButRL) July 20, 2019
Roosters lose Jake Friend
The game was the Roosters' first since round one in which they fielded their first-choice spine of Jake Friend, James Tedesco, Luke Keary and Cooper Cronk.
But they were struck a huge blow in just the eighth minute when Friend left the field with a suspected forearm injury and did not return.
Friend was in just his second game back from a ruptured biceps and has been restricted to just five games this year.
Tedesco finished with 262 metres, one try, 10 tackle busts and two linebreaks in a hands-down victory over rival No.1 Kalyn Ponga.
with AAP