Roosters coach Trent Robinson has expressed his disbelief over an apparent officiating blunder during a “crucial moment” of his side’s 31-18 loss to the Sharks.
The Sharks jumped out to a handy 26-18 lead in the 58th minute when back rower Billy Burns crossed next to the posts. The try was awarded and confirmed shortly afterwards by the Bunker.
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer >
However, replays showed the hand of Spencer Leniu was clearly on Burns when the ball-carrying arm of the Sharks forward was on the ground, which constitutes a tackle.
It wasn’t picked up by the commentary team either, but Robinson noted in the Roosters post-match press conference that the try should have been overturned as Burns was tackled before scoring.
“I wanted to ask about the try under the posts with his elbow on the ground and Spencer’s and on him. Was that commented on at all?” Robinson asked the media contingent.
“It was really clear. It was a really clear touch there.
“It was a very critical time. I think we had three six agains against us there as well.
“It was really clear. I don’t understand why it wasn’t overturned.”
Robbo slams referee calls after defeat | 04:45
MORE NRL NEWS
‘COMPLETELY DISAGREE’: Johns brothers split on Ponga amid Joey’s O’Brien claim
‘WHY WOULDN’T I?’: Shock reveal over Warriors star’s links to rebel league
‘WHERE DID YOU CRY?’: Fletch’s brutal Hindy sledge as he relives Eels heartbreak
A journalist then asked Roosters skipper James Tedesco what the referee said on the field during the moment.
“That one the ref just said he slipped off the tackle. I said he had a hand on him while he was on the ground,” Tedesco explained.
While disappointed over that particular decision, Robinson was far more perturbed at his side’s lack of physicality.
“We got beaten physically,” Robinson said.
“We lacked the physical presence and then lacked the cohesion to go and nail the points needed.
“I thought our skill was poor tonight and I thought our catch was poor. We’re a pretty flowing team when it comes to our movement, but it was really stop-start and the skill level cost us a lot in a lot of areas.”
The potential double movement wasn’t the only dubious call in the passage of play prior to the Burns try.
A couple of tackles earlier, Sharks lock Cam McInnes bobbled a ball while trying to pick it up, which was swiftly deemed a knock back by on field referee Todd Smith.
Fox League’s Andrew Voss believes McInnes knocked it forward though.
“I would be prepared to say McInnes has knocked that on,” Voss said.
“I know he’s facing his own goal line but you can probably say he knocked that towards the Roosters line.”
“All we want is consistency,” NRL great Shaun Johnson added.
