The Roosters have been awarded a controversial penalty try early in their game against the Raiders, which they lead 12-6 after 25 minutes.
Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary chased down a Sam Walker grubber and appeared to score but knocked the ball on when trying to ground it.
However, Raiders lock Morgan Smithies was ruled to have made contact with Keary as he was chasing the grubber through, which according to the Bunker, affected Keary’s ability to score the try. This was despite Keary clearly getting to the ball first anyway.
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Fox League’s Greg Alexander believed the decision was a strange one.
“He was the only one near the ball. I don’t think it [Smithies’ actions] did [affect Keary’s attempt at grounding the ball],” Alexander said.
“He barely grazes him. I don’t think it affects anything that happens after he just grabs him by the arm slightly. He quickly got himself back on track running square to the ball, it didn’t have any impact on him.
Matt Russell added: “Canberra Raiders fans are saying how did that affect the way Luke tried to ground the ball?”
Elliott Whitehead tried to argue on the field that Keary “dropped it”, supporting Alexander’s claim that you could not be sure the five-eighth would have even scored if he ran unimpeded to the ball.
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MATCH PREVIEW
Joseph Tapine will celebrate his 200th NRL game when the Raiders host the Roosters in front of what’s expected to be a packed GIO Stadium.
The Raiders are chasing three wins on the trot after escaping with narrow — yet gutsy victories — in their last two games.
They’ll be buoyed by the special occasion for their star prop Tapine, who was crowned the club’s Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023.
But will be without veteran Josh Papali’i, who is sideline through a suspension. That opens the door for Peter Hola to join the 17 after an impressive start to the season in New South Wales Cup.
The Roosters will be looking to get back into the winner’s circle after going down to the Sharks in Magic Round.
They welcome back superstar centre Joseph Manu from a head knock though in a timely boost. Connor Watson is out due to a throat injury and is replaced by fellow utility Sandon Smith on the bench.
Source Agencies
