The NRL has confirmed what most fans already know – Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s controversial try for Melbourne against Penrith last Friday night should not have been awarded.
The concession was made by NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley this afternoon, admitting The Bunker got it wrong in allowing the first half try at Marvel Stadium – but he argues it was a very close call and there’s a technical argument to give it the green light.
The try was initially awarded by referee Adam Gee, before being referred to The Bunker. On viewing additional replays, Gerard Sutton confirmed Gee’s original decision and allowed the try.
It left fans and commentators dumbfounded as it appeared obvious the Storm prop had dropped the ball before scoring.
“Bit of luck going the way of Melbourne there.”
Nelson Asofa-Solomona gets over but was this a try? 🤔
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But Annesley argues it’s not as obvious as it seems.
“Whilst this is a really tight decision… I think if you show this… to most members of the general public, 99 per cent of people will say he’s dropped the ball,” Annesley said.
“And I think whilst you can mount a very technical argument that he hasn’t dropped the ball or he’s retained it after it was knocked out of his hands without it hitting the ground, my view is that the vast majority of punters would say that it’s knock-on, or a dropped ball and a loose carry.”
Annesley was loathed to be overly critical of Sutton’s call, saying it was a technical decision with various elements involved.
“I just don’t think it’s sellable publicly to say he hasn’t dropped the ball,” he said.
“I can fully understand how The Bunker arrived at this decision.”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.