The World Club Challenge has been marred in controversy with several key refereeing decisions in the spotlight after Wigan’s 16-12 win over Penrith at DW Stadium.
The Warriors’ victory will forever be remembered for a number of howlers that left fans bewildered.
In the 52nd minute, the referee and video referee awarded what would ultimately be the winning try to Wigan’s Jake Wardle.
A bit of a controversial one…was this a try? 🤔
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🔢 MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/zVaZj727PM pic.twitter.com/QTCn6wh5ay— Fox League (@FOXNRL) February 24, 2024
But replays showed that only did Wardle promote the ball after being tackled, he never made it to the line.
Then, Liam Martin was penalised for a one-on-one strip that would have put Penrith right on the attack at a crucial stage of the game.
It was an extraordinary decision with replays showing it was an age between other defenders dropping off the tackle and Martin taking the ball.
Well, we thought we might have a good game without the nonsense rules and unfortunately we’ve witnessed one of the worst refereeing decisions of all time
— Mike Hughes (@mike96hughes) February 24, 2024
The icing on the controversy cake came in the final play of the game when Taylan May appeared to cross in the corner to level the match at the death.
But the on-field referee sent it up as ‘no try’ and the video referee couldn’t find conclusive evidence to overturn the decision. On the balance of probabilities, May got the ball down.
Fox League commentator Braith Anasta declared the match was “riddled with controversy”.
“There was three or four moments in that game that proved pivotal,” Anasta said.
“The referee wasn’t on their side tonight.”
Former NRL and Super League star James Graham said: “No doubt the refereeing decisions will be scrutinised”, but credited Wigan’s stoic defence.
On the Martin strip, Graham said: “It was the wrong decision and it didn’t need to be.”
How did not one bit of that ball touch the ground? Of course the ref sends it up no try.. absolute shambles. #WorldClubChallenge
— Rugby League News (@RugbyLeagueNews) February 24, 2024
Earlier, Penrith struggled with last tackle options and couldn’t win the possession battle.
Tries to Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards saw them take a 12-10 lead into half-time but a huge crowd of more than 24,000 spurred the Warriors on in the second half.
The loss means Penrith are yet to win a World Club Challenge.
Ya gotta beat more than the 17 in Wigan jerseys! 3 shocking decisions from the dude in the blue shirt wearing a balaclava 👀
— Mark Geyer (@markMGgeyer) February 24, 2024
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.
