A controversial decision to award a Dolphins try has been slammed, with two former greats believing the Bunker made a monumental error.
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Late in the first half of the Dolphins’ prelim final against the Roosters, winger Jamayne Isaako flew through the air and as his body was outside the field of play, placed the ball down in the corner.
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The try was awarded live but a look at the replay seemingly showed the ball touching the sideline as Isaako grounded it.
However, the Bunker surprisingly confirmed the four pointer, much to the shock of commentators Dan Ginnane and Greg Alexander.
“I’m going to say its touched the line,” Alexander said on Fox League.
“Despite going up to the Bunker, Ashley Klein reviewed the footage and stated there was not enough evidence to overturn the on-field decision.
“I’m not happy. That touched the paint.”
“I think you’re right,” Ginnane replied.
“Big decision. Its understandable they’ve gone with the on field decision.”
Only adding to the controversy will be the fact Ashley Klein was in the Bunker, having been demoted after the drama-filled ending to Newcastle’s win over the Warriors last week.
Klein came under fire for a number of calls in the final 10 minutes and while the Bunker also came under scrutiny, Klein’s decision not to penalise Tyson Frizell for blocking Warriors chasers in the final few minutes was particularly contentious.
Sideline reporter Jake Duke chipped in that the Roosters’ bench were “blowing up” over the call.
In the half time show, host Yvonne Sampson revealed the Bunker believed the ball was grounded inside the field of play before rolling out and contacting the paint.
However, former NRL star Michael Ennis wasn’t sold.
“The put down looked spectacular until we saw the replay. The Bunker has somehow found a try in that when the ball is touching the paint,” he said.
“As much as we want a close game and you admire the aerial acrobatics, it’s out.”