Were the Tigers robbed?

A look into a historic Sunday in the NRL

F. A. Loxton

WITH TWO TRIES IN THE LAST 6 MINUTES, an inspired West Tigers side looked to manage their third upset for the season. However, the events which followed were truly remarkable. Firstly, the bunker stopped the clock as Adam Doueihi sought to convert the try, leaving 5 seconds for the Queensland Cowboys to kickoff. But most significantly, as the Cowboys kicked off, a captain’s challenge prompted Ashley Klein, the third umpire, to penalize Asu Kepaoa who allegedly ran Kyle Feldt off the ball. Following the penalty, Valentine Holmes kicked the winning penalty goal – and in what was described as “an outrageous decision,” the Cowboys were made victorious.

However, with many stakeholders in talks about the officiating of the game, the Tigers have told the NRL they want the two points and are willing to “explore all options.” Furthermore, questions remain around why the Cowboys were allowed to challenge the decision when there wasn’t a stoppage to play. So, why was the captain’s challenge allowed? And for what reason was the penalty awarded? – Given Kepaoa was simply running towards the ball.

Firstly, formal NRL statements have revealed that although the referee had blown his whistle to stop the game after the final tackle, he had not yet called full-time. And, due to the stoppage in play, the captain’s challenge made by Townsend was permissible. However, within the circumstances of the game, why was the penalty awarded?

Ashley Klein, the third umpire for the game, labeled Asu Kepaoa’s actions as running Kyle Feldt off the ball. However, with Kepaoa clearly running towards the ball, the NRL has privately conceded that Klein’s decision may have been wrong. Furthermore, a poll conducted on the Sydney Morning Herald saw 91% of individuals ruling that there was no escort and no penalty should have been awarded. 

With Tigers officials making an official appeal, the NRL has since dropped Ashley Klein for a round after his weekend’s decision. Ultimately, it’s clear that the Tigers should have won the game, however only time will tell whether they will remain robbed of the 2 premiership points.