NRL referees' boss Tony Archer says the crucial on-field try decision for Solomone Kata's touchdown right on halftime should have stood in the Vodafone Warriors' clash against Wests Tigers at Mount Smart Stadium yesterday.
The Vodafone Warriors went right across the field to the left, all the way back to the right and then to the left again - a total of 15 sets of hands involved - before Issac Luke's long pass put Kata across for what was one of the best tries ever seen. It would have given the home side a 22-12 or 24-12 lead at the break.
Referee Gerard Sutton appeared to be about to rule the try without hesitation until he was confronted by Wests Tigers players with wing Jordan Rankin claiming obstruction. Sutton then decided to send it to the bunker - as a try - but asking for it to be checked. In the bunker Luke Patten then eventually over-turned the original decision, claiming Rankin had been obstructed by Vodafone Warriors prop Sam Lisone as Tuimoala Lolohea kept the breath-taking movement alive. Archer today said the try should have stood.
It's no consolation now but one of the best legitmate tries likely to be seen was rubbed out when it should have been awarded as a fair try.
At the same time Archer supported the bunker's decision on Shaun Johnson's would-be second half try.
