Referees boss Steve Ganson admits decisive moment in Leeds Rhinos’ win over Wigan Warriors was ‘incorrect’

josie andrews · Post by **josie andrews** » Mon Jul 25, 2022 6:26 pm

RFL Referees boss Steve Ganson has clarified a mistake made by a Super League referee over the weekend.

On Thursday night, when Leeds Rhinos took on the Wigan Warriors at Headingley, the West Yorkshire club were awarded a controversial try that saw Harry Newman dive through the legs of Ash Handley to dot down at a crucial point in the game.

Referee Liam Moore gave a try on the field, but sent it upstairs to James Child who awarded the four-pointer – much to the surprise of those that had tuned into Sky Sports to watch the game.

Following that fixture and the subsequent backlash, Ganson issued this statement: “All matches are reviewed in full at the conclusion of the weekend’s round of fixtures, however, on this occasion a more urgent clarification is necessary,” he said.

“This was a particularly disappointing set of circumstances and it’s clear the department has fallen below the standard necessary and expected.

“The decision was incorrect to award the try.”

It is there in black and white that the try should not have been awarded with the refereeing rules stating: “If an attacking player, in an attempt to score a try, dives through or into a teammate in front of him, including the man playing the ball then this should be deemed as obstruction, if the defensive team is materially disadvantaged.”

Leeds went on to thrash Wigan 42-12, but the Newman try continued to be a contentious issue over the weekend.

However, it is good to see that the RFL have given transparency and honesty surrounding the issue, though it remains to be seen what the refereeing appointments will look like for the upcoming fixtures.

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/referees ... ect-56570/

josie andrews · Post by **josie andrews** » Mon Jul 25, 2022 7:02 pm

So two "top" referees both made a huge mistake!!

It didn’t affect the outcome of the game but it goes to show that this rule "I have a try" situation needs to be changed or be removed it altogether.

I just wonder if they will be punished?

Caboosegg · Post by **Caboosegg** » Mon Jul 25, 2022 7:14 pm

josie andrews wrote: ↑Mon Jul 25, 2022 7:02 pm So two "top" referees both made a huge mistake!!

It didn’t affect the outcome of the game but it goes to show that this rule "I have a try" situation needs to be changed or be removed it altogether.

I just wonder if they will be punished?

No it wouldn't effect the outcome but it easily could of, momentum is fickle we saw it in the semis vs saints we lost it in the second half and they almost won.

widdenoldboy · Post by **widdenoldboy** » Mon Jul 25, 2022 7:16 pm

OMG! I have even seen this rule applied correctly at community club level!

In one case the attacking player grounded the ball on a teamates foot briefly and it was chalked off.

nathan_rugby · Post by **nathan_rugby** » Mon Jul 25, 2022 7:52 pm

josie andrews wrote: ↑Mon Jul 25, 2022 7:02 pm So two "top" referees both made a huge mistake!!

It didn’t affect the outcome of the game but it goes to show that this rule "I have a try" situation needs to be changed or be removed it altogether.

I just wonder if they will be punished?

I agree with the on field decision thing but in this instance the ref and linesman may have missed it.

The only way the video ref awards this time is they don’t know the rule and that is very worrying.

josie andrews · Post by **josie andrews** » Mon Jul 25, 2022 8:45 pm

nathan_rugby wrote: ↑Mon Jul 25, 2022 7:52 pm
josie andrews wrote: ↑Mon Jul 25, 2022 7:02 pm So two "top" referees both made a huge mistake!!

It didn’t affect the outcome of the game but it goes to show that this rule "I have a try" situation needs to be changed or be removed it altogether.

I just wonder if they will be punished?
I agree with the on field decision thing but in this instance the ref and linesman may have missed it.

The only way the video ref awards this time is they don’t know the rule and that is very worrying.

And the VR for this game was one of the most experienced ……. supposedly!!

Wiganer Ted · Post by **Wiganer Ted** » Mon Jul 25, 2022 8:51 pm

Forget the "I have a try/no try".
If the referee goes to the VR then leave it up to him to make the decision.
They are all full time qualified referees so just leave it to the VR.

Suzieb · Post by **Suzieb** » Mon Jul 25, 2022 9:17 pm

Once again I totally agree with you ted if there is a need to check it he must have some doubt so let the v/r make the decision but the alarming thing for our game as was witnessed by a huge audience they both made the wrong decision

Southern Softy · Post by **Southern Softy** » Tue Jul 26, 2022 8:58 am

Video Refs can and do cancel the onfield "I have a try" call. What we have here is something a bit more serious where two top referees (allegedly) simply don't know the law.

josie andrews · Post by **josie andrews** » Tue Jul 26, 2022 11:21 am

Southern Softy wrote: ↑Tue Jul 26, 2022 8:58 am Video Refs can and do cancel the onfield "I have a try" call. What we have here is something a bit more serious where two top referees (allegedly) simply don't know the law.

Yes they do & can…. Sometimes! But how often do you see it? It’s a stupid rule & simply just a waste of time. Get rid of it IMO

Why can’t the ref just say will you check this please & if the VR can’t decide it should then go back to the on field ref IMHO!!