Fox League’s Greg Alexander has blasted a controversial decision which went against the Sea Eagles in a crucial juncture of Manly’s heart-stopping 21-20 win over the Cowboys.
In the 62nd minute, Daly Cherry-Evans put up a cross field bomb to winger Jason Saab, which was contested by Cowboys flank Murray Taulagi.
Saab also contested the ball and inadvertanly collected Taulagi’s arms, which forced the Cowboys winger to knock the ball on before hitting the ground heavily.
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The loose ball was scooped up by Reuben Garrick who crossed the try line and put the ball down, but it was awarded as no try by referee Todd Smith.
The Bunker confirmed Smith’s decision and gave the Cowboys a penalty for being tackled without the ball.
Alexander labelled the decision as “complete rubbish”.
“I thought Saab was going for the football. I have no doubt, he has his eyes on the footy,” Alexander said on Fox League.
“If you’re going for the football and you make contact with the man that’s also playing at the footy, I think it’s play on.
“That’s rubbish. That is complete rubbish.
“He does not tackle him. He makes contact with him but he does not tackle him.
“If you’re going for the ball how can you not collide with that player. I don’t think he pulled him down there.”
“An escape for the Cowboys,” Dan Ginnane added.
As it turned out, the decision wouldn’t cost the Sea Eagles, after Cherry-Evans slotted a matchwinning field goal in golden point.
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