Des Hasler has blasted the NRL and labelled the bunker “crazy” after the Titans were denied a try with four minutes remaining in their game against the Knights on Saturday.
Gold Coast centre Brian Kelly thought he had scored to make it 28-all at Suncorp Stadium, and with a kick to possibly win the game.
After a few minutes, the bunker sent a message to referee Gerard Sutton that the try had been overturned because they had spotted a bobble. The Knights saw out the game to win 28-24.
Titans coach Hasler was furious and said he had already contacted NRL head of football Graham Annesley before the post-match press conference.
He jokingly asked journalists if they were prepared to pay any fine he might incur, then struggled to control his frustrations.
“It’s a try every day of the week,” Hasler said.
Did Gold Coast centre Brian Kelly score?Credit: Nine
“The bunker, it’s crazy. His [Kelly] hand never came away from the ball. If it did, it was a penalty for a one-on-one strip.
“They don’t know. They don’t know. I am very proud of the way they [Titans] fought. But it is very frustrating for the players with the competition being so close.”
When pressed on whether he would seek clarity from Annesley about the decision, Hasler said: “It will be the same clarity, ‘we got it wrong’, and ‘we are sorry’, and ‘let’s move on’. Or, ‘they’re only human’, which they are, and ‘we all make mistakes’.
“I’ve already rung him [Annesley]. I’m feeling really sorry for the fans and the players – the fans are just getting the rough end. Maybe Graham needs to consider that.”
Dane Gagai on the run against the Titans.Credit: Getty
Hasler was still agitated in the sheds and asked a couple of Titans players to share their thoughts with the media.
“Bloody oath it was a try,” Kelly said. “I felt like I had control of it, I put it in the corner, and my arm was still holding the ball.
“It’s frustrating. It’s another tight one we’ve let slip away. In knockout football, that’s play on.
“Des was pretty pissed. Dessie is passionate about the team. I back him and he backs me.”
The Titans lost a golden-point thriller against the Raiders in round six, only for Annesley to concede they should have received a penalty kick to win the game when a Canberra player charged down a Kieran Foran field-goal attempt from an off-side position.
Hasler’s side is second last on the ladder, sits just above South Sydney, and must regroup against Brisbane next Sunday.
They led 24-10 at half-time, but had no answers for a Newcastle team that completed high and muscled up in defence.
Recently re-signed David Fifita was forced to put up a few towering spiral bombs at the end of each set. Fifita turned his back on the Roosters during the week, and did well to avoid crossing paths with them as they warmed up for the 5.30pm Cronulla clash.
Fullback David Armstrong scored a hat-trick as the Knights won their fourth straight game without Kalyn Ponga. Bradman Best did not return after half-time because of a hamstring injury, with coach Adam O’Brien hoping the injury will not cruel the centre’s NSW Origin aspirations.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now
