Bunker Controversy: Ricky Stuart Frustrated After NRL’s 26-22 Victory Over Storm

The Raiders secured a narrow victory of 26-22 over the Storm on Friday night, but coach Ricky Stuart expressed his bewilderment regarding the officiating, particularly targeting the NRL Bunker after Canberra had two tries overturned by the video referee.

Stuart praised his team’s effort as the finest display of the season, yet he remained exasperated with the NRL’s on-field review system.

When the Raiders were leading 12-0, Hudson Young found the try line, but his effort was nullified after a lengthy review revealed an accidental offside.

Likewise, Zac Hosking’s late attempt was waved off following a review that showed Young had tackled Storm fullback Sua Fa’alogo high in the build-up.

When asked about his thoughts on the no-try call against Young, Stuart did not hold back.

“Negativity,” Stuart replied.

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“What stands out to me is that after the back end of last season, it’s tough to celebrate once a try is scored.

“I find myself in that situation; I used to go off like a madman after scoring a try. Unless it’s an intercept or something similar, it’s hard to cheer because you’re thinking, ‘was he onside? Did they hit him high?’ I suppose that’s the purpose of the Bunker.”

Graham Annesley, the NRL’s head of football, previously commented that the bunker “over-adjudicated” last round and admitted that some contentious calls should not have been penalised.

Stuart also commented on how the ruck interpretations during the match differed from previous games this season.

“Everything at the ruck was changed tonight,” Stuart remarked.

“If you compare it to previous matches, the dynamics were different, and it probably resulted in a better spectacle.

“However, it would be helpful to know what direction we’re heading in and how we intend to interpret things on the field following tackles.

“I don’t want to appear to be complaining, but it’s challenging. As a coach, it’s tough when one interpretation is in play one night and a different one is enforced the next.

“I don’t place any blame on Peter, the referee; I have no issue with the referees. They are receiving coaching based on specific guidelines.

“But tonight’s game felt entirely different on the field, particularly in the phases of play that occur after tackles. It was markedly different.

“While I prefer this style, I’d like to see consistency for both teams.

“I noticed there seemed to be more time granted in the tackle tonight in numerous situations. It would just be reassuring to know if this will be the approach moving forward.”

Ahead of the Souths’ clash with St George Illawarra at Accor Stadium, Wayne Bennett backed the new ruck interpretations.

“It’s undoubtedly a game changer,” he stated.

“Right now, the game is full of entertainment. There are magnificent tries being scored, and brilliant ball movement. Do we want to revert to the days of grapples and other such tackling methods where players were held down?

“I don’t want to return to that. We endured over a decade of that style, and I hope we don’t regress to those tactics.”

As for the Raiders, they may be without Josh Papalii for their upcoming match against the Tigers in Sydney next Thursday, with Stuart revealing the prop sustained a calf injury during the victory.