St Helens Denied Crucial Try Against Leeds Rhinos, Say Sky Sports Pundits
According to Sky Sports rugby league pundit Danika Priim and former St Helens captain Jon Wilkin, the reigning champions were denied a crucial try in their clash against Leeds Rhinos on May 24th, 2024.
“Saints forward Curtis Sironen had clearly grounded the ball over the line, but the on-field referee and video official failed to award the try.” – Danika Priim
Wilkin corroborated Priim’s assessment, arguing that there were angles that “clearly” showed Sironen scoring the points. At the time, St Helens were trailing 6-0, and Wilkin emphasized that Sironen’s disallowed try would have been “crucial” in making it a two-score lead for the defending champions.
“The wording should be changed to allow the video official to overturn the on-field call if there was any doubt.” – Jon Wilkin
Priim went a step further, stating that she “wholeheartedly” believed St Helens had been “robbed” of four, potentially six, crucial points due to the controversial decision.
Refereeing Debate Reignited
The incident has reignited the debate around the role of the video referee and the influence of the on-field call. As mentioned by commentator Barrie McDermott, it was a “fifty-fifty” decision that should have been awarded as a try.
This further highlights the need for the Rugby Football League to consider scrapping the current system, as hinted by Head of Referees Phil Bentham earlier this month, and instead allow the video official to make the final call without being beholden to the on-field decision.
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