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NRL admits failure in Bunker system that 'doesn't work'

NRL admits failure in Bunker system that 'doesn't work'

The NRL has conceded the Bunker got it wrong when stripping the Roosters of a crucial try on Thursday night.

The Chooks were trailing 0-12 to Penrith in the first half when Joey Manu wrestled his way over the tryline to turn the momentum in favour of the home side.

But after a long examination the video referee overturned the try, ruling Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards had been obstructed by Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

The rules state a lead runner must not stop in the defensive line, and Waerea-Hargreaves did the right thing in moving well past the defensive line so as not to give away a penalty.

But Edwards, running across as cover defender, collided with the front-rower, which the Bunker deemed obstruction.

The call left many experts – as well as the Roosters – stunned, and on Friday NRL’s head of football Graham Annesley conceded it was incorrect.

“In the circumstances, the Bunker does have discretion to consider whether a defender could have prevented the try,” he said, according to News Corp.

“In my opinion, the try would have been scored regardless and the on-field decision should not have been overturned”.

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