Warriors coach Andrew Webster has had his say on the controversial penalty try no-call, which proved to be costly in his side’s six point loss to the Knights.
The Warriors weren’t awarded what looked a certain penalty try after winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was denied a four-pointer after an act of foul play.
Knights flyer Greg Marzhew tackled his opposite man while he was in the air, while Watene-Zelezniak was confident he had grounded the ball.
However, upon review it was clear the Warriors outside back had dropped it, with the Bunker revealing his side would be awarded a penalty.
Webster didn’t blow up by any means, and stressed that it wasn’t the reason for his side’s loss, but admitted his confusion.
“I don’t know the rule 100% but if he’s going up for the ball to catch it, gets taken out in the air and he’s coming down to put the ball down, and he was going to score the try and the only reason he doesn’t because he got tackled in the air,” Webster said.
“I don’t understand if that’s the exact rule, or if that’s a clause for that particular play if you are attacking and catch the ball in the air.
“It looked like he was going to deadset score for all money and the only reason he didn’t was because he got tackled in the air, but I’ll leave it to the NRL to explain it.
“At the end of the day I thought a penalty try is if someone is deadset about to score and then they are not able to because of a penalty when they were going to score.
“I don’t want anyone here leaving today thinking that’s the reason why we’re here… I’m sure we will all get clarity this week.
After the halftime whistle sounded, Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson was spotted quizzing referee Chris Butler.
Rugby league legend Braith Anasta was confident the 33-year-old was questioning why New Zealand weren’t handed a penalty try.
Meanwhile, legendary hooker Michael Ennis was stunned by the decision that left the Warriors trailing 8-6 at the halftime break.
