‘That’s a crazy call’: Dane Gagai try ruled out in ‘ridiculous’ bunker controversy

The NRL Bunker has ignited controversy once again by denying the Newcastle Knights a go-ahead try against the Broncos on the brink of halftime

With just over five minutes remaining in the first half and scores level at 6-6, Anthony Milford delivered a grubber to the corner and – after Corey Oates overran the ball – Dane Gagai gathered the ball and placed it down on the line.

But the Fox League commentators were left astounded when video referee Grant Atkins overturned the on-field decision of try, adjudging Gagai to have lost grip of the ball and failed to regather it before he put it down.

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Mick Ennis was stunned by the decision, stating: “That’s ridiculous. Dane Gagai releases his hands – the point of his fingertips – to be able to get the ball pressed down with his forearm. It never comes away.

As a shocked Gagai shook his head at the decision, Ennis continued: “He can’t believe it! Gee that’s a bad call. I don’t like that one at all. His fingertips might come away but he keeps it there (against his forearm) to press it down. We just do everything we can to try and find ways to try and take tries off you these days. Gee it’s frustrating.”

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Warren Smith added: “Literally the position of his thumb is why he’s been disallowed that try. That’s a crazy call. His hand comes back in contact with the ball and he puts it down with force. For mine, that’s having re-gripped the ball.”

However, Cooper Cronk said at halftime he believed it was the right decision: “I don’t think Dane Gagai gets fully re-gripped, he uses the grass to regather the ball.”

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‘A kick in the teeth for the Broncos’ | 01:54