NRL backs bunker calls after Bennett calls for system overhaul
The NRL defended two bunker decisions from Newcastle's 20-10 win over South Sydney, despite coach Bennett's bunker criticism.
Newcastle upset South Sydney 20-10 in Friday's elimination final, but two bunker decisions against the Rabbitohs dominated the fallout. In the first, bunker official Chris Butler overturned a try for Alex Johnston, ruling he had knocked the ball in the lead-up; Bennett said Johnston was stripped by the defender.
Ten minutes later, the bunker approved a Knights try to Dominic Young despite several angles suggesting his boot touched the sideline. The NRL reviewed both calls after the match and backed the bunker's decisions, sources aware of the review confirmed.
Bennett blasted the inconsistency: "I want to know who is refereeing the game. Is it the bunker or the referee?"
He declared: "The quicker they get rid of the bunker, the happier I'll be." South Sydney also lost playmaker Cody Walker to a calf injury late in the first half.
- Newcastle 20, South Sydney 10
- Final score
- Elimination final, Friday
- Match type
- Calf injury before half-time
- Walker injury
- Two bunker decisions
- Disputed tries
Why it mattersBunker calls shape NRL finals outcomes; calls that look wrong to players, coaches and fans undermine trust in the system designed to eliminate error.
AustraliaThis matters to Australian rugby league fans watching the finals; the controversy reignites a long-running debate about whether the bunker helps or hurts the game.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 d ago
