Applegarth says “it would be nice to have a video ref at every a game” as controversial call costs Wakefield

Tonight Wakefield Trinity will be kicking themselves.

They looked good against Catalans Dragons as they started their Super League season but errors ultimately allowed a Catalans side missing eight players including six nailed on starters to dominate matters.

It could have been a different story some Wakefield fans might suppose had a crucial decision gone their way.

Trinity led 12-10 before returning hero now turned villain Tom Johnstone leapt brilliantly to score a second try and make it 16-12 to Catalans at the break.

Wakefield fans weren’t happy with it with a suspicion that he had bounced it.

Perhaps the game would have been different if there had been a video referee to deny the try if it indeed wasn’t grounded.

After the game this was put to Wakefield boss Mark Applegarth. He admitted it would be nice to have video referees at every game but stated that wasn’t why they lost.

“It would be nice, that isn’t the reason we lost the game though is it? I get why you ask, but it’s not the reason we lost the game,” he said.

“From where we were stood, yeah and fans making that commotion you can say that but ultimately the referee has given it and it’s not going to change. So you have to deal with it and move on.

“It would be nice to have a video referee at every a game. A luxury but that’s not definitely not why we lost that game today.”

So, why did Trinity lose?

Here is Applegarth’s verdict:

“I thought that period when we got within two, we didn’t complete four of the next five set. We had just started to get the upper hand.

“We came up with some unforced errors. We lacked some composure and we’ve been burnt. It stings, it stings.

“Catalans are a good team and they will punish you.

“Just a bit of composure. You can blame it on a number of things and it is a lesson we need to learn to not invite pressure on yourselves.

“We have scored 24 points which should be enough to win a game of rugby league.”