The Super League Grand Final saw just one try but with two disallowed, England captain George Williams has spoken out on the ‘bad rule’ that saw one chalked off.
Wigan Warriors defeated Hull KR 9-2 in a cagey affair that was determined by a moment of brilliance from man of the match Bevan French.
The Australian danced through to score from 50 metres out, becoming the first man to be named man of the match in both the Challenge Cup and Grand Final in the same season. Topping it off was the fact that he also scooped the award in the World Club Challenge.
Whilst French’s try was the only one that counted, two more were scored in the first half but quickly chalked off with each team bagging what they thought could be a crucial four-pointer.
Referee Chris Kendall soft signalled no try for both Mikey Lewis and Liam Marshall, with both decisions being upheld by video referee Liam Moore but the rule outlawing Marshall’s has come in for some stick from current England captain George Williams.
Super League star criticises ‘bad rule’
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
After Williams’ Warrington were knocked out at the Super League semi-final stage last week against Hull KR, the England captain was on punditry duty for Sky Sports and he pulled no punches as he spoke on the ‘bad rule’ that disallowed Wigan’s second score.
A high kick was allowed to bounce causing chaos in the Hull KR backfield and it was Liam Marshall who reacted quickest as he was able to collect the ball and score in the corner, however, offside chaser Luke Thompson was within 10 metres of the incident thus outlawing the score.
On that decision, Williams said: “To be honest, watching it live I thought Marshy had finished it. It’s a bad rule of ours. I don’t understand it really.
“Luke Thompson is nowhere near the ball. I mean, he is in the ten so I get the rule but he’s nowhere close on that play, so for me, I think that should be a try.”
It was also a rule that prevented one of the great Super League Grand Final tries with Marshall’s finish in the corner being very impressive, something that both Sam Tomkins and Jon Wilkin picked up on.
“What a try it would have been as well,” quipped Tomkins with Wilkin in full agreement: “I was just going to say, it’s one of the best finishes.”
Wigan Warriors would go in 7-0 at the break before the teams exchanged penalties in the second half as Matt Peet’s side won their second consecutive Super League Grand Final.
Liam Marshall pounces on an indecision in the Hull KR defence, hacking the ball downfield before superbly grounding in the corner, it’s CHALKED OFF for offside ❌ pic.twitter.com/XKzOVrrEd7
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) October 12, 2024
