“Horrendous” – Fans furious with key decisions in relegation Grand Final

In what has been deemed a relegation Grand Final between Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers, the Tigers took the lead through controversial means at Belle Vue like on Sky Sports and they kept that lead through more controversy.

The opening try from the Tigers had a suspicion of a knock on it as Tasipale looked to touch down.

It was always unlikely that the try would be disallowed given that it was sent up to the video referee Jack Smith as atry.

Nonetheless, fans weren’t impressed with the decision.

One fan claimed it was short.

He was short too IMHO. Leigh fan

— Drew Peacock (@Dr13819Drew) August 18, 2023

But calls for a knock on to be given were prominent.

Knock on …..no try

— Richard Mcnicholas (@mcnick1975) August 18, 2023

Agree, clear knock on

— DB🇬🇧⚽🏉 (@Daniel_Bentham0) August 18, 2023

Josh Griffin’s disallowed try was even more controversial with the rules working against them.

Fans were furious with the decision.

Try all day long, rubbish decision, All because a player offside was walking towards the ball 🤦‍♂️ More of a try than cas's!

— Tackling Rugby League (@TacklingRL) August 18, 2023

It was branded as a horrendous rule by others.

Horrendous rule

— Jake Riley (@JakeyRiley) August 18, 2023

“Daft” was another word used to describe the decision.

That's a daft rule, he's played no part in the try!

— Phil (@_PhilWorld) August 18, 2023

Others said it was “crazy.”

Crazy how that got denied!

— Paul Rowan  (@RowanP_86) August 18, 2023

Both sides have only won four games all season and currently sit tied on eight points a piece but a win on Friday night under the Belle Vue lights will see one team pull two points clear and leave their rivals staring down the barrel of relegation.

Wakefield have won their last four games at home but this fifth win would be the most important of the season so far if they can manage it, and they’ll be close to full strength for the game.

Recent signing Josh Griffin has now completed his ban and will be set to debut in the game against his former club, whilst the half back pairing of Luke Gale and Mason Lino looks set to go again with that experience proving vital potentially.

As for Castleford they now have a new man in charge with Andy Last being dismissed after their loss to Huddersfield Giants at Wheldon Road most recently.

Former London Broncos boss Danny Ward has taken over and he’ll be hoping to get off to a winning start and snap the Tigers’ current losing streak of five matches.

The Tigers are without Riley Dean who was recalled by parent club Warrington Wolves but they’ve recently made plenty of signings including PNG international Liam Horne and Lebanese star Charbel Tasipale.

Danny Ward has selected his first team as Tigers Head Coach.

Jordan Turner has had a speedy recovery from his thumb injury to return to the side and Blake Austin also comes in for what could be his Castleford debut.

This means Gareth Widdop starts at fullback.

As for Wakefield, they give a debut to Josh Griffin at centre. Jai Whitbread returns and Luke Gale and Mason Lino start in the halves.