Leeds Rhinos saw their playoff hopes dwindle last night as they lost 24-6 to Warrington Wolves in the final game on day one of Super League’s Magic Weekend.
For 37 minutes only two points separated the teams with Josh Thewlis’ early penalty the difference but a huge Rodrick Tai hit forced the ball loose and allowed George Williams to scoop and run to break the game open.
That lead was widened when Matt Dufty scored a quick brace in the aftermath of a controversial David Fusitu’a sin bin, a decision that was criticised by an ex-official, pundits and Brad Arthur alike, but fans have now had their say on the incident too.
Whilst Fusitu’a was penalised for the offence of tackling Matty Ashton off the ball, referee Chris Kendall deemed that it prevented a try-scoring offence and flashed the yellow card.
During that ten-minute period with a man disadvantage, Leeds Rhinos shipped two tries and with them, the game, which has undoubtedly slashed their hopes of making the playoffs after what Jon Wells described as a “very costly sin bin”.
Now, Leeds Rhinos fans have taken to social media to give their verdict on the defeat.
Were Leeds Rhinos robbed against Warrington Wolves?
Credit: SWpix
Plenty of Rhinos fans are screaming robbery based on some of the officiating decisions by referee Chris Kendall, namely the Fusitu’a sin bin and the calls that went against the Rhinos in the build-up to it.
However, as Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin assessed post-match, decisions went against both teams, with the ex-Saints captain stating: “The other side of it is that there was also a few decisions for Warrington. The Rodrick Tai yellow card was a bizarre decision. I think the less we can get the referees involved in actually the narrative of the games, the better, and I think we should strive for that.”
Unfortunately, Wilkin’s request hasn’t been met with the refereeing decisions being the focus of what many Leeds Rhinos fans wanted to air their frustrations about online.
Posting on X, one argued: “Difficult to play Warrington at the best of times, even harder when Kendall thinks he’s the 14th man.”
Another questioned their love of the sport, asking: “This sport I absolutely love, honestly, bring my kids up to love, but why should I when this is happening? I want them to see fair and great rugby league, this isn’t it anymore.”
Difficult to play Warrington at the best of times, even harder when Kendall thinks he’s the 14th man.
— Chris (@Christhefish86) August 17, 2024
This sport I absolutely love, honestly, bring my kids up to love, but why should I when this is happening? I want them to see fair and great rugby league, this isn’t it anymore.
— Rhinos Faithful 💙💛 (@RhinosFaithful) August 17, 2024
Meanwhile, others noted refereeing decisions but were split on Leeds’ actual ability. One labelled the team “absolutely shocking” as they called for a “massive clear out”, whilst another couldn’t fault the effort.
Ref might of been poor but Christ this team is absolutely shocking, need a massive clear out!
— Callum Macdonald (@Cal_lufc) August 17, 2024
Lads put a great effort in tonight a few decisions didn’t go our way which may have changed the outcome but I do think the best team won, can’t knock the rhinos effort
— Martin Bradley (@MartinBradley_) August 17, 2024
Former Super League official Richard Silverwood, who had earlier questioned the David Fusitu’a sin bin, was quick to shut down any allegations of corruption and called for “proper honest coaching” to help officials.
It isn’t corrupt. Might be poor at times but certainly isn’t corrupt. They need proper honest coaching
— Richard Silverwood (@SilversRef) August 17, 2024
Ultimately, if last night’s loss means Leeds Rhinos do fall two points shy of the playoffs then they’ll have a full season of 27 games to look back upon and place blame, and not on a refereeing call.
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