Referee criticised for awarding ‘love tap’ in crunch clash

Brisbane thought they had triumphed over Sydney Roosters in a superb, rip-roaring fixture when they led with just minutes remaining.

The Broncos were leading 20-19 after Selwyn Cobbo slotted home a penalty after Albert Kelly was taken out by the Roosters’ Victor Radley.

However, with Sydney on the attack, Sitili Tupouniua lost the ball, only for Roosters captain James Tedesco to use the captain’s challenge.

It was ruled that Tupouniua was hit around the head by Brisbane’s Thomas Flegler which allowed Sydney’s Adam Keighran to send home the penalty goal for a 21-20 victory.

“I’m OK with that. Perenara didn’t even see the contact that’s how insignificant it is. Can you give a penalty against that? You can’t surely,” commentator Braith Anasta said.

“No way that is reportable. That’s a love tap.”

It left the Broncos scrambling to avoid the wooden spoon and Sydney firmly in the hunt for the remaining play-off spots.