Referees boss Steve Ganson admits decisive moment in Leeds Rhinos’ win over Wigan Warriors was ‘incorrect’
Watson has demanded an explanation from Head of Match Officials Steve Ganson. Credit: Richard Long/News Images
RFL Referees boss Steve Ganson has clarified a mistake made by a Super League referee over the weekend.
On Thursday night, when Leeds Rhinos took on the Wigan Warriors at Headingley, the West Yorkshire club were awarded a controversial try that saw Harry Newman dive through the legs of Ash Handley to dot down at a crucial point in the game.
Referee Liam Moore gave a try on the field, but sent it upstairs to James Child who awarded the four-pointer – much to the surprise of those that had tuned into Sky Sports to watch the game.
Following that fixture and the subsequent backlash, Ganson issued this statement: “All matches are reviewed in full at the conclusion of the weekend’s round of fixtures, however, on this occasion a more urgent clarification is necessary,” he said.
“This was a particularly disappointing set of circumstances and it’s clear the department has fallen below the standard necessary and expected.
“The decision was incorrect to award the try.”
It is there in black and white that the try should not have been awarded with the refereeing rules stating: “If an attacking player, in an attempt to score a try, dives through or into a teammate in front of him, including the man playing the ball then this should be deemed as obstruction, if the defensive team is materially disadvantaged.”
Leeds went on to thrash Wigan 42-12, but the Newman try continued to be a contentious issue over the weekend.
However, it is good to see that the RFL have given transparency and honesty surrounding the issue, though it remains to be seen what the refereeing appointments will look like for the upcoming fixtures.