RFL release fresh statement and apology after discussions following Leeds Rhinos-St Helens video referee error

The RFL have released another statement following the error made by match officials during Saturday night’s play-off clash between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens.

The governing body openly admitted earlier this week that the decision to award Jon Bennison’s try was the wrong one. That try came just minutes before Shane Wright’s dramatic winner, which saw St Helens progress to the play-off semi-finals and Leeds’ season ended.

The effort was initially sent up to the video referee Chris Kendall by Jack Smith, as no try. However, through the two angles Kendall used to view the try, it appeared as though Bennison just about managed to touch the line with the ball.

As such, Kendall felt confident enough to overturn the on-field call and award the try.

Further angles have since been seen that provide doubt, though, and the RFL admitted to Leeds and publicly that if the video referee had seen those angles, the evidence would not have been clear enough to overturn the on-field call.

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Consequently, the governing body have confirmed that the try was wrongly awarded and have since apologised to the Rhinos. The RFL have also held positive talks with Leeds regarding the situation.

RFL issue new statement

A statement released on the RFL’s website read: “The RFL held positive and constructive discussions with senior officials from Leeds Rhinos on Tuesday, following Saturday’s Betfred Super League eliminator between Leeds and St Helens.

“The RFL had already acknowledged in private to Leeds, and in public through the media, that on the second St Helens try decision, the on-field call of no try should not have been over-ruled – while it was consistent with replays viewed before making the decision, viewing another of the available angles would have changed that position and consequently the on-field ruling would have been upheld.

“In apologising for the error, the RFL also wishes to place on record gratitude for Leeds’s acknowledgement of the importance of respecting match officials and their role, and the need for all parties to continue working together to deliver the best possible decisions.”