“You’ve got one thing to do, get it right” – Jamie Peacock calls out touch judge for error in World Cup Final

BBC pundits Jamie Peacock and Jon Wilkin have criticised the officiating in the Rugby League World Cup Final.

In the opening 10 minutes of the game at Old Trafford, underdogs Samoa had a big call go against them as both referee and touch judge missed a 40/20 by Chanel Harris-Tavita.

The New Zealand Warriors player, who is deputising at hooker, produced a pin-point kick which left Australia full-back James Tedesco and winger Valentine Holmes scrambling across the pitch.

Tedesco reached the ball to push it back in field for Holmes, but replays showed the Kangaroos’ fullback’s foot was on the touchline when he connected with the ball.

However, the officials missed the call and Samoa were denied an attacking opportunity. Australia went on to dominate the half and went in 14-0 up at the break.

Speaking on the incident, Peacock said: “Samoa needed this, this is the touch judges opportunity to be in the game.

“You have got one thing to do, get it right. Samoa need those decisions when you are facing Australia.”

His opinion was backed up by fellow pundit Wilkin: “You need luck in big games and this was a big moment so early in the game.

“Harris-Tavita jumps out of nine with great vision, it was an excellent tactical kick. It was a 40/20 all day.

“That should have been a 40/20 and it was missed by Ashley Klein.”