NRL fans are collectively calling for the new interpretation of the disruptor rule to be scrapped with another incident costing the Roosters and Robert Toia adding to the weekend’s drama. The Cowboys’ thrilling 35-31 win over the Broncos started an avalanche of anger towards the interpretation of the disruptor rule with both sets of fans confused.
Both Scott Drinkwater and Gehamat Shibasaki were called for disruptors as fans were up-in-arms about the decisions. And it continued on Saturday with fans left scratching their heads after arguably the most baffling call this weekend.
NRL fans are collectively calling for the new interpretation of the disruptor rule to be scrapped with Trent Robinson (pictured left) was baffled after the Robert Toia (pictured right) incident. (Images: Getty Images/Fox Sports)
Toia took to the air to challenge Sam Stonestreet after Daly Cherry-Evans put the ball high in the air. Stonestreet missed the ball and the bounce favoured Toia as he landed and managed to scoop it up and score a try.
The referee awarded the try, but the Bunker took a second look and deemed Toia’s leap and fingertips touching Stonestreet was enough to overrule the try for a disruptor. This infuriated all those watching with Toia’s influence minimal.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson tried to hold back as he was the latest coach to question the interpretation. “That’s gone too far. That was a clear example of two guys in a contest, two guys are looking at a ball. That’s an over-compensation,” he said in his post-match press conference.
“If someone tries to defend that, we’re headed in the wrong direction. That’s the most extreme. I know there was a bit last night in the Brisbane game. But I don’t think anyone can argue that was a disruptor.”
And Robinson is not alone. NRL fans joined the chorus of unhappy viewers slamming the interpretation of the disruptor enforced in Round 6 of the competition. The ability for players to compete in the air has become contentious with suggestions the aerial duel has been taken from the game.
Michael Maguire admits confusion over rule
Robinson and Fitzgibbon were not hte only two raising their eyebrows this weekend. Broncos coach Michael Maguire also admitted he was confused about the interpretation of the disruptor rule after Shibasaki was penalised against the Cowboys. “I’ve got to say, I’ve got no idea on that, it’s bizarre,” Maguire said.
Calls to bring back Graham Annesley press conferences
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon admitted teams are confused about certain rules that sometimes are over-enforced. “I’m a bit lost now. Theirs was a tough one in the first half,” Fitzgibbon said.
“It’s like anything they shine a light on it and it comes to the forefront of everyone’s mind, it keeps happening. Then it goes away and something else comes in.” AAP reporter Scott Bailey suggested it could be time to bring back the post-round press conferences where Graham Annesley explained deicsions.
The press conferences were scrapped, but they could offer fans more of an insight into why a decision was made.
The Roosters defeated the Sharks 34-22 in Perth.
(Paul Kane via Getty Images)