Todd Payten has vented his frustration with NRL officials after a controversial try was awarded during North Queensland’s loss to the Warriors.
In a tight, see-sawing contest at the first game at Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium, the hosts kicked clear and won 38-20 on Sunday afternoon.
Warriors players celebrate Adam Pompey’s try. Getty Images
Warriors prop Jackson Ford left the field in the first half with a pectoral injury, while Cowboys veteran Jason Taumalolo was sin binned for a dangerous throw.
But it was one costly moment when the game was still in the balance that had plenty of people scratching their heads.
With the second-placed Warriors ahead by 10 on the scoreboard, Adam Pompey cleaned up a loose ball in the in-goal to score a match-sealing try.
Replays showed that fullback Taine Tuaupiki had touched the ball on the way through, but the Bunker cleared the lead-up and the Warriors try stood.
“That’s off Tuaupiki,” a confused Steve Roach said on Fox League commentary.
Cowboys players attempted to reason with Grant Atkins but there was little the on-field referee could do about it after the video review.
Speaking in his post-game press conference, Payten – who on Saturday signed a fresh two-year contract extension – was asked about the incident.
He revealed the club would be asking for a “please explain” from the NRL but conceded an admission the call was wrong wouldn’t do much.
“Those moments, that’s the difference,” he said.
“I’m pretty certain Tuaupiki touched that ball. I don’t know if it was checked, but … I was pretty certain it was touched. The margin was 10 points there at the time.
“I’ll tell you what will really be frustrating, if we get an apology email through the week or a phone call. When the Bunker has so many angles, I understand there’s going to be human error but they’re big moments.
“Games can turn on those types of decisions and they’re getting too many wrong in the game. We will make a phone call. We’ll send an email and see how we go.”
Taine Tuaupiki knocks the ball on against the Cowboys. Fox League
The loss sees the Cowboys lose grip of a top-eight spot, while the Warriors remain in second spot, four points behind the Panthers.
Payten’s men will host Penrith next weekend, while the Warriors travel across the ditch to face the red-hot Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.