Manly Beats Storm with Late Penalty on Harry Grant
The match between Manly Sea Eagles and the Melbourne Storm had all the hallmarks of a classic NRL encounter, with both teams battling fiercely for supremacy. The Storm, known for their resilience and clinical execution, were initially in control of the match. However, Manly fought back in the second half, showing tenacity and grit, ultimately sealing a thrilling win in the dying moments.
The game’s most controversial moment came in the final minutes when referee Gerard Sutton awarded a penalty against Harry Grant for an alleged high tackle on a Manly player. The decision was met with heated debate, with many questioning the timing and the severity of the penalty. However, Manly’s kicker Reuben Garrick stepped up to calmly slot the penalty goal from in front, giving his team the win.
The penalty decision dominated post-match discussions, with many fans and pundits on both sides of the argument. The Storm’s coach, Craig Bellamy, was understandably frustrated with the decision but maintained that his team would regroup and focus on their next challenge. Manly’s coach, Des Hasler, on the other hand, praised his players for showing composure and belief to get the job done in a game that could have gone either way.
Shane Flanagan Slates Refs After Dragons’ Loss
In another contentious match, the St George Illawarra Dragons came agonizingly close to pulling off a surprise win over the Sydney Roosters but fell short in a 20-18 defeat. While the Dragons played a brave game, it was the refereeing decisions that took center stage post-match. Shane Flanagan, the Dragons’ head coach, was vocal in his criticism of the officials, particularly a controversial decision in the second half that led to a penalty try for the Roosters.
Flanagan claimed the decision to award a penalty try was “soft” and didn’t reflect the true nature of the tackle. The penalty try came after a Dragons defender was penalized for a supposed professional foul, leading to a significant momentum shift in favor of the Roosters. Flanagan’s frustration was palpable in the post-match press conference as he voiced his displeasure with the inconsistency of the refereeing across the game.
Despite his disappointment, Flanagan acknowledged the effort of his players, who had fought valiantly but were undone by crucial moments of ill-discipline and the controversial calls. The loss left the Dragons with a lot to reflect on, especially in terms of maintaining composure during pivotal moments of the game.
Raiders Beat Eels to Stay Top
In the final major game of the weekend, the Canberra Raiders continued their dominant form with a hard-fought 26-14 victory over the Parramatta Eels. The Raiders, sitting atop the NRL ladder, delivered a commanding performance in both attack and defense, consolidating their position as one of the competition’s most consistent teams.
The Raiders’ forward pack led from the front, with Joseph Tapine and Corey Horsburgh dominating in the middle of the field. The Eels fought valiantly but couldn’t quite match the Raiders’ intensity, particularly in the second half when the home side took control with a series of quick tries. Jack Wighton was at his best, pulling the strings in the backline, while the Raiders’ defense held firm in the final stages to ensure the victory.
For the Eels, this loss was another frustrating setback after a series of close defeats. Coach Brad Arthur lamented missed opportunities, especially in the opening exchanges, where his team had several chances to take an early lead but failed to capitalize.
Overall, the weekend’s NRL action was a showcase of intense competition, controversial moments, and thrilling finishes. With the competition heating up, every match is becoming more critical as teams jostle for positioning heading into the business end of the season.
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