Ashley Klein Under Fire After Controversial Bunker Calls in Roosters’ 36-20 Prelim Win

Referee Ashley Klein faced a storm of criticism after approving two highly contested tries in the Sydney Roosters’ 36-20 preliminary final victory over the Dolphins on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium. The Bunker’s decisions to confirm Jamayne Isaako’s try and Robert Toia’s try, both appearing to involve contact with the sideline, have reignited calls to overhaul or scrap the $22 million video review system entirely. Klein was already under scrutiny after controversial calls in the Warriors-Knights semi-final last weekend.

Two tries spark Bunker backlash

Jamayne Isaako’s try in the first half appeared to touch the sideline as he grounded the ball in the corner, yet Klein confirmed it after extensive review, finding no conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision. Cameron Smith said on Nine: “Looked like it was on the paint to me.” Greg Alexander added on Fox League: “I’m not happy. That touched the paint.”

In the second half, Mark Nawaqanitawase’s pass to Toia also drew fire. Nawaqanitawase appeared to have his foot on the touchline while still holding the ball, and his pass looked forward, yet the Bunker cleared both decisions. Billy Slater said: “I think the heel hits the touchline.” Michael Ennis concluded: “The Bunker has somehow found a try in that when the ball is touching the paint.”

Klein’s demotion proved ineffective

Klein was demoted to the Bunker after poor decisions in the Warriors-Knights semi-final, where five captain’s challenges succeeded and a costly escort decision against Tyson Frizell went unpunalised in the final seconds. His reassignment to the Bunker for Friday’s clash did not silence critics who questioned whether the punishment was meaningful. The Roosters’ bench “blew up” over the controversial calls, according to sideline reporter Jake Duke.

Bennett proposes challenge-based overhaul

South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett is preparing to present a radical alternative to the NRL’s rules review. Under Bennett’s proposal, teams would request Bunker reviews rather than the Bunker automatically examining every try. A successful challenge would retain the team’s review; a failed challenge would forfeit it for the remainder of the match. Bennett said after South Sydney’s elimination-final loss: “I want to know who’s refereeing the game. Is it the referee or the Bunker?” His preferred option remains scrapping the Bunker entirely.

Grand final week overshadowed by system debate

The controversy threatens to dominate the lead-up to next Sunday’s grand final between the Roosters and the winner of Penrith versus Newcastle. NRL greats including Cameron Smith have joined Bennett in calling for the Bunker’s removal. The system’s $22 million annual cost has come under fresh scrutiny as fans and commentators question whether video review has delivered the certainty it promised. The NRL will hold its annual rules review at season’s end, where Bennett’s proposal is expected to be discussed.

Final Thoughts

Klein’s Bunker decisions have crystallised frustration with the NRL’s video review system. Wayne Bennett’s challenge-based proposal offers a middle ground, but the broader debate signals the Bunker’s future may hinge on the rules review at season’s end.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.