Warriors coach Andrew Webster admits his side were second-best against the Gold Coast Titans but believes a questionable rule didn’t help his side in their quest to mount another miracle comeback.
The last-placed Titans came away with a shock 24-16 win over the Warriors in Auckland, the latter’s third lossin their past five outings.
But the Warriors were denied a chance to set up another grandstand finish after playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita was ruled to have lost control of the ball while attempting to stand up and play it, despite clear ruck interference from Jaimin Jolliffe.
Referee Gerard Sutton ruled that because Harris-Tavita planted the ball on the ground before getting to his feet, it nullified any ruck interference by the Titans.
The Warriors challenged the call, but the Bunker agreed with Sutton’s interpretation.
While the decision was correct according to the letter of the law, Webster believes the rule itself needs fixing.
“It’s the rule’s the issue,” Webster said. “He planted the ball, so that means that you can attack the player and push him over.
“You can basically professional-foul [him] and [start] tackling if you see him plant the ball. He [Harris-Tavita] planted the ball and then [Jolliffe] was aggressive with him, pushed him over and he drops the ball.
Watene-Zelezniak was also sin-binned for a professional foul, and the Titans scored in his absence.
Webster may have to stick with the combination for Friday’s clash with the Redcliffe Dolphins as injuries continue to pile up. First-choice centre Rocco Berry remains sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, while Ali Leiataua sustained a fresh calf injury playing for the Warriors’ reserves.
Taine Tuaupiki could also come into contention for a wing spot, but Webster said he won’t rush into selection decisions straight after a match.
One change he will be forced to make is at hooker, with Wayde Egan ruled out after failing a head injury assessment (HIA). Sam Healey is likely to fill the void for his third NRL appearance.
“I think maybe the fans and others got more excited than we did last week,” said Webster. “When Leka scored that try, it was natural for everyone to celebrate, but on the bus afterwards, no one was carrying on.
“We talked about it in the review that we weren’t at our best. We’re not crashing back down to earth because we never got ahead of ourselves in the first place.
“Now it’s about getting back to how we want to play and having confidence and belief in each other. We’ve learnt some good lessons this season.
“When we’re tested, we take something from it, and I think the boys will do that again this week. We just need to play our brand of footy and make sure it’s a tough day for any team that comes here.”
The Warriors remain fourth on the NRL ladder despite the loss, but are only three points clear of the fifth-placed Penrith Panthers, after their win over the Wests Tigers, while the Brisbane Broncos lost to the Parramatta Eels.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
