WATCH: Wigan try splits opinions in top-of-the-table clash
Picture by Paul Currie/SWpix.com.
Opinions have been split as Brad O’Neill scored a controversial try during Wigan’s Super League clash against Warrington at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The visitors opened the scoring through centre Jake Wardle, with Harry Smith linking up with Bevan French in the build up.
Substitute hooker O’Neill, 20, later scored his side’s second, with question marks over the four-pointer.
Supporters on social media have first questioned if the Wigan academy product was onside from French’s kick, before questioning the grounding, appearing on first glance to have bounced the ball over the try-line.
Official in the middle Chris Kendall sent the decision upstairs with a no-try. But video referee Tom Grant awarded the four-pointer after review.
@SaintChris78 wrote on Twitter: “Put down was dubious, but he was clearly off side.
“Video ref just seemed to want to make a quick decision, sod the rules!”
Another shared: “Great try when you ignore the offside and the fact he dropped it.”
Former referee Ian Smith has however backed the decision. Replying to Love Rugby League editor James Gordon, he wrote: “Onside mate.
“That’s the only angle he will have had and no VR is going to call him off on that footage plus he’s not offside anyway.
“Brilliant and quick decision on the grounding as well. Well done VR.
“It looked like a knock on in full speed live. Good job we have a VR.”
Onside mate. That’s the only angle he will have had and no VR is going to call him off on that footage plus he’s not offside anyway. Brilliant and quick decision on the grounding as well. Well done VR. It looked like a knock on in full speed live. Good job we have a VR.
— Ian Smith (@Iansmith2468) April 14, 2023
WATCH: Brad O’Neill scores Wigan’s second try
Wigan claim a second try of the evening through Brad O'Neill who scores after the check from the Video referee.
Warr 0 Wigan 10 with less than 10 minutes left in the first half.
🏉🏉#SkyRL pic.twitter.com/8jDr7NIjLF— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) April 14, 2023
Matt Peet’s Wigan lead 10-6 at the break, with Warrington hitting back in the latter stages with Matty Nicholson scoring against his former club.
Matty Ashton raced away from a kick deep inside his own half, and was eventually brought down by French.
The hosts, in front of a packed house, then shifted the ball on the next play for the back-rower to power his way over.
Big 40 minutes to come, live on Sky Sports.
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