The Serve

Penalty try decision was a croc

There is no way that Michael Witt’s penalty try in the 78th minute was a correct decision.

No way in the world.

Firstly, Witt has to catch the football. Secondly, he’s got to run above five metres and put the ball over the line.

There were simply too many if ands buts

The penalty itself was correct. Parramatta’s Chad Robinson had taken Witt without the ball, however to assume with certainty that the Warriors five eighth would have scored is ludicrous.

The incident was nothing like the 1999 grand final when the Melbourne Storm were given a penalty try against the Dragons. Craig Smith had caught a ball in the in goal, only losing it once he was illegally struck across the head. It was clear Smith would have scored in that instance had he not been taken high.

Obvious.

Witt’s incident was nothing of the sort.

I hope that error from video referee Bill Harrigan doesn’t detract from the wonderful performance of referee Tony Archer.

Archer confirmed what I’ve thought for at least six weeks, which is the fact that he has been going very, very well. Far better than the likes of Hampstead, Simpkins and co.

If Archer hasn’t put his name in the frame for the grand final on tonight’s effort, then rugby league is simply not fair.