I agree, I don't think hand on heart a ref in my time has cheated in the truest sense of the word, but a fair few have in the way I mean it.

There was the Wigan try a few years ago (long before the VR was a thing), i think it was also in the cup, where Ellery Hanley dotted the ball down about a foot short of the line and it was given.
It was in the corner near the Cats bar, there was even a photo in the Express showing the ball, short of the try line.

Ah, wrencat, that one doesnt matter [ior[/i count though because it was the legend that is Ellery Hanley.........

I think the one you mean was against Bradford Northern and it was Robin Whitfield who was the Ref.

It was a clanger however in a way you can forgive him. He was clearly to far behind the play as was his linesman and didn’t really know either way, so he gave the advantage to the attacking team.

Truth is he had to give a decision as there simply was no recourse in those days to a second opinion.

It is a great example though. Had that happened today he would have gone to the VR and no try would have been given. This is pretty much the same as at Warrington yet for some reason he simply didn’t do the obvious and go to the VR.

Occasionally some go our way!
TJ's second try against Salford looked to come from a pass a yard forward!

Was that the try at Bradford we were stood in that corner and even though he was a good yard short he got up and started jumping up and down We all started laughing but did not find it funny when the ref gave the try

Quote: vastman "I think the one you mean was against Bradford Northern and it was Robin Whitfield who was the Ref. It was a clanger however in a way you can forgive him. He was clearly to far behind the play as was his linesman and didn’t really know either way, so he gave the advantage to the attacking team. Truth is he had to give a decision as there simply was no recourse in those days to a second opinion. It is a great example though. Had that happened today he would have gone to the VR and no try would have been given. This is pretty much the same as at Warrington yet for some reason he simply didn’t do the obvious and go to the VR.'" My grey matter is deteriorating with old age but, pretty certain it was Wakefield v Wigan ? This is the game, 1989/1990 Challenge Cup Quarter Final v Wigan at BV: https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/comp ... mmary.html

Quote: vastman "I think the one you mean was against Bradford Northern and it was Robin Whitfield who was the Ref. It was a clanger however in a way you can forgive him. He was clearly to far behind the play as was his linesman and didn’t really know either way, so he gave the advantage to the attacking team. Truth is he had to give a decision as there simply was no recourse in those days to a second opinion. It is a great example though. Had that happened today he would have gone to the VR and no try would have been given. This is pretty much the same as at Warrington yet for some reason he simply didn’t do the obvious and go to the VR.'" My grey matter is deteriorating with old age but, pretty certain it was Wakefield v Wigan ? This is the game, 1989/1990 Challenge Cup Quarter Final v Wigan at BV: https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/comp ... mmary.html

It's not about our game against Wigan ,but free sport have got the HKR v Cas game on live 12 55 think it will be worth a watch

The Hanley one was when he was over the line but clearly dropped the ball from quite an height when Eden I think tried to tackle him. It didn’t effect the outcome because we were being stuffed at the time.
I remember another against Leeds when the Wakefield player had the ball stolen in a two man tackle one of which was Sheridan whilst scoring which would have levelled matters. The boss of referees agreed it should been a penalty try but it didn’t matter because it was unlikely we were going to win.

The only one who came out badly with the decision to not go to the video was the referee himself fortunately. I know Thaler has been accused of doing this and he now appears to be languishing outside the main group.

Back to Sundays game....

Hoping the injured players from last weekend...TJ...Kelepi...are ok for this...not heard anything yet?

Was wondering on the merits of going with Gaskell on the bench instead of 4 forwards?

Confidence should be up there with his performance in the reserves....I don't think this cup tie will be won by having 4 forwards on the bench and trying to go through them....he can cover a number of positions. I thought in his one appearance so far against Hull he was our best player and certainly looked the most dangerous. With the confidence through the team now and how the spine are functioning much better he could be a real asset. Would also give us the comfort of not having to play forwards in the backs should a Johnstone or Lino pick up a knock say...our two worst halves of the season Leeds 1st half and Salford 2nd half have both come from disruption of losing a back and having to reshuffle...

I'd imagine Fifita will come in for Aydin and then it would be either the same team as last week or Gaskell possibly coming in for one of the forwards...anyone would be unlucky to miss out at present but games will come thick and fast so the squad will be needed...

It would make sense to have cover in the backs because Batchelor is understandably often found out by the opposition when he moves into this position.

I thought Batch might have cracked being an emergent centre by now but seems to struggle still. Don’t suppose it helped having an out of position and relatively inexperienced centre as his wingman.

Centre is the hardest position to cover imho. It’s very specialised yet you can’t justify one on the bench. The only player we have who could be on the bench as centre cover is Gaskell. But if you do that you lose a either a forward or a hooker.

Tricky one.

I watched the tries on playback and Batch isn't individually at fault.
He makes his tackles.
The tries were scored when the group weren't in sync.
So as one try example, Batch is lining up his tackle but Hall loses confidence so comes in to help and the winger goes in untouched.
If the player inside Batch had moved over more Hall wouldnt have moved in to cover.
Just needs more practise. But hopefully not needed.
.