A frustrated Trent Robinson is questioning why Melbourne were awarded a controversial try in the Sydney Roosters’ 18-12 loss to the Storm. Back-rower Eli Katoa barged his way over the Roosters’ line midway through the first half at Allianz Stadium on Thursday. But as he fended off Michael Jennings and Luke Keary to ground the ball, replays appeared to show Jennings had been driven off the tackle by Storm prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona. Taking opposition players out of a tackle is illegal.
It was telling in a game - arguably the worst of the season thus far, marred by 22 errors and 17 penalties - that all five tries came from final-tackle play kicks. Melbourne drew first blood 13 minutes into the game when Jahrome Hughes sent up a kick that winger Will Warbrick was able to bat back into the arms of Katoa. The Storm back-rower found Hughes racing onto the ball, the halfback evading James Tedesco and Daniel Tupou to score the opening try of the night.