Bunker got both Manly calls right: Archer

Sep 10, 2017 - 6:05 AM Referees boss Tony Archer has backed the NRL's bunker over the two crucial calls which Manly coach Trent Barrett blamed for ending the Sea Eagles' season.

Barrett was livid after the decisions went against his team in the second half of Saturday night's 22-10 elimination final loss to Penrith.

The bunker first ruled Manly centre Dylan Walker was offside when he chased a Blake Green kick to score early in the second half, while Penrith centre Tyrone Peachey was awarded a try to break a 10-10 deadlock after the ball ricocheted into his chest and leg before he scored.

There was a suggestion the ball could have brushed Peachey's hand on the way from chest to knee, however the bunker was unable to find sufficient evidence to overturn the on-field call of try.

In an explanation that is unlikely to appease Barrett, Archer insisted the bunker was right to stick with the on-field call of try in the crucial 74th minute call.

"It is important to note that the live decision on-field is try," Archer said.

"After reviewing all the available angles of the incident, you can see that the ball definitely comes off the leg of Peachey, and there is insufficient evidence to determine if the ball touches the hand.

"As a result the live decision was confirmed and the try was awarded."

A furious Barrett said after the match he'd like the referees boss and officials to personally explain the decision to his players in the sheds.

He took issue with the requirement of the on-field referee to make a live decision of try or no-try when referring a call to the bunker, meaning conclusive evidence must be found to overturn it.

"It's a massive problem with the system," Barrett said.

"The referee is better off putting his hand in the air saying he has no idea, so let's have a look at it. Rather than influence the decision of the bunker with a no try or try.

"It's cost us our year. Take nothing away from Penrith they played well. But I hope that a grand final is not decided like that. That would be a bloody shame."

Barrett also questioned how the bunker were able to find evidence to overturn Walker's 48th minute try, when it was originally sent upstairs in Manly's favour.

But Archer again insisted the right call had been made.

"For a player to be onside, he's required to have both feet behind the ball at the point in which the ball is kicked," Archer said.

"After reviewing all the available angles, you can see that Dylan Walker fails to have both feet behind the ball at the point in which Blake Green kicks it."

Source: AAP