“Phil Gould Left Puzzled by ‘Unfair’ Bunker Decision as Roosters Triumph Over Dolphins”

In a thrilling encounter, the Roosters weathered a late surge from their opponents and a disallowed try by the Bunker, ultimately securing a 10-point victory over the Dolphins.

A remarkable display involving seven players attempted to orchestrate a spectacular play with Zack Dockar-Clay crossing the line, but their impressive teamwork was thwarted by the Bunker’s ruling.

The sequence kicked off with a towering bomb from the Sydney side, followed by Mark Nawaqanitawase skillfully flicking the loose ball back into play from the sideline.

As Dockar-Clay fought off three defenders in close quarters, he powered his way to the try line, only to have his effort denied. “That’s not a try; that’s a magic trick,” broadcaster Peter Psaltis exclaimed on Nine.

“The Roosters score tries that no other team can replicate. I’m not sure how they do it,” noted Phil Gould.

However, the celebrations were short-lived as the Bunker initiated a grounding review.

The video replay sparked concern among Nine’s commentary team, suggesting that Dockar-Clay may have held up the ball with his own arm before losing and then regaining it.

“It’s not entirely convincing… but it leans more towards a try than not,” Gould commented during the review.

“They need solid evidence to overturn this decision,” Billy Slater remarked.

Ultimately, senior review official Kasey Badger upheld the no-try verdict.

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“That’s unjustifiably harsh,” Gould expressed.

“That was a try in every other form of football globally. The only place it wouldn’t count is in the NRL.

“That would have been featured on highlight reels for the rest of the season.”

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow showcased his own flair, scoring the first points for the Dolphins as they trailed 14-6.

However, the Roosters quickly resumed their scoring spree, with Nawaqanitawase and Radley each adding another try before Connor Watson capitalised on the momentum.

Yet, the Dolphins refused to back down as Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth, and Kodi Nikorima all crossed the line, narrowing the gap to 10 points with just five minutes to go.

“It’s a curious game, rugby league,” Gould observed.

Despite their best efforts, the trio couldn’t alter the outcome, with the Roosters ultimately prevailing with a 36-26 victory.

Earlier in the match, Roberto Toia ignited the scoreboard for the Roosters with his dazzling footwork, evading Nikorima, Tabuai-Fidow, and Jack Bostock to score.

Radley followed suit just minutes later, thanks to some exquisite playmaking from Dockar-Clay.

Nawaqanitawase then delivered a stunning display down the sideline, elegantly tiptoeing his way into the goal area.

“If he manages to get this down, he’s a freak. I can’t believe he did,” Gould commented.

“That was simply brilliant.”

Looking ahead, the Roosters will take a bye next week while the Dolphins prepare to face the Eels.