Titans Coach Des Hasler Criticises Bunker Over Controversial No-try Call on Sam Verrills

Gold Coast Titans coach Des Hasler has expressed his dissatisfaction with a contentious call from the Bunker, as his team struggled with inconsistent form in a loss to Melbourne.

In the second half, while the Titans were down 22-10, hooker Sam Verrills seized an opportunity to score from dummy-half.

This moment followed a tackle where Tino Fa’asuamaleaui was halted just short of the line, with Storm defenders Trent Loiero and Shawn Blore sprawled in the ruck.

Verrills picked up the ball amid a dispute between Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona about the play.

“Ryan Papenhuyzen was not pleased with that call,” commentator Warren Smith noted on Fox League.

The on-field referee initially awarded the try before referring it to the Bunker for further review.

Bunker official Kasey Badger determined that Verrills’ contact with Fa’asuamaleaui’s leg obstructed Papenhuyzen.

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

“That decision seems a bit harsh,” Michael Ennis remarked during the broadcast.

After the game, Hasler firmly stated it was “the incorrect decision” and revealed he had communicated with the NRL regarding the rules governing players lying in the ruck before the match.

“(Tino) was allowed to hold his position as he played the ball, that’s what I was told,” he explained.

“The ball was on the ground, they were lying there, resulting in a six again or a penalty… Papenhuyzen wasn’t obstructed, and that’s exactly what the NRL outlined.

“I’m interested to hear their explanation. Kasey made another mistake.”

Hasler conceded that his side also needed to take responsibility for their own mistakes.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy indicated he hadn’t reviewed the decision in detail but felt the try was justifiable.

“Ultimately, we must place our trust in the referee and the Bunker’s ruling,” he commented.