In Sunday’s match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Wests Tigers playmaker Lachlan Galvin was sin-binned during the first half for a professional foul after being deemed offside and subsequently interfering with Isaiah Tass, who was about to score a try. Although both Galvin and teammate Sunia Turuva were penalised, the referee, Wyatt Raymond, decided to penalise Galvin specifically as he was the “primary defender” in the situation.
This decision sparked some controversy, particularly from Fox League commentator Michael Ennis, who felt that given Tass was just inches away from scoring, it should have been a penalty try instead. Ennis argued that the circumstances of the foul merited a more severe penalty, stating that Tass would have scored easily if unimpeded. Warren Smith, another commentator, echoed these concerns, pointing out inconsistencies in how penalty tries are awarded, especially when compared to prior instances where tries were awarded despite players not being close to the ball.
While Galvin was sidelined, South Sydney took advantage and extended their lead to 12-0, with tries from Euan Aitken and hooker Siliva Havili. However, just before half-time, Tigers’ Api Koroisau scored a long-range effort, reigniting hope for the Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium.
The second half saw Koroisau score again in the 68th minute, putting the Tigers in a stronger position. A subsequent penalty for the Rabbitohs led to Tallis Duncan being binned, leaving South Sydney to defend with just 12 players. Despite this disadvantage, they managed to maintain their lead and ultimately secured a 22-12 victory, with Jai Arrow sealing the win with a late try.
This clash highlighted the ongoing debate over officiating decisions in rugby league, particularly regarding penalties and try awards, as teams fight for crucial points in the competition.