Matty Johns has sparked controversy by defending the lopsided penalty count in Queensland’s favor during the State of Origin Game 2 in Perth. Despite criticism directed at referee Ashley Klein, Johns asserted that NSW’s lack of discipline was to blame for the penalties against them. Former NSW players Jarryd Hayne and Jamie Soward expressed astonishment at the penalty count, with Hayne questioning individual attempts to influence the referees.
The unprecedented nature of the penalty count, with Queensland awarded the first nine penalties of the match, raised eyebrows among commentators. While acknowledging NSW’s disciplinary issues, many felt that some penalties were contentious. Blues skipper Isaah Yeo highlighted the need for better decision-making on the field to avoid giving away penalties. The intense exchange between Yeo and Klein during the match underscored the frustration felt by the NSW team.
Despite scoring more tries than Queensland, NSW’s missed conversions, particularly by Zac Lomax, proved costly. The Eels star’s failure to convert crucial kicks left NSW trailing. Some pundits even suggested that Klein’s whistle played a defining role in Queensland’s victory, with the penalty count heavily favoring the Maroons. Leading NRL reporter Dean Ritchie emphasized the significant impact of penalties on the outcome of the game.
Reflecting on the match, Adam Hawse pointed out NSW’s lack of control and poor discipline in the first half, attributing some of the team’s struggles to their own mistakes. The contentious penalty decisions and perceived bias in officiating have fueled debate around the match’s fairness. While some believe Queensland’s victory was deserved, others question the influence of the refereeing decisions on the game’s outcome.
As the controversy surrounding Game 2 continues to unfold, the focus shifts to the upcoming decider in Sydney. With tensions running high and emotions flaring, both teams are gearing up for a fierce battle to claim the State of Origin title. The fallout from the contentious match has reignited discussions about the role of referees in shaping the outcome of high-stakes games like Origin.
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