Rugby League News

Simi Sasagi excelled in the Raiders' win over Melbourne, while injury concerns linger for Josh Papali'i; coach Stuart expressed frustration with officiating inconsistencies.

The Canberra Times

Simi Sasagi showed why he's one of the best centres in the NRL right now with a pivotal role in the Raiders' victory over the Melbourne Storm, as coach Ricky Stuart expressed frustration at the unpredictability of some officiating.

There was also an injury concern for the Raiders in the 26-22 win, with veteran Josh Papali'i coming off in the first half, and unable to return.

Ice was seen strapped to the prop's left calf on the sidelines, and Stuart said he could be in doubt for next Thursday's clash with the Wests Tigers.

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Ricky Stuart expressed frustration over officiating and ruck interpretation after the Raiders' win, questioning a controversial no-try call.

Fox League

Ricky Stuart was frustrated with a number of calls and the ruck interpretation in the Raiders' 26-22 victory over the Storm in Round 7.

The Raiders led 12-0, but could have been further ahead if Hudson Young wasn't denied a try for an accidental off-side that seemed a tough call.

"What stands out to me is after the back end of the season last year, it's very hard to cheer after a try," Stuart said in his post match press conference.

"I find it myself, I used to go off like a bloody idiot, scoring tries and whatnot. Unless it's an intercept or whatnot, it's hard to cheer because you think, oh well okay, was he onside? Did he hit him high? I mean, I suppose that's what the bunker's there for."

Stuart was pressed what goes through his head when he saw the Hudson Young no try call.

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Wayne Bennett supports the NRL's six again policy, preferring its fast-paced play over a return to wrestling tactics.

Fox League

Wayne Bennett has backed the NRL's controversial six again policy, with the veteran South Sydney coach not wanting to see the wrestle return to rugby league after the code "suffered for over a decade" with the speed of the game being bogged down.

Bennett's comments come a day after Raiders counterpart Ricky Stuart said "we've lost the fabric of the game" due to the rule change which has led to higher scores and a frenetic pace of play.

The decision to now award set restarts rather than traditional penalties for ruck infringements and players being offside from beyond the 20-metre line has received plenty of hate online, but the game's longest-serving coach prefers it to the alternative.

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