Papua New Guinea has recorded its first win of the Rugby League World Cup, in a match notable for a Cook Islands try which “bounced for sure.”
PNG was victorious by 32-16 to move into second spot in Group D, but it was a try from Cook Islands centre Anthony Gelling that was the talking point.
With his side trailing 26-8 in the 61st minute, Cook Islands moved the ball to the right, where Gelling attempted a one-handed put-down as three defenders hung onto him.
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“He has bounced the ball, Gelling is claiming a try, I don’t think so, I reckon he bounced it for sure,” commentator Andrew Voss said.
“He is going to try and sell it, referee (Chris) Kendall for the moment is locking it in as a try.”
Video referee Liam Moore agreed with Kendall, awarding the try.
“For me he didn’t seem to have control of the football as he grounded it,” former England captain James Graham said.
Former Penrith and Parramatta player, Tulsen Tollett, who now works as a commentator, was equally baffled by the ruling.
“Are they using different rules in this game?” he asked.
“If that’s a try from Gelling I’ve been watching a different sport all my life.”
Four tries in the space of 27 minutes just after half time sealed the win for PNG, who had a two-point lead at the break.
The Kumuls had prop Mackenzie Yei sin-binned in the opening half for a dangerous tackle, while the Cook Islands was also reduced to 12 men in the second half with centre Reuben Rennie binned for a lifting tackle.
The Cook Islands’ next match is against Tonga on Monday morning, while PNG plays Wales on Tuesday morning.
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