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NRL News: Truth about Ashley Klein incident, Dragons fans furious about referee's interference

Dynamics are a decisive factor for the outcome of every NRL game. And St. George Illawarra are feeling the effects of a massive turnaround today after a crucial referee intervention changed the course of Sunday's local derby against Cronulla.

With 15 minutes to go they were behind 26:10. Dragons captain Ben Hunt made a breakthrough and Zac Lomax emerged on the inside of his area with a clear path to the goal line. But Hunt's inside pass found referee Ashley Klein instead of Lomax, denying the Saints an almost certain try under the posts.

Pictured left: Ben Hunt and middle and right: Ashley KleinPictured left: Ben Hunt and middle and right: Ashley Klein

The Dragons had an almost certain try denied after the ball hit referee Ashley Klein, which was a turning point. Image:Getty/Nine

This would have reduced the lead to just 10 points and would have seen a spectacular final in front of a sold-out crowd at WIN Stadium. Instead, Red V suffered a 38-10 defeat that jeopardized their chances of a place in the top 8.

“Don't write the Dragons off yet… oh, Ashley Klein's handling let him down,” Fox Sports commentator Andrew Voss said during the game. “They could have scored, the Dragons. It's an unfortunate moment.”

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 18: Ben Hunt of the Dragons celebrates a try with teammates during the round 24 NRL match between the St. George Illawarra Dragons and the Gold Coast Titans at WIN Stadium on August 18, 2024 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Izhar Khan/Getty Images)WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 18: Ben Hunt of the Dragons celebrates a try with teammates during the round 24 NRL match between the St. George Illawarra Dragons and the Gold Coast Titans at WIN Stadium on August 18, 2024 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Izhar Khan/Getty Images)

The Dragons may need to win their remaining two games to play in the finals in 2024. Image: Getty

Klein told angry Dragons players: “I have nowhere to go. Don't argue.” He then ordered a tackle on three St. George Illawarra play-the-ball plays.

The Red V didn't come any closer to catching up, as the Sharks scored shortly afterwards and pulled away with a convincing 28-point victory. The Dragons now need to win their final two games to secure eighth place and a place in the finals for the first time since 2018.

Coach Shane Flanagan was well aware his side were second best against Cronulla, but pointed out Klein's interference hurt his side's chances. “I thought if we could get one (try), we could get two,” he said. “Honestly, I thought the line break when the ball hit the umpire was a big change and a turning point. You go down and score (shortly after).”

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“But I'm not using that to say we could have won. They were just better than us and had more intent. I'll be the first to raise my hand and say we weren't good enough tonight.”

Asked if he would like to see a change in the interpretation of the rule when the ball hits the umpire, Flanagan replied: “I would like that but what is he doing? He wasn't intentionally in the way.” “It was just unfortunate that he was in the way. I think Zac goes and scores but that's been the rule for ages and we're not going to change it.” The inconsistent Dragons face Parramatta in a competitive match at CommBank Stadium on Saturday.

  1. Storm – 42 points (+213 for and against)

  2. Roosters – 36 points (+269)

  3. Sharks – 36 points (+204)

  4. Panthers – 36 points (+158)

  5. Bulldogs – 34 points (+146)

  6. Cowboys – 32 points (+43)

  7. Sea Eagles – 31 points (+121)

  8. Dragon – 28 points (-120)

  9. Broncos – 26 points (+2)

  10. Dolphins – 26 points (-27)

  11. Knights – 26 points (-70)

  12. Raiders – 26 points (-131)

  • Eels vs Dragons

  • Dolphins vs Broncos

  • Knights against Titans

  • Roosters vs Raiders

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