“Making false statements is morally wrong”: A player from the Panthers taunts a competitor from Wigan regarding a disputed match-winning decision in the WCC game.
Panthers speedster Brian To’o subtly taunted the scorer of Wigan’s winning try in the World Club Challenge, which secured their 16-12 victory over Penrith.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, To’o expressed doubt regarding the grounding of the ball by Wigan center Jake Wardle, who scored the crucial try in the second half, ultimately making the difference in the game.
Replays suggested that Wardle was halted before reaching the try line by To’o and his Panthers teammate Dylan Edwards. However, despite their efforts, the on-field decision of a try was referred to the video referee, Liam Moore, who upheld it.
To’o, in response to the decision, remarked to The Sydney Morning Herald, “You can’t change much. The result is made, but he already knows he didn’t get it over the line. I’m sure the ref knows as well. Lying is a sin, as well.”
The video referee’s inability to find sufficient evidence to overturn the decision left To’o frustrated.
The Wardle try was one of two contentious decisions in the second half, with Panthers player Taylan May also having a potential try disallowed. May attempted to ground the ball in the corner, but the referees deemed otherwise.
May, who was experiencing cramping, expressed disappointment at not being able to celebrate what he believed was a certain try.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary shared doubts regarding the validity of both decisions, suggesting they were arguable cases of no tries.
