Call for video ref on

By KEITH PUARIA
RUGBY leagues issues in the country were out in the open for all concerned to witness at the Prime Ministers XIII Challenge on Sunday at the Lloyd Robson Oval.
Aquila Uate’s 79th minute try for Australia to win 24-18 did not go by without scrutiny, as fans and a couple of players immediately called for the introduction of the video referee for big games.
The collapse of a 30m light tower and roof of a section of the outside stand opposite the grandstand, the risks faced by fans on the bare frames of stands and the over-crowding that denied fans access to the ground even after halftime were clear for all to see, especially the VIP entourage including Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Australian High Commissioner Ian Kemish.
“We need to have the video referee. I was disappointed with that last try. The referee and the linesman made a bad decision to award it,” veteran prop Rodney Pora said post match.
PNG were denied a draw by referee Phil Haines when he ruled that Uate had scored, after the winger appeared to have knocked the ball on when contesting a cross-field kick.
NRL referees normally go to the video replay for clarification on close calls but Haines did not have that option.
A chorus of dissatisfied fans laid the blame on the venue preparations.
“This game is an international and we have to be able to provide the same avenues that are available in the NRL, and on the international arena,” Lauka Hato who travelled from Kokopo said.
“If we are to raise our standards, these are the little things that contribute to the big things.”

One of the lighting towers also collapsed onto the roof of a stand, with fans hanging onto it, while the collapse of another roof almost caused serious injuries to fans who were perched on the roof all game.
VIPs present included Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko, his Vice Minister Labi Amaiu, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Australian High Commissioner Ian Kermish, Sports Foundation Chairman Graham Osbourne, and various corporate supporters of rugby league in the country.