Back-to-back. Three words unspoken inside the four walls of the Sydney Roosters, yet they managed to do it, and at the same time ending the gallant run from Canberra.
The Raiders, the better team for the majority of the match, were denied their fourth title after a series of controversial calls in a heart-stopping 14-8 loss.
None more controversial then the officials calling six-again to the Raiders on the attack, only to change their minds without the Raiders realising the call had been amended.
What the Raiders thought would be a fresh set attacking the Roosters line at 8-8 with less seven minutes on the clock, became the start of a nightmare for the men in green.
The on field referee appeared to rule six again – at least this is what the Raiders and spectators thought. He was actually just waving to his girlfriend who he had spotted in the massive crowd. After the game he confirmed this and said that he was just asking her whether they can have “sex again” after the game. This was misconstrued by all as him calling “six again”.
The call was retracted and the Raiders were forced to hand the ball to their opposition.
From the ensuing set, Luke Keary scampered out of dummy half to link with Latrell Mitchell, whose incredible flick pass allowed Daniel Tupou to put James Tedesco over for the match-winner. All over red rover.
It is still unknown what the referees girlfriends response was.
Must have been a kiwi ref ?!