Nelson Asofa-Solomona appeared to give Katoa a nudge towards the line, which is illegal under the game’s “drivers” rules.
The rule, introduced this year, states: “It is not permissible for a player(s) to lend weight to a teammate in possession to gain momentum or advantage in the tackle; if this occurs, the referee will immediately call ‘held’ and deem the tackle to be complete”.
Storm players claimed Michael Jennings knocked on before Joey Manu scored on the next play.Credit: Nine
The rule also states the referee will take into account any momentum the tackle has generated. Asofa-Solomona nudges Katoa, then pulls out.
Robinson said it should not have been a try.
“Did he lend weight? Yes he did, ‘no try’,” Robinson said.
“It’s not that difficult. But they’re making it really difficult at the moment.”
James Tedesco avoided being sin-binned for tripping Ryan Papenhuyzen.Credit: Nine
Robinson also took issue with Xavier Coates’ match-winning try, when Reimis Smith appear to disrupt Connor Watson as he went for the ball.
“The game will be reviewed in detail over the coming days, but having listened to the bunker audio from last night, I’m very comfortable with the process the bunker went through to support the on-field decision in both tries,” NRL head of elite competitions Graham Annesley said of both tries.
There were 17 penalties in an entertaining game featuring two sides with strong finals chances.
Asofa-Solomona returned for the Storm, with the two-metre front-rower punching out just over 30 minutes after a few weeks in reserve grade with the North Sydney Bears.
Hamstring issues had disrupted his preparations, and coach Craig Bellamy wanted him to lift his standards, which led to suggestions Asofa-Solomona could be on the way out of the club, despite having three more seasons on his deal.
Asofa-Solomona vowed to see out his contract, while also promising to improve his discipline on the field.
“I’m a lover, not a fighter, but when I cross that white line, it’s business,” Asofa-Solomona said.
“I had a good talk with the coaches, and it’s about applying the energy in the right places for my team.
Loading
“I felt like last year I let my team down being too aggressive, and making silly errors of judgment by trying to get into scuffles.
“That’s not part of my game any more, I’m trying to rub it out, and trying to do what’s right for the team.”
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now
