NRL fans fed up after Bunker's 'terrible' call in Sua Fa'alogo drama as Storm win minor premiership

The Bunker has been embroiled in more controversy this weekend after NRL fans were left in utter disbelief when Sua Fa'alogo scored a try when replays showed it was dangerously close to the dead ball line. The Storm's spine were utterly relentless against the Dolphins with Harry Grant, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes all standing out as Melbourne won the minor premiership with two games to spare in the season.

Melbourne sent a warning to the rest of the competition with a 48-6 demolition, but the match was marred after what appeared to be a baffling decision from the Bunker for Fa'alogo's second try. The Storm prodigy was promoted to the wing to start the game and was electric having already scored in the first half.

Fa'alogo then scored his second when he didn't give up on a Hughes grubber that had ricocheted into a number of players and headed dead. The flyer chased the ball and dived to put it down before going out. the Dolphins players were all rooted to the turf as they thought the ball would trickle dead.

Gerard Sutton awarded the effort a try with Fa'alogo pointing to the ball. However, replays were extremely close. Many fans felt Fa'alogo put the ball down on the line. Penrith legend Greg Alexander was adamant the decision would be sent back as a no try.

"It's touching the line, it won't be a try," Alexander said on Fox Sports commentary. Fellow commentator Dane Ginanne was then left stunned when the try was awarded. Fa'alogo also appeared surprised as he laughed with his teammates who had walked back to the 30 metre mark ready to defend the next set. "He is as shocked as the rest of us," Ginane said in commentary.

The Bunker is fortunate to view more angles than viewers on the broadcast to decide their decision. However, many viewers felt no angle would have changed their mind with the ball looking like it had crept onto the line. Others felt since it was deemed a try from the on-field referee it was going to be hard to overturn. The Bunker has already copped plenty of criticism this weekend and Graham Annesley will be expected to have a busy Monday briefing explaining the Storm decision and Stephen Crichton's controversial moment against the Warriors.

Harry Grant praises Melbourne Storm after Panthers shock

The Storm were handed the opportunity to wrap-up the minor premiership on Saturday after the Raiders stunned the Panthers in Canberra. And the Storm made sure the result was in no doubt with Grant leading his team with a player-of-the-match performance.

Craig Bellamy might opt to rest players for the final two games against North Queensland and Brisbane as they look to end Penrith's three-year title domination. The last time the Storm won a premiershop came back in 2020.

This is their sixth minor premiership in 14 years. "I think as a player, as a team, we should take a lot of belief and confidence out of that," Grant said after the victory.

"To win games week in, week out and finish on top of the ladder and then there's still two games to go so we should take a lot of confidence out of that as a playing group. It does mean a lot, but I think the positive thing too is we've locked in two home finals."

The only worry for the Storm was when Grant left the field with 15 minutes to play. However, the No.9 said it was only a "precautionary" measure because the result was secure. While Bellamy might opt to rest players ahead of the finals, Papenhuyzen admitted he wanted to play the remaining two games to build on the team's momentum.

Panthers struggle without Nathan Cleary

The Storm were handed the opportunity to win the minor premiership after the Panthers lost in the nation's capital. The Raiders were trailing against a frazzled Panthers outfit struggling to match the Raiders' physicality. And two late tries to winger Albert Hopoate and Xavier Savage's runaway effort sealed a huge victory for Ricky Stuart's men.

The Panthers now need to win their remaining two game if they want to stay in second and receive the advantage of two home final games. Both Cronulla and the Sydney Roosters are close behind.

"I'm honestly not too worried about that," Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said. "We've had years in the past where this time of year we're kicking around and waiting for the finals to start, so it's definitely not going to be like that this year. What's important is we hit the finals playing well. At the moment we're not playing well enough."