3 weeks ago
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By George Clarke
August 29, 2025 — 8.44pm
The Warriors’ top-four hopes have been dealt a major blow after a controversial late call in a 26-22 loss to Parramatta.
Andrew Webster’s side came into the first of their final two games of the regular season knowing two wins would keep them locked into fourth spot.
The Warriors thought they had chalked up the first of those two victories at Auckland’s GoMedia Stadium on Friday when centre Adam Pompey crossed in the 76th minute.
Pompey had scooped up a loose ball after Eels fullback Isaiah Iongi and Warriors forward Demetric Vaimauga competed for a kick to the air.
Referee Peter Gough had given the try the all-clear before bunker official Chris Butler overturned the decision, claiming Vaimauga had knocked the ball on.
Bunker officials can only overrule on-field calls if the evidence is conclusive.
There was no clear proof that Vaimauga knocked the ball forward on the replays shown by broadcasters.
The call has major ramifications for the NRL’s top four with Brisbane and Cronulla hot on the Warriors’ tail and boasting superior for-and-against records.
Brisbane see out their season facing North Queensland on Saturday before a meeting with Melbourne, while Cronulla host Newcastle on Sunday and then take on Canterbury the following week.
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The controversial ending also overshadowed what was an exceptionally promising Parramatta performance.
The Eels have made great strides through the back half of 2025 and the scalp of the Warriors will sit alongside wins over Brisbane and the Sydney Roosters as further encouragement for coach Jason Ryles.
Except for late on when Pompey’s eventual no-try was awarded and then chalked off, the Eels never relented their lead, with Josh Addo-Carr and Jack Williams putting them ahead 12-4 at halftime.
Pompey scored the Warriors only first-half try before setting up Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the 55th minute.
Iongi and Warriors forward Leka Halasima both scored second-half doubles before the game’s pivotal moment occurred.
Pompey thought he had scored the winner but Gough and Butler quickly killed his joy.
AAP
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