St George Illawarra captain Damien Cook criticized the match review system after a contentious decision played a significant role in the Dragons’ 24-16 loss to the Canberra Raiders on Sunday in Canberra. The controversy centered on Raiders winger Xavier Savage’s second intercept try, which came after an apparent knock-on by teammate Simi Sasagi on a pass from Kyle Flanagan. Despite protests from Daniel Atkinson, Clinton Gutherson, and on-field referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, the bunker upheld the try.

Cook expressed frustration with the ruling, noting the reaction from the Raiders players themselves, many of whom appeared unprepared for the conversion attempt. “Even the Canberra Raiders were shocked by the decision,” he said. “They didn’t even have a (goal) kicker ready. It’s so disappointing. It’s not just us it affects, it’s the fans as well. They deserve better.” Dragons coach Dean Young also voiced displeasure with several decisions made by the bunker during the game, highlighting the Sasagi call as most contentious.

Despite the setback, St George Illawarra showed signs of resilience when Tyrell Sloan scored his second try of the match, narrowing Canberra’s lead to two points. However, a late try from Raiders hooker Tom Starling ultimately sealed the victory. The Dragons had failed to capitalize on early opportunities, with the bunker disallowing three potential tries within the first eight minutes due to knock-on rulings. Young acknowledged that while the team’s effort and style were solid, execution remained an issue. “The last month has been good and we have been in a position to win,” he said. “Our effort and style were there but our execution wasn’t where it needed to be.”

For the Raiders, the game marked a difficult outing for winger Savelio Tamale, who was substituted in the first half after struggling with three errors and being beaten for a late try by St George Illawarra’s Setu Tu. Only ten weeks prior, Tamale had requested to be dropped to reserve grade to rebuild confidence. Raiders coach Ricky Stuart made the decision to remove Tamale, citing concern for the player’s well-being. “He’s struggling and it’s my responsibility as a coach to care,” Stuart said. “It was a very hard decision to take him off. I think all of us were feeling for him. It was an awful feeling on the sideline... He’s a tough kid and I will persevere with him.”

Meanwhile, Ethan Strange, who will feature in the New South Wales side for the Origin decider, delivered a steady but unspectacular performance as the Raiders secured their first win since last month. His form has prompted debate about whether he has done enough to reclaim the team’s No. 6 position.