Roosters blame refs for loss to Penrith in semi-final

In a recent semi-final match, the Sydney Roosters faced a significant defeat against Penrith, ending with a score of 30-10. The Roosters were trailing 24-0 at halftime, and coach Trent Robinson expressed frustration over a pivotal forward-pass call made by referee Ash Klein. This decision occurred when a pass from Tupou was deemed forward, negating what could have been a crucial try for the Roosters early in the second half. Robinson argued that this call was a major turning point in the game, suggesting that had the try been awarded, the score would have shifted to 24-16, potentially altering the match's dynamics. Despite the controversy surrounding the officiating, players like James Tedesco acknowledged that the Roosters' performance was marred by errors and penalties, particularly in the first half. Tedesco emphasized the need for the team to execute their game plan effectively over the full 80 minutes. The Roosters' inability to capitalize on opportunities and their defensive lapses allowed Penrith to dominate early in the match, scoring four tries before halftime. Fans and commentators had mixed reactions to the officiating, with some believing that the Roosters' chances were already diminished due to their poor performance rather than the forward-pass call. Criticism was directed at the Roosters' discipline, with suggestions that other infractions, such as a professional foul by Luke Keary, should have further impacted their chances. As the Roosters reflect on this loss, they now prepare for a home semi-final against the winner of the upcoming elimination final between Canterbury and Manly, hoping to regroup and improve their performance in future matches.