Broncos 24
Tigers 20
Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett says high tackles have become a major problem in the game and little can be done to prevent them marring the finals because "the horse has probably bolted".
Bennett was speaking after the Broncos twice came from behind to snatch a 24-20 win in front of 26,790 fans at Suncorp Stadium last night, leaving Wests Tigers' bid for a maiden finals appearance in jeopardy again.
Tigers replacement forward Bryce Gibbs was reported for a late, high challenge on Broncos half Casey McGuire, who went on to score the winning try with seven minutes left.
But the visitors were repeatedly cautioned for other high shots - four in the first half alone - and Bennett said: "You've got to do something pretty bad these days to get sent off.
"I think the trend's been there all year, personally. Tonight was no worse than I've seen other days and nights.
"It's not my portfolio. You've got guys looking at videos, you've got everybody having replays and you ask me what can be done about it? The horse has probably bolted."
Wests Tigers could have tied up the game with seconds left when winger Pat Richards crossed for what would have been his third try, but after repeated viewings video referee Tim Mander decided he had put his elbow into touch. The joint-venture side is now in danger of dropping out of the top eight.
"I think if you're sure, you make the decision after two looks at it," said Tigers coach Tim Sheens.
"When you look at it six or seven times, both angles, you're obviously telling everyone in the ground that you're not sure.
"So then how do you come up with a decision other than benefit of the doubt [to the attacking side]?"
Despite the high-tackle penalties, the visitors led 10-8 at half-time and extended their advantage when Richards got his second try, off a Mark O'Neill grubber, in the 44th minute.
But the Broncos then delivered a one-two punch through five-eighth Ben Ikin in the 64th minute and debut captain Petero Civoniceva in the 67th minute before Mander came into play after an in-goal fumble by Scott Minto.
After several viewings, Mander ruled Tigers skipper Darren Senter had scored a try by pouncing on the loose ball, and Brett Hodgson's goal snatched a 20-18 lead for Wests Tigers with nine minutes left.
But almost immediately, the Broncos made a break down the right flank with McGuire taking an inside pass from Brent Tate to score.
"It was a rough day at the office," McGuire said, adding that after the Gibbs hit he was "a bit dazed . . . I came good after a couple of minutes". Bennett, who told his players after the game they were one victory away from being "the most winning [Broncos] team since 2000", was also critical of referees for their overreliance on touch judges and video officials.
"Their indecision disappoints me," he said. "Everybody can see what's happened and they're looking at the linesman or someone else to give them a tip."
Tigers centre Shane Elford is likely to miss the rest of the season with a fractured eye socket.
)
