Sorry, ref error and subsequent rescore on Parramatta Eels player: Dean. Consequential re-tally of scores and Gold Coast Titans win.
I think I misread Dean's word score as 729, not 629 and did not act on his low word count - in accordance with the rules.
Extract below:
[SIZE=+1]"Word count penalties[/SIZE]
Ideally, each article shall consist of a minimum of 650 words and a maximum of 750 words, including the title. Articles that venture outside of the 650-750 word count range will incur a penalty. Be aware that any articles that are less than 500 words will be disqualified and will not be marked by the referee.
1-499 words: Disqualified
500-649 words: 5 points penalty
650-750 words: no penalty
751-760 words: 2 points penalty
761-800 words: 5 points penalty
801-850 words: 10 points penalty
+ 10 points penalty for every additional 50 words or part thereafter.
NB: Players team details and post-article references are NOT included in the word count. "
My apologies to both teams, and commisserations to the disappointed.