Dragons coach Shane Flanagan was fuming at a obstruction non-call for Adam Pompey’s first try that cost his side in their 14-10 loss to the Warriors in Round 24.
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Pompey’s first try in the 63rd minute drew Flanagan’s ire, as Dragons five-eighth Lyhkan King-Togia appealed for an obstruction after being impeded by lead runner Marata Niukore in the lead-up.
Flanagan was not asked about the crucial decision post match, but chose to bring it up anyway.
“I know you haven’t asked the question, but I am going to give an answer,” Flanagan said.
“It was really tough for us that what was an obstruction last week is not an obstruction this week.
“I started playing footy when I was four years old and I don’t know the rules anymore. I deadset do not know the rules.
“So it is tough, but we are a tough club and this is a really connected unit and we will fight really hard for the next three weeks.”
Flanagan was pressed if he thought it was a clear obstruction from Niukore.
“As I said last week it was an obstruction and this week it is not,” Flanagan said.
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“The boys asked out on the field numerous times and they just got shooed away, so that is frustrating.”
Despite the loss Flanagan was proud of his players after they lost three forwards Jack de Belin, Hamish Stewart and Hame Sele to category one concussions, which saw them reduced to two on the bench including 18th man Tyrell Sloan.
“I feel a lot of pride,” Flanagan said.
“I’m proud of the group. Their effort. Their attitude. Their commitment.
“It was one of the better performances I have seen for a long period of time.
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“To lose three forwards so early in the game and then you lose three interchanges there as well, so we had just one forward just rotating around and we had to activate our 18th man.
“I can’t talk highly enough of the group. How hard they tried. How committed they are and how connected they are to the jersey and fighting for each other, so really proud.”
Flanagan revealed the three players were doing okay, but would miss a week at least.
“Jack is looking okay,” Flanagan said.
“He is up and about. His 250th game, so really disappointing that happened.
“Hame Sele is very similar. He is feeling okay and Hamish Stewart has got a pretty nasty cut to the back of his head form the de Belin incident.
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“So they will all miss a week more than likely I would think.”
Dragons skipper Damien Cook was proud of his troops after a game unlike any other he had experienced.
“No I don’t think I have ever been a part of a game like that,” Cook said.
“We spoke about it at half-time this could be one of the greatest wins if we could steal it, but still the result is still a massive win for us as a team.
“Just the resilience and character that we showed today is a massive step in a good direction for us.”
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