Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis has confirmed that he and his club are still contemplating legal action against the NRL over the refereeing blunder that cost the Tigers an upset win over the North Queensland Cowboys.
Head of football Graham Annesley confirmed on Monday that whilst the captain’s challenge was used appropriately, bunker official Ashley Klein incorrectly awarded a penalty to the Cowboys which proved to be the match winner.
Hagipantelis said that his case has legs according to the club’s legal counsel and has subsequently asked Annesley to provide relevant documents and information as the Tigers begin to mount their case.
“What Graham said yesterday requires further clarification,” Hagipantelis said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I’ve already sought the advice of legal counsel and they agree with me that there are grounds there to explore the matter even further.
“I have asked Graham Annesley to produce a number of documents including all of the audio between the referee, the bunker and the players and the log for the official clock.
“It was a very unjust result.
“If it can be corrected that’s fine and if it can’t be, at least we gave it our best.”
The consensus among the fans and media alike is that the Tigers were robbed of a victory but that handing the club the two competition points sets a bad precedent.
Hagipantelis disagreed with that notion and insisted that if there is an unjust outcome, the sensible decision would be to rectify the decision.
“I agree that it may be setting a precedent, but why is it dangerous?” he said.
“If there is such an egregious and unjust outcome, why would it be a bad thing to have the NRL involve itself and correct it?
“The condemnation of what occurred is almost universal and overwhelming.
“The Wests Tigers should’ve won that match and the Cowboys should not be enjoying the two points that they have.”
The Tigers play the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on July 30.