NRL referees boss Tony Archer has backed his officials' controversial decision to award Sydney Roosters prop Kane Evans a contentious try in the Tricolours' semi-final win over Canterbury on Friday.
Cecchin indicated he thought Evans' stretching effort early in the second half at Allianz Stadium was a try, but there was doubt over whether the Fijian international had grounded the ball short of the line.
Video referee Bernard Sutton upheld the try saying there was not enough evidence to overturn Cecchin's decision. The try put the Roosters ahead 14-4 after an 8-4 halftime lead and from there they were never challenged to book a preliminary final match-up with Brisbane.
In comments provided to Fairfax Media, Archer said he was happy with the decision.
"Lead referee Matt Cecchin was in a very good position to make the live decision of try," Archer said.
"His communication to the video referee was, 'I have a try, just check it wasn't lost before he grounded it'.
"The video referees reviewed the angles provided to them, and determined that they had insufficient evidence to overturn the decision based on the vision available. After reviewing the incident and based on the circumstances, I support that decision. I spoke to (Canterbury coach) Des Hasler after the game and I explained that point to him."
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