Canberra Raiders chief executive Don Furner says the rule on trainers getting hit by a ball is outdated - designed before they spent so much time on the field.
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He stopped short of calling for the NRL to change the rule, but predicted they would continue to get hit in the modern game.
The Raiders were put on the back foot early in the game when a Sia Soliola charge down cannoned into the Sydney Roosters trainer.
Canberra second-rower Elliott Whitehead was denied a try-scoring opportunity as a result.
But the Roosters were given the scrum feed - and a repeat set that led to the opening try of the grand final - despite it being their trainer who had interfered with play.
"I know that's the rule, but that's probably there before trainers spent half their time on the field," Furner said.
"Now trainers are on the field all the time. The chances are they're going to keep getting hit.
"A sensible decision would've been fifth tackle, maybe Elliott's not allowed to pick it up, but changeover, Raiders ball.
"It's not our trainer that gets hit, it's their trainer that's in the road. It is cruel because we pulled off a good play. It's just bad luck."
Furner didn't want to be drawn on the six-again refereeing controversy, other than to say Raiders coach Ricky Stuart handled it well.
Clive Churchill Medallist Jack Wighton has capped a stunning turn around over the past 12 months with a Kangaroos call-up.
The Raiders five-eighth was joined by teammates Josh Papalii and Nick Cotric in Mal Meninga's Australia squad announced on Monday.
The NRL also took the opportunity to extend Meninga's contract until the end of 2021.
Wighton started the past year in court on assault charges, but has ended it courting a Kangaroos debut.
As well as a Prime Minister's XIII games against Fiji on Friday, Australia's scheduled to play two end-of-season Tests - firstly against New Zealand in Wollongong on October 25 and then against Tonga at Eden Park a week later.
Following his switch from fullback to five-eighth, Wighton made his State of Origin debut as part of a victorious NSW side and helped guide the Green Machine to the NRL grand final - where he was named the best player on the ground despite being in the losing team.
In a disgusting display, Sydney Roosters fans booed Wighton when he received the award, prompting Raiders coach Ricky Stuart to label them "wombats".
"He's had an outstanding season. Full marks to Jack," Meninga said.
"He's had a bit of an up-and-down career so far, in life in particular, it's full marks to him the way he's turned his life around, the way he's played this year in the six spot.
"He forced his way into the NSW side in the left centre spot.
"I'm really impressed with Jack and I thought he was the outstanding player in the grand final."
Papalii could play for Australia for the first time since 2016, having opted to represent his Samoan heritage at the last World Cup in 2017.
He's emerged as the best prop in the game this season and played through the grand final with a pectoral injury, having injured it in the first tackle of the game.
Melbourne Storm lock Dale Finucane will come in if Papalii's ruled out.
Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary (ankle) is also in doubt, with a replacement set to be announced if he isn't fit.
Cotric has had a rollercoaster ride this season, making his Origin debut, but also being struck down by injury and suspension.
He had to deal with his father David's cancer battle as well.
Wighton will be used at either centre or as a bench utility, rather than at five-eighth.
"I wouldn't talk about that before the [grand final] week because I was looking forward to the week," he said.
"It's every kid's dream and it's one of those things I would love to achieve."
There weren't any Raiders named in Australia's World Nines squad, but Elliott Whitehead, Ryan Sutton and future Raider George Williams have been in the England squad, with the tournament to be held at Parramatta Stadium from Friday week.
Former ACT Brumby Millie Boyle, part of the dominant Brisbane Broncos premiership team, was named in the Jillaroos and women's nines squads.
Kangaroos squad: Josh Addo-Carr, Daly Cherry-Evans, Damien Cook, Boyd Cordner, Nick Cotric, Tyson Frizell, Wade Graham, Payne Haas, Ben Hunt, Luke Keary, David Klemmer, Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Munster, Cameron Murray, Josh Papalii, James Tedesco, Jake Trbojevic, Paul Vaughan, Jack Wighton.