Veteran NRL coaches Ivan Cleary and Craig Bellamy were at odds over the Bunker’s match-defining decision in their sides’ tight clash on Friday night.
The Panthers were denied what would have been the first try of the match in the 49th minute after it was ruled Jarome Luai ran behind a teammate in the build up.
Referee Gerard Sutton initially awarded the try but the Bunker intervened when replays showed a potential obstruction may have denied Storm defenders.
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“Jarome Hughes makes a decision to come in and defend the play, however, Jarome Luai catches the ball on the inside of the lead runner and then plays through which affects Melbourne’s defensive line as everyone then has to jam in,” the Bunker official said.
The try was rubbed out and from the ensuing penalty Melbourne marched down field and scored in what proved the match-winner as they held on for a gritty 8-0 victory.
But Panthers coach Cleary wasn’t satisfied with the explanation from officials when asked about it in his post-match press conference.
“Well, I have to be careful about this but if there’s going to be an obstruction rule, someone has to be obstructed,” Cleary said.
“I thought they also said that Jahrome Hughes made a defensive decision there, and when that happens… anyway, it was just one of those things.
“Summed up the night really.”
Panthers deflated with round 1 loss | 04:13
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Asked whether he thought there were instances of “over officiating” from the referees, Cleary wouldn’t be drawn but the premiership-winning coach was clearly frustrated.
“I don’t know, I don’t know,” he said.
Bellamy admitted the decision changed the course of the match, but he agreed with the officials and said it was an obstruction.
“It might have been a little bit different if that try they scored was allowed, but it wasn’t, he ran behind his own man,” Bellamy said.
“That would have been a bit deflating if that had (been awarded).”
Upsets continue throughout round 1 | 01:28
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Source Agencies
