The NRL’s top-of-the-table clash on Thursday night lived up to its billing as the game of the season before the ferocious contest was decided by the softest of penalties.
Melbourne ousted Penrith 24-22 to all but clinch the minor premiership after Storm centre Nick Meaney booted a gift penalty goal in the 73rd minute to win it.
The penalty was awarded after Panthers enforcer James Fisher-Harris tackled Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes slightly late.
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Both coaches were left confused with the officiating from referee Ashley Klein and Bunker official Gerard Sutton, while Fox League expert Mick Ennis slammed the final call.
“At the end, the penalty, I thought was really controversial, I thought that was really dubious, the one on James Fisher-Harris,” Ennis said.
“I thought that was a really poor call and it ended up being the difference.
“There were a number tonight which were quite controversial which I think we’ll hear a lot more about over the weekend.”
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Nathan Hindmarsh echoed the sentiment on The Late Show with Matty Johns.
“That was a tough call. Fair enough if he hits him in the head or gives him whiplash but I don’t think that deserved a penalty, that one,” Hindmarsh said.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was slightly more diplomatic.
“There were a lot of calls and things going on tonight that I don’t know… but at the end of the day he made the call,” Cleary said.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy was also left perplexed with some decisions from Klein.
“I must not know all the rules,” Bellamy said in his post-match press conference.
Source Agencies
