NRL legends have been left stunned after the Panthers scored a try following a “black and white” obstruction in the grand final.
Penrith were awarded the controversial four-pointer after backrower Viliame Kikau made contact with Mitchell Moses as the lead runner with score 18-0 to the Panthers.
NRL rules state “‘block’ or ‘flat’ runner(s) (who do not receive the ball) must not run at (chest or outside shoulder of) defender(s) and initiate contact”.
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Channel 9’s commentators were adamant Kikau had hampered Moses’ ability to make a cover tackle as Brian To’o crossed in the corner.
But the Bunker clearly saw it otherwise.
“This will be an interesting one because Shaun Lane was penalised in the first half. It is a penalty,” Andrew Johns said on Channel 9’s coverage.
“Yes, it is a penalty. For people new watching, they will talk inside shoulders, outside shoulders.
“But where he runs, Kikau, he doesn’t give Mitchell Moses the opportunity to go on the inside and slide.”
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Rugby league legend Cameron Smith echoed Johns’ opinion, explaining the Bunker had disallowed tries all season in similar circumstances.
“That one is black and white. Mitchell Moses, although he might have played it slightly he does look to get to his outside. Kikau makes contact with his outside shoulder,” Smith said.
“I don’t know. I’m confused now. All year Joey.”
“Inside shoulder, outside shoulder that. Showed it perfectly. That clip from behind, he had to run between Mitchell Moses and Isaiah Papali’i,” Johns said.
“He doesn’t. And Kikau runs to the outside of Moses and all year that has been a no try, the biggest game of the year, we make it up and change it.”
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