Melbourne Storm fans voiced their displeasure after the Brisbane Broncos were awarded a penalty try thanks to Harry Grant bundling over Herbie Farnworth.
The Storm scored the first try of the game thanks to Cameron Munster in the 12th minute and were looking strong in the opening stages.
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However, a burst of pace from Broncos fullback Reece Walsh broke the Storm’s line in the 16th minute.
With nowhere to go, Walsh flicked the ball to Farnworth who had made a run to his left.
The ball smacked off Farnworth’s knee and was ruled play on, as the Broncos centre was locked in a foot race with Grant to get to the ball first.
With the ball creeping closer to the Storm’s goal line, Farnworth looked as if he had got the edge on Grant.
However, both stumbled to the ground.
But just as Farnworth tried to get to his feet, Grant seemingly leapfrogged him and pushed the Broncos star to the ground in the process.
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Brisbane halfback Adam Reynolds had made a monster run in an effort to provide support and grounded the ball on the dead ball line before smacking his head against the turf and being ruled out of the game through injury.
The referee ruled no try on Reynolds’ initial effort but wanted to check Grant’s tussle with Farnworth.
The video referee then declared Farnworth would have got to the ball in time to ground it had it not been for interference from Grant and the Broncos were awarded the penalty try.
Fox League commentators Michael Ennis and Dan Ginnane were both in agreement it was the right call.
“He was leading the race to the ball, Herbie Farnworth,” Ennis said.
“They’re saying the push in the back was enough to be a penalty try.”
Ginnane added: “There’s a big decision. A big decision indeed.”
Ennis replied: “I saw it live, I wasn’t sure if I was overexaggerating, but when I saw it on the replay, particularly at full speed, there’s no doubt Harry puts his hand on his back and pushes him forward. You can’t do it.”
