Penrith appeared to get away with a blatant obstruction during their match-winning try.
NRL supporters, including Trent Barrett and Clint Gutherson, are wondering why the Panthers’ winning try against Parramatta on Friday night was allowed to stand. Penrith made an incredible comeback to shatter the Eels’ hearts, scoring three tries in the final seven minutes to win 36-34 after falling behind 34-20.
However, doubts are being raised over the final try, as Liam Martin appeared to create a flagrant obstruction to allow the Panthers to stream downfield. Martin barreled into Daejarn Asi in the defensive line, knocking him off his feet and preventing him from sliding across to help defend.
Daine Laurie slashed through the line two defenders from where Asi was, but the Eels halfback was denied the opportunity to help out. Laurie then ran downfield and set up Izack Tago for the match-winning try, which was approved by the bunker.
However, allowing Martin’s actions to stand was an astonishing call, given that they appeared to be an obvious obstruction. “The last try, I thought there was an obstruction in there, and a pretty bad one too,” Barrett remarked in his post-match press conference.
“I’m not sure how that happens with our officiating and how many people are watching. Daejarn Asi was knocked over by Liam, and it shouldn’t have been a try.
Barrett argued that the Panthers received the call because they are ranked second, while the Eels are ranked sixteenth. Todd Payten and Justin Holbrook made similar comments two years ago, implying that a team’s position on the ladder can influence calls and decisions.
“There were a few (calls) and sometimes that happens when you’re not supposed to be winning, either,” Barrett told reporters. “Penrith are the premiers, and they could have been surprised we were in the competition and you didn’t get them. We didn’t receive a couple of calls tonight. The last one is difficult to accept; you simply cannot do it. You see it every other week, and they are pulled up. “It cost us the game.”
Clint Gutherson and Isaah Yeo differ on obstruction call
Gutherson was also left seething when his on-field pleas were denied by referee Peter Gough and the bunker. “If you’re looking at it that long then there has to be something there,” he told you.
“I believe that if the lead (runner) hits our half and hits the deck, we will be unable to make cover tackles because we lack the necessary movement. “It’s currently a lottery, which is disappointing.”
When asked about the situation after the game, Penrith captain Isaah Yeo downplayed it. “I’ve been big on it the whole year, sometimes you get them and sometimes you don’t,” Yeo reported. “We didn’t get very many tonight either. However, the 50-50s marry up throughout the season. I do not believe there was anything improper with it.
Fans reacted strongly on social media, with some calling it a ‘disgraceful’ and ‘joke’ call. “Liam Martin goes directly into the line, knocking Asi down. “Bunker is clueless,” one user said.
