‘I don’t know’: Obstruction controversy leaves NRL world completely lost

NRL commentators and fans have been left completely baffled after a controversial moment erupted early in the top of the table clash.

The Melbourne Storm have all but wrapped up the minor premiership after claiming a stunning 24-22 win over the Panthers in Penrith on Thursday night.

In what was essentially a play-off for the minor premiership, the Storm’s victory sees the side move four points ahead on top of the ladder with three matches remaining.

While the Panthers likely won’t be too worried about the result as they will at least be a game ahead of whichever team is in third at the end of the round, they will have plenty of concerns after superstar Nathan Cleary left the match with 13 minutes remaining clutching his shoulder.

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But while the match show off a potential grand final preview, it hasn’t been able to avoid controversy.

Fans and commentators alike were left absolutely baffled after the opening try of the match as the NRL’s obstruction rule continues to be as clear as mud.

After a Daine Laurie knock on gave the Storm a scrum 20m out from the Panthers’ line, the ladder-leaders spread wide with Grant Anderson crossing in the corner.

While Anderson crossed out wide with an unusual ease, question arose immediately after Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary was impeded by Storm centre Jack Howarth as he was sliding out in defence to help his outside men.

Storm legend Cooper Cronk said on Fox League: “By the rule, that is outside shoulder contact on Nathan Cleary, who is trying to get out and help Tago in the defensive decision.

“Great play there from the Melbourne Storm, fired the first shot, but I think this is going to be called back.”

Andrew Voss said by the “balance of probability” Cleary wasn’t going to affect the tackle — when the try was awarded.

“This is such a grey area, we’ve been confused a number of times now,” Cronk said.

“Some have been awarded, some not. Nathan Cleary is on the out and he stops in the line Howarth.

“Yes Tago makes a bad decision by coming in, and that creates the space for Papenhuyzen. But if Cleary can get out, then that helps Tago defend.”

So many of these tries have been disallowed in the past. Photo: Fox Sports

On Channel 9, Andrew Johns said immediately: “Nathan Cleary was taken out.”

He added the Panthers had been the beneficiary of a controversial call in their stunning comeback against the Eels, but said: “This will be no try.”

Storm legend Cameron Smith began to say: “No doubt Howarth makes contact with Cleary on the outside shoulder. That is letter of the law …”

The try was then confirmed with Smith adding: “They would have taken into account whether they thought Nathan Cleary would have been able to get out to the far corner where Grant Anderson scored.”

Johns replied: “They didn’t take advantage of where Nathan fell over. I don’t mind, as long as there’s consistency. That’s all we want.

“Once again, as long as they’re consistent, it is fair game.”

Fans were equally perplexed, lashing out at what appears to be an inconsistent decision.

WWOS’ The Mole said: “WTF??? Cleary barrelled over … textbook no try … TRY CONFIRMED!!!!”

Reporter Greg Prichard posted: “No obstruction on that try? Wheeeee!”

The EELectric Podcast account added: “Hahaha I honestly don’t know what an obstruction is.”

One fan commented: “Try confirmed? I was about to say the lead runner did a poor job. Try would’ve been scored anyway, but still obstruction for me based on modern interpretations. I’d like to see that consistently awarded a try, but that’s not how it’s been ruled recently.”

Another posted: “This obstruction thing will get messy in a finals game, and the game will blow up.”

Howarth hit Cleary on the outside shoulder. Photo: Fox Sports

A third tweeted: “@NRL is there any point in having the bunker if they can’t get any calls right? Howler no call on that obstruction call #garbage.”

Another wrote: “I have no idea what is or isn’t obstruction again.”

A fifth said: “Hang on … Are we back to the bunker using discretion on decoy plays?

“I thought it was ‘black and white’ on these obstruction plays now? FFS this sport just makes up the rules as they go.”

Another added: “How in gods name is that a try? What Tago does is irrelevant lol. Cleary was denied the chance to affect a tackle.”

Another confused fan commented: “Cleary was never going to make a difference, but one has to ask when did the rules changed. I’m comfortable with the try, but that hasn’t been a try for a very long time now.”

The Storm increased the advantage to 10-0 in the 15th minute after Eliesa Katoa was the beneficiary after Melbourne batted back a bomb.

But the Panthers hit back with two tries in three minutes through Lindsay Smith and Izack Tago to level it up.

Katoa’s second gave the Storm some breathing space but another drama erupted on the stroke of halftime.

With seconds left, the Storm took a kick as the optional 20m restart after a kick went dead.

The Panthers challenged, finding Howarth standing in an off-side position.

When teams take a tap from the 20m and a player is in front of the person tapping, the attacking team has generally been given a chance to tap again in recent times.

But instead, a penalty was awarded with the Panthers cutting the lead to 16-12 with a penalty goal from directly in front 20m out.

While the Panthers opened a 22-16 lead with the first two tries of the second half, the Storm responded when Tyran Wishart split the defence to score under the posts in the 60th minute.

A penalty goal eight minutes from time was enough for the Storm to take the points — and likely wrap up the minor premiership.

Originally published as ‘I don’t know’: Obstruction controversy leaves NRL world completely lost