Andrew Johns among NRL icons gobsmacked over unfair call

Andrew Johns couldn’t believe his eyes — and neither could fellow rugby league greats after a bizarre moment in last night’s match.

Andrew Johns wasn’t a fan of the ref’s decision.

Andrew Johns was among a host of footy icons gobsmacked when Junior Paulo was put on report during Paramatta’s 26-12 win over Brisbane on Friday night.

The Eels prop was told he has a case to answer after being involved in an awkward tackle that saw Broncos star David Fifita limp off the field with an ankle injury.

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Johns was adamant Paulo didn’t do anything wrong, and instead just fell to the ground in the process of making a perfectly legal tackle.

“They’re penalising this?!” Johns said in commentary for Channel 9. “What?!

“It was accident in the act of making a tackle. Unfortunately for David Fifita he gets caught under Junior Paulo and he’s on report. For that?”

Eels legend Peter Sterling was also in shock over the referee’s decision but is confident Paulo will escape without a sanction.

“The one thing I am certain of is that Junior Paulo will be there next week,” Sterling told Nine. “I cannot believe he was placed on report for that.

“He’s lying on his back with his hands up. That is a complete accident.”

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur added after full-time: “There’s nothing in that, it shouldn’t have even been a penalty.

“That’s not a penalty. What is he supposed to do? That’s not the description of the hip-tackle.”

Sharks premiership-winner Paul Gallen believed referee Henry Perenara was penalising Paulo for a tackle whereby the defender drops their hips onto the ball-carrier’s legs to slow down the ruck.

However, Gallen thought the whistleblower got it wrong.

“I do understand what he’s been put on report for, but I don’t think that is that type of particular tackle,” Gallen said.

“He hasn’t dropped his hips on the opposition player. I’ve got no doubt he will be fine.”

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Tough break.

The Eels’ win puts them in third, but they will drop to fourth if the Roosters beat Cronulla tonight.

Having spent most of the season in the top four, Parramatta’s form has been patchy in recent weeks, suffering losses to St George, South Sydney and Penrith in the past six games.

The Eels’ attack has lacked fluency without the injured Dylan Brown available to partner Mitchell Moses in the halves, but they’ll be hoping the win over Brisbane can kick them into gear for their run into the finals.

Meanwhile, the Broncos are last and look like collecting their first wooden spoon in the club’s history.