LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
NRL fans and commentators have reacted strongly to a controversial incident involving the Parramatta Eels during their Magic Round loss to Cronulla.
Despite a notable performance from Eels halfback Mitchell Moses, supported by NRL legend Cooper Cronk, the Eels fell to a 28-18 defeat at Suncorp Stadium.
The match featured dubious calls that frustrated viewers-most notably, whether KL Iro actually grounded the ball for the Sharks' first try.
However, it was a later incident that incited widespread outrage, focusing on Bunker official Chris Butler.
After recovering from a 22-6 deficit, Parramatta closed the gap to four points, but a contentious penalty awarded to Cronulla shifted the momentum.
Winger Ronaldo Mulitalo leapt to catch a high kick, dropping the ball as he approached the tryline.
The Bunker determined Bailey Simonsson tackled Mulitalo in the air, despite Simonsson making a legitimate attempt for the ball.
Shaun Johnson, commenting for Fox League, voiced his disbelief, stating, "Oh my God come on now...
They can't do this.
This happens so fast.
Stop watching it in slow-mo." Co-commentator Andrew Voss echoed his concerns, questioning the integrity of the call: "This is a contest for the ball...
We are not going penalty try, are we?"
The confusion deepened as the Bunker deemed Simonsson's actions a foul while asserting it did not constitute a penalty try.
Johnson criticized this reasoning, asking, "if it is a penalty in the air, how can you not consider a penalty try?" The Eels' captain, Moses, along with fans, were outraged at the decision, which had immediate ramifications as Cronulla subsequently extended their lead with Sam Stonestreet capitalizing on the penalty to score his second try.
This incident has sparked intense debate about officiating standards in the NRL, with many expressing their dissatisfaction with the Bunker's decision-making process and the overall impact it had on the game.