LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
A heated exchange has emerged following a controversial penalty involving superstar halfback Nathan Cleary and Melbourne Storm's Harry Grant during an intense match in Sydney. Cleary accused Grant of seeking a penalty in the match's final minutes, while Grant retorted that the Penrith players were aware they had committed a foul.
In a thrilling turn of events, a depleted Storm team managed to secure victory against the defending premiers, thanks to Grant's clever try in extra time. However, the Panthers believe they should have won in regulation play, especially after Cleary managed a field goal with just three minutes left on the clock.
This kick would have given Penrith a 19-18 lead; however, referee Ashley Klein penalized prop Moses Leota for interference, as he obstructed Grant's path to Cleary, who subsequently had two attempts blocked. Although the Panthers challenged the ruling, their efforts were swiftly dismissed because attacking players are not permitted to interfere in the ruck.
In response to the unfolding events, Ivan Cleary, Penrith's coach, remarked, "Harry was too smart at both ends. That's pretty much it," displaying a diplomatic stance. However, his son Nathan was noticeably more agitated, prompting Ivan to advise him to "be honest" when answering questions.
Nathan Cleary elaborated, "If that was in the field of play and you run a block shape, it wouldn't have been an obstruction because they ruled that out if you're typically defending at that three man and you play for an obstruction, they don't want that in the game."