Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has slammed the decision to deny winger Thomas Jenkins a first-half try during his side's 24-10 victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Jenkins was involved in a contest with Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz for a high ball in the in-goal area, with Kiraz appearing to initially take possession before Jenkins secured the ball and crossed for what he believed was a try.
However, referee Gerard Sutton ruled the try could not be awarded, sending the decision to the Bunker as a no try.
“I believe that Jacob Kiraz has taken possession and that Thomas Jenkins strips it out,” Sutton said.
The Bunker agreed with the on-field decision, with the Bulldogs subsequently awarded a 20-metre restart.
Under the rules, if a defending player catches the ball on the full in their own in-goal area, their side is awarded a 20-metre restart. An attacking player cannot strip the ball from a defending player in the air in this area if the defender has completely secured possession.
However, the decision has sparked debate over whether Kiraz had actually secured complete possession of the ball before Jenkins took it.
While Kiraz appeared to get his hands to the ball first, there was conjecture over whether Jenkins stripped the ball from his grasp or simply secured it as it fell from Kiraz's hands.
“Did it pass the pub test that one? It's ridiculous,” Cleary said in the post-match press conference.
“If he caught the ball, with no one around him, in the air and dropped it, what would happen?
“It was just ridiculous. It was a huge call because they got a penalty and scored in the next set.”
The ruling immediately proved costly for the Panthers, resulting in a 20-metre restart giving the Bulldogs possession and eventually leading to a try from Matt Burton, who crossed to send Canterbury into half-time with an 8-4 lead.
Despite the controversial moment, Penrith fought back after the break to claim a 24-10 victory and reclaim top spot on the NRL ladder.
They will now anxiously await scans on Izack Tagos' knee after the centre was seen leaving the ground in a brace on Friday night, with immediate concerns pointing towards an MCL injury.
Panthers are also awaiting the return of Paul Alamoti after he sustained a hamstring injury against the Roosters, with the centre expected to miss another one to two weeks.
Captain Isaah Yeo still yet to have a confirmed return timeline, with Panthers medical staff revealing to Channel Nine during the broadcast that the lock is currently training at 60 to 70 per cent.
The Panthers will close out Round 27 next week against the Tigers at home, looking to secure the minor premiership.
