Former NSW hooker and Fox Sports commentator Michael Ennis has praised the referees for their decision to award a penalty try to the Blues during the first half of Sunday night's Origin II clash at ANZ Stadium.
The decision came in the 31st minute, after Maroons halfback Ben Hunt grabbed hold of Blues captain Boyd Cordner, who was trying to chase down a kick from James Maloney.
After looking at the vision, the referees awarded a penalty try, suggesting Cordner would have undoubtedly scored had Hunt not interfered.
“There is no doubt it was the right decision,” Ennis told foxsports.com.au.
“The vision was clear that Hunt makes enough contact with Cordner to impede him from scoring.
“Dane Gagai and Will Chambers had gone past the ball.
“The only question mark is whether he is going to get the ball down, but that is not a factor in a penalty try situation.
“He was going to get to the ball, end of story.”
With the score at 10-6 to Queensland before the incident, the Blues would go on to take a 12-10 lead into half-time, before holding on late to record their first series win since 2014.
Ennis was pleased the with referees' bravery to award the try, given it was in one of the biggest games of the season.
“It was a courageous decision on the game’s biggest stage and you don’t see that too often,” Ennis said.
“I know Queenslanders will see it differently but Cordner was impeded from a genuine scoring opportunity.”
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