The NRL has unofficially responded to concerns related to the preliminary final between the Parramatta Eels and North Queensland Cowboys, in particular the seemingly forward pass that resulted in the opening try of the contest.
NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley was careful with his words on Sunday afternoon when addressing the contentious pass, while also advising that the NRL was nowhere near a point where they'd be introducing forward pass technology to the Bunker.
The pass in question wasn’t aided by the fact that Moses was facing backwards when he released the ball. Though the motion and positioning no doubt enhanced the appearance of a forward pass, Annelsey was cautious not to buy into the hyperbole.
“I think there has been some exaggeration about that, in terms of how far people are claiming it went forward,” Annesley told the Daily Telegraph, in response to claims from Channel 9’s Paul Vautin that the ball had gone six metres forward.
“I noted Todd Payten’s comments after the game where he said he thought it was OK.”
Annesley said the incident would be further analysed, but the NRL still has no plans to introduce forward pass technology to the Bunker any time soon.
“We are still discussing it with companies,” Annesley said.
“There are a number of companies who have possible solutions, but we’re not near taking anything (to submission).”
Get set for the footy with the FREE Zero Tackle 2026 NRL Season Guide! Packed with 130+ pages of player profiles, team previews, insights and analysis, the 2026 NRL Season Guide is built for fans who want the full picture. Download your free Season Guide HERE.
“NRL addresses forward pass concerns after media speculation”
I think a better title would have been “NRL denies need for concern over forward passes”.
All Graham Annesley had to say was: “Yes, it does look like a forward pass, but players and officials all make mistakes on the field. That’s always been the way, and it will always be the same in the future.”