-
Penrith endured their third loss of the season at the hands of South Sydney.
-
A controversial review has divided opinion among some footy fans
Ivan Cleary firmly believes that it’s premature to pass judgment on Penruth, and he strongly maintains that the current champions should not be evaluated yet.
NRL
Premiers have not revealed their full potential this season following their third consecutive loss to South Sydney.
During their five-year streak, the Panthers suffered one of their most significant losses as they trailed 28-0 by halftime on Thursday evening at Accor Stadium, ultimately losing with a score of 28-18.
The team that had won the championship four times in a row appeared poised for a remarkable turnaround; however, they were controversially disallowed a key Moses Leota try when only 18 minutes remained.
Leota seemed to storm through the line and thrust the ball downwards, but bunker official Chris Butler determined that he had fumbled and there wasn’t sufficient downward pressure.
Clearly thought afterward that the bunker decision was mistaken, which in turn snuffed out any progress Penrith had in the second half when trailing 28-12.
“I genuinely believed it could be attempted; it would have been quite useful, extremely useful,” he stated.
When consulting with the television match officials, referee Ashley Klein stated: “I have no try, as I think he broke the tackle, but there was also a knock-on.”
Butler affirmed his opinion, but experts on Fox League’s live broadcast of the game had differing views.
Andrew Voss commented, “I believed he managed to get it done. However, it oozes out from the sides. There isn’t any distinction.”
‘It is downward pressure that makes it squeeze sideways. I know I failed physics, but isn’t it the force of hand on ball that squeezes it sideways?
‘He mentioned it has been an attempt every single day since April 20, 1908.’
Many supporters have expressed their views about the review on social media, with someone commenting: “We were cheated!”
Another added: ‘Shocking decision.’
‘Another user commented on X saying the referees should have sponsorship from Specsavers.’
Some thought it was a bump.
One mentioned, ‘He dismissed it effortlessly,’ on X. Someone else chimed in with, ‘It’s evident there’s no decreasing influence.’
‘Someone stole it? Come on, he obviously misplaced it,’ another commented.
Despite ongoing discussions about the choice, larger worries plague the Panthers as they face their first three-game skid since 2019, leaving them with a disappointing 1-3 standing after four matches.
In the opening period, the Rabbitohs put up an outstanding performance, particularly from their left flank, as Keaon Koloamatangi managed to score two tries.
Alex Johnston scored a try in his comeback from an injured Achilles tendon, though he did not play for the remainder of the game due to a shoulder issue which Souths think isn’t severe.
However, Penrith were their own downfall, committing mistakes leading up to each of the Rabbitohs’ five touchdowns.
So bad did it get, Cleary labelled it ‘comical’ at times as his side completed just six sets and lacked any rhythm.
The Panthers were equally troubled by the absence of Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards, with their substitutes Trent Toeluaga and Daine Laurie struggling through tough evenings at halfback and fullback respectively.
Clearly will be back next week, and Edwards might join her, however, Brian To’o ended Thursday with a hamstring injury, and Scott Sorensen had a concussion.
Nevertheless, Coach Cleary dismissed the notion that the club’s player depth was beginning to wane, despite the fact that the Panthers’ premier squad and young talents have been poached by competing teams in recent times.
“I understand the story, I see what you’re aiming at here. I’m certain nobody is feeling sorry for us,” Cleary stated.
But you haven’t witnessed our true selves yet. Only after seeing who we really are should you begin forming judgments about such matters.
Penrith has started the season with losses against the Sydney Roosters, Melbourne, and Souths, following their victory over Cronulla in Las Vegas.
However, what is most worrying is their defense, as they have allowed 118 points over the initial matches and more than they gave up in their first 13 games of the 2021 season combined.
“We simply lack coordination in our gameplay,” Cleary stated.
We really need to locate it promptly. After we secure that, our next steps will become much clearer.
Meanwhile, Bennett is achieving an early-season wonder as he makes his comeback with Souths.
They have won three games and lost one without Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray, with the latter expected back for the upcoming Friday match against South Sydney.
His comeback might lead to Jye Gray leaving the squad, even though he has been outstanding as a fullback once more.
Koloamatangi spearheaded the attack down the Rabbitohs’ left flank, with Davvy Moale and Junior Tatola delivering strong performances in the center of the field.
All of a sudden, Bennett has transformed the South Sydney team, which was anticipated to face challenges this season, into one that has caught the attention of the NRL.
“I believe they always rise and pay attention when it comes to South Sydney,” Bennett stated.
‘Their squad has an abundance of talented players when they come together. You can’t afford to overlook this team.’
These victories are incredibly significant. Penrith was lacking some fantastic players, just as we were.
Read more
