News Flash: Annesley supports Bunker’s decision on the obstruction call that affected the Eels, with a Kiwi rugby star now on the league’s radar.

The NRL has supported the bunker’s decision to uphold Penrith’s game-winning try against Parramatta, despite a clear incident where a Panthers player collided with an Eels defender during the play. Parramatta was outraged, believing that Liam Martin’s actions constituted obstruction against Deajarn Asi in Penrith’s 36-34 victory on Friday night. As Martin used himself as a decoy to create a break, he knocked Asi to the ground, leaving him unable to participate while Daine Laurie made a run and set up Izack Tago for the try.

Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson quickly brought the matter to referee Peter Gough’s attention, and the bunker reviewed the play before confirming the try. While Laurie received the ball beyond Martin’s outside shoulder, the Eels insisted that the contact still affected their defensive setup. Eels coach Trent Barrett expressed frustration, questioning the officiating: “I don’t understand how this happens with all the people involved in reviewing it. Daejarn Asi was knocked over by Liam, and it shouldn’t have been a try.”

However, Graham Annesley, the NRL’s head of football operations, explained that an accidental collision with Blaize Talagi caused Martin to trip and unintentionally disrupt Asi. He also noted that the ball-carrier did not gain an advantage from the collision, as he did not return to that part of the field. “I’m the first to acknowledge that there will be differing opinions on this,” Annesley stated on Monday.

“But is this an obviously incorrect decision by the bunker? No, it’s not. The bunker’s explanation for their decision—that it was not an obstruction requiring intervention—is perfectly valid,” Annesley said. He did admit, however, that a refereeing mistake affected Canberra’s 46-24 loss to Manly on Saturday. The Raiders had a try disallowed after referee Grant Atkins blew the whistle prematurely while utility player Adam Cook was in a clear position to score.

What initially seemed to be a clear knock-on was revealed to be a precise grubber kick upon replay. The Raiders successfully challenged the on-field call, confirming that Cook had scored a legal try. However, due to Atkins’ premature whistle, the try could not be awarded, as it prevented Trbojevic from trying to chase Cook, even though he might not have caught him.

Annesley acknowledged that it was reasonable to question whether the referee should have let the play continue before blowing the whistle. However, this approach could have posed the risk of not being able to review the play if Trbojevic had managed to tackle Cook and the original call was confirmed as a knock-on. Annesley indicated that the NRL might review the rule at the end of the season. “No doubt this situation will be examined. Could the laws of the game be adjusted to address this differently? Certainly, as we’ve made changes in the past,” he said.

In other news, Melbourne’s rugby sevens standout Will Warbrick believes Moses Leo could make a successful transition to the NRL if his code switch is completed. Warbrick, who joined the Storm after his Olympic silver medal performance in Tokyo with New Zealand, has become a key player for the team, featuring prominently in their backline across two seasons and 43 first-grade games.

As the Paris Olympics conclude, the Storm are exploring Moses Leo’s interest in making a move similar to Will Warbrick’s. The 27-year-old Leo, who shares traits with Warbrick as a tall and physically strong winger, has played a significant role in helping New Zealand advance to the knockout stages. The Kiwis were ultimately eliminated by South Africa, who went on to win bronze, in the quarter-finals.

The Storm are looking to bolster their depth in the outside backs following the departures of Justin Olam, Reimis Smith, and George Jennings over the past year. Warbrick thinks Leo could be a valuable addition, given his success as a bronze medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. “I know Moses quite well,” Warbrick commented. “He’s an excellent rugby sevens player, a skilled rugby union player, a great athlete, and an even better person. Whatever he chooses to pursue, I’m confident he’ll excel. He has a strong work ethic and exceptional talent, so if he makes the switch, it will be beneficial, but we’ll see what happens.”

Warbrick’s defensive skills initially caught the attention of Storm recruitment chief Paul Bunn at the Tokyo Games, but Leo could offer different strengths. “He’s dynamic, athletic, fast, and skilled. He has a good offload and impressive footwork, making him a dangerous runner,” Warbrick noted. “With those attributes, I’m sure he would succeed in the NRL. I can’t compare him to anyone else, but he’s a real talent.”

Moses Leo has gas on tap ⛽#HSBCSVNS | #HSBCSVNSMAD | @nz_sevens pic.twitter.com/LX8sYaTcVU

— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) June 2, 2024

After spending the entire 2022 season recovering from injuries and adjusting to his new sport, Warbrick understands the patience required when switching codes. Under Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, nothing is guaranteed. “I’m not going to claim he’ll definitely come in and make a huge impact right away—he might, or he might not. But he has a strong character,” Warbrick said. “He’s disciplined and hardworking. Those qualities usually lead to success in whatever you pursue. Personally, I believe he’ll excel here and fit in well, which is the most important thing.”