Penrith Panthers star Jarome Luai will await a decision from the match review committee after he was put on report in a win over the Melbourne Storm
Luai’s side ran out 34-16 winners after a brilliant comeback, with the Storm leading 14-0 inside the first 26 minutes.
The incident in question took place in the second minute when a tackle on Jahrome Hughes while kicking landed Luai in trouble with Harry Grant sprinting towards the Blues villain, sparking a melee.
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Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns was surprised at the decision to penalise Luai.
“There’s nothing wrong with that, he doesn’t go at the legs, it’s not late, it’s simultaneous, he hits the shoulder, the arms are wrapped around,” he said on Nine’s coverage.
“Yeah he puts him in an awkward position but there’s nothing illegal in it.”
Queensland great Billy Slater provided clarification on the ruling.
“Theoretically there’s nothing really wrong with the tackle except he put him in a dangerous position, that’s the ruling this year,” he said.
“You can nearly not hit a kicker at all these days … unfortunately for Jarome Luai, Jahrome Hughes was put in an awkward position.”
The penalty put the Storm ahead with a penalty goal before Grant scored just over 10 minutes later, charging down a Jack Cogger kick.
Meaney’s penalty proves costly
Nelson Asofa-Solomona had the home side’s second in controversial circumstances, with the Bunker ruling he didn’t knock the ball on while scoring, despite protests on commentary.
10 minutes before half-time, Penrith clicked into gear with a penalty try to Stephen Crichton starting the party.
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Izack Tago and Liam Martin both scored as well to give them a lead of 16-14 at the break.
A penalty goal right after half-time to Melbourne was the only points it scored for the rest of the game.
Hosking finishes frantic play
Tago sealed his double not long after before Zac Hosking scored a chaotic try in the 62nd minute.
The win was sealed when Brian To’o scored close to full-time, off the back of a brilliant Luai grubber, who finished with two assists.
Penrith now go to outright first with both side’s going into round 19 with the bye.
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