NRL referees boss Graham Annesley has endorsed the penalty against Cronulla Sharks that led to Shaun Johnson's gamewinning penalty in NZ Warriors' incredible comeback victory.
In his weekly review of the round's most contentious calls, Annesley takes a closer look at referee Ben Cummins' judgement that Sharks forward Royce Hunt had pushed Warriors forward Josh Curran, as they pursued a loose ball from an errant pass in the 79th minute of the contest.
The decision initially had the broadcasters and many spectators befuddled, believing Hunt's contact with Curran was merely incidental. Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon was equally confused, asking reporters after the game where the infringement had occurred.
Annesley admits some contact is to be expected in a chase contest, but says Hunt clearly extended his arms into Curran's back with enough force to deny him a chance to collect the ball.
"The reason for this penalty is that that push took out of the hands of Curran whether he would've retained the ball or whether he wouldn't have," said Annesley.
"That extra momentum may well have been enough that he overruns the ball or can't keep control of the ball.
"We'll never know, because he wasn't allowed to determine this outcome on his own. There's a shove in the back and it's an obvious shove with both hands.
"I don't think the officials have any option in that scenario than to award the penalty, even though it's a penalty that could have determined the outcome of the game."
Annesley also believed the penalty decision after the immediate restart, giving Nicho Hynes his potential matchtying shot at goal, was just and that Johnson was correctly judged offside.
Fortunately for the Warriors, Hyne's kick sailed wide to seal their famous comeback win.
"Two very controversial decisions that divided opinion with people watching it live… two huge decisions that were 100 percent right," added Annesley. "I don't always get the opportunity to stand here and say that, because sometimes they do get them wrong.
"In this case, they got them both right."
The contest also included two questionable sinbinnings for 'hip-drop' tackles, one against Warriors forward Marata Niukore.
While he can't comment directly on the decision, due to its referral to the NRL judiciary, Annelesy addresses Warriors coach Andrew Webster's objection to the bunker reviewing an incident that took place a set earlier and at the opposite end of the field.
He confirms the referee's ability to go back downfield to check a particular play was limited to matters with the potential for a sinbinning or a send-off.
Annesley says the wrong team would have been in possession had the referee allowed play to continue and Niukore would "definitely" be sent to the sinbin.
"We would've had a player going to the sinbin with no benefit to the team that had been offended against," Annesley explained.
The NRL judiciary will give their ruling on Niukore's charge on Tuesday. He faces a 2-3 week suspension.
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