Eels coach Brad Arthur has fired up over the Panthers’ clear manipulation of the referee in the dying minutes of the epic semi-final clash, which hijacked a Parramatta raid deep in Penrith territory.
Trailing Penrith 8-6 in the 76th minute of the sudden-death Mackay fixture, the Eels were halted in attack by referee Ashley Klein when a Panthers trainer hurtled onto the field and called for the official to stop play.
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Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny had been left injured in backplay, after Parramatta front-rower Reagan Campbell-Gillard accidentally stomped on his foot while carrying the ball up the field.
Melbourne legend Billy Slater called out Penrith over their controversial move just moments after it occurred.
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“They moved quick then to stop that play,” Slater said on Nine.
“That was only in the tackle before.”
Arthur then weighed in during his post-match press conference.
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“We’re trying to make the game faster,” Arthur said.
“How many stoppages were there tonight? How many when we were starting to get on top? There were a lot.”