Andrew Johns took exception to two no-try calls early in the season-opening clash between Penrith and Manly, but the rugby league Immortal didn’t have the unanimous backing of his commentary colleagues.
The Panthers recorded a 28-6 win over the Sea Eagles in Penrith, getting their title defence off to an ideal start – but they had to overcome two disallowed tries in the opening 11 minutes.
Panthers centre Stephen Crichton had a try disallowed in the fourth minute when he sliced through on the right edge, with the Bunker deeming that Liam Martin had obstructed Kieran Foran.
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The Bunker again denied the Panthers in the 11th minute when Brian To’o wore the Sea Eagles down with a series of gutsy efforts as he eventually snuck over the line, only for the officials to declare that Jarome Luai had obstructed both Tom Trbojevic and Lachlan Croker.
“But they score the try between the centre and the winger,” Johns said on Nine’s coverage after the first no-try call.
“Kieran Foran would not have got there.
“They did not take advantage of the gap which Liam Martin ran into.”
NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler fired back an argument at Johns.
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“The one thing, Joey: the back-rowers know you’ve got to get on the inside shoulder,” Fittler said.
“They know you can’t be getting on the outside shoulder.”
Johns didn’t respond to Fittler’s rebuttal, but the legendary Knights halfback was again critical of the Bunker when To’o was disallowed after his tenacious effort on the left edge.
“That’s a try,” Johns said.
“The nature of the game, with this ad lib footy, throwing the ball around – naturally players are going to end up in front, and all over the place.
“That’s a try. Go and ask Tom Trbojevic right now (and) he would say the same thing. That’s a try.”
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