A controversial melee that proved to be a turning point for the Broncos has come under the microscope with a Panthers star’s actions delivering a hammer blow to the reigning premiers.
With 25 minutes remaining in the contest, and Penrith holding a 14-6 lead, Nathan Cleary put up a kick but was hit late and in the air by Mam for what should have been a “no-brainer” penalty.
Cleary took exception to that hit and struck out with an open palm, hitting Mam’s face which sparked a melee as both Liam Martin and Gehamat Shibasaki joined the wrestle.
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The game continued for a moment, before referee Grant Atkins called a stoppage to analyse the incident, with initial fears multiple sin bins were looming.
However, despite Mam sparking the conflict, the Broncos were awarded a penalty for Martin’s heavy-handed actions and everyone involved avoided being their marching orders.
“If that is any other day of the week, that is a penalty from Ezra Mam taking out Nathan Cleary,” league legend Cooper Cronk said on Fox League.
“And then Mam ignites it by shoving Cleary, then this man (Liam Martin) came in as well. Let them play they say. Liam Martin is on tilt here too.”
Meanwhile, commentator Andrew Voss said that “part of me is happy” however he also added “but we can’t be hypocrites”.
Similar incidents this season have resulted in sin bins, with both Reece Walsh and Hudson Young being marched after the Broncos fullback headbutted the Raiders back rower.
That clash was a qualifying final, but the goalposts seemingly changed during Sunday’s preliminary final.
Speaking post-match, superstar fullback Reece Walsh remained coy about the melee, but did have a compliment for the Panthers’ No.7.
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“I thought Nath threw the first punch though, good to see Nath has got a big of dog in him,” Walsh said on Sunday Night with Matty Johns.
But for veteran rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield, the Panthers only have themselves to blame.
After Xavier Willison scored in the 69th minute before a Deine Mariner try, and an Adam Reynolds conversion delivered victory to the Broncos.
Had Martin not escalated the situation and roughed up his opponents, Penrith would have been awarded a fresh set in strong field position, with a chance to put the contest to bed.
“Nathan Cleary has kicked, he is tackled in the air by Ezra Mam, penalty Penrith every day of the week,” Rothfield said on the Big Sports Breakfast.
“The Broncos get the penalty and they score down the other end of the field. Why did the Broncos get the penalty? I can understand that.
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“I can’t understand the ill discipline from Liam Martin who ran over and escalated the situation… and Cleary may have struck Ezra Mam, there’s talk he might have thrown a punch.”
But despite Martin’s actions, Rothfield still believed the Panthers should have been awarded the original penalty.
“It’s a bit like what we saw in Canberra where Hudson Young was headbutted, sent to the sin bin and the Broncos got the penalty because of the way it was escalated,” Rothfield said.
“However, I am at the firm view that the NRL has to penalise the original offence… I sent you guys a photo which clearly shows Ezra Mam tackling him while he is in the air.
“That is a no-brainer penalty to Penrith, and if Liam Martin hadn’t run in they would have got that penalty I believe.”
Meanwhile, Blues coach Laurie Daley added: “It was a penalty every day of the week to Nathan,” Daley said.
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