‘I don’t like it’: Cleary denied clutch field goal as Storm star accused of ‘playing’ for penalty

Harry Grant was accused of diving as Ashley Klein and the Bunker denied a match winning field goal from Nathan Cleary due to an illegal block in the Storm’s 22-18 golden point win.

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With scores tied at 18-18 with just under three minutes to play, Cleary slotted a field goal from 27 metres out in front of the sticks.

However, Klein penalised Panthers prop Moses Leota on the spot for blocking Grant’s shot at a chargedown.

Grant no doubt did his best Hollywood audition in selling the penalty, but it was still the right call under NRL rules and he rubbed salt into the wound by scoring the match winner in golden point.

“You can’t take up a position as a blocker,” Klein said.

“I’ve got a penalty for a blocker, I believe Moses has taken up a position near the ball, which affected Harry Grant’s run.”

Cooper Cronk had no doubt the penalty was the correct decision.

“I agree with Ashley Klein, the rule is you cannot stand in front of someone taking a field goal,” Cronk said.

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“Moses Leota was standing there, but it is a rule that you can’t stand there.”

The Bunker agreed with Klein and denied the Panthers’ captain’s challenge.

“Moses is in a blocking position that denies Harry Grant a fair run to the ball,” the Bunker said.

However, Andrew Voss was frustrated with the decision because Grant played for the penalty.

“I don’t like it,” Voss said.

“He hasn’t done a whole lot and Grant has played for the penalty.”

However, Cronk stressed that under the NRL rules the right call was reached.

“You might not like it, but the rule is you cannot stand in front of anyone taking a field goal,” Cronk said.

“Moses Leota is standing there. Harry Grant has played for it, but that is the rule.”

Upon further reflection, Voss admitted Leota made a bad decision given Cleary’s field goal kicking ability.

“He has taken a baby step to the left,” Voss said.

“I applaud Ash Klein for making such a big call and it has been supported by the Bunker.

“And here is the crazy thing, Leota didn’t need to do it. He’s got the best field goal kicker in the comp. He can kick them from 50.”