NRL fans are baffled after a controversial Manly try was allowed to stand in their thrilling clash with Penrith.
The Panthers overcame an arduous, attritional contest to claim a slender 18-16 win over the Sea Eagles.
But not before they fell behind in the second half through a highly contentious moment.
Just before Lehi Hopoate went over, Penrith talisman Nathan Cleary appeared to be blocked off, stopping him from attempting to slide and stop the Manly man.
After the Sea Eagles touched down, Fox Sports commentator Cooper Cronk claimed: “100 per cent no try.”
Cleary could be seen conferring with the referee as the decision went upstairs to the Bunker.
But much to the surprise of the Panthers players and TV broadcasters, the try was confirmed.
Immediately, this led to a huge backlash on social media as viewers struggled to get their heads around the call.
Mitch said: “That’s a dreadful decision — Cleary absolutely impeded, defensive line then short on that edge.
“On field refs I can cop (humans in the heat of the moment) but the Bunker (with all the technology, time & replays available) just can’t keep getting these calls wrong.”
While Tom Hagan replied: “No dog in this fight but that’s a bad decision to allow that try. Nathan Cleary clearly taken out of the defensive line.”
Chloe Jones added: “I dislike Penrith but that Manly try was sus… Cleary definitely got taken out of a chance in defence there.”
And Mark Ashton said: “That should be no try! Cleary wouldn’t get there but decoy runners cannot hit defenders.”
Despite the decision, the Panthers roared back to win the game and further improve their 2026 record — it now standing at eight wins and one defeat.
Yet Manly’s silver lining will undoubtedly be the performance of Joey Walsh — who produced a stunning moment in the second half which had legendary halfback Cronk singing his praises.
Cronk did some wonderful things with his edge forwards which is why he was so excited to see the Sea Eagles wunderkind lay on a wonderful try.
Still only 19 and in his first NRL start, it’s easy to see why Manly fans are so high on Walsh who has been touted as the future of the club.
He got his chance with veteran Jamal Fogarty out injured, and while he missed a tackle on Blaize Talagi that led directly to a try, the rest of his game was polished and featured a moment of magic that his coach would’ve been proud of.
Walsh took the ball into the line and fooled Penrith’s vaunted defence with a head fake and flat ball to a rampaging Haumole Olakau’atu who burst through and set up Ethan Bullemor for a try four minutes into the second half.
“That’s top shelf ball-playing from Walsh,” Cronk said in commentary.
