Controversial Refereeing Decisions Stir Debate Ahead of NRL Grand Final

Michael Ennis, a renowned rugby league figure, has publicly criticized referee Ashley Klein‘s decision to penalize Luke Garner for a push on Tom Hazelton during a recent semi-final match. Ennis described the penalty as “ridiculous,” expressing concerns about how such decisions might impact the forthcoming NRL Grand Final.

The incident occurred in the 58th minute when Garner nudged Hazelton, prompting Klein to award a penalty. Ennis argued that the contact was insignificant and unfavorably compared it to Siosifa Talakai‘s harsh hit on Jarome Luai, which he deemed more severe. “There was a penalty earlier in the night where Luke Garner bumped over Tom Hazelton that was one of the most ridiculous [penalties],” Ennis remarked.

Ennis further emphasized the potential ramifications of similar calls in crucial moments, particularly if such penalties were awarded during tight grand final scores between the Panthers and Storm. “If that’s the 78th minute next week and it’s 16-all, and you get that penalty,” Ennis speculated, suggesting a minor penalty could lead to a decisive field goal opportunity.

Greg Alexander, a former Panthers legend, concurred with Ennis, questioning the validity of penalizing minor contact. “Can you imagine if there’s a penalty [like that in the grand final]?” Alexander asked, urging officials to discern between incidental contact and more impactful fouls.

The match also witnessed Tom Hazelton involved in another contentious moment, where he sustained an accidental high shot from Mitch Kenny, Penrith’s dummy-half. Despite being placed on report, Alexander advocated that Kenny should avoid suspension, citing Hazelton’s slip as a contributing factor to the high contact.

Providing his viewpoint, Ennis remarked on the unfortunate timing and the circumstances surrounding the high shot, asserting, “There’s no malice in it whatsoever, but the minute we slow it down and see any contact with the head.” Meanwhile, former player Mal Meninga humorously quipped about Hazelton’s theatrical reaction, suggesting, “I think Tommy is going to the Emmys, good acting just to get the penalty.”