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Harry Grant in penalty try furore as NRL world divided: 'That's a joke'

The NRL world was divided over a rare penalty try awarded to the Broncos.

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Harry Grant tackles Herbie Farnworth and Grant watches on during a NRL game.
Melbourne Storm fans have been left seething after Harry Grant gave away a penalty try against the Broncos in their NRL match. (Images: Fox Sports/Getty Images)

Melbourne Storm fans have been left seething after Harry Grant gave away a penalty try against the Broncos in a highly controversial call from the NRL Bunker. The Storm continued their winning ways at AAMI Park with a controversial 24-16 win over the table leaders on Thursday night.

However, the NRL world was quickly divided over a controversial call in the 23rd minute as the Storm led 6-0 when the Broncos were awarded a penalty try. Reece Walsh was at his brilliant best and flicked the ball to Herbie Farnworth.

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The ball ricocheted off his knee and was propelled towards the try line. Farnworth was then in a race to the ball against Storm No.9 Grant.

As Farnworth appeared ahead of Grant and ready to win the foot race, Grant moved across the forward and went to kick at the ball as it bobbled. He then put a hand on the Broncos star's back as they became entangled.

Brisbane halfback Adam Reynolds flew past the two players and grounded the ball on the dead ball line. Reynolds' effort was ruled a no try, which also saw the halfback knocked out after slamming his head against the turf.

Commentator Dane Ginnane questioned how much intervention Grant had in the play. "He is trying to pull out. Has he done anything wrong here, Grant?" Ginanne asked.

The Bunker intervened and ruled that Farnworth would have been first to the ball in a try scoring position without Grant's intervention. "There is a big decision, a big decision indeed," commentator Ginnane said.

Following the replay, former NRL star Michael Ennis admitted that he thought it was a penalty try on first observation. “I saw it live, I wasn’t sure if I was over-exaggerating, but when I saw it on the replay, particularly at full speed, there’s no doubt Harry puts his hand on his back and pushes him forward. You can’t do it.”

However, the NRL world wasn't as convinced. The call divided viewers with many Storm fans incensed Walsh wasn't called for a potential shoulder charge only moments earlier.

Adam Reynolds taken off in stretcher in Storm clash

The veteran halfback remained motionless on the ground over the deadball line after diving in an unsuccessful attempt to ground a loose ball for a try. Reynold appeared to hit his head as he dived, with Storm hooker Harry Grant immediately signalling to medical staff for assistance.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Adam Reynolds of the Broncos is taken off the field on a stretcher after a head knock during the round 11 NRL match between Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park on May 11, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Adam Reynolds of the Broncos is taken off the field on a stretcher after a head knock during the round 11 NRL match between Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park on May 11, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (Robert Cianflone via Getty Images)

He was able to wriggle his fingers as he was taken in a medi-cab from the field. Television commentary said that doctors had cleared Reynolds of serious injury.

"He felt nerves in his neck twinge but he's been cleared of a serious neck injury," Fox Sports reported from the sideline. Reynolds was, however, ruled out of the match.

with AAP

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