'That is stupid': Gus Gould rages over 'disgraceful' NRL rule
NRL commentator Phil Gould became incensed during the grand final between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Penrith Panthers after an unusual ruling in the second half.
With the game firmly in the balance at 8-8, Rabbitohs half Adam Reynolds went for a kick down field.
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However, as Reynolds kicked the ball it hit an on-rushing Penrith forward making the tackle.
As the ball went into touch, the referee blew his whistle and ruled the ball wasn't played at.
This meant the Penrith Panthers gained the ball.
The ruling sparked Channel 9 commentator Gus Gould to go on a rant.
"That is stupid," Gould said on repeat, after he claimed a player making a tackle is clearly playing at the ball.
NRL legend Cameron Smith said the Rabbitohs were "hard done by" after the ruling.
NRL community slam 'disgraceful' rule
Fans were equally taken aback at the ruling.
Many claimed the Rabbitohs had been dudded and compared it to the ruling when a defender tackles the player and the ball is passed into his arm.
Referees have often called the ball played at considering they are making a tackle.
That's where these rules don't make sense. Gus is right. Pass the ball into a defender making the tackle, six again. Kick it, 'not played at'. Dumb #NRLGF #nrl
— 24 Sep 1989 (@Raiders_24Sep89) October 3, 2021
Gus being the voice of reason here. Stupidity in the rules. That’s souths ball there man… #NRL #NRLGF
— Lachie Angus (@Angus_Lachie) October 3, 2021
This rule is so stupid. If he was passing it it’s a knock on.
If he attempts a charge down it’s Souths ball.#NRL— T Mac (@NoShins81) October 3, 2021
I never agree with Gus Gould, but he's right. What a horrible rule to allow a clear touch. #NRL #NRLGF
— Tar Heel Aussie 🇺🇸🇦🇺 (@KMBAussie) October 3, 2021
That has got to be one of the dumbest f***ing rules in the NRL. Not played at my arse.
— Carly Damen (@CarlyDamen) October 3, 2021
Poor camera guy got hit in the balls with the ball. Was on ground in a lot of pain #nrl #nrlGF
— Anthony Webb (@anthonyqld) October 3, 2021
Surely if you make a play for the ball tackling/charge down is considered playing for the ball? #NRL #NRLPanthersSouths
— Starly ⭐ (@StarlyAU) October 3, 2021
Wish I backed the overs for the use of the word “Stupid” during the broadcast. #NRL #NRLGF
— Nick Quinn (@Quinny_1) October 3, 2021
Put a fork in me @NRL idiotic ruling #NRLGF
— Shaun Beirne (@ShaunBeirne) October 3, 2021
That is the first time I have ever heard phil Gould make some sense and a valid point. It is a stupid rule #NRLGF #NRL
— Kram (@KramDobbs) October 3, 2021
That’s a stupid rule. For once I agree with Gus. Souths robbed there. #NRLGF #NRL
— Childish Dan-Bino (@Bamboujikin) October 3, 2021
What a silly rule. If a player makes a tackle and the attacker passes it and hits the defenders arm or hand it’s ruled played at #nrl #NRLGF
— Jay Keegan (@Jaymk94) October 3, 2021
Another stupid NRL rule I'll understand. That's a disgraceful ruling!
— John Takemura (@takaspeaksout) October 3, 2021
The Panthers ended up winning the NRL grand final 14-12 in a thrilling finish.
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