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'Absolute joke': NRL fans turn on 'shameful' grand final commentary

Cameron Smith (pictured left) celebrating a try and Gus Gould (pictured right) during commentary. (Getty Images)
Some fans were critical of Gus Gould's (pictured right) commentary against the Storm (pictured right). (Getty Images)

Australia watched on as the Storm dominated the first half of the NRL grand final, but some on social media were critical of the Channel Nine commentary.

The Storm raced away to a 22-0 lead at half-time, before the Panthers staged a thrilling second half comeback - falling just short in a 26-20 defeat.

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But Melbourne fans were perplexed as to why former Penrith General Manager, and current Channel Nine commentator Phil Gould, appeared to be heaping praise on the Panthers when they were losing.

“I honestly feel the Panthers are on top,” Gould said.

“The run of the play I feel like they’re doing better than the Melbourne Storm but the Storm have been able to keep the scoreboard kicking with penalty try and penalty goal and now intercept.

“So the scoreboard is not as bad as what it obviously feels for them. They’ve got to go on the feel of the game. The feel of the game is they’re well in it. The scoreboard’s just not friendly.

Many fans, including a host of Melbourne supporters, let their feelings be known.

NRL grand final starts off in crazy fashion

Penrith fans couldn’t believe their misfortune in the opening 10 minutes of the NRL grand final after the Storm were awarded a penalty try, before the Panthers were denied by the bunker.

Controversy erupted in just the fourth minute when Justin Olam dived towards the Penrith line to finish off a sweeping Storm move.

But the referee deemed Olam had lost the ball in the tackle over the line.

However, replays showed the Penrith defender used his outstretched leg to knock the ball loose.

The Bunker awarded a penalty try for the first time in a grand final since 2003.

But only three minutes later, Penrith were denied a try in a tight obstruction call when Josh Mansour crossed.

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