Phil Gould and Andrew Johns have expressed their outrage over a controversial penalty awarded against Jarome Luai of the Wests Tigers during their narrow 18-14 defeat to Penrith. This match marked Luai’s first encounter with his former team, and a penalty was called midway through the second half after he tackled Blaize Talagi, who had taken over Luai’s position at Penrith.
Luai charged in to challenge Talagi just as he was kicking the ball, delivering a substantial hit. Despite the impact, referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski immediately awarded a penalty against Luai, prompting him to argue his case with officials while also engaging in banter with former teammates. Gould, analysing the incident during a broadcast, was vehemently against the decision. He described Luai’s tackle as a fair challenge that adhered to current playing standards, arguing that it wasn’t late, high, or dangerous, and expressed his frustration that the game could be decided by such a contentious call.
Johns echoed Gould’s sentiment, highlighting the simultaneous nature of the tackle and criticizing the excessive protection offered to kickers, stating that such penalties detract from the game. He argued that players shouldn’t have to hold back when a kick is being taken.
The penalty proved pivotal for the Tigers, as Penrith converted it into points, taking the lead. Luai was penalised again shortly afterwards for an escort, which allowed Tom Jenkins to score, further extending Penrith’s advantage.
Despite the situation, the Tigers rallied, with Jeral Skelton scoring to keep hope alive. In a dramatic moment, fullback Jahream Bula nearly scored what could have been a decisive try, only to be thwarted by a last-ditch tackle from Scott Sorensen.
Gould praised the match for its intensity, given the Tigers’ current standing in the league, while also noting that Penrith’s Moses Leota was placed on report for a dangerous tackle earlier in the game, potentially facing sanctions moving forward.