St Helens stunned Australia yesterday when they defeated NRL Champions Penrith Panthers 13-12 in the World Club Challenge to be crowned Champions of the World after being well and truly written off.
The bookies gave them a 24 point start and it was believed by all that they would not be able to defeat the back-to-back NRL Champions.
However, a stunning first half left them 10-0 up and in the second half they nudged 12-0 ahead.
Penrith did peg them back but the Saints found a winning point in extra time with Lewis Dodd nailing a drop goal.
Some of Australia have been gracious in defeat but some felt that the Saints were helped along to victory.
As the the brilliant NRL Physio Twitter page identified a knee injury for Penrith winger Taylan May in the game, many expressed that they felt it should have been a penalty.
One of those was the always outspoken League Freak who bemoaned that it “happened a few times.”
He said on Twitter: “Illegal tackle. Wasn’t penalise. Happened a few times.”
Illegal tackle. Wasn’t penalise. Happened a few times. #PantherPride #RugbyLeague #NRL https://t.co/r0uwO9Bmnp
— League Freak (@LeagueFreak) February 19, 2023
Others described it as “a bad one.”
That’s a bad one that one. Hope nothing bad
— jordanjackelyse (@jordanjackelyse) February 19, 2023
Whilst another referenced the tackle that caused Tyrone May to suffer a dislocated hip in the Rugby League World Cup.
Looked a bit like the tackle that put his brother out of the World Cup and still hasn't recovered.
— Amarillo (@Amarillo1942237) February 19, 2023
Others suggested that it was worthy of a ban.
Not even a penalty? What’s the view down under on that? My first reaction was a ban incoming for it; not got any better watching again – though Tbf, I think we’ve seen this pretty much disappear in SL (can’t remember the last one I saw)
— Neil Ormston (@NeilOrmston) February 19, 2023
Whilst others continued to reiterate that they felt it was a bad tackle.
That’s not a good tackle that.
— jordanjackelyse (@jordanjackelyse) February 19, 2023
Naturally, the words “cannon ball” also made an appearance:
Cannon ball?
— brianbunn (@bl17tel) February 19, 2023
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February 19, 2023 at 12:27 pm
Not the best match of the day, conditions, some very questionable referee rulings, and clear offences committed which he missed! Fans who have never liked extra time, will still feel the same way! It did not win St Helens the £100,000 prize, and if justice is done, one of their players will be facing a serious suspension. I don’t think unfortunately Australia took the visit serious, and loyal Saints fans will be very happy, one sent me a text before half-time, are you watching Saints on Channel 4 (which I was, rather than Sky wet commentary) we are Thrashing the Aussies! I just smiled and never responded.