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