“Lying is a sin” – Jake Wardle and Liam Moore targets of Penrith star’s post-match rant

Penrith Panthers fell to their fourth World Club Challenge defeat last night and their second in two years as Matt Peet’s Wigan Warriors edged a 16-12 thriller but referee Liam Moore has found himself at the centre of controversy.

It was a game that showed just how good rugby league can be and it also has clearly underlined the need for games between Australia and England with the DW Stadium absolutely bouncing throughout the full 80 minutes.

A crowd of 24,091 turned up to witness Wigan’s famous win and whilst stars such as Nathan Cleary have accepted the defeat graciously, other Penrith players haven’t taken well to the loss.

One of those is winger Brian To’o who has called into question the integrity of referee Liam Moore and Wigan Warriors centre Jake Wardle, something that pundit Phil Gould has also done.

Gould labelled Wardle a “fibber” and James Graham has claimed that Moore guessed on the decision to award the try, but To’o is the first Panther to speak out on the call.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, To’o said: “You can’t change much. The result is made, but he already knows he didn’t get it over the line.

“I’m sure the ref knows as well. Lying is a sin as well.”

He did hastily add on that Wigan deserved the win but the Samoan flyer was clearly upset about the decision.

He concluded: “I already knew he didn’t get it down and when they awarded it, you’ve just got to move on. It is what it is. I’m happy for them. They can enjoy the win, and they deserve it, I guess.”

Contentious calls sway World Club Challenge

Wardle’s match-winner has been the main point of controversy but Penrith have also felt aggrieved about Taylan May’s last-second effort not being awarded.

James Graham spoke on FoxLeague coverage arguing that it was more of a try than the Jake Wardle one but because of Moore’s ‘no try’ call on field, the video referee was unable to award it as there was insufficient evidence.

May has referenced his cramp and inability to celebrate as one of the reasons why Liam Moore may not have awarded the try on field.

He said: “Afterwards I was cramping so I didn’t really get up and celebrate so that didn’t help anything.”

Whether May did ground the ball or not it was remarkable defence from Wigan with May having also been bundled into touch by one of the best full-back covering tackles you’ll see all season.

The Panthers broke down the left-hand flank and May opted to run it himself but didn’t have the legs to outpace Jai Field who brought him down and into touch yards short of the line.

Penrith might complain about the decisions but they bundled that three on one and had numerous other chances, whereas Ivan Cleary claimed Wigan had just three highlighting the efficiency of the current World Club Challenge holders.