Phil Clarke calls out ‘clear obstruction’ for Leeds try against Hull FC

Sky Sports pundit Phil Clarke believes referee Jack Smith missed an obstruction for Leeds first try against Hull FC at Headingley on Friday night.

As the ball was played out the back by the Rhinos as they trailed 4-0 in the first half, Leeds forward Zane Tetevano collided with Hull forward Brad Fash who fell to the ground.

That left the Airlie Birds short in defence and Cameron Smith was able to take advantage and ran over Joe Lovodua to level the scores, with Rhyse Martin’s conversion putting the Rhinos ahead.

Hull would retake the lead before half-time through former Leeds man Liam Sutcliffe to go into the break 10-6 ahead, but during the interval Clarke took the opportunity to call out the Rhinos first try.

Though sympathetic towards the tough job referee Smith had to do, Clarke said: “Being a match official is difficult but I agree with the Hull supporters behind that end of the ground, I think that was obstruction on Brad Fash.

“He probably didn’t help himself because it looked like he exaggerated the obstruction involved but still Cameron Smith did remarkably well to get over.”

His fellow pundit on the night, Leeds legend and now Hull KR assistant coach Danny McGuire disagreed with Clarke and instead reserved his analysis for the work done by Smith to score.

He said: “I think Brad Fash could probably have got out of that and got across to help Lovodua.

“But I thought Cameron Smith had a real good start to the game for Leeds, he was one of their bright sparks in that first half.”