Broncos forward Ben Talty could be facing a sanction from the NRL after he became the latest player to break the rules around opponents kicking for goal. Last month the NRL sent a reminder to all clubs about what players can and can’t do when the other team is lining up a shot at goal.
It came after Bulldogs player Matt Burton was spotted throwing a spare football in the air in an apparent attempt to distract Nathan Cleary during a conversion attempt. Cleary’s shot hit the post and missed, but the referee had the power to award the kick again due to Burton’s actions.
Broncos forward Ben Talty (L) was spotted breaking the rules, while Nathan Cleary and the Panthers (R) thought they were dudded as well. Image: Fox/Getty
Under NRL rules, players aren’t allowed to do anything that might distract a kicker during a shot at goal. That includes waving their arms or moving unnecessarily while the kick is being taken.
On Saturday during the Broncos’ loss to the Roosters, Talty did exactly that. The prop was seen standing in front of the posts while Sam Walker was lining up a penalty goal. Talty waved his arm in the air as Walker was about to kick, which is strictly against the rules.
Ben Talty waved his arms in the air while Sam Walker was kicking for goal. Image: Fox League
Walker was successful with his attempt, but the referee once again had the power to award the kick again had Walker missed. Considering the NRL has already cracked down on the practice, it could lead to a fine for Talty or a ‘concerning act’ notice at the very least.
Panthers fume over controversial call against Manly
It wasn’t the only rules controversy of the weekend with Ivan Cleary joining Cooper Cronk in complaining about a try awarded to Manly against the Panthers. Nathan Cleary appeared to be obstructed by a Manly lead-runner when Lehi Hopoate crossed in the corner.
But the on-field referee and Bunker official both ruled that the obstruction occurred too far away from the ball and had no bearing on the try. In commentary for Fox League, Cronk said it was “100 per cent no try” and pointed out that Cleary being taken out caused Paul Alamoti to linger longer than he should have instead of pushing out to cover his man.
And Ivan Cleary was equally as perplexed at the call that nearly proved pivotal in the Panthers’ 18-16 victory. “(There were) almost two lead runners actually taking out a player who’s actually heading towards where the ball’s going,” Cleary said in his press conference, labelling it a “pretty obvious obstruction”.
He added: “I think we’ve got a bit of an issue when officials are making decisions on whether it’s affected the defensive line. Respectfully, I don’t think that’s something in their…do they learn how to do that when they’re learning about refereeing? I’m not sure about that. I don’t know how you say that. I mean, you don’t because it does (affect the try).”