The controversy erupted just as Mitchell Moses received a glowing endorsement from an NRL legend.
NRL fans, players, and commentators have slammed the Bunker following a contentious call that went against Parramatta during their 28-18 Magic Round defeat to Cronulla on Friday night. Despite another standout performance from Eels halfback Mitchell Moses—who earned high praise from NRL great Cooper Cronk as a potential State of Origin starter—he couldn’t prevent the Sharks from securing the win at Suncorp Stadium.
The Eels were left frustrated by several questionable officiating decisions, with one early moment raising doubts over whether KL Iro truly grounded the ball for the game’s opening try. But it was a second-half incident that caused widespread backlash. The controversy centered around Bunker official Chris Butler, whose decision sparked criticism across the NRL community.
Parramatta had rallied from 22-6 down thanks to a Josh Addo-Carr double and a try from Dylan Brown, reducing the deficit to just four points. However, the Sharks were then awarded a debatable penalty. Ronaldo Mulitalo rose to collect a high kick from Brayden Trindall but lost control of the ball as he attempted to score. Despite Eels winger Bailey Simonsson contesting the ball, the Bunker ruled he had tackled Mulitalo in mid-air.
Although replays showed Simonsson’s arm making contact, it all happened in a blink, and former New Zealand star Shaun Johnson argued that the incident shouldn’t be judged in slow motion. “Oh my God, come on now,” Johnson exclaimed on Fox League. “This happens so fast. Stop watching it in slow-mo.” Fellow commentator Andrew Voss added, “That’s a contest. We’re not going down the penalty try route, are we?”
Confusion grew when the Bunker ruled it as foul play without awarding a penalty try, despite Mulitalo being denied a clear scoring opportunity. Officials claimed Mulitalo still had too much to do to ground the ball, but Johnson strongly disagreed.
Many in the NRL world, including Moses and fans, were incensed. Sam Stonestreet capitalized on the ensuing possession to score his second try and extend Cronulla’s lead. Frustrated, Moses could be heard questioning referee Peter Gough: “What do you want him to do? He’s got his back to him.” Gough responded that he understood but stood by the call. “You can’t answer it, so it shouldn’t be a penalty,” Moses replied.
Eels coach Jason Ryles acknowledged that the officiating didn’t favor his team but didn’t blame the loss on it. “We’ve got to take the refs out of the equation by playing better,” Ryles said. “Unfortunately, some decisions didn’t go our way, but our effort and fight are still there, and that’ll eventually turn things around.”
Mitchell Moses Impresses Again in State of Origin Push
Despite the defeat, Moses was a standout for the Eels and continued to stake his claim for a State of Origin jersey. Having been one of New South Wales’ best in last year’s campaign, calls are growing louder for him to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves this season.
After missing the first six rounds due to a foot injury, Moses has returned in top form. He helped steer Parramatta to an Easter Monday win over the Tigers and was equally effective against the Sharks, recording a try assist, two line breaks, three tackle busts, 78 running metres, and a stellar kicking game.
Queensland icon Cooper Cronk believes Moses has already done enough to secure his spot. “If Origin was tomorrow, he’d be your five-eighth—no doubt,” Cronk said. “Cleary is the halfback, but Moses has been excellent since returning from injury.”
