Phil Gould condemns ‘utterly absurd’ Bunker decision in gripping U19s Origin showdown

League legend Phil Gould has once again expressed his ire over NRL regulations after NSW was penalised for a tackle during a contest for the ball.

In the Under 19s Origin clash, Queensland led 23-22 with just two minutes remaning when five-eighth Javon Andrews launched a kick to the corner on the final tackle.

Sam Stephenson soared to catch the ball over Blues winger Luke Laulilii and passed it off, but Queensland was held at bay from the tryline.

In a twist of fate for the Blues, a penalty was awarded against Laulilii for tackling an opponent in the air.

NSW opted to challenge the decision, but the ruling remained unchanged. An irate Gould took to the airwaves.

“The interpretation of this rule has become utterly ridiculous,” he said on Nine.

“I have no idea who is responsible for this. Perhaps someone out there allowed this interpretation, but it is completely ludicrous. That does not represent rugby league. Absolutely ludicrous.”

“Brian To’o was sin-binned in (Origin I) for something similar … absolutely ridiculous.”

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Brad Fittler defended Laulilii’s actions, stating he was simply fulfilling his duties as a defender.

“How can you not defend your line? You must be able to protect your line, or does that imply that if an opponent secures the ball, then you must allow them to score?” he questioned.

Gould’s discontent continued to resonate.

“The person who crafted that interpretation should be publicly reprimanded,” he asserted.

“It’s absurd … someone needs to speak up. We can’t just sit back and let this happen.”

Queensland ultimately held on for a narrow one-point triumph.