Sharks Foiled by Bunker Following NRL’s New Obstruction Policy Announcement

The 2025 NRL trial matches have commenced with just one game completed, but controversy has already arisen with a try being dismissed following an obstruction call by the Bunker.

On Tuesday, the NRL revealed that officials would exercise discretion in their interpretation of obstruction rules in 2025, aiming to eliminate “milking” from the sport rather than making definitive calls.

During a pre-season clash between the Sharks and the Warriors on Friday night, which concluded in a 12-all stalemate, Cronulla had a try ruled out when it was determined by the Bunker that a Warriors player had been obstructed.

Taj Ford received a pass from Riley Pollard and crossed the try line, only to have the score disallowed because the Bunker cited that Blake Hosking obstructed Jett Cleary, causing him to fall to the ground.

Wide World of Sports is not implying that Cleary exaggerated the contact; rather, it highlights the ongoing debate surrounding obstruction calls in the NRL.

Cooper Cronk, a legendary player for the Storm and Roosters, expressed his concerns regarding the league’s focus on penalising milking.

“It’s only the first game, but I’m somewhat apprehensive about how this diving rule will be enforced,” Cronk mentioned during the Fox League broadcast. “The Bunker will undoubtedly face immense pressure to decide whether a player has dived or been legitimately impeded, leading to significant debate.”

Fox League commentator Andrew Voss added, “They’re attempting to solve a complex issue, and we’ve nearly conditioned our players to fall when they feel even the slightest contact.”

Cronk mentioned that eradicating milking through discretionary officiating would prove to be quite challenging.

“The solution is to impose fines through the match review committee,” he suggested. “Fine the first offender, and they won’t attempt it again.”

The Sharks’ disallowed try came in the 71st minute, but they managed to equalise shortly after, with Hohepa Puru scoring and Mawene Hiroti converted the try.

Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak had to leave the field early due to a wrist injury, which sports physiotherapist Brien Seeney indicated might be a fracture.

Meanwhile, Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was seen with ice on his right leg after the match, but he clarified that it was simply due to cramping.

Nicoll-Klokstad delivered an outstanding performance, accumulating 179 run metres, breaking seven tackles, making one linebreak, providing a try assist, and scoring a try himself.