The NRL has opened the door for head-contact confusion and inadvertently encouraged players to exacerbate the impact of a high shot after backing a controversial no-call against the Canberra Raiders.
In an explanation that will make fans irate and have Ricky Stuart thumping the desk, NRL head of football Graham Annesley said he supported the decision to deny Canberra a penalty try on Friday night.
Stuart highlighted the decision after his team suffered golden-point heartbreak in Auckland, with the New Zealand Warriors slotting a clutch field goal to hang on for a 21-20 victory.