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The NRL reviewed the footage and maintained McLean was on-side. They also had no issues with Izack Tago’s match-winner, despite Liam Martin obstructing Daejarn Asi in the lead-up.

NRL head of football Graham Annesley said there was no obstruction because Blaize Talagi had attempted to tackle Martin, only to clip heels before Martin stumbled into Asi.

“I’m the first to acknowledge there will be different points of view on this, but is this an obviously incorrect decision by the bunker? No it is not. It was not an obstruction that required intervention,” Annesley said.

Barrett disagreed with the ruling. “I can’t accept that explanation,” he said. “If that was inside the 20m, would they have given it a try? They wouldn’t have. Regardless of how Liam Martin hits Daejarn, he’s knocked him over, DJ was left on the ground because of the contact, and he was out of play. ”

It was another tough day for the Eels with confirmation Talagi will join Penrith next year on a three-year deal.

They will also be without Ryan Matterson on Friday after he broke three ribs early in the game against the Panthers, while there was a report Reagan Campbell-Gillard was free to find a new home next year. Fox Sports confirmed North Queensland was one club that had expressed interest.