Penrith rewarded by Bunker after questionable captain's challenge

The Panthers extended their lead to eight points heading into the half-time break at BlueBet Stadium, but it came under controversial circumstances after a Penrith captain's challenge was upheld by the Bunker.

Panthers prop Spencer Leniu looked to have simply dropped the ball, but the challenge was upheld after opposing lock Corey Horsburgh was deemed to have knocked it out of his hands.

Penrith opted to take a penalty kick, which Nathan Cleary duly converted, but commentator Phil Gould wasn't happy with the Bunker decision.

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Penrith was awarded the ball despite replays appearing to show Horsburgh did not knock it out of Leniu's hands.

"He's a fibber. He loses it and then Corey Horsburgh comes into contact with it," Gould said on Nine's coverage.

"He (Horsburgh) didn't play at that at all. I've got to take the fibber back, I guess, the Bunker said he's not a fibber.

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"If that's going to knock the ball out, you don't deserve it. He doesn't play at that."

Gould was backed up by Storm legend Billy Slater.

"I don't think it deserved a penalty, you've got to hold the ball. You've got to have some accountability to hold the ball," he said.

The call came just four minutes before the end of the first half.