'Harry played for it': Nathan Cleary left 'frustrated' by dodgy Grant act that robbed him of winner

Panthers star Nathan Cleary admits it was "frustrating" that Storm captain Harry Grant got away with "playing for" a penalty in Thursday night's golden-point thriller.

It was absolute mayhem in the dying stages of the grand final rematch, but it looked as though Cleary was going to be the hero with a game-winning field goal.

However, just as the ball left the Panthers halfback's boot, referee Ashley Klein blew a penalty against teammate Moses Leota for illegally blocking Grant.

READ MORE: 'Sick of it': Why the Roosters won't stop Leniu approach

READ MORE: Why 'pear-shaped' Man United could reignite 'big four' battle

READ MORE: 'Family friendly': AFL boss defends Snoop Dogg decision

Replays showed Grant essentially ran at Leota and stuck his arm out to make contact before falling to the ground.

Penrith did get another two chances in the final minute of regulation time, but both of the attempts by Cleary were charged down by desperate Storm defenders.

Speaking post-game to Nine's Danika Mason, the captain admitted his disappointment and confusion over the decision from the match officials.

"I don't really know what the ruling is in terms of the blocker," Cleary said.

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

"I'm not sure, they can't all get behind me and I didn't think he went in the way of Harry.

"I guess that's the interpretation of the rules, so it's a bit of a shame."

Cleary was then asked if he thought Grant showed off his "acting skills" to earn the penalty for Melbourne and gave a blunt response.

"Yeah, definitely," he said.

Grant ended up stealing the win for the Storm in extra time, catching the defence off-guard and scoring a try under the posts to complete the 22-18 result.

But it was the critical penalty that Grant gained that was the big talking point.

When asked post-game for his thoughts, coach Ivan Cleary offered very little insight.

"Harry's too smart at both ends - that's pretty much it," he said in the press conference.

Nathan was then asked about the incident again as his father cheekily urged him to "be honest" and the skipper went into more detail, admitting his frustration.

"If that was in the field of play and you were running a block shape, it wouldn't be an obstruction because they ruled that out," he said.

"They don't want that in the game, but for some reason it's different for a field goal.

"I thought the blocking rule was brought in so people would stand next to the play-the-ball, but Moses wasn't in that position.

"Harry played for it because he knew he was gonna get the penalty, but I don't think Moses moved at all. It was pretty frustrating."

The subject was brought up during Melbourne's press conference as well and Grant applauded the officials for sticking to their guns in a crucial moment.

"Anyone in the game has seen that's been policed numerous times and that's the rules within the game," Grant said.

"I'm happy if that's the rule, we stick to it. If we want to change it, come out during the week and change it. I think anyone would agree that's been policed numerous times throughout the year, so hats off to the officials for policing it the same way.

"It would have been easy to change it."

Penrith's heartbreaking loss could see them drop back out of the NRL's top-four should the Warriors defeat the Dragons on Friday night.