'Making a fool of the rules': Phil Gould up in arms as Knights denied by 'absolutely wrong' Bunker call

Phil Gould has been left frustrated over an "absolutely wrong" decision to deny Knights speedster Fletcher Sharpe a try in Sunday's game against the Sharks.

After front-rower Oregon Kaufusi put Cronulla on the board early at McDonald Jones Stadium, it looked as though the visitors lead would be cancelled out shortly after.

Newcastle went down their lethal left-hand side and found Bradman Best, who quickly offloaded it back inside to Sharpe and allowed the five-eighth to do the rest.

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On-field referee Ashley Klein awarded the try despite a plea from Nicho Hynes claiming he was obstructed by Thomas Cant in the lead-up.

Unfortunately, the Bunker had other plans and stripped it from the hosts.

"They are gonna look for an obstruction here," Andrew Johns said on Nine.

"No doubt Hynes plays at him. I know he went to him, but they will take this off them."

Gould was up in arms over the decision to deny Sharpe a four-pointer.

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"The referee already said that you were deceived by the play," he said.

"Nicho Hynes tackles this man without the ball. He's not obstructed by him. Absolutely wrong - Nicho had no intention of sliding over. That's just wrong.

"That's players making a fool of the rules."

The decision from the Bunker proved costly as the Sharks scored again straight away, with Addin Fonua-Blake making the most of some nice second-phase play.

Cronulla's lead was extended further when Sam Stonestreet crossed in the corner in a try that Gould described as a "training gallop" from the commentary box.

"This is unforgivable ... they just went around them, very passive," Johns said.

"This is really poor defence from the Knights, they are just so down on confidence."

Newcastle got on the board at the half-hour mark as Greg Marzhew scored out wide.