NRL news, updates: Harry Grant blindsided by Danika Mason as controversial act in Penrith Panthers vs. Melbourne Storm comes under fire
Melbourne Storm captain Harry Grant has found himself on the end of a grilling from Channel 9's Danika Mason following a controversial moment on Thursday night.
Cleary slotted a field goal with three minutes remaining in regulation time, only for it to be ruled out by referee Ashley Klein due to an illegal blocker.
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The field goal would have given the Panthers a 19-18 lead, but Moses Leota was penalised for running interference, stepping into Grant's path, which blocked him from putting pressure on Cleary.
But after Grant scored the winning try in golden point to give the Storm the crucial win, Cleary claimed post-match that the hooker was clearly 'playing for' the game-changing penalty.
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Mason also suggested as much in her chat with Cleary after full-time, before doubling down that the Storm hooker had taken a dive on Friday morning.
'He was playing up to it, he's done it before, that was a dive,' Mason said on Channel 9's Today Show.
All the while, Grant was waiting on the line to face up to the backlash, as host Karl Stefanovic, who knew Grant was listening, leapt to the defence of the Melbourne captain.
'That wasn't a dive,' Stefanovic interjected.
You can watch the awkward moment in the player above.
Danika Mason mocked Harry Grant on Friday, claiming he took a dive. Image: Nine
Karl Stefanovic leapt to the defence of Grant. Image: Nine
Harry Grant insists he did nothing wrong. Image: Nine
'It was definitely a dive,' Mason insisted as she imitated Grant doing a flop.
'He's doing these ones (as she threw her hands in the air, swaying backwards in her chair), arms going everywhere. It was definitely a dive.
'People are getting a bit sick of it.'
Cleary calls out Grant over controversial penalty
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Cleary calls out Grant over controversial penalty
Grant... more for playing for the penalty which saw Moses Leota ruled for blocking the Melbourne skipper's attempt to put pressure on Cleary's field goal attempt.
Nathan Cleary has called out Harry... more ... more
Stefanovic then passed it over to Grant, chuckling as he said: 'It's two v one (as both Stefanovic and Abo supported Grant's actions), sorry Danika, you're outnumbered'.
But Mason doubled down: 'Harry, you've got the best acting skills, we might have a Logie around the office for you'.
It led to Channel 9 host Sarah Abo jumping to Grant's defence.
'Stop it, Danika, that is so disrespectful. Leave him alone, he won the game for the Storm … Harry, well done.'
While Stefanovic added: 'I think it's disgusting that Danika would call to question your character'.
Ashley Klein ruled the Panthers had an illegal blocker, ruling out Nathan Cleary's field goal. Image: Getty/Kayo
When asked about the incident, Grant defended his actions, simply saying: 'They are the rules'.
It comes after Grant was grilled post-game about his actions after Cleary accused him of 'playing for' the contact.
'I think anyone in the game has seen that's been policed numerous times, and that's the rule within the game,' Grant said on Thursday night.
Harry Grant magic wins the game for Melbourne
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Harry Grant magic wins the game for Melbourne
their...... more more game against the Penrith Panthers.
Harry Grant won Melbourne Storm ... more
'Even the Penrith boys were aware of it in the game, and when it happened, so I'm happy if that's the rule, then we stick to it, but if we want to change it, then come out during the week and change it.
'I think anyone would agree that's been policed numerous times throughout the year. Hats off to the officials for policing it the same way because it would have been easy to change it.
'A lot of attention will go to that, but it doesn't need to.
'The attention should go to what a quality contest it was and how well they played. We were underdogs and had a fair few players out, but we turned up, so I really think that (people should focus on the result).'
Originally published as 'Disgusting': Harry Grant blindsided by Danika Mason as controversial act comes under fire
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