Typical NRL one of the stupidest rules ever brought in, the ball was clearly in the field of play Gutherson goes into touch then touches the ball? whoever thought this was a good idea should never be allowed near a decision ever again!
Rules have been fiddled with far too much over the years. The 7 tackle set for example. This rule was initially brought in when kickers particularly “Milkman” Soward would deliberately kick the ball dead in general play to take Slater’s kick return metres right out of the game.
Then it also became a 7 tackle set when a player comes close to scoring a try but either knocks on in the in goal, or grounds the ball on either of the dead ball or touch in goal lines.
I‘ ve said for a a while there needs to be some changes to the ARLC. Too many business people (well meaning no doubt). However it would make sense to have an ex referee as part of the ARLC as well as an ex coach and perhaps an ex club CEO. I.E. People who have actually been involved in the game at NRL level and consequently have a better understanding of how the game is played.
As for what Gutherson did that has been in the rule book for ages. Certainly as far back as the 1990’s when I retired from refereeing Junior League.