BY STAFF WRITERS

Nobody wants to rain on the Melbourne Storm’s premiership parade after they outlasted Penrith in the 2020 Grand Final at ANZ Stadium… nobody from the81stminute.com, anyway.

But we have to ask a question and some Storm fans won’t like it.

Late in the contest with the Panthers flying home, two Storm players were sent to the sin bin for professional fouls. Fellow Kiwi Internationals Jahrome Hughes and Brandon Smith were sent from the field for professional fouls by referee Gerard Sutton.

Both were legitimate fouls.

At this stage, the Panthers had all the momentum and perhaps even the rub of the green from Sutton.

The Storm were doing everything they could to defend their lead.

Then Storm skipper approached Sutton.

“The last three or four penalties that they have got… you’re picking stuff and we have got nothing mate,” Smith said to the referee.

“I get it… everyone wants an exciting finish but we are working just the same as them.

“Stop trying to pick little things out of our game to make an exciting finish.”

It was an interesting choice of words from the legendary dummy half who is still to decide his playing future.

Smith, famous for his tactful approach with the referees, insinuated the referee was favouring the Panthers.

‘The right team won’: Not even Phil Gould’s commentary could get the Panthers over the line against mighty Storm

Correct us if we’re wrong but isn’t that the same as accusing the referees of cheating?

The Storm held on and Smith had himself yet another premiership ring.

Recently, ironically, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary accused the referees of “managing” opponents Canberra back into a game at Penrith Park.

He was fined $20,000.

According to NRL.com, Smith has been cleared of any wrongdoing.