Premiership-winning halfback and Immortal Andrew Johns has ripped holes in Head of Football Graham Annesley’s controversial defence of penalties given in Newcastle’s dramatic loss to Cronulla at Shark Park on Sunday.

The Knights were denied the premiership points twice while attempting match-winning field goals against the high-flying Sharks.

“On play one, my position would be 15 to 20 metres behind the ruck and the entire time I would have the middle forwards in front of me,” Johns wrote in The Sydney Morning Herald.

“I’m directing them where to run, what defenders to target and the ideal position for the field goal attempt.

“If the fast play-the-ball came on either tackle two, three or four, I would take the shot. Those middle forwards have to be in a position to take a carry if it’s not a quick play-the-ball, because not every ruck is going to produce the ideal opportunity. They need to be close to the dummy half to make the metres over the advantage line.

“It’s almost impossible for them not to be in front of the field goal kicker. How many long kicks in general play do you see similar situations? You will only ever see the kicker in front of his teammates if it’s a rapid play-the-ball. Are we going to start penalising more of those general play kicks for blocking?”