NRL: Bunker comes in for more criticism in Cowboys win

North Queensland Cowboys coach Paul Green. Photo / Getty Images

Even after his side were the beneficiaries of an obstruction call, North Queensland coach Paul Green says he's still in the dark about the controversial rule.

The NRL bunker came in for more criticism when it denied Eels skipper Kieran Foran a try early in their 32-16 defeat to North Queensland on Saturday night.

The call to deny Foran after Manu Ma'u made contact with Cowboys five-eighth Michael Morgan in the lead up proved decisive with the Cowboys running up the other end to score and take a 6-0 lead.

Even former Cowboys great Brent Tate couldn't agree with the decision, saying during the Fox Sports commentary that it showed "no common footy sense" because Morgan was not in a position to affect the play.

Penrith general manger and former premiership-winning coach Phil Gould also weighed in.

"Honestly, that is a disgraceful decision ... They honestly have no idea," he wrote on Twitter.

Green agreed with the referees' decision however he reinforced his previous criticism that the ruling was a lottery.

"Am I happy on how they're ruling on obstructions? I think we're still not sure about what they're going to come up with," Green said.

"I'm trying to work with (NRL referees boss) Tony Archer and the refs there so we all get on the same page, I think that's what's important there. Everyone just wants to understand it, from a fan's or supporter's point of view."

Green criticised the obstruction call last month after Morgan was denied a try by the bunker in their golden point loss to ladder leaders Brisbane.

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur said he supported the decision to deny Foran because Ma'u had made clear contact with a defender.

- AAP