NRL fans call out Andrew Voss over glaring Reece Robson detail in Cowboys win over Storm

Veteran league commentator Andrew Voss has been called out by NRL fans after questioning a second half Reece Robson try for the Cowboys in their eight-point win over minor premiership winners Melbourne on Thursday night. The Cowboys took advantage of the fact Storm coach Craig Bellamy rested 11 players for the match in Townsville, as they held on for a 38-30 victory that cements a spot in the top-six and strengthens their chance of a home final.

The Storm were already understrength heading into the match but also lost star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (leg cork) and Marion Seve (ankle) early in the first half against the Cowboys. It was far from the only drama, with Reuben Cotter penalised for a controversial high tackle on Tepai Moeroa after both players slipped on the greasy surface.

League great Andrew Johns was among those to criticise the officials over the Cotter incident during commentary for Channel Nine. But the referee and the Bunker got a call involving Cowboys hooker Robson absolutely spot on in the second half, despite the stunned reactions from Voss and Michael Ennis in commentary for Fox League.

Cowboys five-eighth Tom Dearden went close to scurrying across the tryline just before the hour mark, before attempting to offload back on the inside to Robson. The pass went astray and looked to be intercepted by interchange Storm forward Ativalu Lisati right on his own line, with Robson reacting quickly to try and wrap up the forward in a tackle.

However, Lisati spilled the footy in the process of being tackled by Robson, who reacted fastest to pounce on the loose ball and score a try that extended the home side's advantage. The Bunker made a swift decision to award the try to Robson after clearing the contact on Lisati, who was pulled to the ground by the Cowboys player trying to make the initial tackle.

Fans point out commentary mistake for Reece Robson try

The decision left Voss and Ennis baffled after a week of drama that has shone the spotlight on the Bunker and left many fans outraged. But Robson had every right to try and tackle Lisati as he juggled the footy, and viewers were quick to criticise Voss for mistakenly suggesting that the try to the Cowboys should not have stood.

Cowboys win extra special for departing hero Kyle Feldt

Jeremiah Nanai wrapped up the win for the Cowboys less than 10 minutes later, despite a consolation four-pointer for Melbourne's Lisati after his previous error. The result was a fitting way for departing veteran and Cowboys record try scorer Kyle Feldt, who crossed for a double in an emotional final regular season game in front of his home fans.

North Queensland co-captain Cotter warned his side would have to be much better in defence leading into the finals though, after being seriously tested against a second-string Storm outfit. "It was a very ugly win ... that was pretty poor leading into these next few weeks," Cotter said. "Play like that and it'll put us under a lot of pressure.

"I reckon there was a bit of frustration there, we've got to be better. It's a bit of an attitude thing to be honest. We need a reaction when the leaders speak and across the park got to be better." The Cowboys will secure sixth place if Manly can beat Canterbury ion Friday night's opening game, with North Queensland travelling to face the Bulldogs in the final round.

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Meanwhile, Storm coach Bellamy was optimistic the lower leg cork that Papenhuyzen suffered wasn't too serious, and suggested his early withdrawal was more precautionary than anything else. "Not quite sure, but medical staff don't seem to think it's too bad," the Storm coach said after the game. "Don't know whether it's a cork or he's done something to that (leg). We'll see when he has a scan how bad it is, but they don't think it's too bad."

with AAP