Confusion over the NRL obstruction rule continued on Monday with referees’ co-coach Stuart Raper admitting officials missed a shepherd by Brisbane’s Corey Parker against Manly.

Raper also said a try by Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce against Wests Tigers on Sunday “could” have been disallowed for an obstruction.

The statement comes a week after an official video was posted on the NRL website with referees’ co-coach Bill Harrigan attempting to clarify to fans, players and coaches how the obstruction rule is policed.

Parker ran behind a decoy runner, before passing to Jack Reed.

The centre then grubber-kicked to the in-goal area to gain a repeat set in the second half of the Broncos’ loss to the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Friday.

Manly co-captain Jamie Lyon pleaded with referee Tony Archer for an explanation at the time, repeatedly asking the veteran official “what’s the rule?”

“Yes, this was an obstruction and it was missed by the officials,” Raper told the NRL website.

“The Broncos player runs behind his own man and then gains an advantage via a pass.

“We have reminded all officials about their responsibilities in calling these types of obstructions when they see it.”

On Sunday, Pearce raced in for four points after running behind decoy runner Anthony Minichiello, who collided with Tigers winger Matt Utai, who was in position to make a covering tackle during the Roosters’ 44-20 win over the joint venture.

“This was a very tough decision and not a normal type of obstruction play,” Raper said.

“Mitchell Pearce runs behind his own player in the final moments of the play and Wests Tigers Matt Utai is prevented from an opportunity to make a tackle.

“This could have been penalised for an obstruction,” Raper said.

Referees have been under attack over obstruction throughout the season.

Matters came to a head two weeks ago when video referee Sean Hampstead awarded a try to Canterbury winger Jonathan Wright in the Bulldogs’ 23-22 win over the Tigers.

Hampstead was subsequently stood down.

Frustrated Tigers coach Tim Sheens said on Sunday Pearce’s try should not have been awarded.

“There were three of them upstairs so majority ruled,” he said.

“They’ve spent hours this week explaining it. But there is still some grey areas.

“There are still a couple of games from over the weekend where people are scratching their heads.

“I am not going to get dragged in, but in the scheme of things I would have said that was not a try.

“The score was out of hand, but every six points will make a difference.”