The classic penalty try decided the 1999 grand final. Craig Smith had the ball and was falling when Ainscough knocked him out. If Ainscough didnt, when Smith lands it's a try.
There is no way it would have been a penalty try. No doubt Carney would have gotten to the ball before Slater, dunno if he would have grounded it, or ballsed it up completely like Inglis did in Game 1.
As for the rules - fair application. As for the unofficial Origin rules, Cronk was hard done by given the similar incidents that happened in Game 1. That's why Hodges did his shoulder charge on Carney off the ball - because in Game 1 they got away with it.
Did Cronk to the right thing? Not by the rules. But for his team did he do the right thing? I have 2 points to make on that.
1) IMHO Cronk would have gotten away with it if Slater had been quicker. I reckon he was holding Carney back just so long as Slater needed to get there. If Slater is quicker, Cronk releases him. The only reason he was caught is because Carney landed on him - therefore it was obvious.
2) 1986 Grand Final, 50th minute, Eels up 2-0. Mortimer makes a break 20m from the Eels line with only the fullback to beat (Sterling). Mortimer chips. Sterlo clenches his fist and takes his head off. Penalty. Lamb goal for 2-2. Sterlo won the comp with that play - given that f*cking blind Mick Stone disallowed Kenny's fair try earlier in the game.