The pivotal decision that led to the Bulldogs' victory over the Dragons was incredibly contentious.
Bronson Xerri firmly believed that the ball had been stripped from him, while Ryan Couchman and every St George Illawarra supporter in Allegiant Stadium were convinced that Xerri was simply carrying the ball loosely.
Regarding the NRL's stance, sources familiar with the matter, but not authorized to speak on the record, mentioned that the bunker lacked enough evidence to overturn the initial ruling.
The contentious penalty granted to Xerri by referee Grant Atkins during the 89th minute of Sunday's golden-point clash became the focal point of discussion following the season opener in Las Vegas.
This allowed the Bulldogs to advance down the field and position captain Stephen Crichton for the game-winning field goal with just six seconds remaining on the clock.
After the match, an irate Shane Flanagan, the Dragons' coach, expressed his frustration: "It's a loose carry every day of the week, without a doubt. We didn't get the rub of the green, that's for sure."