LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Melbourne Storm's Jack Howarth left in disbelief as NRL fans cry foul over no try decision
In a moment that had NRL fans and experts alike scratching their heads, Jack Howarth's denied try has become the talk of the town.
The Melbourne Storm were on the cusp of greatness, with Howarth seemingly crossing the tryline to put them ahead in the NRL Grand Final.
But just as victory seemed within reach, the Bunker swooped in to crush their hopes.
It all started with a brilliant play from Storm's Eli Katoa, forcing a crucial error from Penrith's Dylan Edwards early in the second half.
With the field wide open, Melbourne seized the opportunity to launch their attack.
In a move reminiscent of Rugby League legends of old, Howarth received a perfectly timed pass from Xavier Coates and made a daring dive towards glory.
However, as he was engulfed by a sea of pink Panthers jerseys, the referee waved off the try and referred it to the Bunker for review.
As the replays rolled in, there was a sense of anticipation in the air.
Could this be the moment that turned the tide for the Storm? But alas, the Bunker had its own agenda, ruling that Howarth had not grounded the ball and was held up by the Panthers' defense.
It was a gut-wrenching moment for Howarth and his team, but in the cutthroat world of Rugby League, there's no room for sentimentality.
As fans dissect the controversial decision, one thing is clear - in the game of Rugby League, nothing is guaranteed until the final whistle blows.