LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston criticized the Brisbane Broncos for appearing "lost" following their surprising loss to the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
This defeat highlighted a controversial try by Latrell Mitchell as a turning point.
Many NSW Blues fans praised Mitchell's performance, which, after his remarkable show on Friday night, bolstered his chances of securing a State of Origin jersey.
According to reports from au.news.yahoo.com, Mitchell made two crucial try-saving tackles on Payne Haas and Deine Mariner, preventing the Broncos from widening their lead.
He also executed a stunning 50-meter two-point field goal, putting the Rabbitohs ahead 16-14.
With just 90 seconds remaining, Mitchell refrained from celebrating, perhaps signaling his intent to silence critics after a tumultuous year.
In a controversial finish, with only two seconds on the clock, Mitchell positioned himself in dummy-half, waiting for Broncos defenders to tackle him.
As he took a knee, Haas and Selwyn Cobbo mistakenly believed the game was over and turned away.
With only Billy Walters ready to tackle him, Mitchell quickly dove over the line for a try, which was awarded despite Haas and other teammates expressing their frustration, questioning whether Mitchell had already surrendered.
The incident sparked debate among fans about the fairness of Mitchell's tactic.
While the Rabbitohs players celebrated the moment, many others remained divided on whether this move provided an unfair advantage.