The NRL has acknowledged a critical oversight in the bunker regarding a knock-on by New South Wales prior to a pivotal try in the State of Origin decider held at Lang Park on Wednesday night.
As the match intensified in the second half, Queensland was trailing 18-8 but had gained momentum after scoring moments earlier. They aimed to capitalize on this when a kick toward the goal line led to a contest between wingers Jojo Fifita of the Maroons and Blues debutant Jack Bostock.
The contest saw the ball drop to the ground, where centre Bradman Best scooped it up and sprinted the length of Lang Park to score, thus extending the Blues' lead past two converted tries.
After some deliberation, the bunker confirmed the try, examining various replays to ascertain whether Bostock had made contact with the ball during the aerial battle, which might have resulted in a knock-on.
Eventually, the try was validated, and New South Wales secured a notable 30-12 victory in hostile territory.
However, following the match, the NRL issued a statement acknowledging that Bostock did indeed touch the ball, and the missed knock-on should have negated Best's try.
"After reviewing all available angles, the bunker did not believe there was sufficient evidence to overturn the on-field decision," said the league.
"Upon detailed review after the match, the NRL believes that while it was an extremely tight decision, the ball appeared to be touched."
"You can see his fingers moving. I think Queensland was ripped off," added one commentator.