LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In his triumphant return after an 11-week absence, Nathan Cleary has once again become the talk of the NRL town with his match-winning heroics for the Penrith Panthers against the Dolphins.
The halfback's 45-metre field-goal in extra-time was a dazzling display of skill, sinking Wayne Bennett's side who had earlier led 26-12 in the clash.
However, amidst the celebrations, NRL fans were left seething over a crucial moment in regulation time that many believe could have sealed the deal for the Panthers without the need for golden point.
Cleary was seemingly brought down by a blatant trip from Max Plath, a sneak move that went unnoticed by the referee and bunker.
Trapped in a deadlock at 26-26, Cleary's missed penalty opportunity from 40 metres out could have handed the Panthers the lead.
The disbelief on Cleary's face was palpable as the referee failed to blow the whistle on Plath's foul play.
Despite the controversy, Cleary managed to come up clutch with his first field-goal attempt, securing a 28-26 victory for the Panthers (it was a two-point field-goal, mind you).
Yet, the uproar over the missed trip continued to reverberate, with fans airing their grievances in a fervent manner akin to a heated finals showdown.