LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Rugby League world has been left divided over the 'disgraceful' penalty controversy that led to a draw between the Warriors and Manly, leaving fans and pundits in heated debate.
In a thrilling match, Manly found themselves in the lead by 22-14 with just 55 seconds remaining on the clock.
However, a late try by Dallin Waetene-Zelezniak and a penalty goal from Shaun Johnson, following a contentious incident involving Josh Aloiai, leveled the scores and sent the game into extra time.
As the clock ticked down, Johnson attempted a daring field goal from long range to force golden point.
But, controversy struck as Aloiai's attempted pressure on Johnson resulted in contact, leading to a penalty being awarded.
Johnson made no mistake with the kick in front of the posts, forcing the game into overtime.
The drama of the late penalty decision sparked debate among fans and experts, with opinions split on whether the call was fair or not.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold opted to take the high road, offering a composed response to the incident in his post-match press conference.
"It's a tough one to comment on," Seibold remarked.
"I could easily be labeled a whinger if I question the penalty or neglecting my players if I agree with it.
The decision was made, and we move forward."
The Warriors' controversial equalizer may have stolen the spotlight, but both teams battled fiercely throughout the match, showcasing the grit and determination that Rugby League is known for.
In the end, neither side could find a winning score, resulting in a hard-fought draw that left fans on the edge of their seats.