Newcastle ended the New Zealand Warriors' campaign 12-10 at Eden Park, surviving a tense finish that left the home side furious.
Analyst Richie Barnett credited the Knights but criticised several refereeing and bunker decisions, saying, "I hated the decisions, to be fair,".
The bunker overturned Ashley Klein's initial knock-on ruling after Ali Leiataua touched Kalyn Ponga's pass intended for Bradman Best.
Newcastle's challenge succeeded after reviews concluded one of Leiataua's fingers contacted the ball, despite Barnett questioning the camera angles.
Another disputed moment followed when Klein penalised Te Maire Martin for allegedly stripping Greg Marzhew. The Warriors challenged, but the bunker upheld the ruling.
With 50 seconds remaining, Tyson Frizell appeared to obstruct the Warriors' kick chase, yet officials awarded no penalty.
A penalty would have allowed New Zealand to attempt a two-point conversion, level the scores and potentially force golden point.
Barnett also cited missed high-tackle penalties and possible six-agains while explaining why he understood the Warriors' frustration with Klein and the match officials.
However, he condemned spectators who threw bottles, saying, "He doesn't deserve to be thrown the bottles at the end, that was a bit of a disgrace, but emotions are high."
Barnett added that the defeat was not solely caused by officiating, because the Warriors themselves produced a performance well below their best.