LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Melbourne Storm's victory over the Broncos left NRL officials breathing a sigh of relief, as they narrowly escaped a farcical rule being fully exposed in Thursday night's game.
NRL's head of football, Graham Annesley, must have been thanking his lucky stars as the Storm managed to secure a 34-32 win over Brisbane, despite the controversy surrounding a crucial play in the 65th minute.
In a move that showcased Cameron Munster's cunning on the field, the Storm appeared to be robbed of a try when Deine Mariner landed awkwardly after catching a bomb from Munster.
Munster, showing his quick thinking and agility, managed to steal the ball from Mariner in a one-on-one exchange and dove over the line for what he believed was a legitimate try.
However, referee Ashley Klein controversially awarded a penalty to the Broncos, citing that Munster had illegally stripped the ball from Mariner after completing a tackle.
The Storm's late surge with two tries and the Broncos' missed opportunities in the dying moments sealed the victory for Melbourne, proving once again the unpredictable and thrilling nature of Rugby League.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions for fans and players alike, with some historical references and classic sporting cliches coming to life on the field.