LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a devastating blow to the New Zealand Warriors, their hopes of a comeback were shattered when a pass from Reece Walsh was clearly deemed forward in the lead-up to a try.
The Warriors were facing the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL preliminary final, and the controversial call all but ended their chances of advancing.
Walsh, who had been in outstanding form throughout the match, showed off his electrifying speed as he broke through the Warriors' defense.
As Walsh looked to make a crucial pass back on the inside, the ball went forward to Selwyn Cobbo.
Astonishingly, Cobbo then threw another questionable forward pass to Jordan Riki.
Commentator Andrew Voss didn't hold back, exclaiming, "Walsh has thrown it forward a mile, it's gone forward more than a mile and Brisbane have run away and scored." The crowd at Suncorp Stadium seemed to hold their breath, waiting for referee Gerard Sutton's decision.
Former player Steve 'Blocker' Roach pointed out that there may have been two forward passes in the sequence of play, and the referees had missed a glaring error.
However, to the shock of everyone, the try was awarded.
The bunker, which is responsible for video reviews, cannot intervene in forward pass plays.
This decision left fans furious, especially considering the Warriors were already facing an uphill battle to reach the NRL grand final.
The controversy surrounding the referee drama has left Warriors fans fuming and questioning the fairness of the game.
With such a pivotal moment being missed by the officials, it has sparked debates about the need for better technology or officiating systems to prevent such errors.
Regardless, the Brisbane Broncos emerged victorious, securing their place in the grand final against the Penrith Panthers.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are left to ponder what could have been if not for the baffling referee decision.