After a horror start to the year, Dragons captain Damien Cook‘s frustration completely boiled over in one controversial moment on Sunday night.

Playing in his 250th game, the hooker looked to have scored a brilliant solo try in his side’s 28-6 loss against ladder-leaders Penrith in the final game at Magic Round.

With seconds ticking down until half time, Cook chipped ahead for himself and raced past some tired defenders, kicking it past Brian To’o to clean it up and score.

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But as the dummy-half celebrated with his St George Illawarra teammates, Bunker official Grant Atkins intervened and overruled the on-field decision, citing that Cook had kicked the ball out of the hands of To’o after he had gained possession.

The decision was relayed to Cook, who made his feelings clear to the on-field referee Jarrod Cole and pleaded his case, knowing full well it was too late.

Damien Cook argues after a no try decision. Fox League

“He doesn’t have possession, no way,” the Red V skipper yelled.

Replays appeared to show Cook booted the ball simultaneously to To’o grabbing it.

“You can understand the frustration,” Fox League commentator Dan Ginnane said.

“You be the judge at home … that’s a massive decision.”

Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards even conceded his side “got away with one” when he walked from the field at half time.

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Speaking post-game, interim coach Dean Young was asked about the decision.

“What’s your thoughts on it?” he replied to journalist Christian Nicolussi, who then labelled the no try decision as a “howler” in response to Young.

“It would have been nice to go in at half time 12-6 against the best team in the comp.

“They [Penrith] certainly don’t need any help, because they’ve been the best team for the last five years – but I can’t control that.

Dean Young and Damien Cook speak to media after Magic Round. Nine

“Did it go up a try? They needed evidence to say it wasn’t a try. Who was in the Bunker?

“It feels like there’s been some calls early in the season that didn’t go our way and could have made a difference. We’re not walking away from the responsibility of where we’re sitting, that’s on us – but we’re not getting the 50/50s at the moment.” 

Cook was quizzed about his thoughts and revealed plenty of people at Suncorp Stadium agreed with him that it should have remained a try.

“I’m a bit biased, but I thought it was a try,” he said.

“Other people on the way in here said it was a try as well.

“Just give the fans what they want. It’s massive – if we go in 12-6 against the best team in the competition, I feel like we deserved that.” 

Tom Jenkins bagged a double in the first half to give his side a 12-0 lead and the try for Cook would have made it a six-point margin at the break.

Tom Jenkins celebrates a try against the Dragons. Getty

Isaiah Papali’i put the heavyweights 18-0 up early in the second half, but the Dragons showed some signs of life when Christian Tuipulotu scored out wide.

But as they so often do, the Panthers strangled their rivals as To’o and Luke Garner put the result beyond doubt, extending their lead atop the NRL ladder.

On the flip side, St George Illawarra remain winless after 10 games this season.

To make matters worse, Moses Suli left the field with back spasms and young forward Hamish Stewart was forced off with a quad injury.