Cameron Smith was in disbelief after a controversial Bunker ruling gave a green light to a Bradman Best try that gifted NSW a 16-point lead over the Maroons that would ultimately prove decisive.
A cross-field kick by Reece Walsh set up a strong chance for Robert Toia to pounce, but the young star could not get hold of the ball in an aerial challenge with Jack Bostock, with the ball spilling directly into the path of Best on his own goal line.
Jack Bostock touches the ball in the air. Nine
After pouncing on the ball, Best pinned his ears back and broke into space, eventually pushing off a tackle attempt by his Knights teammate Kalyn Ponga who was the only player in the frame to stop him. Best used his strength to bust through Ponga and raced away to score NSW’s fourth, simultaneously silencing the roaring crowd in Brisbane.
As NSW players celebrated, the Bunker investigated a potential knock on by Bostock when challenging for the ball in the air with Toia.
It was clear on the replay that Toia’s hand had touched the ball and caused it to go backwards, but Nine’s commentators were convinced Bostock’s finger had touched it too.
“That was a try for the ages … but I think that might’ve come off Bostock’s hand,” Andrew Johns said on Nine.
“This is going to come all the way back, wow,” Smith added.
Nathan Cleary was left puzzled as he was told to delay his conversion attempt, but he was eventually cleared to do exactly that and bring NSW’s lead to 24-8.
Smith was baffled that the try was allowed to stand, questioning whether the Bunker thought the ball had gone backwards off Bostock’s hand.
“That has gone forward,” Smith said.
“We can’t get that wrong, I’m sorry. It was a clear touch by Bostock at a crucial time … we just can’t get those wrong. We cannot get them wrong.”
Brad Fittler revealed the Bunker found Bostock did not touch the ball, claiming the corner post camera provided a definitive angle.
“I can’t get over that call,” Smith replied after hearing that explanation.