Queensland fans have been left raging after a controversial non-knock-on call alllowed a New South Wales try.
The Blues had stretched the lead to a backbreaking 24-8 against the run of play in the second half.
Bradman Best raced the full length of the pitch when a Reece Walsh cross-field kick bounced his way with no maroon jerseys in sight.
Kalyn Ponga was able to chase Best down but a fend kept him clear for what looked like the nail in the coffin of Queensland.
But slow-mo replays showed there was reason for protest from the Queensland players and fans alike.
As Jack Bostock jumped inside his own dead ball area contested by two maroon jerseys it seemed clear the ball flicked off his hand and went forward.
Bradman Best was able to break clear and score a backbreaking try for New South Wales late in the second half
Under-fire referee Ashley Klein has come under fire for his decision making in the final 2026 State of Origin game
There was even more frustration for Queensland fans when a Rob Toia try was overturned for an offisde on Ma x Plath
Queensland fans waited, sure as could be, that they would be handed a lifeline with the game hanging in the balance.
But the bunker instead confirmed the on-field decision and allowed Best’s try to stand which took the air out of the stadium.
Channel Nine commentator, Cameron Smith fumed, ‘we can not get it wrong.’
Former Blues star Luke Lewis even agreed the decision unduly went against their opponents, ‘I’m NSW and I think that comes off his hands. You can see his fingers my move. I think Queensland was ripped off.’
And Smith’s sentiment was echoed by watchers on social media platfor, with one user writing, ‘And now this f******g abysmal refereeing. NRL, you slump to new lows.’
Another user said they had stopped watching the game after the decision, posting, ‘@nrl I have watched every Origin game since inception Tonight I have switched over to CNN news after that disgraceful decision to award a try off a knock on.’
Queensland feelings of frustration would have been exasperated by another tight call going against them as they looked to get back into the game.
It seemed the Maroons were in for a second try in quick succession to drag themselves to within eight of New South Wales.
Tolu Koula had let a long bomb bounce in front of him and Rob Toia cleaned it up to go over.
But a bunker review was recommended with Max Plath ajudged to have been ahead of the ball and inolved in the play.
That led to an overturning of the try and boos rang out around Suncopr stadium at another perceived injustice.
One user on X wrote, ‘OK SO THE BUNKER CAN SEE A PLAYER OFFSIDE BUT THEY CANT SEE A TOUCH OFF BOSTOCK FOR THERE LAST TRY???? B******T.’
Another added, ‘Sitting in SAfrica utterly perplexed at how the TMO is ruining Origin 3. I have no dog in this fight but that is two ridiculous calls in the 2nd half giving the Blues 6 & taking away 6 from the Maroons. This is ridiculous, you won’t grow your game like this.’
A Nathan Cleary penalty gave New South Wales a 26-12 lead late on.
