Canterbury Bulldogs captain Josh Jackson was left fuming after referee Ben Cummins didn't allow the Bulldogs back-rower to get back into position as his team went down 20-16 to Souths.
Cummins had called Jackson over to warn him for his team's repeated penalty infringements, however as Jackson was getting back into position, the referee had allowed the Rabbitohs to start their set.
It left Jackson scrambling to get back into position as Souths spread the ball to their left-side attack where the ball found a rampaging Greg Inglis.
The Bulldogs back-rower scrambled to make a tackle on Inglis but GI brushed him off to cross the line.
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Jackson immediately appealed to referee Cummins who awarded the try.
As halfback Adam Douehi went to convert, Jackson went to speak to Cummins who then realised his mistake and apologised to Jackson.“I’m sorry Josh, I didn’t realise,” Cummins said.
Unfortunately for the Bulldogs captain and his team it proved to be too little too late as the try opened Rabbitohs points tally which saw a change in momentum.
On the back of South Sydney's comeback the decision proved to be extremely costly as it was the difference between the two sides.
Bulldogs coach Dean Pay and Josh Jackson were evidently frustrated in their post-match press conference but both were reserved in answering reporters questions.
"If the captain goes over to ask a question, he speaks to him, then doesn't allow him to get back into position, blows time on and that's when they score," Pay said.
"I don't remember his exact wording, I don't know if it was an apology but he basically owned up to the fact he made a mistake," Jackson said.
"He blew the try and I went over to talk to him and I think it was after that he realised what had happened.
"I was playing out in the centres and that's where they went."
Cummins' actions angered many experts and fans on social media:
The Josh Jackson debacle is the second time referee Ben Cummins has apologised to a player for a major stuff-up. In 2014 the same whistleblower said “sorry” to @brisbanebroncos Matt Gillett after he was incorrectly sin-binned. #NRLSouthsBulldogs pic.twitter.com/LpFR0aBqb9
— Josh Massoud (@josh_massoud) March 30, 2018
What Ben Cummins just did, is worse then what Australian cricket team did.
— M Aboud (@Maboud08) March 30, 2018
What a disgrace #NRLSouthsBulldogs
Souths 1st try scored by Ben Cummins! #NRLSouthsBulldogs
— Kylie Cosandey (@KylieCosandey) March 30, 2018
Given Ben Cummins 2nd apology in 2weeks that cost teams the win, surely he should be stood down. #NRLSouthsBulldogs
— Daniel (@19DB75) March 30, 2018
Ben Cummins has to be sacked after this game surely? Gave Souths a free TRY which cost them the game or a chance in golden point @BuzzRothfield
— Kurt (@supitskurt) March 30, 2018
The Bulldogs face the Raiders in round four next week down in Canberra.
