Bulldogs v Knights: Missed knock-on leads to game-sealing Newcastle try

Troy Whittaker

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Bulldogs v Knights: Missed knock-on leads to game-sealing Newcastle try image

Newcastle claimed a 22-10 win over a valiant Canterbury side in Magic Round but controversy has exploded after a baffling non-call in the dying stages led to the game-sealing try on Saturday.

Trailing by six with two minutes remaining, the Bulldogs pressed forward into Knights territory as they looked to take the match into extra-time with a converted try at Suncorp Stadium.

A wayward Dylan Napa offload hit the deck and Newcastle captain Mitchell Pearce raced ahead to clean up the scraps.

MORE: Penrith legend Ryan Girdler slams club's 'immoral' administration

But the halfback was unable to handle the loose ball and committed what seemed an obvious knock-on.

Canterbury should have been given the scrum feed with a full set of six starting 35 metres out from the try-line.

Instead, referees Matt Cecchin and Tim Roby allowed the play to continue and Knights lock Tim Glasby broke away downfield.

Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga stood up Bulldogs half Kieran Foran with a mesmerising step on the next tackle to race clear and score to ice a third consecutive victory for the Knights.

Watch below.

 

While Ponga's brilliance was breathtaking, the Fox League commentators unanimously agreed the play should have stopped when Pearce lost the Steeden.

"There's no doubt that was a knock-on," said Brett Finch.

"That is a knock-on. They've got that wrong," said Corey Parker.

Predictably, a swarm of fans reacted furiously on social media.

Other argued that Pearce was pushed in the back as he went for the ball and the Knights should have been awarded a penalty in the first place.

The loss means the Bulldogs are once again last on the ladder after Penrith briefly held the unwanted honour after their dismal performance on Friday night versus the Wests Tigers.

Troy Whittaker