North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights: Potential forward pass leads to controversial game-winning try

Angus Reid

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North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights: Potential forward pass leads to controversial game-winning try image

A potential forward pass has gone unnoticed by referees in the NRL's Friday night fixture between the North Queensland Cowboys and Newcastle Knights, with the marginal pass leading to a game-winning try for the Cowboys.

In what had to be arguably the ugliest game of the season with dropped balls being far more noticeable than impressive skill, the Cowboys ended a five-game losing streak and bested their opponents by two points at 1300Smiles Stadium.

In a game that was marred by interesting refereeing decisions, like this Henry Perenara sin-bin and this supposed shoulder charge, of course the final play was surrounded by controversy.

With the hosts trailing by two points with just over two minutes remaining, they went on the attack through prop John Asiata who took the ball to the line and shifted it to retiring legend Johnathan Thurston. 

Instead of going the same way and heading towards the touchline, JT changed the play and threw the ball inside to fullback Te Maire Martin.

Martin broke the line, and only had Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga to beat.

Instead of going himself, Martin used inside man Gavin Cooper who strolled over the line and won the match for the Cowboys.

The last pass was suspect, to say the least, with commentators touching on it briefly before moving on quickly in case they had to discuss yet another refereeing blunder.

Have a look for yourself in the video player below.

Fans on Twitter weren't as sympathetic as the commentary team.










 

Angus Reid

Angus Reid Photo