Brett Morris' stunning decision not to pass to the unmarked Daniel Tupou cost the Sydney Roosters a certain try and quite possibly victory over the Melbourne Storm on Friday night.
Morris made his long-awaited comeback from a knee injury at left centre for the Roosters at Adelaide Oval in this season's second grand final rematch against the Storm.
He ran for 87 metres and completed 24 tackles in a solid return but one moment with eight minutes remaining will haunt him.
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As Sydney trailed 14-12, Latrell Mitchell – playing at five-eighth – did incredibly well to attract three defenders before popping an offload to Morris with the try-line in sight.
With only fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen in front of him, all Morris needed to do was tip on to his winger to ensure four points and put his side in the lead.
Instead, he chanced it and unsuccessfully tucked the ball under his arm, with the Melbourne defence scrambling to prevent the veteran from scoring.
Morris attempted a futile offload as he was going to the turf that resulted in a knock-on.
The blunder proved expensive as the Storm held on for a two-point win.
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"He dummies it – Tupou can't believe it! Oh, no," said Fox League commentator Braith Anasta.
Matt Russell pointed out that Morris had attempted to link with Tupou earlier in the match, with his ball landing in touch on that occasion after Tupou had veered on his inside.
"Maybe he second-guessed himself on whether Tupou would be there," Russell said.
Anasta added: "It's just one of those moments where you throw the dummy and you know straight away you should have thrown the pass.
"And that's why he tried to throw the pass when it was too late. That's a nightmare."
