Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has backed the Bunker's decision to award a penalty try early in the first half of his side's 44-28 elimination final win over the Gold Coast Titans, labelling the ruling as courageous.
The pivotal moment occurred in the 9th minute when winger Jordan Kahu was prevented the opportunity to place the ball down for a try by the foot of Konrad Hurrell.
The Bunker deemed Hurrell's kicking act to be deliberate and therefore rewarded the Broncos with a penalty try.
The decision sent social media into meltdown, with everyone having an opinion on whether the ruling was right or wrong.
Referees' boss Tony Archer called a press conference at half-time of the match, clarifying that the Bunker's decision was correct.
It's a view echoed by Bennett who said the right ruling was made by the officials.
"I was pleased they had the courage to do it because the rule is that you can't kick at the ball," Bennett said.
"It prevented him from scoring the try. The ball was over the line and it was all in place for him to score.
"If it happened against us I'd have to live with it. It's the rule and I thought it was a good decision."
The try gave Brisbane an immediate reply to Gold Coast's opening four-pointer, stalling any momentum the Titans were trying to build.
Gold Coast coach Neil Henry was initially bemused by the decision, but after reflecting on what took place, he also agreed with the Bunker's ruling.
"It's a hard one. Hurrell was just trying to stop the ball getting over the line," Henry said.
"It was a reaction to try and save the situation, but I can understand it being a penalty try.
"I can wear that for what it is. I didn't initially, but on reflection I think they've probably got that one right. Tony would have explained it all at half-time."
Kahu, the man at the centre of it all, had a great night for the Broncos, recording a personal points tally of 20 via two tries and six conversions.
Four of those points came from the penalty try, and he admitted after the game that he did not expect to be rewarded with a try for his efforts.
"To be honest I thought I was just going to get the ball back because I didn't knock it on," Kahu said.
"After he kicked it out I just thought we were going to get six more tackles.
"I was surprised with the decision, but I'm happy we were given the try. I wasn't sure which way it was going to go."
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