Damien Cook was denied a spectacular solo try on his 250th NRL appearance at Magic Round.
The veteran produced a moment of magic that looked to get the Dragons back into their contest with the Panthers on the stroke of half-time.
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He chased his own kick and beat Brian To’o to the ball after the Panthers man misjudged the bounce.
Cook got his toe on the ball and was able to touch down over the try line after reaching it first.
It was an incredible effort but one that was not allowed to stand following a check by the bunker.
Replays appeared to show To’o had managed to get both hands on the ball a split second before Cook kicked it.
That left an exasperated Cook protesting as the referee ruled To’o had possession, with Panthers subsequently awarded a penalty.
And Cook was not the only one left dissatisfied, with fans voicing their objection to the bunker once again.
“Damien Cook no try decision by bunker is a joke,” wrote one fan.
Another added: “What a joke of a decision. Damien Cook absolutely robbed. NRL really know how to shoot themselves in the foot sometimes.”
A third wrote: “That Damien Cook decision is an absolute joke.”
A fourth commented: “Damien Cook absolutely robbed there. That’s a genuine contest and To’o did not have possession. No wonder games aren’t close these days.”
And another remarked: “Gotta feel for Damien cook there. That’s a try, come on.”
Cook’s try could have changed the game but it meant the Dragons went to the sheds 12-0 down at the break.
The ladder leaders then came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and added a third try to make the Dragons’ hopes of a comeback even more unlikely.
Christian Tuipolutu pulled one back to get the Dragons on the scoreboard before Panthers put the game to bed through To’o.
