Referee Grant Atkins has been involved in a controversial try after Ezra Mam went down before attempting a tackle on Connor Tracey before he scored.
Tracey’s try came in a monumental upset with the Bulldogs smashing the Broncos 41-16 at Suncorp Stadium.
The four-pointer made it 26-10 in the second half, with the Bulldogs attacking down the left side. Mam attempted to come across in cover defence but was captured sliding on the ground with his hands up.
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Atkins awarded the try before saying to the Bunker: “There might be incidental contact with me and Mam, my live decision is still try scored.”
Ezra Mam reacts after he tripped over referee Grant Atkins. Fox League
“I reckon he was in a position to make a tackle there,” Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach said on Fox League.
Commentator Andrew Voss added: “That’s an unusual one for the player to be taken out by the referee behind the player, it’s a trip, an accidental trip.”
The incident hardly made a difference with the Bulldogs putting forward a stunning performance.
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Brisbane had almost a full strength squad but were shellshocked early when the Bulldogs were out to a 16-0 lead with Bronson Xerri, Tracey and Jeral Skelton all scoring.
Reece Walsh and Kotoni Staggs kept the Broncos in the hunt, scoring before half time as the Broncos trailed 16-10.
However, it was all the away side after the break.
Viliame Kikau and Jacob Kiraz all scored while Tracey bagged his hat trick in the second half.
Martin Taupau scored a consolation try late before Matt Burton kicked a field goal to seal a 41-16 victory.
The Broncos are now in a position where they must win all their games to make finals after making the grand final last year.
“They are in dire straits,” Cooper Cronk said post-game.
“They’ll struggle to make the eight,” Mal Meninga added.