IS this rugby union’s first “own try”?

The 15-man game may have a phenomenon to match a football “own goal”, following a bizarre call in the NRC clash between Sydney Stars and North Harbour Rays on Thursday night.

Rays prop Mitch Lewis was left dumbfounded when a try was awarded after he stole the ball from a Stars side hot on attack and planted it back for a teammate to pick up and clear.

With bodies everywhere obstructing his view, referee Ian Smith stopped play and called for the Television Match Official to adjudicate after the ball appeared to brush the tryline.

Astonishingly, even allowing for Lewis’ yellow right sleeve matching those of the the Stars’ kit, the call came back from the TMO that it was a try.

WATCH THE “OWN TRY” IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE

Lewis wasn’t the only one left perplexed by the decision — social media also lit up immediately after the controversial call.

How on earth is that a try?!? #bungle #SYDvRAY — Brett McKay (@BMcSport) October 16, 2014

I am still in shock at that TMO call in the #NRC2014 #SYDvRAY — JudgeRugby (@JudgeRugby) October 16, 2014

The biggest question after the five-pointer was given was equally baffling — which player was awarded the try?

#NRC2014 Question, in the stats, who will they award that try to? The guy on the other team? #SYDvRAY — Jack Somerton (@kopkl) October 16, 2014

As for the match, the Stars ran out 49-40 winners, claiming their first victory of the NRC season in the final round.

You can catch all the highlights from the 89-point thriller in the video player below.