NRL head of elite Football competitions Graham Annesley admitted the Broncos were unfairly awarded a try to Kotoni Staggs in their 22-18 win over the Rabbitohs.

Staggs scored the second of his three tries in the 58th minute on the way to a match winning hat-trick, but on review the NRL admitted they got the decision wrong.

The try under the posts was converted, which could have had an impact on the result with the Broncos holding on for a four point win.

Watch the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO. Every game of every round LIVE & Ad-Break Free during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Round 20

“The captain’s challenge could have been used, but for the same reason it would have been difficult for the referee to pick up it would have been tough for the Bunker as well,” Annesley said.

“Kotoni Staggs in the Broncos game against the Rabbitohs looked to have scored the try at full speed.

“But on the replay in slow motion the ball has clearly left his hand as he goes to put it down.

“He then follows the ball and places down with his hand when it hits the ground, but that in all other situations on the field, whether it is scoring a try or in general play if a player loses control of the ball and doesn’t regather it before it hits the ground that is a knock on.”

MORE NRL NEWS

ROUND 3 TEAMS: Morris twins reunite, Latrell set for centre switch

ROUND 2 WRAP: Biggest talking points from a crazy weekend of games

COVID-19 NRL UPDATES: The latest news on how coronavirus is affecting the NRL

FAR FROM HOME: Cook is happy to relocate to Gladstone. But only for two weeks

Souths did not opt to use a captain’s challenge and the try was awarded on the spot without going to the bunker.

However had it gone upstairs Annesley admitted the decision would have been no try.

“The referee in this case didn’t go to the bunker,” Annesley said.

“He felt he had a good view of it and you can see why he arrived at that opinion.

“But when you go frame by frame and this is what we have to do because games do get analysed to this level.

“There is separation there and that should not have been a try the way our rules are currently structured.

“We put our hand up on that one, but that is a classic case of had their been doubt from the defenders they could have challenged.”