RUGBY league is a magnet for controversy, but surely this is taking it a step too far.

A bewildering internet storm has broken out in the aftermath of New Zealand’s narrow Four Nations victory over England, with suggestions that Shaun Johnson’s pivotal field goal actually missed the target.

Several big news sites — and plenty of little ones — have been floating the crazy theory that the shot passed outside the post.

The ball sails out of frame in the original camera angle, but it’s the shot from behind the sticks that has caused discussion.

Shot of the ball. Source: FOX SPORTS

Some stills appear to show the ball passing the wrong side of the post, but Fox Sports video experts have explained it away as an optical illusion.

When footage is broken down frame by frame, every second frame will be transparent and thus creates the illusion that Johnson’s kick doesn’t go in.

But, hey, why take our word for it.

Check out the reaction of every player in the video shot. The Kiwis are pumping their fists and the England players also know the shot has hit the mark.

Need more?

Even Pommy prop James Graham doesn’t dispute the shot — and he’s notorious at questioning referee decisions.

So what do you think?

View the video in player above and tell us in the poll below.