NRL head of football Graham Annesley conceded match officials botched a decision which should have given Manly a last-gasp chance to send their clash against St George Illawarra into golden point on Saturday night.

A day after Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler fumed over the non-call when Tim Lafai appeared to escort Manly winger Reuben Garrick off the ball with just seconds remaining in their loss to the Dragons, Annesley admitted the referees had erred.

Explanation requested: Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler was not happy. Credit:ninevms

Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans remonstrated with whistleblowers David Munro and Liam Kennedy long after the full-time siren.

A penalty would have given him a chance to send the game into golden point with a kick from close to the sideline.