"They were fortunate to get a penalty that I was struggling to find a penalty for in the back end of that game," Potter said. "It's great for them to win on that, but disappointing for us."

The penalty gave Broncos halfback Ben Hunt an opportunity to win the game with an attempt 10 metres in from touch, slotting the kick between the posts.

Anasta said he didn't argue with Badger because he had no idea why the whistle was blown. "I wasn't sure why it was a penalty when it first happened," Anasta said.

"I thought someone must have completely held someone back on the chase. But then when I saw the replay I was surprised by it. I didn't know what it was for so that's why I didn't ask. I thought I must have missed something else in back play, so that's why I didn't ask. Then when it all unfolded it was all just too late."

Richards was adamant he didn't intentionally take Maranta out, unhappy with the explanation the referees gave him.