Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
NSW Blues denied try controversy became a major talking point in State of Origin game one, after Cameron Murray was ruled to have interfered with Kurt Capewell before grounding the ball at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night.
The call came before half time with New South Wales Blues trailing Queensland Maroons 20-6, adding more heat to a series opener already full of drama.
For more on the major Origin turning point, read Kalyn Ponga Sent Off as New South Wales Blues Complete Historic Origin Comeback.
Bunker call splits Origin greats
The moment began when New South Wales Blues hooker Reece Robson put in a grubber that struck the goalpost.
Murray and Capewell both chased the loose ball, with Murray forcing his way through before bobbling it and grounding it.
Referee Ashley Klein sent the decision to the Bunker, where Chris Butler ruled no try due to interference from Murray.
“Well they’re both just going for the ball,” Blues legend Andrew Johns said on Channel 9.
“I think they’re both just going for the ball there.
“Can we see that in real-time please. We’re making decisions in slow motion.
“I just hate decisions being made in super slow motion. It just paints a different picture.”
Smith sees reason for ruling
Queensland Maroons great Cameron Smith agreed the incident was tight, but said Murray’s contact gave officials a reason to intervene.
“There’s not much in it, I completely agree with you. But as soon as you put a hand on another player’s back it’s a different story,” Smith added.
The call denied New South Wales Blues a chance to cut the margin before the break, although the home side later fought back to win 22-20.
Fans can follow official State of Origin updates through the NRL website.