NRL: Were Titans robbed in Broncos loss? Six calls that changed the game

Jarryd Hayne of the Gold Coast Titans looks on dejected as Broncos players congratulate Anthony Milford on scoring. Photo / Getty Images

Robbed? Fans were fuming during the Brisbane-Gold Coast NRL finals clash, with the Titans deemed to have been on the wrong side of a host of controversial decisions.

We take a look at some of the calls that cruelled the Titans as they crashed out of the NRL premiership race following their 44-28 loss to the Broncos.

HURRELL's BOOT

The first big call came in the 10th minute when the Broncos were awarded a penalty try after Jordan Kahu on first look appeared to have knocked on through Konrad Hurrell's tackle.

The bunker sensationally ruled a penalty try, deeming Hurrell deliberately kicked the ball out, prompting howls of protest from Titans players.

SCRUM OVERTURNED

The Titans were awarded an attacking scrum in the 20th minute, only for the bunker to overturn the on-field decision and give the Broncos the feed.

ROBERTS' KICK

In the build up to a Broncos try, centre James Roberts was lucky not to be penalised for what looked like a kick to Ryan Simpkins' back.

A frustrated Roberts appeared to lash out at Simpkins in the play-the-ball, but referee Gerard Sutton said he didn't see any foul play and Roberts was allowed to play on, with Alex Glenn eventually going on to score a try.

OATES PENALTY

Broncos winger Corey Oates was awarded a penalty after knocking on a Titans kick, after the referees deemed that he was put in a dangerous position by David Mead. Replays suggested Mead was going for the ball.

Off the back of that penalty, the Broncos extend their lead with another try.

THAIDAY OBSTRUCTION

Corey Oates was awarded a try on the back of a play that looked to have an obstruction in the lead-up. Instead of referring to the bunker, the on-field referee awarded the try.

Replays showed decoy runner Sam Thaiday crashing into Greg Bird effectively taking him out of the defensive line and limiting his opportunity to target Darius Boyd in the lead-up play.

PARKER'S 'HEADBUTT'

Corey Parker appeared to headbutt a Titans player in a scrum, but it was not picked up by the referees.

Nice head butt from Corey Parker @nrl #NRLBroncosTitans pic.twitter.com/ryAbJO8BGZ

— Ben Wood (@Nuggetwood) September 9, 2016

The controversial calls drew plenty of criticism, with former players and coaches having their say on social media.

WoW.. Refs!! Hmmmmmmm pic.twitter.com/pgeLgSj0BU

— krisnan nevada inu (@krisnan_inu) September 9, 2016

I am absolutely deflated after calling that game. The officiating and the technology has absolutely ruined what I thought would be a beauty

— Darryl Brohman OAM (@therealbigmarn) September 9, 2016

Had some terrible calls have the Titans tonight..

— Zak Hardaker (@zakhardaker1) September 9, 2016

So you can kick people, but not the ball?

— Beau Ryan (@therealbeauryan) September 9, 2016

Titans fans, should some of these refs decisions be discussed or is it just disgust?? #NRLBroncosTitans

— Lote Tuqiri 🇫🇯🇦🇺 (@LoteTuqiri) September 9, 2016

Just sent this text to Todd Greenberg #NRLBroncosTitans pic.twitter.com/ASQPQHwYxz

— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) September 9, 2016