Canterbury rocked NRL finals-bound South Sydney in a dramatic 26-16 victory on Thursday night despite a spectacular refereeing error that threatened to derail it.

Just two weeks out from the finals, the spotlight is on referees after the Rabbitohs were awarded a try despite Jaxson Paulo’s right foot going into touch in goal before he grounded the ball.

Ashley Klein awarded the try in the 33rd minute on the advice of touch judge Phil Henderson, who missed the error despite standing in perfect position.

The Bulldogs were leading 20-0 at the time, and despite leaking another two tries, they managed to hold on to stun the sixth-placed Souths.

It could be a costly loss for the Rabbitohs who will play the Sydney Roosters next week with hopes of securing a home final in week one of the finals.

The Bulldogs have moved off the bottom of the NRL ladder, leaving Brisbane in the box seat to claim an unwanted first wooden spoon.

And Canterbury did it all without their halfback Lachlan Lewis after he copped a troubling hit in the first half.

Souths second-rower Jaydn Su’a could be set for an extended stint on the sidelines for the high shot on the Bulldogs No.7.

Lewis stumbled to his feet and fumbled the ball, with replays showing Su’a caught him on the jaw as the half slipped into the tackle.

Despite a passionate plea from Souths skipper Adam Reynolds who asked Klein “want us to play Austag, mate?”, Su’a was sent to the sin bin and the Bulldogs scored soon after.

It’ll be an anxious wait on the match review committee’s ruling on Friday morning given Su’a missed round 13 for a dangerous contact charge.

Five-eighth Cody Walker was most dangerous for Souths with two try-assists, while Campbell Graham and Alex Johnston crossed for tries.

Reimis Smith, Chris Smith, Tim Lafai and Raymond Faitala-Mariner all bagged tries for the Bulldogs in a fitting win for skipper Josh Jackson in his 200th NRL game.