It was rugby league’s Hand of God moment.
James Maloney’s forward pass to Anthony Minichiello was seen by everyone at ANZ Stadium, except the officials.
It was a howler that may have decided the grand final.
One of the greatest premiership deciders of all time will also go down among the more controversial.
The Sydney Roosters overcame a 10-point second half deficit to claim a 26-18 victory over Manly.
It was one for the ages.
Sonny Bill Williams came up with the two plays that changed the game in what may well be the cross-code superstar’s last in league.
A flying Michael Jennings scored one of the most spectacular tries of the season, with freakish winger Daniel Tupou not far behind him.
But the forward pass from Maloney to his skipper, which resulted in Shaun Kenny-Dowall scoring the try that would put the Roosters in front with 20 minutes remaining – is impossible to go past as the turning point in a gripping contest.
Maloney was put into open space by the most famous offload in rugby league, that belonging to SBW.
The NSW five-eighth didn’t see or hear Minichiello screaming through on his right, and when he did, the veteran custodian had overrun him.
But he let go of it anyway and despite every Manly player throwing their hands up as one, the men in pink stayed silent.
Sea Eagles skipper Jamie Lyon pleaded in vain with referee Shayne Hayne that the pass was a “metre forward.”
If North Queensland were given a personal apology for a seventh-tackle try, then do Manly deserve one for the most blatant of blunders.
It was the biggest turning point in a match that had already produced the first penalty try in a GF since Jamie Ainscough collared Craig Smith in 1999.
This time it was Mitchell Aubusson taking out Jamie Lyon.
That call went Manly’s way, but not much else did.
The Sea Eagles were brilliant in defeat, but Geoff Toovey would be entitled to repeat himself: “There needs to be an investigation.”