Queensland fans have expressed widespread anger following a contentious non-knock-on ruling that allowed New South Wales to score a pivotal try. The decision contributed to the Blues extending their lead to 24-8 in the second half of the game.

Bradman Best appeared to score after intercepting a cross-field kick from Reece Walsh, with Kalyn Ponga unable to chase him down. However, replays suggested the ball may have come off the hand of Queensland player Jack Bostock in his own dead ball area and travelled forward. Despite protests, the bunker upheld the on-field decision, allowing Best's try to stand.

Commentators and former players voiced their disapproval. Channel Nine commentator Cameron Smith stated, "we can not get it wrong," while former Blues star Luke Lewis commented, "I'm NSW and I think that comes off his hands. You can see his fingers my move. I think Queensland was ripped off."

Social media also saw an influx of criticism. One user wrote on X, "And now this f******g abysmal refereeing. NRL, you slump to new lows." Another expressed their disappointment by stating they had stopped watching the game after the decision, posting, "@nrl I have watched every Origin game since inception Tonight I have switched over to CNN news after that disgraceful decision to award a try off a knock on."

Further frustration mounted for Queensland when a try by Rob Toia was overturned. Toia had collected a long bomb and gone over, but a bunker review determined that Max Plath was offside and involved in the play. This decision was met with boos from the crowd at Suncorp Stadium.

One X user questioned the bunker's consistency, writing, "OK SO THE BUNKER CAN SEE A PLAYER OFFSIDE BUT THEY CANT SEE A TOUCH OFF BOSTOCK FOR THERE LAST TRY???? B******T." Another user in South Africa expressed perplexity, adding, "Sitting in SAfrica utterly perplexed at how the TMO is ruining Origin 3. I have no dog in this fight but that is two ridiculous calls in the 2nd half giving the Blues 6 & taking away 6 from the Maroons. This is ridiculous, you won't grow your game like this."

New South Wales ultimately extended their lead to 26-12 with a late penalty from Nathan Cleary.