The Maroons avoided a penalty when Blues bench forward Spencer Leniu was the victim of a possible hip-drop tackle in State of Origin I, leaving NSW players seething.
The Blues were trailing 20-6 in the 35th minute when Leniu burst onto the ball deep in Maroons territory at Accor Stadium.
Harry Grant tackled the Roosters gun above the waist and Moeaki Fotuaika grabbed his legs.
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The tackle left Leniu clutching at his left knee and screaming in agony, but in the view of referee Ashley Klein, it was not a hip-drop tackle.
NSW players came flying in to remonstrate with Fotuaika in a clear show of displeasure.
"That's a hip-drop," argued Andrew Johns on the Nine broadcast as Blues fans let out a chorus of boos.
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"The fans are right onto Ashley Klein," added Nine caller Mat Thompson.
"Daly Cherry-Evans doesn't think it's a hip-drop, Andrew. I'm not sure his opinion matters in this circumstance."
Once Leniu was able to continue, the Blues resumed their set on the first tackle.
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