'Ridiculous decision': Andrew Johns lashes officials after costly late tackle call

Andrew Johns has been left fuming after a "ridiculous" decision gifted the Bulldogs a crucial first-half try in Sunday's elimination final against Manly.

In a hotly-contested opening 40 minutes at Accor Stadium, the hosts flew out of the gates and were in complete control heading into the break.

An early error from Tom Trbojevic sparked a brief melee, before Jacob Kiraz reached out in the corner for the first points of the afternoon.

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Manly managed to hit back rather promptly through Tommy Talau, but the opening exchanges belonged to the hosts as Viliame Kikau toppled over a host of defenders including the wounded Trbojevic on his way to the tryline.

But it was one moment from the officials that left the Immortal stunned.

Canterbury received a penalty after Connor Tracey was hit late by Tommy Talau - but replays showed there was only a split-second in the tackle.

Moments later, Stephen Crichton pounced on a loose ball to extend his side's lead.

"That's a ridiculous decision ... no way was that a penalty," Johns said on Nine.

"That all came off the back of a penalty that wasn't a penalty. Penalties are a huge momentum turner. If someone is on the ground from a big tackle, you can't just react."

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Things almost got worse for Manly in the 29th minute when Jeral Skelton looked to have dived over, before replays showed the young winger spilled it.

Crichton suffered an injury after an ugly tackle from Luke Brooks and Bullemor, before the latter put Manly back into the contest right before half-time with a timely try.

A boisterous crowd at Homebush were largely there for the Dogs, who mauled the Sea Eagles in a massive first-half onslaught.