EXCLUSIVE: Billy Slater pinpoints the 'one they got wrong' as Storm great shocked by game-turning penalty

Craig Bellamy managed to hold his tongue but Melbourne legend Billy Slater says the referee "got one wrong" in a crucial moment that helped decide Sunday's Magic Round blockbuster.

In a stunning end to the NRL's festival in Brisbane, Canberra slotted a penalty goal in extra time to beat the Storm 20-18.

It should never have made it that far after the Storm led by a converted try with a few minutes remaining in regular time, and then fullback Ryan Papenuyzen slotted a field goal which should have put them up by seven and essentially won the game.

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Instead, the one-pointer was chalked off thanks to Papenhuyzen's teammate Trent Loiero planting his forearm into the face of Joe Tapine at the previous play-the-ball, earning Canberra a penalty.

The Raiders scored to send the game to extra time, and it was what happened next that had Slater dumbfounded.

Melbourne marched upfield and was in prime position to win the game - either by field goal or attempting to score a try - when prop Stefano Utoikamanu lashed out at opposing hooker Tom Starling following a tackle.

Utoikamanu shoved Starling to the ground and then appeared to kick him in the chin.

Referee Gerard Sutton was fed up and sent Utoikamanu to the sin-bin, as well as Raiders prop Josh Papalii who ran in to join the ensuing fracas.

The act robbed Melbourne of a likely victory but Slater was shocked it was a penalty.

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"That was the one they got wrong, the one the officials got wrong," he told Nine's The Billy Slater Podcast on Monday.

"The other ones you can ... it's 50/50, you can build a case for both sides. But that one there, I don't think he did anything wrong, and I don't think Josh Papalii did anything wrong either.

"How do you send two people to the sin bin when the game is on the line, extra time, we've just had an incredible Magic Round... for two guys that did nothing wrong, to go to the sin bin? Come on."

Sutton explained his decision to bin Utoikamanu and Papalii was because he had warned both teams earlier to avoid any more niggle after what was a fiery contest.

Slater was also bemused about Papenhuyzen's field goal earlier being rubbed off due to the Loiero forearm.

"One of them was a match-winning play by Ryan Papenhuyzen," Slater said.

"Interestingly the NRL came out and said it's only for serious offences that (the Bunker) would go back (and penalise players)... I don't count that as a serious offence.

"You can argue that, but you can't argue the fact you did the wrong thing.

"The Storm need to look at their discipline and look at what they can control in front of them. Without doubt (Canberra got under their skin) - they play a physical game and there is a bit of niggle. Without doubt they got under their skin."

Slater credited Canberra for being a "tough team" and said the Raiders are a side no other club looks forward to playing against.

The Storm next face the Tigers on Sunday.