Shane Flanagan declares he doesn't 'know the rules anymore' after costly call denies Dragons a shot at victory

Shane Flanagan has declared he no longer "knows the rules" of the game after a costly missed obstruction call denied the Dragons a chance to claim victory.

The Dragons fell to a four-point loss in a heroic battle against the Warriors in New Zealand, which saw the visitors left without three forwards after 20 minutes of action.

The triple blow was a major concern for Flanagan, who rushed to the sidelines to check on the welfare of his playing group, but the coach was left fuming in the 63rd minute.

READ MORE: Warriors beat injury-ravaged Dragons to return to top four

READ MORE: Scuffle erupts in Roosters-Dogs clash after dubious tackle

READ MORE: 'Oh no': Saints coach posts snarky jab at AFL hour before bounce

Adam Pompey through a dummy to the edge that drew the Dragons defence out of position and opened a hole in the corner for him to power over untouched.

The points were not ideal for the Dragons, given the limited time left on the clock, but in the build up to the play Lyhkan King-Togia was taken out by Christian Tuipulotu.

Clint Gutherson was the first to raise the incident with referee Todd Smith but his pleas were left unheard.

"I know you haven't asked the question but I am going to give an answer," Flanagan told reporters in his post-match press conference on Friday.

"It was really tough for us that what was an obstruction last week is not an obstruction this week.

"The boys asked out on the field numerous times and they just got shooed away, so that is frustrating.

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

"I started playing footy when I was four years old ... I don't know the rules anymore, I dead set do not know the rules.

"It is tough, but we are a tough club and this is a really connected unit.

"We will fight really hard for the next three weeks."

While Flanagan was unimpressed by the officiating of the incident, he went on to admit he was "proud" of the display his playing group produced.

"I feel a lot of pride," the 59-year-old said.

"I'm proud of the group. Their effort, their attitude, their commitment.

"I can't talk highly enough of the group and how hard they tried. They are fighting for each other ... I'm really proud.

"It was one of the better performances I have seen for a long period of time."