Mitchell Moses hits golden point field goal before Eels gifted penalty in bizarre finish
The Parramatta Eels have defeated the Cowboys 33-30 in a truly bizarre golden point finish that included a field goal and penalty shot.
Mitchell Moses was the man who kicked the field goal in the first set of golden point, which won the match for Parramatta.
"That's why you get the big bucks, baby," Phil Gould said on Nine.
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Mitchell Moses celebrates his field goal. Nine
But despite it appearing the match was over, referee Liam Kennedy put Scott Drinkwater on report for dangerous contact on Moses' legs after the field goal.
The Eels were awarded a penalty goal in front because of the contact, despite the winning point already being scored.
Scott Drinkwater makes contact with Mitchell Moses. Nine
Moses was confused, telling the referee the game was over while Gould and Billy Slater were also bemused.
"If you score a try, you don't take the conversion (in golden point)," Slater said.
Nonetheless, Ronald Volkman stepped up and hit the extra two points.
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Post-match, Gould said stats guru David Middleton was in a "meltdown" over the strange decision.
"If you score a penalty try in golden point, you don't kick the conversion," he said.
"... I don't see any reason whatsoever why they made them hit the penalty goal. The game's over.
"If the conversion hits the post and he runs the length of the field and scores, what happens again? It's over. The game was over. There was absolutely no reason for the penalty goal."
Mitchell Moses after the penalty was given. Nine
The finish encapsulated a frantic 82 minutes of football after the Cowboys looked like they'd had the game won on various occasions.
In the 69th minute, the home side led 30-22 after a Tom Chester try but the Eels hit back through Jordan Samrani with five to go.
Moses missed the kick for that one but he had another chance when Joash Papalii scored in the corner. His conversion attempt just missed the post with two minutes left.
Jake Clifford and Moses both attempted field goals in the dying stages but neither could hit the winner.
Moses eventually became the man, ending a two-match losing streak for his side.
