Roosters weren't robbed: NRL refs boss

NRL referees boss Tony Archer has backed his on-field officials in denying Sydney Roosters rookie Latrell Mitchell a likely match-winning try over Manly.

In the dying minutes of the round four clash at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night, Mitchell crossed after Mitchell Aubusson picked up a kick from the Tricolours No.1 that bounced off Jamie Lyon.

After breaking the Manly line, Aubusson then threw a dramatic one-armed offload to Mitchell, who crossed out wide.

Referee Grant Atkins sent the decision to the bunker after gesturing no try.

It upheld Atkins' ruling, much to the annoyance of Roosters coach Trent Robinson.

The Sea Eagles went on the win the clash 22-20.

Archer told AAP it was the correct decision.

"The bunker viewed all the available angles and there was insufficient evidence to overturn the decision," he said.

"For Mitchell Aubusson to be onside, both of his feet needed to be behind the ball."

Archer said Aubusson was not put onside by the rebound off Lyon because the Manly skipper did not play at the ball.

He said Mitchell was not able to put Aubusson onside by chasing the ball through because the Steeden did not travel 10m and therefore the Roosters utility needed to retreat behind the position where the ball was kicked before he could join the play.

With six minutes to play, the try could have handed the Roosters their first win of the season, leaving Robinson fuming.

"It was a try, pretty plain, pretty obvious," Robinson said.

"It was a bad call from the ref and it was a bad call from the bunker.

"(Aubusson) was onside, we could all see it from the angle."