NRL referees boss Tony Archer admits Josh Morris’ controversial no try in Canterbury’s elimination final loss to Penrith should have been referred to the bunker.

Morris appeared to ground the ball on the line midway through the second half in a crucial period of the Allianz Stadium game on Sunday.

But the Dogs centre was ignored by referee Jared Maxwell as he repeatedly asked for the movement to be reviewed by the bunker.

In his weekly address on NRL.com, Archer said Maxwell should have sent a decision on the validity of a try, or otherwise, to the video review officials.

“I do think it should have been referred to the bunker,” Archer said.

“The reason for that is because of the closeness the ball gets to the line.

“You can see if the referee is coming across field, he needs to have clear vision on that football all the way to determine whether or not it has reached the line.

“In the case where the ball reaches the line, obviously the second element that has to be considered there is whether or not it is a double movement by Morris and whether or not the ball makes the line.

“So in those circumstances, the referee should have sent it to the bunker.”

Penrith led 16-6 at the time but Tyrone Peachey scored for the Panthers soon after to give them an unassailable lead on their way to a 28-12 win.

Morris was furious the bunker didn’t have a chance to look at his effort.

“I spoke to the touchie and said `It’s on the line’. I spoke to the ref and I said `I got it down’,” Morris said.

“But they dismissed it and two sets later they (Penrith) score a try. In the context of the game it doesn’t mean we win but it certainly changes it.

“He (Maxwell) didn’t say anything. He just deadpanned me and said `play the ball’. It’s pretty disappointing. The touchie had a clear view of it and he just shook his head as well and dismissed it.

“They’re too scared to make a call, obviously after what happened on Friday night with some of the decisions there.”

Brisbane’s elimination final win over Gold Coast on Friday night was marred by a number of controversial refereeing decisions.