THE Bulldogs produced a thrilling Houdini-like comeback against Penrith last night, but it all might count for nothing after allegations they fielded 14 men late in the game.
The NRL has either fined or docked teams premiership points for fielding an extra player in previous seasons. Video footage appears to be inconclusive but the NRL will investigate.
In a night of drama, Penrith were howling after a controversial no try cost them victory.
There was also a flashpoint moment after the final siren with Penrith captain Petero Civoniceva confronting Bulldogs hooker Michael Ennis on the sideline.
Fighting back from 20-12 down at halftime, the Bulldogs were lifted by new buys Greg Eastwood and David Stagg.
But it was the post-match scuffle between Ennis and Civoniceva that had that had fans talking.
The former Broncos team-mates had to be separated by team-mates as they shaped up after the siren.
The normally reserved Civoniceva played down the incident, while the Bulldogs escorted Ennis away from media after the match. A Bulldogs spokesman said Ennis was suffering a head knock and was unable to be interviewed.
Ennis copped a battering from the Panthers' chasers throughout the match and was felled by Civoniceva as he tried to kick the ball just before the altercation.
He was also the victim of an ugly lifting tackle in the 46th minute by Penrith hooker Masada Iosefa that could attract scrutiny from the NRL.
When told no-one had never seen him so riled as he was with Ennis, Civoniceva claimed: "You haven't seen me around my kids. The game had finished I'd felt ... one of our guys was hit on the sideline, and that's what it was. I'll leave it at that.
"The game has finished, we're over and done with. We're focused on next week.''
Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore said he didn't see the incident.
He also played down the prospect of losing the points after it was alleged Eastwood entered the field of play from the interchange bench to celebrate Ben Roberts' last-minute try.
Fox Sports last night claimed the Bulldogs had little to be concerned about, believing Eastwood had no effect on play.
"There was some confusion down on the bench. Obviously at that stage of the game when you're coach and you're down by four, and you put on a match-winning play, there's a bit of confusion on the bench,'' Moore said.
"We've got no further comment to make until we check the film, and if the NRL mention anything about it we'll obviously have to have a look at it.''
Moore praised Eastwood's contribution after he arrived at the club on Monday and took on the Panthers after just two training runs under his belt.
"I thought he was outstanding,'' Moore said.
"He put a try on for us in the second half just when we needed something and then he scores a try off Mick Ennis,'' Moore said.
"You wouldn't expect him to be 100 per cent match fit, but he's obviously done a great job individually, which is a great credit to him.''
The Panthers looked set for victory when Trent Waterhouse snared his second try in the 66th minute, but the Bulldogs' tenacity proved too much.
"I was proud of the boys,'' Panthers coach Matt Elliott said.
"I know we're being dismissed and we're not even being looked at, but I feel immensely confident that if we put in that amount of effort our cohesion will come.''
