Frustrated Rikki Sheriffe insists he did score the try that never was.

The winger thought he had given Bradford the chance of drawing level when he dived over at Headingley on Friday.

However – trailing 26-20 with five minutes to go – a linesman deemed he had stepped into touch and the effort was ruled out.

Leeds eventually emerged 33-20 victors and gutted Bulls remain down in 12th spot.

“I just think we got massively deflated after that decision,” said Sheriffe.

“I don’t know what the linesman gave. I do know I think they allowed a forward pass for a Leeds try in the first half, but that’s the sort of thing that happens.

“For mine, basically I did everything right. I wouldn’t have minded if I’d have had the ball tucked under my other arm but I had it out in front with my hand closest to the sticks.

“I then put it down and I got pushed into the corner flag.

“It was a try and it happened with five minutes to go.

“It’s still all ifs and buts after that but Deacs would have had a kick to draw level and even if he didn’t it would had left us just two points behind and we’d have been receiving the ball back.”

Sheriffe admits Sky’s decision not to televise the contest and provide a video referee cost his side as their bid to start climbing up the Super League table stalled again.

“I still can’t understand why Sky missed the match,” he added.

“Bulls versus Leeds is still a massive contest and that showed with the closeness of the scoreline but that decision was a turning point.”

The Bulls entertain Castleford on Sunday, having pushed both leaders St Helens and champions Leeds close in consecutive weeks.

Ultimately, they have emerged pointless but Sheriffe insists they can still make the top eight.

“We showed we can mix it with the best but unfortunately I think the best team lost on Friday night.”