Cannot Setup Port Forwarding [RAX20]

I have been trying to set up port-forwarding for a game server on my network so that I can play with my friends online.

I've been troubleshooting for over a day now but I can't get the port to open on my public IP

I know that the port-forward rule in my router settings is right. I've configured the correct port that the server is listening on, and the correct IP for the device running the server. I can connect to it via local IP, so i know that the service is running. No one, myself included, can connect to it via public IP, and all of the "port checking" tools that i've tried online all say that the port is still closed.

something that seems odd to me, is that in the router's log - there are no messages about port-forwarding/port-triggering even though there is a message filter for it. This sort of leads me to belive that the port forwarding rule is not actually being applied in the router's settings.

I'm not really sure what information is relevant for any help but i'll include what I can think of, and anyone who can help - if you can ask me for additional info i will glady provide it.

Attempted Port Forward: 25565
Router Model: RAX20
Router Firmware: V1.0.2.64_2.0.42 (The most recent version as of the time of writing)
Modem Model: Arris Surfboard SB6141
ISP: Massillon Cable TV (MCTV)