Lightning Strikes Twice: Bulldogs Score From A Falcon And A Nutmeg In The Same Game
The Bulldogs got a bit creative with their tryscoring in Thursday night’s golden point win over the Sea Eagles.
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One of the most glorious sights you can hope to see in a game of rugby league is a falcon. That is to say, a bloke getting hit flush on the head by a wayward pass or kick. The only thing better is if this somehow leads to a try, which is exactly what happened to the Bulldogs in the first half of their win over the Sea Eagles at ANZ Stadium on Thursday night.
The falcon paid off!#NRLBulldogsManly #NRL pic.twitter.com/NYtMt6jlUO
— NRL (@NRL) August 11, 2016
Will Hopoate’s stray pass bounced clean off the nut of Josh Morris, diverting it into the ingoal where his brother Brett was first to the ball. It couldn’t have worked out better if they planned it. Maybe Hopoate knew what he was doing all along – rugby league’s first successful tactical falcon.
Either way, it would take something pretty spectacular to beat it. How about an exquisite nutmeg leading to a try with a minute and a half left on the clock in extra time?
And that's the match winner! #NRLBulldogsManly #NRL pic.twitter.com/SiSNRgfMTe
— NRL (@NRL) August 11, 2016
After Josh Reynolds opted to pass on the last tackle, it fell to Sam Perrett to launch a speculative grubber infield. Onrushing Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic was beaten all ends up, bewitched by the bounce of the ball, which shimmied between his legs and into the arms of the chasing Reynolds.
Lightning had struck twice, much to the anguish of the Sea Eagles, who are now almost certainly out of top 8 contention – coach Trent Barrett looked like he might actually cry when Reynolds went over.
On the other hand, a great night for the Bulldogs, and a great game for fans of cool and improbable tries.