Before yesterday’s clash, no player had scored a hat-trick in the history of the Rugby League All-Stars game, but that all changed last night, when both Ben Barba and Reece Robinson created history, scoring 3 tries in the one game.
It was Barba who set the record initially, scoring a hat-trick in the first half, before he went off with hamstring soreness as a precaution – before Robinson equalled the record, scoring 3 tries of his own.
It was a performance that Indigenous coach Laurie Daley was very pleased with, as the All-Stars side attacking flair proved too much for the NRL All-Stars – but it was his side’s defence that pleased Daley the most.
It was Cowboys half Johnathan Thurston that had the ball on a string, however, as he dictated the play and played a role in all of Barba’s tries.
“I wasn’t expecting a performance as comprehensive as that,” Daley said.
“They had an awesome side, and they were very dominant to get the win like that.”
Admitting that his side was outplayed, Bennett praised the Indigenous All-Stars side for their skilful play throughout the game.
“They were too skilful. We couldn’t match them, their kicking, chasing and ball control were too good,” he said.
“But we kept ourselves under pressure through poor execution.”
The shoulder charge debate also raged on again, as Manly Sea Eagles prop George Rose was penalised, despite fans around the Stadium enjoying the hit.
“It brought the biggest roar of the night,” Bennett said.
“If the crowd keeps roaring like that you may have to change the rule.”