Perhaps the match of the round, fans were treated to a spectacle, as it took a Nicho Hynes field goal to see the Cronulla Sharks defeat the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The game had force, skill, aggression and finesse from start to finish, and it was a penalty goal from the Rabbitohs that gave them first points.
To no-one’s surprise, Alex Johnston would be on the receiving end of the first try after nice build-up play, his 22nd of the season.
The Sharks would hit back soon after, though, with Connor Tracey showing too much speed on the right flank to beat his man, evade the tackle and score.
A high tackle against the Rabbitohs gave Hynes an easy two points to tie scores up at 8-apiece.
Then came a moment when the fans thought they may have seen Superman himself.
Hynes kicked high and crossfield and leaping through the air, soaring like his life depended on it, Ronaldo Mulitalo came down with the ball and scored.
Down by a converted try at the break, the Rabbitohs hit the full speed ahead button and were rewarded for their efforts.
A bobble from Tracey off Cody Walker’s grubber led to an easy try for Latrell Mitchell to tie things up.
Andrew Fifita then produced a moment of magic, akin to his grand final heroics all those years ago, bumping off defenders and using all his experience and guile to score.
Elated Sharks fans thought the game may have been wrapped up but the Rabbitohs had other ideas.
On the back of a one-on-one steal from Keaon Koloamatangi, the ball eventually found its way to Tevita Tatola who barged his way over.
As the two sides entered golden point and traded field goal attempts, it would be Hynes in the end to slot the winner.
NRL News Player of the Game
3. Cameron McInnes (CRO)
2. Tevita Tatola (SOU)
1. Andrew Fifita (CRO)
