There was a worthy Magic Round moment on Sunday as the annual mascot race came to a hilarious end in Brisbane.
Mascots from all 18 NRL clubs, along with league sponsors, took part in the run the length of the pitch during half-time this weekend.
From the start, mascot Steeden Ball and the riders representing Chemist Warehouse and Shapes got off to an electric start, but it was the Melbourne Storm mascot who took off ahead of the peloton.
However, a dramatic twist saw the Storm mascot denied a comfortable victory. As he approached the 10-yard line, he lost his footing and fell sideways, allowing the Chemist Warehouse mascot to race home for victory.
‘Oh my God!’ » exclaimed the stadium commentator. “I can not believe it.”
NRL mascot race ended in hilarious fashion at Suncorp Stadium
Steeden Ball completed the top three, with Storm settling for second place.
Footy fans found the race hilarious, pointing out other bizarre incidents during the race.
The Cronulla Sharks mascot apparently had vision problems, veering from left to right as the race progressed, while Parra fans saw the fun side of their mascot as he finished dead last.
Here’s an overview of how the Magic Round unfolds…
PLAYER OF THE TOUR: Nicho Hynes. There’s no doubting Hynes’ State of Origin credentials or Cronulla’s heavyweight status after the halfback starred in the Sydney Roosters’ 38-30 defeat. Returning from a calf injury, Hynes inspired the top-of-the-table Sharks to their second win over a competitive heavyweight in as many weeks. The stage is now set for a mouth-watering clash against Penrith in round 12.
QUOTE FROM THE TOUR: “Try it every day of the week. The Bunker…it’s crazy.” Des Hasler was furious after Gold Coast were denied what could have been a match-winning try in the 28-24 defeat to Newcastle, with bunker judge Brian Kelly losing control as he attempted to put the ball to the ground in the 76th minute.
TALKING POINT: Who will replace Cameron Munster if Queensland five-eighth is unavailable for the State of Origin series opener? Munster aggravated his groin injury during Melbourne’s 48-16 win over Parramatta on Sunday and was pictured in tears in the Storm dressing room. Tom Dearden, Ezra Mam and Sam Walker are all options to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves if Munster are excluded.
MAGICAL MOMENT: After the understrength Warriors pulled off a stunning upset of his former team Penrith, 200-man Dallin Watene-Zelezniak performed the Haka with friends and family who had traveled to Brisbane to support them. It came after backup fullback Taine Tuaupiki, in just his ninth NRL game, scored a difficult conversion to seal the result 22-20.
A STATEMENT THAT MATTERS: Canterbury’s 24-20 loss to Canberra makes the Bulldogs the only team never to win in the Magic Round after playing in all six editions. St George Illawarra also failed to taste victory in the NRL’s showpiece event but were given a bye this weekend.
CASUALS DEPARTMENT: Sea Eagles – Matt Lodge (biceps); Broncos – Payne Haas (toe); Titans – Jaimin Jolliffe (pectoral); Knights – Bradman Best (hamstring); Eels – Ryan Matterson (illness); Warriors – Tohu Harris (finger), Wayde Egan (headbutt); Storm – Cameron Munster (groin)
JUDICIAL MONITORING: Raiders – Josh Papalii (dangerous contact); Panthers – James Fisher-Harris (dangerous contact), Matt Eisenhuth (high tackle); Warriors – Jackson Ford (dangerous tackle), Tom Ale (dangerous contact), Bunty Afoa (dangerous tackle); Tigers – Justin Olam (dangerous contact), Brent Naden (high tackle); Storm – Nelson Asofa-Solomona (dangerous contact)
UNDER PRESSURE: Parramatta’s finals hopes are quickly slipping through their fingers, with the team suffering a 48-16 flogging to Melbourne. The Eels have now lost six of seven games since Mitch Moses suffered a foot injury and if they can’t take care of their South Sydney compatriots on Saturday, the drums will start beating even louder for coach Brad Arthur .