- The NRL Magic Round mascot race delivered
- A dramatic twist led to a hilarious ending
- Footy fans lapped up the entertaining race
There was a Magic Round moment befitting of the name on Sunday as the annual mascot race ended in hilarious fashion in Brisbane.
Mascots from all 18 NRL clubs, plus league sponsors, were involved in the race across the length of the pitch during the half time interval this weekend.
From the off, the Steeden ball mascot and the racers representing Chemist Warehouse and Shapes made an electric start, but it was Melbourne Storm’s mascot that soared ahead of the field.
However, a dramatic twist saw the Storm mascot denied a comfortable victory. As he approached the 10-metre line, he lost his footing and fell onto his side, allowing the Chemist Warehouse mascot to power home for victory.
‘Oh my goodness!’ cried out the stadium announcer. ‘I can’t believe it.’
The Steeden ball rounded out the top three, with Storm settling for second.
Footy fans found the race hilarious, pointing out other bizarre incidents in the race.
The Cronulla Sharks mascot seemingly had vision problems, veering from left to right as the race progressed, while Parra fans saw the funny side of their mascot finishing dead last.
Here’s a snapshat of how Magic Round played out…
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Nicho Hynes. There can be no doubting either Hynes’ State of Origin credentials or Cronulla’s heavyweight status after the halfback starred in the 38-30 defeat of the Sydney Roosters. On return from a calf injury, Hynes inspired the ladder-leading Sharks to their second win over a competition heavyweight in as many weeks. The stage is now set for a mouth-watering clash against Penrith in round 12.
QUOTE OF THE ROUND: “Try every day of the week. The Bunker … it’s crazy”. Des Hasler fumed after Gold Coast were denied what could have been a game-winning try in the 28-24 loss to Newcastle, the bunker ruling Brian Kelly lost control as he attempted to ground the ball in the 76th minute.
TALKING POINT: Who will replace Cameron Munster if the Queensland five-eighth is unavailable for the State of Origin series opener? Munster aggravated his groin injury in Melbourne’s 48-16 thrashing of Parramatta on Sunday and was pictured in tears in the Storm dressing sheds. Tom Dearden, Ezra Mam and Sam Walker are all options to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves if Munster is ruled out.
MAGIC MOMENT: After the undermanned Warriors pulled a stunning upset on his former side Penrith, 200-gamer Dallin Watene-Zelezniak performed the Haka with friends and family who had made the trip to Brisbane in support. It came after stand-in fullback Taine Tuaupiki, in just his ninth NRL game, slotted a tough conversion to seal the 22-20 result.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Canterbury’s 24-20 loss to Canberra leaves the Bulldogs as the only team never to win at Magic Round after playing in all six editions. St George Illawarra have also not tasted victory at the NRL’s showpiece event but had the bye this weekend.
CASUALTY WARD: Sea Eagles – Matt Lodge (bicep); Broncos – Payne Haas (toe); Titans – Jaimin Jolliffe (pectoral); Knights – Bradman Best (hamstring); Eels – Ryan Matterson (illness); Warriors – Tohu Harris (finger), Wayde Egan (head knock); Storm – Cameron Munster (groin)
JUDICIARY WATCH: 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 fast slipping through their fingers, with the side copping a 48-16 flogging from Melbourne. The Eels have now lost six of seven games since Mitch Moses went down with his foot injury and if they can’t take care of fellow strugglers South Sydney on Saturday, the drums will start beating even more loudly for coach Brad Arthur.