St George Illawarra winger Brett Morris thrust down an early marker for try of the year in the Dragons’ 14-12 win over Cronulla.
It was just as well, because the Dragons’ gritty victory will be remembered for little else.
Morris brought up his 100th career try for the joint venture early in the second half but it was his gravity-defying put-down on the stroke of halftime that is sure to form part of the highlight reels for season 2014.
Mid-air Morris latched onto a Gareth Widdop kick that was flying out and with grabbed it with one hand. While still in the air and outside the field of play, he grounded the Steeden despite the attention of Sharks winger Jonathan Wright.
It was every bit the sensation that David Nofoaluma scored in similar fashion at Campebelltown Stadium last season – maybe even better.
“It is going to be hard to beat for try of the year,” Dragons coach Steve Price said.
“The athleticism, and the height and just the awareness to be able to put it just on the inside of that white stripe.
“Special people do that and he is a special player.
“The way he has started the season is excellent and it was very special to see him score his 100th try for this footy club.”
Morris joined Nathan Blacklock (100) and Matt Cooper (124) as the third player to top the century of tries for the joint venture.
His father Steve scored 102 tries for St George, making the Morrises only the second father-son combination to notch up 100 first-grade tries after Bill and Brett Mullins.
But for now, Morris’s second try will remain the talking point.
“I don’t know how I did it. I caught it and hoped for the best,” he said.
“Obviously we do a fair bit of practice at training, but that doesn’t happen too often.
“That is your job to get up there and try and catch them, not only in attack but you have to defend them as well.
“I was lucky enough I caught that on and put it down.
“Wingers these days can adapt, you see some of the freakish things they do, bending themselves outside the field to score a try inside the field.
“Us old guys are just trying to keep up with the younger brigade.”
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