Canterbury debutant Kerrod Holland has kicked a goal after the siren to hand the Bulldogs a thrilling 18-16 comeback NRL win over Penrith.
Bulldogs halfback Moses Mbye crashed over on the final play of Thursday night’s match, giving the first-gamer a shot to win the game and ruin the Panthers’ 50th anniversary celebration.
“Outstanding, mate. I knew it was going over. I knew straight away. It was always going over,” Holland said post-game.
Penrith looked headed for their first win of the season when they raced out to a 14-0 lead after just 20 minutes, including a jolting hit from Reagan Campbell-Gillard on Aiden Tolman that set up first points.
However, in front of a healthy crowd of 11,125, the Bulldogs limited the home side to just two points in the second half to complete a perfect two from two wins to start the season.
It was all the home side in the opening exchanges, Sam McKendry barging over from close range, and then Bulldogs captain James Graham put on report for a shoulder charge on Campbell-Gillard.
Coach Anthony Griffin’s decision to start Peter Wallace at hooker and Tyrone Peachey in the halves also seemed to pay off, with the Panthers rolling through the ruck with ease.
But the visitors hit back through a 24th-minute try to Will Hopoate to go into the sheds down 14-6.
Despite failing to find the tryline in the second half, Penrith – led by five-eighth Jamie Soward – still appeared destined for victory until Mbye scored to reduce the gap to four.
Tolman came off with a concussion test in the 17th minute and didn’t return, while Penrith centre Dean Whare also succumbed to a calf injury late in the second half.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
There was no intent. He was jammed in and did not have the opportunity to make a tackle. A penalty was more than generous - no harm done.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Great game by both teams. Heartbreaker for the Panthers who were the underdogs and started the game great. Just couldn't hold on till the end.
Wow
Guest
Mbye won them the game. In saying that in the lead up to his 2nd try Josh Reynolds took the tackle before the try and grabbed the marked by the head pulling him out of play. The try was scored in the gap created by taking out the marker. Clearly no try.
Parrafan
Guest
Graham got off. Klemmer 2 weeks for touching Cummins.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
He'll get off Baz...but Klemmer...hmmmmm!
The Barry
Roar Guru
If he gets suspended, he gets suspended. As long as it's consistent. I wasn't a fan of the shoulder charge ban but I've reconciled that it's part of the game now. But I don't think that every shoulder charge deserves a suspension. We have high tackles where the on field penalty is deemed sufficient and that dont attract a suspension. As these tackles become more dangerous the suspensions kick in. But that doesn't seem to be the case with shoulder charges. I don't dispute that Graham put a shoulder charge on. I don't think he did either. But as they go that was as safe and harmless as they get. The Penrith player was in absolutely no danger of injury. It doesn't make sense that this tackle should attract a suspension unless things like priors tip Graham over.
Scott Pryde
Expert
I think, with the precedent being set he will be suspended. End of story.
Xnowmann
Roar Rookie
I honestly thought he was trying to make a proper tackle until Jackson jammed in also which game him no room to swing him arms to the side. Watch it again, it was always going to be a shoulder charge for the guy in the middle of the 3 of them.
Pepper Jack
Guest
Not even close
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
I'll have a hundred he gets off!
speedy2460
Guest
Why wasnt the Whare shoulder charge on Reynolds back a shoulder charge. He didnt have the ball and was hit with the point of the shoulder. Double standards or what?
MAX
Guest
An accidental positioning of the body to maintain balance resulting in the shoulder being the first point of contact with an opponent but occasioned without malice or forethought by a defender in the normal performance of his duties should not attract a penalty, especially when it is obvious that no harm was done to the attacker.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
He gave himself up, Baz. He showed intent and completed the mission. The result was a low 2.3 on the Richter Scale of collisions but he'll be suspended. No idea for how long, that's in the lap of the gods. Having said that, I guess the Tapau case could come into play. I thought he was a tad lucky to get off.
The Barry
Roar Guru
What are people's thoughts on the James Graham shoulder charge? Will he be suspended or is penalty sufficient? It was clearly a shoulder charge and deserved to be penalised. But it wasnt high or dangerous. Does every shoulder charge attract a suspension regardless of where the contact is made?