- Clash between Raiders and Panthers was a preview to finals
- Lived up to its billing, going down to the wire in golden point
- Raiders finish to seal the result has been hailed as one of the greatest
Footy fans, commentators and ex-players have lost their minds on social media following the Canberra Raiders golden point victory that is already being dubbed the NRL try of the year.
Canberra are in the box seat to claim the NRL minor premiership after snatching a dramatic 20-16 comeback win over Penrith with a sensational golden-point try.
A record 9925 crowd at Mudgee’s Glen Willow Oval were treated to one of the games of the season on Friday night – decided by the remarkable 90-metre try finished off by Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes in the 83rd minute.
With scores locked at 16-all, Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary‘s 35m field goal attempt cannoned into the upright, the ball falling into the hands of Jed Stuart.
The winger sprinted downfield before linking with five-eighth Ethan Strange who broke away before Weekes touched down to seal the emotional win over the reigning premiers.
‘That is the most remarkable finish to a golden point game I have ever witnessed,’ a stunned Cooper Cronk said in commentary on Fox Sports.
Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes plants the ball down for the match-winner against Penrith
The combined efforts of Ethan Strange and Weekes produced one of the greatest NRL tries of all time
‘It’s the most gripping finish I’ve ever been a part of. That is mindblowing. I have never seen that ever.’
‘It’s the Miracle in Mudgee… you have never seen the like of it ever,’ Andrew Voss added.
It was a victory that left footy fans stunned, no matter who they support [with the exception of Panthers supporters].
‘As an Eels fan, had me yelling from the top of my voice cheering you guys on…. Really hope you guys go all the way this season,’ one posted.
Others were left scrambling through the history books to think of a try that was better than the Raiders miracle over the Panthers.
‘That would almost have to be the best try I’ve seen since the Brett Mullins double chip kick vs the Broncos,’ one fan suggested.
‘I dont think Ive yelled so much since Mark Coynes miracle try, Mudgee certainly got their moneys worth, the town will be buzzing today,’ posted another.
Former Raiders half Blake Austin was also cheering his old side home – and warned opposition teams there was more to come in the NRL finals.
Coach Ricky Stuart allowed himself to smile after the result which all-but guarantees the Raiders a top-two finish
‘Yesssssss! Some team, we’re are stronger team come finals time, fatigue levels in finals makes our ball runners uncontainable,’ he posted.
‘We’ve got character,’ a subdued Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said post-game.
‘But I thought our attack was at times patchy. It was probably more of a gritty, tough win than anything else.’
The victory with two rounds remaining means leaders Canberra inch closer to their second-ever minor premiership – their first since 1990 – while further strengthening their title credentials. The result also dents Penrith’s hopes of securing a crucial top-four berth.
As far as the premiership is concerned, Stuart remained stony faced.
‘As much as people think we listen to (external noise) honestly, we’re just running our own race,’ Stuart said.
‘The fortunate thing is I have a humble group of players.’
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .