- NRL Magic Round mascot race awarded
- A dramatic twist led to a hilarious ending.
- Soccer fans enjoyed the entertaining race.
There was a Magic Round moment worthy of its name on Sunday as the annual mascot race ended in hilarious fashion in Brisbane.
Mascots from all 18 NRL clubs, as well as league sponsors, took part in the race along the field during this weekend’s half-time interval.
From the start, ball mascot Steeden and runners representing Chemist Warehouse and Shapes got off to an electric start, but it was the Melbourne Storm mascot who took the field ahead.
However, a dramatic twist saw Storm’s mascot denied a comfortable victory. As he approached the 10-meter line, he lost his balance and fell sideways, allowing the Chemist Warehouse mascot to claim victory.
‘Oh my God!’ the stadium announcer shouted. “I can not believe it”.
NRL mascot race ended in fun fashion at Suncorp Stadium
Ball Steeden rounded out the top three, with Storm settling for second place.
Football fans found the race very funny and pointed out other strange incidents in 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 finishing last.
Here’s a snapshot of how the Magic Round unfolded…
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Nicho Hynes. There can be no doubt about 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-ranked Sharks to their second victory over a competitive heavyweight in as many weeks. The stage is now set for a mouth-watering showdown against Penrith in round 12.
QUOTE OF THE ROUND: “Test every day of the week. The Bunker… is crazy.” Des Hasler fumed after Gold Coast were denied what could have been a game-winning attempt in the 28-24 loss to Newcastle, bunker miss Brian Kelly lost control as he attempted to score the ball into the minute 76.
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 he was photographed crying in the Storm locker room. Tom Dearden, Ezra Mam and Sam Walker are options to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves if Munster are ruled out.
MAGIC MOMENT: After the short-handed Warriors pulled off a stunning upset of his former team Penrith, 200-strong Dallin Watene-Zelezniak performed the Haka with friends and family who had made the trip to Brisbane to support him. It came after substitute fullback Taine Tuaupiki, in just his ninth NRL game, made a difficult conversion to seal the 22-20 result.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Canterbury’s 24-20 loss to Canberra leaves the Bulldogs as the only team to never win in the Magic Round after playing in all six editions. St George Illawarra has also not tasted victory in the NRL’s showpiece event, but had the bye this weekend.
VICTIMS ROOM: Sea Eagles – Matt Lodge (biceps); Broncos – Payne Haas (toe); Titans – Jaimin Jolliffe (pectoral); Gentlemen – Bradman Best (hamstring); Eels – Ryan Matterson (illness); Warriors: Tohu Harris (finger), Wayde Egan (blow to the head); Storm – Cameron Munster (groin)
JUDICIAL 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 quickly slipping through their fingers, with the team taking a 48-16 drubbing from Melbourne. The Eels have lost six of seven games since Mitch Moses suffered a foot injury and if they can’t look after their South Sydney teammates on Saturday, the drums will start beating even louder for coach Brad Arthur.
