Latest news with #Su'A
Sydney Morning Herald
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Was this the biggest bombed try of the season? Tigers win after Su'A howler
'He [Su'A] should have scored. For Jahream to pick it up and keep playing, you need to make your own luck sometimes. 'I don't want to sound like I'm negative about winning, but there are so many things we can do better.' The Dragons did well to get back in the game in the second half, with former Tiger Jacob Liddle bagging a double within four minutes. An Alex Seyfarth knock-on with 30 seconds remaining gifted the Dragons one last chance to try and force the game into golden point. The Tigers' 34-28 win was their second in a row, but the Dragons – and especially Su'A – will hate sitting through the review of a game they could have easily won. Marshall was aware his players were playing their third game in 13 days. They played nearly 90 minutes last weekend in a golden-point thriller that took its toll, physically and emotionally. It has been seven years since the Tigers have won three in a row, and they will have their work cut out getting it done against the Storm in Melbourne. But who really cares. The Tigers of old would have blown the lead against the Dragons. They were still guilty of trying to defend a lead. But they are heading in the right direction. Dragons' back-rower Dylan Egan opened the scoring on the night after some lovely lead-up work by Moses Suli. Recalled winger Charlie Staines, playing his first NRl game for the year –and the best player for the Tigers, according to Marshall – hit back for the Tigers courtesy of a lovely tip-on from Lachie Galvin. Loading Bula hobbled for a few minutes when his ankle was trapped in a tackle, but the No.1 was able to keep moving and remain in the game. Api Koroisau attempted a couple of 40/20 attempts, and thought he had one on the second occasion. Clint Gutherson was ruled to have put a foot into touch, but the Dragons successfully challenged the call after they were bizarrely given the luxury of watching replays of the passage of play on the big screen shown inside the ground.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dragons dudded in incident that went unnoticed as 'worst play ever' stuns NRL
Shane Flanagan must be scratching his head in disbelief at how his Dragons side lost to the Wests Tigers on Saturday night. An explicable bombed try from Dragons forward Jaydn Su'A seconds before halftime was clearly the turning point, but many viewers thought the Red V were also dudded by a first half try to Tigers winger Charlie Staines, which appeared to come off the back of an offside offence that went unnoticed by officials. The two teams traded tries in an exciting opening to the game, with the goal-kicking of Adam Doueihi the only difference as the Tigers led 12-10. But Doueihi helped Benji Marshall's men extend their lead in the 12th minute, despite appearing to be offside from a cross-field kick from Jarome Luai that set up the try. Doueihi caught the kick unchallenged before offloading the ball before he could be wrapped up in the tackle, with the Tigers shifting the ball to Staines to dive over in the corner. Fox League commentator Andrew Voss remarked that Luai left it very late to get the kick away, amid suggestions his Tigers teammates had run past the playmaker into an offside position. Despite replays appearing to show Doueihi's body in front of Laui when he kicked the ball, the Bunker did not deem there was sufficient evidence to overturn the try. But viewers were convinced the Tigers' four-pointer should not have stood, with many taking to social media to argue their case and point out that Doueihi was in an off-side position before setting up the try. Add VAR lines to rugby, in no way are both the chasers feet even close to behind the ball…#NRLTigersDragons — hypno (@04hypnoo) May 3, 2025 NRL bunker, refs and entire commentary box gotta be blind #NRLTigersDragons no one said a thing — James Topping (@jimmythetopp) May 3, 2025 #NRLTigersDragons how was that try confirmed?? Did they change rule? Players can be in front of kickers?!?!? @NRL do better come on — Tyler (@Ty_ker1) May 3, 2025 Refs decide more games than players this season #NRLTigersDragons — Jeremy Cowin (@jez149) May 3, 2025 The try helped the Tigers jump out to a six-point lead that soon became 10 after Samuela Fainu also got amongst the points. Dragons co-captain Clint Gutherson then did brilliantly to prevent a 40/20 kick from Api Koroisau as the Tigers threatened to go further ahead. And the Red V looked to be rewarded for their resolve when Su'A was put over the try line in the dying seconds of the first forty. RELATED: Tedesco lands telling blow on Edwards in message to Laurie Daley Burgess 'interested' in NRL coaching role as Arthur 'aura' shot down Fans demand answers to Souths 'curse' after $25 million switch The Dragons did brilliantly to keep the ball alive and create a three-man overlap that saw Su'A destined to score as he charged towards the try line and dived over almost untouched. But the Dragons forward somehow managed to drop the ball in the in-goal when it appeared easier to score, and Tigers fullback Jahream Bula scooped up the loose ball and ran 100m to score at the other end. Fans described it as one of the worst plays they've ever seen in the NRL and Dragons coach Flanagan admitted after the game that the incident was match-defining. 'I thought it was a big turning point,' Flanagan said. 'Like we go half time 20-16 and we scored tries and once again had a few play the balls in their 20m zone and it would have been 20-16 but it wasn't to be. 'I loved in the second half that we showed some grit and came back to get them because to go to 26-10, that's a big turn around, a 12-point turn around. To show some resilience and grit to come back I thought it was good. Then we had opportunities to nail it at the back end and we just didn't do it and just pointing that way.' Tigers coach Marshall admitted his side got lucky with the pivotal Bula try and was not entirely happy with his side's numbers of errors, despite the win. "I'm a little bit angry and happy at the same time, because he (Su'A) should've scored. For Jahream to pick it up and keep playing, you've got to make your own luck sometimes," Marshall said. "I don't want to sound like I'm negative about winning but there's just so many things we can do better." Flanagan and co-captain Damien Cook said too many mistakes cost them the chance to snatch victory against a Tigers side that has now jumped into the top-eight after their fifth win of the season. But it was the game's most extraordinary gaffe from Su'A that ultimately proved the most costly and left viewers in a state of disbelief. That's the worst nrl play of all time no debate — (NRG)Crispxx (@crispxxcy) May 3, 2025 That was amazing. Imagine being known for arguably now the worst bombed try EVER. 😆🤣 #NRLTigersDragons — BT85 (@BT855) May 3, 2025 Thats gotta be the most painful try for fans to watch in NRL History 😂😭 sorry Dragons fans 😂Su'a Dropped the ball over lineBula runs 100m to score#NRLTigersDragons — Ouch (@pkerr17) May 3, 2025 That is the worst Bombed try I have ever seen. I feel bad for done Bula, 105m for a great try. Let's go Tigers 💪#NRLTigersDragons — Andy Hayward (@ninjaknight111) May 3, 2025
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Su'A's spellbinding blunder costs Dragons dear in NRL Magic Round
Jaydn Su'A was reluctant to look up. It might have been out of embarrassment, for the St George Illawarra backrower had just produced possibly the most catastrophic mistake an NRL player has ever made. It might have been out of sheer horror, as Jahream Bula scooted away for another Tigers try, just on half-time in Saturday's final Magic Round clash. Su'A may have been calculating the scoreboard implications for his spectacular gaffe – a swing of 10, perhaps 12 points. Or he could have been wondering how he would explain himself to his coach Shane Flanagan, waiting for him in the sheds with the score now 26-10. Advertisement Whatever the reason, there he remained, in the in-goal area, eyes fixed on the wet Suncorp Stadium turf. When finally he rose, shaking his head with an apologetic hand raised, the Tigers were celebrating at the other end. The stupefied crowd, wondering what they had just witnessed, had their eyes on the big screen. They saw poor Su'A over the tryline with the ball when he lowered his body for the grounding. His pumping thighs hadn't checked their notifications though, and his knee nudged the ball carried in his right hand. It was only a slight touch, barely a tickle even on the slow-motion replay. But on the greasy surface that was enough and the pill popped out. 'Obviously, what happened just before half-time ended up being the turning point,' Flanagan said bluntly after the match. Although Su'A was obviously guilty, his crime lacked intent. He wasn't shirking his duties, and it wasn't because he didn't do his preparation. On the spectrum of rugby league errors, one might argue it was not that bad at all. But its impact was magnified. Bula had momentum, and the other Dragons were as good as celebrating, making a converted try at the other end inevitable. The error hung over a forgettable second half, haunting St George Illawarra's stuttering, error-prone comeback. That they got back to within six only heightened the Dragons pain. 'It would have been 20-16 [at half-time] but it wasn't to be,' Flanagan said. 'That's a big turnaround, a 12-point turnaround.' Advertisement Although the rain that fell throughout the day made conditions difficult, the second 40 minutes offered little reward for those of the day's 50,638 attendance that had stayed to the end. The Dragons finished within a single score at the death, but they failed to capitalise on a fading Tigers side that offered little in the second half. 'We came up with some errors, we had some opportunities,' Flanagan rued. 'Six points behind, and we didn't nail them.' Recognising the coming crucifixion, Su'A's teammates offered support in the aftermath. Up ran Corey Allen, on his Dragons debut, to console him. Then came Jack De Belin, who has spent much of his career out of public favour. Co-captain Damien Cook said afterwards Su'A wasn't to blame, and his mistake wasn't the reason they lost the game. 'We just told him to drop it, let it go. The mistakes in those games happen,' Cook said. But this mistake was so powerful – indeed quite magical – that it also ruined the Tigers' victory. Wests are now in the top eight, and have won five of their first nine games for the first time since 2019. Coach Benji Marshall was far from upbeat and admitted his emotions, especially around that bizarre sequence, were hard to explain. 'I don't really want to talk about it, to be honest – a little bit angry and happy at the same time, because he should have scored, to be fair,' he said. 'I don't want to sound like I'm negative about winning, but there's just so many things we can do better,' Marshall said. There may be still be one day of games left this weekend, but Saturday's second match will almost certainly be the match of Magic Round. The impressive Warriors shot out to a 30-12 lead early in the second half, roared on by a screaming bay of ponchoed Wahs fans enjoying the Brisbane showers. But the Cowboys produced an exquisite 15-minute period, scoring three tries and with another narrowly disallowed. Near misses, close calls and stoic defence punctuated the final minutes, but the New Zealand club held on to cement their place in the top four. Souths fans suffered a miserable match beforehand, and had to wait 65 minutes to register a try. Unfortunately, by that time Newcastle had scored five of their own. That's the same Knights side that had recorded more than 14 points just once this season, and had lost five straight. But by Saturday night, all other misery was forgotten thanks to Su'A's spellbinding blunder.
The Guardian
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Su'A's spellbinding blunder costs Dragons dear in NRL Magic Round
Jaydn Su'A was reluctant to look up. It might have been out of embarrassment, for the St George Illawarra backrower had just produced possibly the most catastrophic mistake an NRL player has ever made. It might have been out of sheer horror, as Jahream Bula scooted away for another Tigers try, just on half-time in Saturday's final Magic Round clash. Su'A may have been calculating the scoreboard implications for his spectacular gaffe – a swing of 10, perhaps 12 points. Or he could have been wondering how he would explain himself to his coach Shane Flanagan, waiting for him in the sheds with the score now 26-10. Whatever the reason, there he remained, in the in-goal area, eyes fixed on the wet Suncorp Stadium turf. When finally he rose, shaking his head with an apologetic hand raised, the Tigers were celebrating at the other end. The stupefied crowd, wondering what they had just witnessed, had their eyes on the big screen. They saw poor Su'A over the tryline with the ball when he lowered his body for the grounding. His pumping thighs hadn't checked their notifications though, and his knee nudged the ball carried in his right hand. It was only a slight touch, barely a tickle even on the slow-motion replay. But on the greasy surface that was enough and the pill popped out. 'Obviously, what happened just before half-time ended up being the turning point,' Flanagan said bluntly after the match. Although Su'A was obviously guilty, his crime lacked intent. He wasn't shirking his duties, and it wasn't because he didn't do his preparation. On the spectrum of rugby league errors, one might argue it was not that bad at all. But its impact was magnified. Bula had momentum, and the other Dragons were as good as celebrating, making a converted try at the other end inevitable. The error hung over a forgettable second half, haunting St George Illawarra's stuttering, error-prone comeback. That they got back to within six only heightened the Dragons pain. 'It would have been 20-16 [at half-time] but it wasn't to be,' Flanagan said. 'That's a big turnaround, a 12-point turnaround.' Although the rain that fell throughout the day made conditions difficult, the second 40 minutes offered little reward for those of the day's 50,638 attendance that had stayed to the end. The Dragons finished within a single score at the death, but they failed to capitalise on a fading Tigers side that offered little in the second half. 'We came up with some errors, we had some opportunities,' Flanagan rued. 'Six points behind, and we didn't nail them.' Recognising the coming crucifixion, Su'A's teammates offered support in the aftermath. Up ran Corey Allen, on his Dragons debut, to console him. Then came Jack De Belin, who has spent much of his career out of public favour. Co-captain Damien Cook said afterwards Su'A wasn't to blame, and his mistake wasn't the reason they lost the game. 'We just told him to drop it, let it go. The mistakes in those games happen,' Cook said. Sign up to Australia Sport Get a daily roundup of the latest sports news, features and comment from our Australian sports desk after newsletter promotion But this mistake was so powerful – indeed quite magical – that it also ruined the Tigers' victory. Wests are now in the top eight, and have won five of their first nine games for the first time since 2019. Coach Benji Marshall was far from upbeat and admitted his emotions, especially around that bizarre sequence, were hard to explain. 'I don't really want to talk about it, to be honest – a little bit angry and happy at the same time, because he should have scored, to be fair,' he said. 'I don't want to sound like I'm negative about winning, but there's just so many things we can do better,' Marshall said. There may be still be one day of games left this weekend, but Saturday's second match will almost certainly be the match of Magic Round. The impressive Warriors shot out to a 30-12 lead early in the second half, roared on by a screaming bay of ponchoed Wahs fans enjoying the Brisbane showers. But the Cowboys produced an exquisite 15-minute period, scoring three tries and with another narrowly disallowed. Near misses, close calls and stoic defence punctuated the final minutes, but the New Zealand club held on to cement their place in the top four. Souths fans suffered a miserable match beforehand, and had to wait 65 minutes to register a try. Unfortunately, by that time Newcastle had scored five of their own. That's the same Knights side that had recorded more than 14 points just once this season, and had lost five straight. But by Saturday night, all other misery was forgotten thanks to Su'A's spellbinding blunder.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bizarre runaway try puts Tigers on path to Magic win
Jahream Bula has shaken off a mid-game ankle injury and scored Wests Tigers' crucial length-of-the-field try in a hectic 34-28 win over St George Illawarra at Magic Round. The Dragons found some success with their call to drop Lachie Ilias for rookie Lykhan King-Togia but it was rival halfback Jarome Luai who had his fingerprints all over a match-defining first half on Saturday night. Already down 10 points, Saints had their spirits broken on the stroke of half-time after Jaydn Su'A dived over the line to score what would have been the Dragons' third try. But just before Su'A hit the turf, the ball inexplicably dropped from the second-rower's grasp without a defender touching him in the wet conditions. Bula collected the footy and sprinted from the in-goal to score under the posts just before the siren sounded. Bula turning up the MAGIC ✨ #NRLTigersDragons Telstra Moment of the Match. — NRL (@NRL) May 3, 2025 In a flash, the Dragons went from what could have been four points down had Su'A scored, to 16 points in arrears and hanging by a thread. The bizarre turn of events proved pivotal to the end result when the Dragons fought back into the game in the second half. Bench hooker Jacob Liddle crossed for two tries and closed the deficit to one score, continuing his excellent season to date. Bula's miracle try also came after he was left struggling to run when his ankle twisted awkwardly in a tackle from Clint Gutherson and Val Holmes. The sides traded four-pointers in the final 10 minutes as Adam Doueihi and then Dragons forward Hamish Stewart crashed over but the Tigers never gave up their lead. Replacing the axed Ilias at halfback, teenager King-Togia looked the goods early in his fifth NRL game, sending a flat pass to put Dylan Egan over for the game's first points. He blew the Dragons' next set in the red zone sending a no-look flick pass straight to Tigers winger Charlie Staines but put Liddle in for his second try after Saints made a break down the left side. King-Togia now has the same number of try assists for the season as Ilias managed in seven games, according to the NRL website. Four-time premiership-winner Luai continued to push his NSW State of Origin case laying on two tries in the space of three minutes in the first half. He put a kick on to the left side that Doueihi fielded uncontested, passing the ball left for Staines, who confirmed a tryscoring double. After a penalty in the set after points, the Tigers marched up the other end where Luai threaded a grubber kick past the line for Samuela Fainu to score. The result means that if highly-fancied Canterbury beat Gold Coast on Sunday, the Dragons will finish the weekend as the only side never to have won at Magic Round. Tigers centre Brent Naden left the contest early in the second half with a knee injury, with Dragons forward Emre Guler joining him on the sidelines with a shoulder injury later on.
