The NRL's Magic Round showcased a thrilling encounter between the Dolphins and the Rabbitohs, with a near-miss moment that will linger in the minds of fans. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, a key player for the Dolphins, narrowly avoided a scoring opportunity that could have been an 'all-time great' try.
The Dolphins' dominance was evident from the start, as they raced to a 20-0 lead at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The team's lightning-fast passing sequence created an overload on the left flank, with Selwyn Cobbo storming in. As he was about to be tackled, Cobbo's creative kick through to Tabuai-Fidow set the stage for a potential game-changing score.
The commentator's excitement was palpable as they described the play: 'Selwyn Cobbo, what about that for a play? And so close to an all-time great try.' The weight of the kick seemed perfect, and Tabuai-Fidow, known as 'Hammer', appeared set to score. However, as he bent down to touch the ball, it slipped through his grasp, much to the commentator's regret: 'Oh, the Hammer! It would have been one of the great Magic Round tries we’ve seen.'
Despite this near-miss, the Dolphins' dominance continued after halftime, extending their lead to 24-0 over a disappointing Rabbitohs side. The final score of 32-10 secured a victory that moves the Dolphins up to sixth place, just two points behind the fourth-placed Rabbitohs. This win also extends the Dolphins' winning streak to three games, setting the stage for an intriguing clash with the Raiders next weekend.
The Magic Round also saw the Sharks dominate the Bulldogs, winning 38-16. This result means the Bulldogs have now lost five consecutive games and are in danger of missing the finals, despite their comfortable qualification in 2025. The Sharks, on the other hand, move up to seventh place, rebounding from their previous defeat to the Rabbitohs.
This near-miss moment between Tabuai-Fidow and the Dolphins highlights the fine line between victory and defeat in the NRL. It serves as a reminder that even the most skilled players can have moments of frustration, and that the outcome of a game can hinge on a single play. The Magic Round continues to deliver thrilling moments and unexpected results, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout the season.
