Burgess buries Tigers in golden point epic

NRL
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South Sydney Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers

A Thomas Burgess try has broken the hearts of the Tigers in a 18-14 golden point thriller at Stadium Australia.

Burgess charged right through the middle and seemed to have stole the victory, swamped on by teammates.

Gerard Sutton though called play on as Luke Brooks raced away to score under the posts.

Chaos ensued as the call went upstairs but in heartbreaking scenes for the Tigers the replay would show Burgess had grounded the ball, with coach Michael Maguire left dejected afterwards in the box.

It was a devastating finish for the Tigers, who were vastly improved from last week's loss to the Cowboys.

Doueihi impressed early with a pinpoint kicking game that earned the Tigers three-straight dropouts.

It did not lead to any points though, with Michael Maguire's men lacking any real variation or imagination in attack.

Doueihi then was guilty of rushing out in defence in the lead-up to the first try which saw Cameron Murray burst through and score.

A slick left-edge play looked to have put Alex Johnston over for the home side's second but replays would later show his hand went into touch before grounding the ball.

It proved a critical turning point with the Tigers hitting back soon after.

David Nofoaluma raced down the left touchline after Luke Brooks cleverly brought the defence coming in after shaping to pass to decoy runner Asu Kepaoa.

The Tigers winger then kicked inside for Daine Laurie.

It saw both sides locked at 6-all heading into the sheds at halftime.

The Tigers carried their confidence into the second and it was Laurie threatening early with slicing runs.

Doueihi then turned creator once more, feigning to kick then pass long before playing it short to put Luke Garner through a gaping hole.

The Tigers were much-improved from last week's Leichhardt embarrassment but could not hold out the Rabbitohs with Cody Walker surging through off a lovely short ball from Tevita Tatola.

He then slowed down for support, finding Dane Gagai out wide.

Adam Reynolds later nailed a two-point field goal to level the scores but missed a crucial chance at the one point to see the game go to golden point.

The Tigers entered the extra stanza down a man after Tommy Talau pulled at Walker's legs from an offside position in the dying stages of the second half.  

Burgess would go on to score the match-winner.

The Rabbitohs play the Titans next week while the Tigers face a rejuvenated Sea Eagles side.

South Sydney Rabbitohs 18 - Wests Tigers 14

Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal
Crowd: 16134
Halftime Score: South Sydney Rabbitohs 6 Wests Tigers 6

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Adam Reynolds
2 points - Daine Laurie
1 points - Thomas Burgess

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS (18)
Tries: Cameron Murray, Dane Gagai, Thomas Burgess
Field Goals: Adam Reynolds (0/1)
Two Point Field Goals: Adam Reynolds (1/2)
Conversions: Adam Reynolds (2/2)
Penalty Goals: Adam Reynolds (0/1)

WESTS TIGERS (14)
Tries: Daine Laurie, Luke Garner
Field Goals:
Two Point Field Goals:
Conversions: Adam Doueihi (2/2)
Penalty Goals: Adam Doueihi (1/1)


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