The Bulldogs overcame several catastrophic moments to earn a comeback 30-20 victory over Melbourne Storm to keep their finals hopes alive.
It was a first win in six games for the Dogs but it was not without its low points.
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Key player Jacob Preston suffered a suspected broken forearm in a first half tackle, and is set for a period on the sidelines.
The opening period then went from bad to worse as Jacob Kiraz committed a terrible error to gift Storm a try.
Jahrome Hughes’ kick caused a problem for the fullback, who was worried about conceding a 40-20.
In a moment of madness Kiraz flicked the ball back into the play as it was about to cross the touchline, with the ball landing in Max Leo’s path to score a try to give Storm a 12-0 lead.
The error stunned fans and pundits alike, with commentator Dan Ginnane describing it as a “catastrophe”.
“It could be a Canterbury calamity, it’s a remarkable Melbourne try! Storm capitalise on a Canterbury catastrophe,” he said on Kayo Sports.
Co-commentator Greg Alexander added: “Jahrome Hughes was rushed to kick. It was an ugly looking kick but it floated and bounced towards the sideline and it forced Jacob Kiraz to make a play at it. It was going to be a 40-20 if he didn’t play at the ball.
“You can understand him doing what he did but where were the Dogs? Moses Leo was chasing the ball. Jacob Kiraz on his own.
“Leo had time to stop, pick the ball up and still there was no Dogs there.
“There should have been some recognition from Bulldogs players on that side of the field of what was happening. They needed to run quicker and get themselves involved in that play.”
Fans were also left baffled by the mistake, though Marcelo Montoya was subject to criticism too.
“Dear me Kiraz. What were you thinking with no teammates in sight,” wrote one fan.
Another added: “I also put the second one on Montoya… he jogged back and didn’t support Kiraz at all….. yes Kiraz had a brain explosion but Montoya was no effort.”
A third said: “Kiraz and Montoya are a disaster.”
And another commented: “I would be embarrassed of Kiraz’s efforts.”
Although he handed Storm a two-try lead, Kiraz had the last laugh as he rounded off an excellent comeback win after a devastating second half performance from the Dogs.
His try put the game to bed after Sitili Tupouniua and Jethro Rinakama scored to give the hosts the lead.
However Kiraz was also the villain late on as he was penalised for blocking a run, only for a successful captain’s challenge to overturn the decision, which meant the Dogs held onto their lead.
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