Raiders star Savelio Tamale was heartbreakingly consoled by coach Ricky Stuart after being hooked in the first half of their clash with the Dragons.
The young winger, 21, was struggling with the high kicks repeatedly sent his way as the Dragons targeted him early on at the GIO Stadium.
The difficult opening saw Tamale rack up four errors, with footy legend Cooper Cronk saying: “It looks like the best option to score points for the Dragons this afternoon is just kick it to Tamale and see if Setu Tu can catch it.”
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Dragons halves Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson continued the enslaught as the first half neared its conclusion against a Raiders team desperately searching for answers.
Steve Roach added: “He’s (Tamale) been under all sorts of pressure — he’s in two minds every time the ball comes to him.”
And moments later, after Tu went over to give the Dragons a 10-6 lead, Tamale trudged off the field and sat down on the bench.
Coach Stuart swiftly moved over to sit next to Tamale — who was clearly upset about his performance.
Stuart then put an arm around the youngster’s shoulder and offered him some heartfelt words.
Fox Sport’s commentary team praised Stuart’s actions as “good coaching,” before the Raiders went on to turn the game around.
Going into the break 10-6 down, Canberra came roaring back in the second half to claim a 24-16 victory.
The win moves the Raiders up to 14th on the ladder, eight clear of the Dragons who remain rooted to the bottom after a third successive defeat.
Next up for the Raiders is the Bulldogs, while the Dragons face off against the Tigers.
Originally published as Emotional moment as NRL coach consoles young star after hooking him