NRL star Dylan Walker produced an outrageous “highlight reel” pass as he inspired Parramatta to a shock 23-14 win over Manly.
The Eels trailed 8-6 at halftime but returned from the break in fine form as Walker’s inspired moment put them in front.
The 31-year-old looked set to be held up just short of the 10-meter line, but incredibly managed to flick the ball around the corner with a remarkable no-look pass.
He perfectly picked out teammate Kelma Tuilagi who was released and went over unchallenged to give the Eels the lead.
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The epic piece of invention left commentators Jake Duke and Cooper Cronk purring.
On Kayo Sports, Duke said: “What about that flick pass from Dylan Walker? Oh my lord. That was special.”
Before analyst Cooper Cronk added: “Dylan Walker, take a bow. That was a spectacular pass. That is a top shelf offload from Dylan Walker.
“That is the highlight reel that he will show people for the rest of his career.”
Walker had the difficult task of filling Mitch Moses’ shoes as he prepares for State of Origin III.
But he showed no signs of pressure as the Eels successfully bounced back from their defeat to the Rabbitohs.
Recent reports indicate Walker will join the English Super League in 2027, but the veteran still has plenty to offer Parramatta with his speed and ball playing through the middle a nightmare for opposition teams.
After Walker’s spectacular skill, teammate Kitione Kautoga produced a stunning offload of his own for Isaiah Iongi to score to put the Eels back in front.
Tuilagi bombed a certain try when a flick pass by Manly’s Joey Walsh was put down by Tom Trbojevic, only for Tuilagi to spill the ball short of the line.
But the Eels closed out the game to claim just their second win in six.
Eels coach Jason Ryles said that his side wouldn’t have beaten a park footy side after the Souths game, and that stinging remark got the response he was searching for.
Iongi came up with a brilliant tackle to deny Ethan Bullemor as Manly mounted a late fightback, while the recalled Jonah Pezet stood tall with the game on the line.
Playing his first NRL game since round five, the Broncos-bound playmaker came up with the clutch play of the contest when he spotted Trbojevic out of position and decided to put in a grubber for himself on the first tackle which he regathered to score.
It’s been a brutal year for the former Storm playmaker who has been injured, suspended and spent time in NSW Cup.
But he nailed his moment on Sunday and then kicked a late field goal to help his side win for the sixth time this season.
Sunday’s loss puts a huge dent in Manly’s top four hopes, with the new halves pairing of Joey Walsh and Jamal Fogarty unable to steer them home.
Luke Brooks’ devastating ACL tear opened the door for Walsh to make the No. 6 jersey his own, and he was solid with a few nice touches and a try early in the second half.
But it’s still a work in progress for the Sea Eagles who lost Clayton Faulalo to another hamstring injury, with Kieran Foran’s side desperately missing Haumole Olakau’atu on the edge.