In a moment that will be replayed for weeks, Manly Sea Eagles back Clayton Faulalo turned the match on its head with a solo effort that left Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga grasping at air. Receiving the ball near his own 30-metre line, Faulalo stepped off his right foot, sending Ponga the wrong way, then accelerated down the sideline to dot down untouched.
The try, scored in the second half, shifted momentum firmly in Manly's favour and showcased the 22-year-old's growing confidence at the NRL level. Faulalo, who debuted earlier this season, has been a bright spot in Manly's backline and this effort will only bolster his standing.
Ponga, widely regarded as one of the NRL's most elusive runners, was left to regather after being beaten so cleanly. The combination of speed and footwork from Faulalo drew comparisons to some of the game's great finishers, though the young Sea Eagle was quick to credit his teammates for creating the opportunity.
"Kalyn's a world-class player, so to get one over him is special," Faulalo said after the match. "I just backed myself and it came off."
The try helped Manly secure a vital win in the crowded finals race, keeping their top-eight hopes alive.