'Champagne' try stuns legends in Slater-like display
Trai Fuller was the talk of rugby league land on Thursday night, earning a comparison to Billy Slater for his performance in the Dolphins win over Manly.
The rookie fullback was in everything for his side as they recorded a 30-24 victory over the Sea Eagles in rainy conditions, including a scintillating solo try in the first half.
Fuller burst into open space and chipped over opposition fullback Tom Trbojevic, before regathering to score next to the posts at Suncorp Stadium.
The moment earned high praise from NRL legend Cameron Smith, who was reminiscing on Slater’s own heroics at the ground two decades ago for the Maroons.
Trai Fuller starred for the Dolphins in round 10.
“What a try that is – that is one of the best tries I have seen at this ground for a long time,” Smith said during the Nine broadcast.
“It actually had me thinking of Billy Slater in Origin. He just hit the ball hard, took on the space in behind the play-the-ball and then backed himself.
“What a player this young man is.”
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The 27-year-old was interviewed by Darren Lockyer after full-time and the Slater comparison was raised to him and it was hard to wipe the smile off his face.
“I just found a bit of open space and I don’t know what I was thinking,” Fuller said.
“I just tried to chip it over Tommy’s head. I had to try and get there and I did luckily.
Trai Fuller speaks to Darren Lockyer after the Dolphins’ round 10 win over Manly.
“It’s been unfortunate for Hammer [Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow] there with the injury, but it opened up a spot for me to come in and show everyone what I can do.
“I have been enjoying it so far.”
Fuller’s night out didn’t stop there however, reeling off two try-saving tackles in the second half for the Dolphins, while also finishing with 155 run metres and four tackle breaks as his side secured a spot in the NRL’s top four.
League great Paul Vautin was in awe of the 27-year-old after his stellar display.
“The best player tonight was Trai Fuller – I thought he was terrific,” he said on Nine.
“Everything good that the Dolphins did, he was involved in. That chip-and-chase try was a 15 out of 10, he defended well with desperation and he didn’t drop one kick at all.
“That’s absolute magic.”
Fuller is expected to move out of the No.1 jumper next week when Tabuai-Fidow returns from injury but could find a spot on the bench as a utility.