NRL: Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow sparks spectacular win over Cronulla Sharks with length-of-field try

Fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has run the length of the field for a try to give his Dolphins at spectacular 30-28 win over Cronulla Sharks in a top-four NRL thriller.

The Redcliffe-based side jumped out to a 22-0 lead over the competition co-leaders, who rallied to grab a 24-22 advantage with a try to fullback Will Kennedy in the 53rd.

Tabuai-Fidow fielded a high kick from Sharks five-eighth Nicho Hynes near his own goal-line and burst upfield, leaving five defenders grasping at air for a try, converted by winger Jamayne Isaako, that put them ahead 28-24.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow evades defenders en route to his matchwinning try.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow evades defenders en route to his matchwinning try. Photo credit: Getty Images

"Hammer is a special player, we're very lucky to have him," acknowledged Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett. "Hammer and Steve Renouf would be the two players I've coached that have that absolute magic to get to the tryline and create that special moment."

With nine minutes to go, Isaako slotted a penalty that gave the Dolphins a six-point edge, but Cronulla came back in the final seconds, with winger Sione Katoa scoring in the corner. Hynes needed to convert from the sideline to force overtime, but left his kick wide right.

"I was really pleased with the second half and then we just have one moment with Hammer, game over," reflected Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon. "We paid the price with that last kick to the middle, broken line chase and opened it up.

"Hammer's a terrific player and he fleeced us on that play."

The result sees Cronulla remain second on the competition table, level with leaders Melbourne Storm, with a weekend of games still to come, while the Dolphins hurdle Canterbury Bulldogs into fourth. 

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