2021 has been an exciting year for the NRL. The pandemic raged on, and multiple waves came with different restrictions that seemed to change the way we enjoy the footy.
However, we are glad to have witnessed some beautiful moments from some of our favourite players this season.
Here are the top six moments worth mentioning.
Adam Reynolds breaking the Rabbitohs records
Round 21 had an eventful evening as the Rabbitohs beat the Parramatta Eels 40-12. An outstanding performance saw the Souths halfback, Adam Reynolds push the team over the mark when he kicked 16 points - a new club record that made him overtake Eric Simms’ club record.
As a result, the Rabbitohs came out victorious for the 9th game in a row. It was a great moment, though, watered down by the empty stands. Either way, this one’s for the books!
Titans in the finals and fan goes wild
For most Titans fans, this victory was a long time coming. They finally managed to end their five-year-long dry spell and qualified for the finals. Despite the pouring rain at Cbus Super Stadium, Dan Gosling, a fan, couldn't contain his excitement. He took off his shirt in glee, ripped his jersey off, and waved it above his head as he jumped up and down.
Honouring Mose Masoe
Mose Masoe’s story has touched many hearts in the NRL community. He suffered a career-ending and life-altering spinal injury in a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2020 Super League campaign. The Rabbitohs team led the support for the ex-Roosters prop, with the whole squad donning wigs in honour of his trademark bushy hair.
Josh Addo-Carr breaks 71-year-old record
The speedster scored a record six tries to help the Melbourne Storms demolish the South Sydney Rabbitohs 50-0. Addo Carr, better known as The Fox, six-try haul made him the first NRL player in 71 years to achieve such a feat. The first rugby player to ever score six tries was Jack Troy for Newtown in 1950.
A warm father and son moment
Brad Arthur shared an emotional embrace with his son Jakob after his debut in Magic Round was posted as one of the most powerful images of the season. He was pleased with Jakob's debut in the 34-18 win over the New Zealand Warriors.
Rugby is generally a game for tough warriors, but this scene showed a more sensitive side of it as the teary coach, not known for showing emotion, wrapped his boy in a huge embrace as he walked off the field to the delight of Eels teammates.
It was really one of those warm moments that can easily feature on the Connections page of the Costco specials catalogue or the New Zealand lifestyle magazines.
Honour for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Another great moment was the giant Haka performed by over 30 rival players in honour of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as he bid farewell to his team and the NRL. The players were allowed to come together and mingle after their 14-day quarantine ended, showing the power of the sport, despite the threat of the pandemic.
