Newcastle Knights hooker Travis Waddell has recounted his game-changing one-on-one strip from Billy Slater in the final minutes of last Saturday's game against the Melbourne Storm at Hunter Stadium.
Just metres from the Knights line, Waddell said he intended to tackle Slater from a dummy half run in an effort to push him back in the goal area, but turned up with a much better result.
“I just went in to tackle him because I always knew he was going to run it,” Waddell told the media at a press conference this week at Wests Mayfield.
“When I felt the ball in my arms, I just ripped it.
“I ended up going to tackle him, but ended up with the ball and scored a try.”
Waddell was ecstatic with the Knights' spectacular comeback and said it was a career highlight.
“It was a great moment for me, it was probably one of the best games that I’ve played in, especially to comeback and win like that."
The 25-year-old is eager to be back on the field this Sunday when the Knights play the New Zealand Warriors at Hunter Stadium for the annual NRL Close the Gap Round.
“We’ve got a few wins together now, so I’m enjoying my time,” he added.
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