Mascot race ends in hilarious fashion with ultimate fail seeing competitor suffer embarrassing loss

There was a Magic Round moment befitting the name on Sunday, when Brisbane’s annual mascot race ended in hilarious fashion.

Mascots from all 18 NRL clubs, plus competition sponsors, were involved in racing the length of the field at half-time this weekend.

From the start, Steeden’s ball mascot and the racers representing Chemist Warehouse and Shapes made an electric start, but it was the Melbourne Storm mascot who hovered at the front of the field.

However, in a dramatic twist, the Storm mascot was denied a comfortable win. As he neared the 10-meter line, he lost his balance and fell on his side, allowing the Chemist Warehouse mascot to drive home for the win.

‘Oh dear!’ the stadium announcer shouted. ‘I can not believe it.’

The Steeden ball completed the top three, while Storm settled for second place.

Footy fans found the race hilarious and pointed out other bizarre incidents during the race.

The Cronulla Sharks mascot apparently had vision problems and veered from side to side as the race progressed, while Parra fans saw the funny side of their mascot finish last.

Here’s a snapshot of how Magic Round played out…

PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Nicho Hynes. There can be no doubt about Hynes’ State of Origin credentials or Cronulla’s heavyweight status after the halfback played in the 38-30 defeat of the Sydney Roosters. Returning from a calf injury, Hynes inspired the ladder-leading Sharks to their second victory over a competition heavyweight in as many weeks. The stage is now set for a mouth-watering match against Penrith in Round 12.

QUOTE OF THE ROUND: “Try any day of the week. The Bunker… it’s crazy.” Des Hasler was furious after Gold Coast were denied what could have been a winning try in the 28-24 defeat to Newcastle, with bunker reign Brian Kelly losing control as he tried to ground the ball in the 76th minute.

PRACTICE POINT: Who will replace Cameron Munster if the Queensland five-eighth is unavailable for the State of Origin series opener? Munster aggravated his groin injury during the 48-16 thrashing of Parramatta in Melbourne on Sunday and was pictured in tears in the Storm dressing sheds. Tom Dearden, Ezra Mam and Sam Walker are all options to play alongside Daly Cherry-Evans in the half if Munster are ruled out.

MAGIC MOMENT: After the undermanned Warriors upset his former side Penrith in stunning fashion, 200-gamer Dallin Watene-Zelezniak performed the Haka with friends and family who had made the trip to Brisbane in support. It came after stand-in fullback Taine Tuaupiki, in just his ninth NRL match, made a difficult conversion to seal the 22-20 result.

STATE THAT MATTERS: Canterbury’s 24-20 defeat to Canberra makes the Bulldogs the only team never to win in the Magic Round, having played all six editions. St George Illawarra also didn’t taste victory in the NRL showpiece, but had a bye this weekend.

Casualty Unit: Sea Eagles – Matt Lodge (biceps); Broncos – Payne Haas (toe); Titans – Jaimin Jolliffe (chest); Knights – Bradman Best (hamstring); Eel – Ryan Matterson (disease); Warriors – Tohu Harris (finger), Wayde Egan (head tap); Storm – Cameron Munster (groin)

JUSTICE WATCH: Raiders – Josh Papalii (dangerous contact); Panthers – James Fisher-Harris (dangerous contact), Matt Eisenhuth (high tackle); Warriors – Jackson Ford (dangerous tackle), Tom Ale (dangerous contact), Bunty Afoa (dangerous tackle); Tigers – Justin Olam (dangerous contact), Brent Naden (high tackle); Storm – Nelson Asofa-Solomona (dangerous contact)

UNDER PRESSURE: Parramatta’s finals hopes are quickly slipping through their fingers, with the side suffering a 48-16 thrashing by Melbourne. The Eels have now lost six of seven games since Mitch Moses went down with his foot injury and if they cannot take care of fellow strugglers South Sydney on Saturday, the drums will beat even louder for coach Brad Arthur.