Sunday Social: Thompson scores on NRL return, Clive Sullivan remembered & drama at Craven Park

James Messenger

It’s time for Love Rugby League’s Sunday Social, your alternative recap of the serious and not so serious talking points from the past seven days. 

Luke Thompson marked his return to NRL action following suspension with a rampaging close range effort against Melbourne Storm. However, it wasn’t enough to stop the Canterbury Bulldogs suffering an emphatic 52-18 defeat at HBF Park. 

A dramatic extra-time drop goal from Gareth O’Brien at Craven Park – where have we seen that before? The full-back’s remarkable 99th minute effort booked Castleford’s place in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals at the expense of Hull KR. 

And how about this for a sensational assist from 2020 Man of Steel winner Paul McShane with the very final play of regular time. His quick thinking down the blindside allowed Jordan Turner just enough space to cross in the corner. 

READ: Sunday Social: The Papenhuyzen show, classy from Bateman & ‘The Flying Pig’ returns

Google remembered rugby league’s Clive Sullivan MBE on what would’ve been his 78th birthday. He was Great Britain’s first black captain and led the team to World Cup glory in 1972.  

Gold Coast second-rower David Fifita did it all himself with a try straight from a tap restart in the Titans’ 42-16 victory over Newcastle Knights. 

And finally, a magnificent quickfire double from Leeds hooker Brad Dwyer wasn’t enough to stop the Challenge Cup holders bowing out of the competition at the hands of St Helens. 

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