Mark Nawaqanitawase has scored a contender for individual try of the decade, but Matt Burton had the last laugh as he led Canterbury to a stunning 24-20 comeback win over Sydney Roosters.
On a helter-skelter Friday night at Accor Stadium, the Bulldogs launched a successful second-half comeback as they recovered from 14-0 down at halftime.
But the scoreline only told half the story of what essentially became a battle between Burton and Nawaqanitawase to lead their side to victory in front of 30,166 fans.
And while Nawaqanitawase produced a moment that will live long in the highlights, it was Burton who won out as ladder-leading Canterbury went nine from 10 to start the season.
The other story among it all was the battle for State of Origin selection, with this match also James Tedesco's last push to win back the NSW No.1 jersey.
It was Tedesco who put Nawaqanitawase over for the night's first try with quick hands, as the Roosters ran out to their 14-0 lead.
The Bulldogs then got back in the game at 14-12, before the Nawaqanitawase and Burton showdown started.
The Bulldogs five-eighth struck first, targeting Nawaqanitawase with one of his famous torpedo bombs that the rugby union convert couldn't handle.
On the next set, Burton produced the goods with ball in hand, running to the left, and passing back inside to the right to allow Bronson Xerri to go through the middle to score.
Nawaqanitawase's try to hit back moments later had to be seen to be believed.
The winger broke into space, brushed off a Stephen Crichton tackle, and hopped twice on his left leg to avoid going out.
He somehow chipped ahead to narrowly keep the ball in play, and then pulled the ball back from over the sideline to get it down and make it 20-18.
But Burton wasn't done with yet, again targeting Nawaqanitawase with a bomb that the 24-year-old spilled for his fifth error of the night to allow the Bulldogs back on the attack.
And with six minutes left Burton capitalised, beating three Roosters to the line to score after some nice Bailey Hayward lead up play.
Burton won't be part of NSW's halves when the team is read out after this round, but there is every chance he will be the dreaded 18th man and miss Canterbury's clash with the Dolphins next Thursday night.
Nawaqanitawase also won't be in the side, but after 10 games in the NRL after switching from rugby union last year there is every chance he will one day play for the Blues.
Meanwhile fellow NSW aspirant Spencer Leniu had an eventful night, charging off the back fence on three kick-off returns for the Roosters.
He spilled the ball twice after smashing into the defence, and left Canterbury prop Daniel Suluka-Fifita with a concussion from the other hit up.