A week after lifting Newtown to the Canterbury Cup title with an extra-time try, Bathurst's Will Kennedy helped inspire a last-gasp victory in Sunday's NRL State Championship, his Jets downing the Burleigh Bears 20-16.
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His decisive effort didn't come in the clutch this time though, it was Jackson Ferris who scored the Jets' match-winner with two seconds to go.
Kennedy's moment of magic came just four minutes into the second half at ANZ Stadium, after Jamal Fogarty found space and sent Tyronne Roberts-Davis away for what looked a certain try for the Queensland Cup premiers.
Kennedy, son of Group 10 legend Bubba, ran Roberts-Davis down though and squeezed his hand under the ball as the Bears' winger tried to touch down in an incredible try-saver.
With 36 minutes remaining it could be argued Kennedy's effort was necessarily match-winning, but try telling that to Jets forward Greg Eastwood.
"I was on the sideline when that happened and I said, 'that's going to win us the game'," Eastwood told nswrl.com.au.
"If he doesn't do that they're too far ahead and we're trying to chase points and can't play our game. Will's had a great final series and hopefully next year he gets the call-up for Cronulla because he'll be ready to go."
Kennedy's next challenge will be to push for more NRL experience with Cronulla, after making his debut in 2018 and then inking a one-year contract extension recently.
"I got a taste of it, so looking forward to a new season and see how it goes. I think another pre-season with the NRL boys will give me a lot of experience and help me out through the season," he said.
"Probably my size is something to work on in the pre-season and probably my combinations with other players as well.
"I didn't expect to get a shot, but my coach is pretty good and believed in me. I am just grateful for the opportunity he gave me."
His coach at the Jets, Greg Matterson, is confident he can take that next step.
"Kennedy's a star," Matterson said.
"When he puts on a bit of weight he'll be in the NRL next year.
"He just needed to get a bit stronger and another pre-season. He's starting to thicken up and then he'll handle the tough stuff."
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