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'Look at him go': Fans erupt over 'inspirational' Josh Papalii play

Josh Papalii's try-saver on Jamal Fogarty is being called the tackle of the season. Pic: Fox Sports/Getty
Josh Papalii's try-saver on Jamal Fogarty is being called the tackle of the season. Pic: Fox Sports/Getty

Rugby League viewers have been left gobsmacked after Canberra's Josh Papalii came up with one of the defensive plays of the season against Gold Coast.

The Raiders cemented their spot in the top eight with a 36-16 win over the Titans on Saturday afternoon.

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However, it was an astonishing try-saving tackle from Papalii that stole the headlines after the match.

Down 22-4 early in the second half, the Titans looked destined to hit back when halfback Jamal Fogarty took a quick 20-metre tap and raced clear of Canberra's defensive line.

Fogarty left a string of would-be Raiders tacklers in his wake as he looked set to score a stunning length-of-the-field try.

Papalii had other ideas though and the big forward somehow managed to chase the halfback down before making a desperate lunge at the Gold Coast playmaker.

The incredible ankle tap saw Fogarty go tumbling to the turf, with the force of the collision causing the ball to pop free from his grasp.

Teammates raced in from all directions to congratulate Papalii on the incredible try-saver, with commentators and fans describing it as "the tackle of the season".

“An ankle tap on the runaway half. How did Josh Papalii do that? There is your tackle of the week right there," Fox Sports commentator Matt Russell said.

“We have seen some great tackles this year, but will we see a better one than a desperation ankle tap from Josh Papalii?”

Queensland coach Kevin Walters couldn't hide his adoration for the Maroons star, calling it an "inspirational" moment from the big forward.

“What a brilliant piece of work from Papalii,” Walters said.

“The big Papa Bear is still sucking in the oxygen.

“That is inspirational for the big man Papalii to chase the young half down. The stadium was rocking on its feet.”

Raiders run away with big win over Titans

Papalii was later put on report for a high tackle on Jaimin Jolliffe while Titans' forward Moeaki Fotuaika was also placed on report for a crusher tackle.

A two-try display by Canberra five-eighth Jack Wighton has helped the Raiders secure the 20-point win.

Wighton dominated the opening half as the Raiders, who ran up a season-high 36 points last weekend against the Broncos, were once again too good for Queensland opposition as they racked up six tries to three.

Winger Nick Cotric, who scored a double against the Broncos, picked up tries in either half as well as he moved to 10 four-pointers in 2020.

The Raiders enjoyed 61 per cent territory in the opening half to race to a 22-4 halftime lead, the eighth-straight match Canberra have scored 20 or more points against the Titans.

Pictured left, Jack Wighton scored two tries in the Raiders' win over the Titans.
Jack Wighton bagged two tries in Canberra's big win. Pic: Getty

Justin Holbrook's team, already missing captain Kevin Proctor due to suspension and Jai Arrow (shoulder) and Dale Copley (pec) to injury, suffered another blow before kick off with Ash Taylor ruled out due to a quad injury.

Taylor's scratching brought Tanah Boyd back into the team and the youngster had an immediate impact with his grubber setting up Phillip Sami for the opening try of the game.

But the Titans' lead didn't last long as the Raiders ran in four unanswered tries, including Wighton's double, to open up an 18-point lead at the break.

The Titans did open the scoring in the second half when Fogarty set up dynamic fullback AJ Brimson but were immediately pegged back to an 18-point deficit when Hudson Young crashed over for the visitors.

Keegan Hipgrave crossed over for a late consolation for the Titans, who ended the game without hooker Nathan Peats who limped out of the game in the second half with a calf injury.

with AAP