Moment to forget lingers as Linnett plots revenge
KANE Linnett is haunted by a moment he wishes he could have over again, which is why tomorrow night’s semi-final against Cronulla carries added meaning for the Cowboys centre.
The Sharks’ 20-18 win against the Cowboys in the 2013 finals is mainly remembered for the seventh-tackle farce that led to the NRL dumping four officials.
But Linnett recalls only the death-or-glory moment when he got the ball 2m from the line with 41 seconds left and the side’s finals future on the line.
Linnett dived for the line and was certain he had scored the winning try, until the movement was referred to the video referee.
The ruling came back with a red light signalling “no try’’. The Sharks’ cover defence had edged Linnett’s trailing leg on to the sideline.
The Cowboys were left heartbroken and Linnett did not sleep for days.
“It was two years ago now and it’s not a moment I even want to remember,’’ Linnett said yesterday.
“I wasn’t sure if it would be a try or no try. I just remember trying to go for the corner and at the last second the Sharks cover came across and took my legs out.”
While no one at the Cowboys blames Linnett, the rangy centre is determined to right some wrongs in tomorrow’s return bout with the Sharks in Townsville.
“I felt like I let down the boys a little bit that night,” he said.
“I do take a lot on my shoulders sometimes and it’s a moment I would like to forget. I’d love a few opportunities this weekend to make a difference.”
The Cowboys’ three-quarter line is often seen as the side’s weakness, but Linnett has been a consistent performer this season.
The 26-year-old has 10 tries from 25 games and ran 173m in last week’s finals loss to the Broncos.
Linnett will use every bit of his 2010 grand final experience with the Roosters to combat Sharks rival Gerard Beale.
“Gerard Beale is a handy player with good footwork,” Linnett said.
“He got on top of me earlier this season so hopefully I can get one back this week.’’