Fans in disbelief after monster Felise Kaufusi hit rocks NRL

The Dolphins are making an immediate impact on the NRL with one star delivering one of the biggest hits in recent memory.

Kaufusi couldn't believe it got called back. Photo: Fox Sports

The Dolphins have made quite a splash after in the club’s opening two rounds of NRL football after Felise Kaufusi delivered one of the hits of the season on Canberra’s Hudson Young.

The NRL’s newest club pulled off a stunning 20-14 comeback win over the Raiders in a thrilling victory to keep a perfect record after two rounds.

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But early on, it was a monster hit from Kaufusi that had tongues wagging.

Although it’s not an uncommon sight for Kaufusi to put on massive hits over his career, since his move north, Kaufusi has become the season’s go to hit man after two of the crispest and legal hits you’re likely to see.

After delivering a brutal hit on Brandon Smith last week in the new club’s NRL debut, Kaufusi continued the trend on Young.

Just 12 minutes into the second round, Young was playing a part in the Raiders’ backline as the side ran on the last tackle but was poleaxed by the Queensland representative, with a massive sound upon impact.

Ouch!...Kaufusi is at it again! 💪

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🔢 MATCH CENTRE: https://t.co/dKJumOc2JTpic.twitter.com/fKiLbQPNgo

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) March 11, 2023

“Oh what a shot, he’s done it again,” Dan Ginnane said on Fox Sports.

“It’s a beautiful thing to watch. That got the crowd revved up.”

Corey Parker added: “He can put a real fear into anyone who wants to take the ball deep into the line. What a shot that was.”

What a hit from Kaufusi. Photo: Fox Sports

Hudson Young felt it but played on. Photo: Fox Sports

Jamayne Isaako then ran nearly the length of the field after toeing the ball forward, only to be brought down 5m from his own line.

But the ball was taken all the way back to where the tackle was made, with Kaufusi deemed to have knocked the ball on, despite his head being on the other side of Young while making the tackle.

The video quickly spread and drew plenty of eyes with many questioning why it was a Raiders scrum feed if the ball came free from Young into Kaufusi.

The Kaufusi hit was surely a knock on against the raiders. Incredible that after a massive play like that, Canberra get rewarded with field position and ultimately a try. All for losing the ball. #NRLDolphinsRaiders

— Luke Bradnam (@LukeBradnam) March 11, 2023

Great shot, costs them a try.

The rule is wrong. It should be play on.

— Chris Cox (@CoxyJindas) March 11, 2023

Massive momentum shift. He only had eyes for whacking Young. No way that's played at

— Josh Button (@PiesJosh) March 11, 2023

The Raiders scored off the ensuing set, helped by a pair of six against as Jack Wighton slid in.

The Dolphins’ first game at the club’s spiritual home of Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe was met with huge amounts of rain as players kicked up water with every step.

Kaufusi couldn't believe it got called back. Photo: Fox Sports

The Raiders looked to open its season account, leading 12-0 after 30 minutes but the Dolphins are proving to be a harder team than first expected.

Coached by Wayne Bennett, the Dolphins fought back, taking a 14-12 lead in the 70th minute after Hudson Young was sin binned.

The next twist came in the 73rd minute when Dolphins halfback Sean O’Sullivan was sin binned for a high shot which Corey Parker called a “ridiculous” decision.

Despite the lead playmaker off the field, the Dolphins hit back, scoring through Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to leave the newest club on the block undefeated after two rounds.

Originally published as Fans in disbelief after monster Felise Kaufusi hit rocks NRL