‘Utter stupidity’: NRL fans baffled by Lachlan Lewis’ bizarre halftime brainsnap

The Bulldogs took an unlikely lead into halftime against the Rabbitohs but a brainsnap from Lachlan Lewis marred the side’s performance.

One of the NRL’s all-time biggest brainsnaps marred a strong first-half showing from the Bulldogs on Sunday.

His side leading premiership hopefuls South Sydney, Canterbury playmaker Lachlan Lewis inexplicably decided to tackle opponent Cody Walker as he left the field for the break.

The bizarre move followed a seemingly good-natured exchange between the two after the siren sounded.

Lewis — the nephew of rugby league great Wally — took things a little too far, though, and was sent to the sin bin for his trouble.

“(Bulldogs coach) Trent Barrett must be absolutely filthy,” said 2004 Premiership winner Braith Anasta at halftime.

“It’s hard to explain why he did this.”

“That’s one of the craziest things I’ve seen in a long time,” added Panthers legend Greg Alexander.

After the game, Walker had no answers when asked why Lewis had tackled him to the turf.

“I wouldn't have a clue,” Walker said with a laugh.

“Whatever, it’s in the past. What happens on the footy field stays on there.”

Canterbury coach Trent Barrett said it was uncharacteristic of his playmaker.

“Obviously something’s happened for him to react like that. And it hurt us - they scored a try and kicked a penalty goal while he was on the field,” he said.

“It was disappointing, but that wasn’t the reason we lost the game. We had our chances to win it.”

Lewis’ 10-minute spell only cost Canterbury eight points, but it was symbolic of the ill-discipline that condemned the league’s last-placed side to its ninth defeat in 10 games.

The frustrating loss comes just days after Phil Gould announced his stunning return to the once-proud club, who have also dropped 31 of their past 36 matches and are on track to finish with this year’s wooden spoon.

He might have one of the best brains in rugby league, but the question remains: Can Phil Gould cure brainsnaps?

WTF was Lachlan Lewis thinking ? He's a smart bloke but that was just bloody stupid Hey be belief @NRL_Bulldogs#NRL#NRLSouthsBulldogs

— Bernie Coen (@berniecoen) July 18, 2021

I have no words. What just happened?? @NRL_Bulldogs@SSFCRABBITOHS@FOXNRL#LachlanLewis

— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) July 18, 2021

Reckon there might be a few Bulldogs fans googling how to take their name off a petition right now. Utter stupidity. #NRLSouthsBulldogs

— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) July 18, 2021

In contrast, the Rabbitohs continued their hot streak.

Even without rested star Latrell Mitchell, the Bunnies have now reeled off six straight wins and are doing it in style – their six-try clinic was also the 10th time in 14 games they’ve scored over 30 points.

The victory consolidates third spot and keeps them in the race for a top-two finish.

But the biggest talking point was Lewis’ bizarre attack on Walker.

Unbelievably, Lewis’ incredulous act was followed by Sione Katoa’s mindless decision to run Braidon Burns off the ball from the restart, immediately handing the Rabbitohs possession.

It didn’t take long for Walker to make the Bulldogs pay, with the former NSW State of Origin star putting Alex Johnston over for his second to reclaim the lead.

And while the Bulldogs twice came within a converted try of South Sydney in the second half – including one set up by a Lewis tap-on – it wasn’t enough to spurn an opportunity to spring an upset.

The Rabbitohs have consolidated their spot in the top four. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Nicholls milestone

Veteran prop Mark Nicholls celebrated his 100th game by icing the win with the game’s final try, and just the fourth of his career.

“When I came to Souths, I asked Sam (Burgess) who I thought I should keep and who I didn’t because I didn’t know all the players. I certainly didn’t know Mark,” Souths coach Wayne Bennett said.

“And Sam said to me, ‘Keep him, coach, because he’s good value. The boys want to play with him. He doesn’t get a lot of opportunity at the moment but I’m sure you’ll give him an opportunity.’

“I think he’s been in the first grade squad ever since I arrived here.”

South Sydney appeared headed for a cruisy evening when they claimed the opening two tries, first Taane Milne diving over down the right, and Johnston touching down on the left.

But, against the run of play, two Canterbury tries in five minutes left the Rabbitohs stunned.

First it was rookie Bailey Biondi-Odo who shot out of dummy-half to send Aaron Schoupp across, before Corey Allan followed him in, with Averillo’s boot giving them a shock 12-10 halftime lead.

Johnston history

Johnston’s double was another one for the record books.

In scoring, he not only became the first player in the NRL era to register multiple tries in six straight games, but also broke his personal best of 23 tries in a single season, set last year.

Johnston now leads the league this year with 24, leaving him all but certain to become the first player to rack up 25 tries in a regular season – and eighth in history – since Nathan Blacklock in 2001.

His record-breaking night however came to an abrupt end when he left the field with a hamstring injury immediately after completing his brace early in the second half.

The Bulldogs fought hard but struggled to contain the Rabbitohs’ rampaging offense. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Bad Dogs

Further souring a frustrating night for coach Trent Barrett was the double-citing of front-row duo Dylan Napa and Jack Hetherington for high contact.

Napa was put on report for a high shot in the second half, while Hetherington also faces a nervous wait for Monday’s charge sheet after collecting Braidon Burns high.