In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community, James Fisher-Harris's electrifying 9-second try for Penrith Panthers has been officially excluded from the record books—and the reason will astonish fans and pundits alike.
The Moment That Shook the NRL
During Penrith's dominant 42-6 victory over St Marys Saints, Fisher-Harris achieved what appeared to be rugby league history. From the kick-off, the powerhouse forward collected the ball, bulldozed through defenders, and crossed the line in what stopwatches confirmed was a mere 9 seconds. The crowd erupted, believing they had witnessed sporting history in the making.
Why It Doesn't Count: The Technicality That Changed Everything
Despite the incredible athletic feat, the try has been disqualified from official fastest try records due to a crucial technicality: the match was a pre-season trial game, not an official NRL premiership match. This distinction, while seemingly minor, carries enormous significance in the world of rugby league records.
The Real Record Holders
Official recognition belongs to two players who share the legitimate record:
- Shaun Berrigan (Broncos vs Cowboys, 2004) - 12 seconds
- Timana Tahu (Knights vs Raiders, 2006) - 12 seconds
Both achievements occurred during full premiership matches, meeting the strict criteria for official recognition.
A History of Controversial Timings
The article reveals several other remarkable tries that never entered the record books:
- Ryan Papenhuyzen's 10-second effort in a 2021 trial match
- An incredible 8-second try in an under-19s match in 1986
- Multiple sub-10-second scores in reserve grade and junior competitions
These attempts, while spectacular, all fell victim to the same strict qualification criteria.
What Makes a Record Official?
The NRL maintains rigorous standards for record recognition:
- Must occur in official premiership matches
- Requires verification from multiple independent sources
- Timing must begin from the moment the kick-off is received
- Excludes trial matches, pre-season games, and lower-tier competitions
While Fisher-Harris's achievement was extraordinary, it joins the growing list of incredible rugby league moments that remain unofficial but unforgettable in the hearts of fans.
The controversy highlights the delicate balance between celebrating extraordinary athletic achievements and maintaining the integrity of official sporting records. Fisher-Harris may not have the official title, but for those who witnessed it, his 9-second try will forever remain one of rugby league's most spectacular moments.
