‘He’s no Nadia Comaneci’: Mark Riddell rates the best try celebrations of Try July

3 months ago 24

In 2002, I produced the greatest post-try celebration of them all. That makes me eminently qualified to rate the class of 2025’s offerings for Try July. In a world exclusive column, here are my critiques.

Dragons star Zali Hopkins does a ‘Pig Riddell’

I’m an assistant coach for the Dragons, and Zali told me she was cooking up something special for me. She felt duty-bound to follow through because some of the girls in the team were poised to steal it. I’m certainly glad I didn’t have to run as far for my version - Zali’s had to travel 30 metres before she even gets to the fence. I wouldn’t have got there. And neither of us was going to scale that massive wall at GIO Stadium.

There’s nothing wrong with a good remake. But the original is still the best.

8/10

‘Up the milk’ for Raiders pair

This one flew under the radar a bit; it was done in the same game as the Zali Hopkins’ effort. Good areas from Chante Temara and Sophie Holyman, they really lean into celebrating the areas surrounding Canberra that are farming regions. Even if it took me a moment to really zone in and work out what they were doing under there. Everyone loves the Canberra milk, and this one hits it out of the park for originality.

6/10

Dylan Edwards channels his inner Glenn Lazarus

Not particularly graceful, but Dylan got it done. I’ve got to say I prefer Glenn Lazarus’ cartwheel from the 1999 grand final, just because of the size of the great man. I’m just impressed that Dylan actually did one; he strikes me as being a bit more serious than some of the other characters who do these post-try celebrations. Great to see him show some personality, but he’s no Nadia Comaneci.

7/10

Cowboys get busted at Coldplay concert

I love it when a plan comes together. This was very topical, and a case of needing to get in quick before somebody else does it. Makenzie Weale and Tallisha Harden nailed their brief; a superb reenactment of that classic Coldplay concert moment.

9/10

Dragons celebrate Titanic try

You can see my coaching influence coming through at the Dragons here. There wouldn’t have been a dry eye in the house as Jack and Rose, aka Zali Hopkins and Raecene McGregor, recreated that famous scene from Titanic. Everyone who has watched the movie has always pictured themselves doing this. Whether it’s on the front of a boat or a stadium full of footy fans, there’s never a bad time to pull it out. I can’t remember seeing this before, so full points for originality.

9/10

Daly Cherry-Evans shows his age

Ladies and gentlemen, we have our winner. I loved this. A lot of thought went into this; it was just so appropriate. After scoring a great try, it was Daly’s way of giving a little “up yours” to everyone who thinks he’s too old and should retire. Hobbling around with the corner post as a walking stick, it looked like his “Gary Jack” was a bit worse for wear. Brilliant.

10/10