Unlikely Tigers hero pulls off long-range pearler

For a hooker to run over 90 metres for a try is a rare effort - but one up-and-coming Tiger Jacob Liddle managed to achieve against the weakened Panthers on Friday night. In a key moment of the game, Liddle picked up a grubber kick after it hit his knees eight metres from his own line - and saw the Panthers tryline way, way downfield. Liddle took off - and few people gave him any chance - but he went all the way with half the Penrith team in pursuit and making little impression. Few people realise that - like Blues hooker Damien Cook - Liddle is a former beach sprinter. Injuries have plagued the 24-year-old from the NSW Central Coast since then - he's had two shoulder surgeries, two ankle operations and one on his knee. But now he's back to full fitness he looks a fine number nine - and as we all saw on Friday night at Leichhardt, a very fast one as well.