It would have been different in the movies.
When all of Bruce Stadium rose to its feet as Jarrod Croker carried his son onto the field for his 300th game - and wept in the shadows of the opening whistle - it would have been easy to believe you were in those cinematic times.
Surely no narrative ever written would take Friday night from Croker. Who would kill Bambi? Who would dare
gun down a Goulburn Stockman?
But the New Zealand Warriors were only too willing to rise to the occasion and be the 'bad guy'.
Jarrod Croker's 300th NRL game was meant to bring a Hollywood finish - but the Warriors had other ideas
'Unbelievable' try stuns NRL as Warriors gatecrash Raiders' party
Jarrod Croker's 300th game has been spoiled as his Canberra Raiders suffered a 36-14 loss in a masterful performance by the New Zealand Warriors.
The emotion was flowing for Croker before the game as Canberra turned out to celebrate one of its favourite sons.
But while the Warriors showed respect to Croker before the match, the side just bided its time before ruining the party.
Riding on emotion, the Raiders had all the territory in the early stages but were turned away by the Warriors' resolute defence.
With the Raiders leading 6-0 in the...
Warriors Gatecrash Croker's Milestone Bash
The Warriors have claimed a stunning 36-14 victory over the Canberra Raiders, spoiling Jarrod Croker's 300-game celebration at GIO Stadium on Friday night.
The New Zealand side were led by former Raider Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and the magic of Shaun Johnson, who both had standout performances.
Despite trailing by two points at half-time, the Warriors came out firing in the second half, dominating the Raiders with their attack and defence.
