Canterbury forward Jack Underhill ought to think about changing his name to Jack Undertaker after producing a bone-rattling tackle that would send most people to an early grave.
The raw-boned 21-year-old, who conceded he'd "never met a Lebanese person" before signing with the Dogs, had Canterbury fans off their feet in celebration on Friday at Accor Stadium when he belted Melbourne's Alec Macdonald.
The tackle, which came at a crucial point in a 30-20 win that ended a five-game winless run for the Dogs, is an early contender for hit of the season.
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ā NRL (@NRL) May 22, 2026
Macdonald was rocked by the rookie Bulldogs prospect, who only made his debut a week earlier in the Magic Round loss to Cronulla but is quickly making a name for himself.
"It was cool, the boys just grabbed me straight away," Underhill said.
"It was a big confidence boost and everyone getting around each other.
"Just trying to get energy and everyone together. It was awesome, everyone dreams about a moment like that."
Underhill is used to hearing people liken him to James Graham and Aiden Tolman, two fellow strawberry blondes who were Canterbury favourites more than a decade ago.
The forward originally hails from the Sunshine Coast and shared the heartbreaking story of losing his mother to cancer as a seven-year-old with his teammates when he made his debut last week.
He has had plenty of other challenges along the way, particularly adjusting to life in Sydney.
"It was funny and I rocked up to the club and I got a job here when I first came and I had never really met a Lebanese person," Underhill said.
"That was a massive culture shock for me. All the ladies and men I worked with welcomed me in like I was a son."
Underhill has come through the grades at Canterbury and has leaned on the experience of Josh Jackson, the former club captain and current Jersey Flegg coach who put him to work in the club gym at 5am each day.
He hopes the gritty win over Melbourne can be a start of a revival for the Bulldogs, who have struggled to live up to the heights of last year's run to the top-four and sit 4-7 heading into next week's clash with Wests Tigers.
"We're confident every week and pushed it and we've just got to get it, but like we'll get in on Monday and get ready for next week," Underhill said.
