He's not the type of player to seek the limelight, but Michael Oldfield received some good advice that should come in handy if he ever makes another 90-metre run at GIO Stadium.
"I was doing the look over the shoulder, but on the field after the game I was told if you're running north, check the screen don't look over your shoulder," Oldfield joked.
The 27-year-old journeyman starred for the Canberra Raiders in their vital 38-12 victory over North Queensland, with the victory keeping their faint finals hopes alive.
Oldfield sealed his hat-trick in the 69th minute by leaving defenders and a scorch mark in the frozen turf in his wake, as he capped one of the best games of his career.
"I saw the 'A' defender a bit wide and I caught the ball and tried to take him on the inside," Oldfield said.
"I'm not sure if somebody was lazy off the scrum or they missed the jump but space opened up and I was lucky to get through."
The humble nature of Oldfield's work ethic has not gone unnoticed at the Raiders, with coach Ricky Stuart praising his attitude on and off the field.
Match Highlights: Raiders v Cowboys – Round 18, 2018
"I'm happy for Oldy because he's been 18th man for a long time, he's been waiting for his opportunity and it's a wonderful example of a player getting that opportunity and then making a great fist of it," Stuart said.
"He's been fabulous every time he's jumped into the team and gets his starting role."
Oldfield has admitted in the past that bouncing between the NRL and the Intrust Super Cup has been a tough process to push through.
However, with Jack Wighton's immediate playing future uncertain after he pleaded guilty to assault charges, Oldfield could find himself a crucial part of the Raiders' back three as they try and achieve the near impossible of qualifying for the finals.
"I've been in this position my whole life, my whole career but when you've got a lot faith from the coach, the staff and especially the players you back yourself when get the opportunity," Oldfield said of often being named 18th man.
"I guess that's what I'm doing running with it and trying to do my best for the team each week. Any try's a good try and to get three was pretty special obviously, but just being a part of that win and having a good performance, that's the main thing."
Meanwhile, Canberra captain Jarrod Croker is set to miss at least 2-3 weeks after injuring his knee in the win over the Cowboys and club officials believe he is likely to miss the rest of the season but they are awaiting scans on the injury.
