The 28-year-old Ballyclare native started from pole in race one and emerged on top of a thrilling last-lap duel with Leon Haslam to claim his first-ever podium at Phillip Island. When he pass Haslam in race two, the former Larne Grammar pupil looked to be on course for an historic double but the Red Devils Aprilia rider hit back edging past Rea to win by one thousandth of a second at the line.