diff --git a/runahead/run_ahead.c b/runahead/run_ahead.c
index 74551b8a1b..f90736abeb 100644
--- a/runahead/run_ahead.c
+++ b/runahead/run_ahead.c
@@ -96,8 +96,7 @@ static void runahead_save_state_list_rotate(void)
 static function_t originalRetroDeinit = NULL;
 static function_t originalRetroUnload = NULL;
 
-typedef struct retro_core_t _retro_core_t;
-extern _retro_core_t current_core;
+extern struct retro_core_t current_core;
 extern struct retro_callbacks retro_ctx;
 
 static void remove_hooks(void)
@@ -354,7 +353,9 @@ static bool runahead_load_state(void)
    bool lastDirty = input_is_dirty;
    bool okay;
    set_fast_savestate();
-   okay = core_unserialize(serialize_info);
+   /* calling core_unserialize has side effects with netplay (it triggers transmitting your save state)
+      call retro_unserialize directly from the core instead */
+   okay = current_core.retro_unserialize(serialize_info->data_const, serialize_info->size);
    unset_fast_savestate();
    input_is_dirty = lastDirty;