NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 25?
CRONULLA re-enter the winner’s circle and the Warriors let a finals berth slip through their fingers. We analyse how every team in the NRL is tracking.
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WHO starred, who struggled, who’s on the fringe, who’s on the outer, who passed and who failed?
Get the very best analysis from our team of experts in the Round 25 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
STORM
HOW THEY FARED
Melbourne were blown off the park early by a blistering Broncos onslaught, and failed to recover as they slumped to a shock home loss.
The 26-16 defeat left coach Craig Bellamy concerned by the fact his side was “outworked” by a fellow title contender just two weeks out from the finals.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
There wasn’t a great deal to celebrate for Storm supporters, but late inclusion Jordan McLean produced a strong performance off the bench in his first game back from an ankle injury.
As highlighted by the coach, the Storm struggled with Brisbane’s intensity and he’ll be looking for a much more energetic opening from his players this weekend.
INJURY WARD
Billy Slater (Shoulder, Season), Kevin Proctor (Knee, Round 26), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Suspension, Qualifying finals)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Both of Melbourne’s Queensland Cup feeder teams — Sunshine Coast Falcons (fifth) and Easts Tigers (sixth) — will feature in the finals, which kick off next weekend. That means more match time for fringe NRL players like Christian Welch, Matt White, Slade Griffin and Young Tonumaipea. The Storm’s under-20s side was thrashed 68-24 by the Broncos.
REPORT CARD
B: Let’s not hit the panic button just yet. While they had an off night, Melbourne still sits on top of the table and has just about a full squad fit and firing a week out from the finals. They get the chance to prove this was a blip when they host the resurgent Sharks in Saturday night’s battle for the minor premiership.
— Dominic Burke
SHARKS
HOW THEY FARED
Not only did the Shark rejoin the winners circle, they kept their minor premiership chances alive with a 37-12 win against the Roosters on Saturday night. The Roosters put up a fight early and dominated through the middle thanks to their big men but once Cronulla took control of the match, they ran in six unanswered tries.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Forwards Jason Bukuya and Matt Prior really stood up to be counted. Bukuya troubled the Roosters defence by scoring a try, making eight tackle busts, two offloads and two linebreaks. Prior also crashed over a four-pointer and made 6 offloads.
INJURY WARD
Sam Tagataese (shoulder, indefinite)
LURKING ON THE EDGE
Hooker Mat Mcilwrick displayed a never say die attitude to help his side snatch an unlikely 40-38 victory against Manly. Remarkably the Jets were down 38-12 after 60 minutes but a flurry of points, spearheaded by two tries to Mcilwrick, saw Newtown steal a 40-38 win and secure fourth spot on the ladder.
REPORT CARD
B: Cronulla’s premiership ambitions are back on track after winning their first game in a month. It wasn’t clinical but it will help them regain some confidence going into the finals.
— Fatima Kdouh
RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Raiders downed the Sea Eagles 44-30 in a shootout at Brookvale Oval.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Joey Leilua and Jordan Rapana scored five tries between them and continued the fine form they’ve shown all season while Jarrod Croker again had a lot of classy touches on the other side of the field. Despite not quite clicking in attack, the Raiders still managed to score eight tries, which is rather impressive.
However, what will give Ricky Stuart cause for concern was their defence, especially given that all three of Tom Trbojevic’s tries came from the same pattern. The ease with which Manly were able to isolate Sam Williams is a bit of a worry, as was the Raiders complete lack of interest in the final 10 minutes.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Under 20s fullback Harry Van Dartel was in superb form against Manly, scoring three tries in a 56-22 rout that confirms the Raiders place in the top eight. Van Dartel’s first try, a magnificent 70 metre effort, will take some beating as one of the best individual efforts of the season.
INJURY WARD
Lachlan Croker (ACL, Season), Junior Paulo (Back, Round 26), Aidan Sezer (Shoulder, Round 26)
REPORT CARD
B-: Ricky Stuart said the Raiders were flat in the lead up to this one and it showed. This is a team that is ready for the finals to start tomorrow and getting a bit of a scare from the desperate Sea Eagles could be just what the doctor ordered.
— Nick Campton
COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
The reigning premiers forced their way back into the top four with a strong 24-16 victory over the Bulldogs in Belmore.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
It was hardly a surprise to anyone that Johnathan Thurston led the Cowboys to their win against his old side. The star playmaker ran the show and was key in nearly every try. Back rowers Ethan Lowe, Coen Hess and Jason Taumalolo also aimed up to keep the massive Bulldogs pack under control.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Ben Hannant (knee) is expected to return to the side this week and his comeback will be a welcome one given Matt Scott is set to miss the clash with the Titans with a broken finger.
INJURY WARD
Ben Hannant (Knee, Round 26)
REPORT CARD
A: The Cowboys were back to their very best against the Bulldogs. Given Canterbury were ahead of the them on the ladder, the performance showed exactly why North Queensland could be the first team to go back to back for titles since the Broncos claimed the double in 1992 and 1993.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
Brisbane put in their best performance of the season, stunning their hoodoo side Melbourne by claiming a 26-16 victory at AAMI Park.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Sam Thaiday was at his rampaging best, Ben Hunt reminded everyone why is one the best young playmakers in the game and Anthony Milford continued his recent surge back to top form. Young centre Tom Opacic also demonstrated great confidence and maturity to score a double against Queensland star Will Chambers.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Injured Kodi Nikorima (shoulder) is the only Bronco who could force his way into the 17 at the moment. And even then the young utility could have trouble given how well Brisbane’s bench is going.
INJURY WARD
Jack Reed (Shoulder, Indefinite), Carlin Anderson (Jaw, Indefinite), Kodi Nikorima (Shoulder, Round 26)
REPORT CARD
A: Slump? What slump? The Broncos are once again major contenders for this year’s title, hitting their best form at the right time.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
The Bulldogs looked listless, lifeless and disinterested in a 24-16 defeat to North Queensland with the final scoreline flattering Canterbury to no end.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
There is no better sight in rugby league than a big man in the clear and Greg Eastwood’s 60 metre intercept try might be the greatest NRL moment this season. Unfortuntaley, that was as good as it got for the Dogs in attack outside of a couple of garbage time efforts. There was great commitment and a willingness from the Dogs to be physical but they lacked the fluency and class to trouble the premiers.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Halfback Will Kerr was injected into the Bulldogs Under 20s side a few weeks ago and he’s made every post a winner since. Against the top four bound Cowboys, Kerr set up two tries, scored another, made two line breaks and two line break assists to go with six tackle busts. The Dogs went down 32-14 but Kerr was comfortably their best.
INJURY WARD
Chase Stanley (Knee, Season), Sam Kasiano (Suspension, Qualifying finals), Sam Perrett (Neck, Indefinite)
REPORT CARD
D: The Dogs still look like they’re trying to find their way as a football team. With the finals just two weeks away, that is not a good sign.
— Nick Campton
PANTHERS
HOW THEY FARED
It was a tale of two halves for the Panthers. In the opening 40 minutes they were dominate and powered their way through the middle of the Titans to secure a 14-0 lead. But the Titans had other ideas in the second half and clawed their way back into the game. In the end, a field goal from Matt Moylan secured a 15-14 win in a nail bitter on the Gold Coast.
WHO STARRED WHO STRUGGLED
One of Matt Moylan’s greatest attributes is his calmness under pressure and he displayed plenty of composure to slot the winning field goal in the 77th minute. The fullback’s running game was dangerous, beating the Titans’ defence to score a try in the first half.
It was a mixed performance from Bryce Cartwright. His attacking stats (linebreak, linebreak assist, and four offloads) read like he was pulling the strings but at times he overplayed his hand and made five errors as a result.
LURKING ON THE EGDE
The Panther cubs also scored a win against the Titans. Halfback Wayde Egan was impressive in his side’s 28-26 victory, setting up a try and crossing for one himself. In the NSW Cup, Penrith secured a finals berth by overcoming the Warriors 36-24 at Mt Smart Stadium.
INJURY WARD
Regan Campbell-Gillard (back, season), Dean Whare (knee, season), Peta Hiku (knee, season), Sam McKendry (knee, season)
REPORT CARD
B: We’ve heard a lot about this year being the season where a team from outside the top four could win the title. The Panthers may not go all the way but have the all making of side that can cause a lot of damage during September.
— Fatima Kdouh
TITANS
HOW THEY FARED
The Gold Coast suffered a heartbreaking one point loss to Penrith at Cbus Super Stadium, going down 15-14 to put their finals hopes in jeopardy.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Greg Bird was the only Titans starting forward to make over 100m, with the likes of Ryan James and Agnatius Paasi struggling to get over Penrith’s big men. Jarryd Hayne meanwhile put in a solid first appearance at fullback.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
David Mead is in the frame for a recall following the loss to Penrith. David Shillington could also make his way back into the 17 after playing 80 minutes for Tweed Heads. Fullback William Zillman meanwhile is not expected to play again this year after injuring his foot while playing with Tweed at the weekend.
INJURY WARD
Kane Elgey (ACL, Season), Matt Srama (Knee, Season), Daniel Mortimer (Hamstring, Season), Karl Lawton (Broken leg, Season), Nathan Davis (Broken leg, Season)
REPORT CARD
B: The first half from the Titans was just not good enough. Considering they were playing for a finals spot, they should have done more to meet the challenge from Penrith’s forward pack.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Tigers kept their finals hopes alive with a 36-24 defeat of the Warriors.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Mitch Moses and Luke Brooks needed to step up in the absence of James Tedesco and they did just that. Brooks nailed a 40/20 that led to Sauaso Sue’s equalising try before Moses crossed for the try that gave the Tigers the lead. Aaron Woods was the best player on the field throughout the match, scoring a try, setting up another and getting through a mountain of work.
The Tigers remained a little rough around the edges as ever, but you’d be hard pressed to say anyone struggled in what was a tremendously committed display.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The Tigers NSW Cup side scored a 30-28 win over Newcastle to secure their spot in the 2016 finals with fullback Luke Sharpe scoring a fine individual try in just his second match of the season.
INJURY WARD
Nathan Milone (Knee, Season), Robbie Farah (Hip, Season), Bayley Sironen (Shoulder, Season), Chris Lawrence (Knee, Round 26), James Tedesco (Broken jaw, Season), Rod Griffin (Arm, Season), Kyle Lovett (Illness, Round 26), Matt Ballin (ACL, Season)
REPORT CARD
A: The Tigers have given themselves a chance to play finals football for the first time since 2011. Given the turmoil and injuries that club has sustained this season, that’s a terrific effort
— Nick Campton
WARRIORS
HOW THEY FARED
The Warriors lost to the Tigers 36-24 despite leading for much of the match and having the superior roster. It was a very Warriors performance.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Solomone Kata has been the Warriors’ most damaging outside back all season and he was in good touch again, scoring a try and he was unlucky not to have a couple more. While Kata’s hands can still let him down and he’s still shaving the rough edges off his game, his progression this year has been a real positive.
Shaun Johnson hasn’t been at full fitness for weeks after carrying a number of injuries but he did not stand up when his team needed him.
Apart from a scorching run for a try that was later disallowed, Johnson was almost unsighted. The club must make a hard choice soon on legendary winger Manu Vatuvei, who looked well off the pace.
INJURY WARD
Roger Tuivasa Sheck (Knee, Season), Ben Henry (Knee, Season), Sione Lousi (ACL, Season), Charlie Gubb (Suspension, Qualifying finals), Ken Maumalo (Hamstring, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
One Warriors team will feature in the finals this season, with the NSW Cup outfit finishing fifth on the ladder. They’ll host Penrith in week one of the playoffs, after losing to the Panthers in the final round of the regular season on Sunday. Playmaker Mason Lino has been a standout for the Warriors in NSW Cup and will be looking to guide the side deep into the finals. Centre Junior Pauga had another big game in the under-20s, racking up nearly 200m and scoring a try in a 24-all draw with the Tigers.
REPORT CARD
D: For done, and also dusted. Yet another season of promise has fallen in a heap for the talent-laden New Zealand outfit.
DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
The Dragons slumped to a 30-18 loss that flattered the men in the Red V. Two tries in two minutes at the end of the match made St George Illawarra look more respectable than it was. Earlier, though, the Dragons looked poor against an Eels side that ran tries in untouched, one off the back of a quick tap that caught the visitors napping.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Kurt Mann continues to impress on the wing for the Dragons. If St George Illawarra is scoring points it is mostly through Mann and so it proved with a two-try haul against the Eels. Meanwhile, the team appeared to struggle as a whole. There were no stand-out failures but the Dragons just weren’t up to the fight.
INJURY WARD
Ben Creagh (knee, retired), Mose Masoe (ACL, season), Siliva Havalii (Knee, indefinite), Dylan Farrell (back, indefinite), Yaw Kiti Glymin (hamstring, indefinite), Tyson Frizell (knee, indefinite), Kalifa Faifai Loa (cheekbone, round 26), Taane Milne (suspension, round 26), Russell Packer (shoulder/hip, season), Dunamis Liu (achilles, season).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Drew Hutchison. The young half played well in the loss to the Eels but will be sent back to reserve grade this week so Benji Marshall can start his farewell tour.
REPORT CARD
D: The Dragons are drifting. Their season was over weeks ago but there has been no drive to try and sort out the mess that has been 2016. Their attack is awful. Their defence is flimsy. Recruitment is non-existent. And it looks like nothing is about to change.
— David Campbell
SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY FARED
Manly scored six tries on Saturday afternoon and against most sides in the competition that would have been enough to claim a victory. The problem for the Sea Eagles was the fact they let Canberra run in eight tries of their own. In the end the Raiders secured a 44-30 win to put a dampener on Jamie Lyon’s farewell to Brookvale Oval.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Even when he isn’t at full fitness Tom Trbojevic is an attacking weapon. He made easy picking of the Raiders’ right hand defence to run in three tries.
Brayden Williame made some costly errors in attack, in the first instance he overplayed his hand instead of passing to an unmarked Jorge Taufua. And then he threw a forward pass on the inside to Trbojevic, who would have gone on to score.
INJURY WARD
Note Myles (foot, tbc), Dylan Walker (shoulder, tbc) Darcy Lussick (shoulder, season) Jayden Hodges (ACL, season), Tim Moltzen (ankle, retired), Brenton Lawrence (pec, season), Steve Matai (neck, season), Brett Stewart (knee, indefinite), Jamie Lyon (hamstring, season)
LURKING ON THE EDGE
The lower grade games were also high-scoring affairs. In the NSW Cup, the Sea Eagles gave up a 14 point lead at the break to finish 40-38 losers against the Jets at Henson Park. In the Holden Cup, the Raiders posted a comprehensive 56-22 win against the Sea Eagles.
REPORT CARD
C+: The Sea Eagles attacked the Raiders’ line for the entire match and that kept them in the fight. But they didn’t show the same steel in defence.
— Fatima Kdouh
RABBITOHS
HOW THEY FARED
Where have South Sydney been all season? The Redfern renaissance continued this week with a 34-12 win over the Knights. The Bunnies simply outclassed Newcastle to make it three wins in three games.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
All stars and no real strugglers this week. Adam Reynolds brought the Knights undone with his sublime kicking game while also laying on tries. And Greg Inglis was back to his best, scoring within the opening minutes of the clash.
INJURY LIST
Samisoni Langi (ACL, season), Bryson Goodwin (arm, indefinite), Siosifa Talaki (ankle, indefinite), Luke Keary (hamstring, round 26).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
In an almost replicated — but reversed score line the young Bunnies v Knights clash finished at 32-12 in favour of Newcastle. The Bunnies struggled for most of the match, with no one player putting his hand up for a first grade promotion.
REPORT CARD
C: The Rabbitohs are playing like a top eight side but their atrocious form from earlier in the season has cost them dearly. South Sydney have been playing for pride the last three weeks are looking to build a solid confidence base upon which to launch their 2017 campaign.
— David Campbell
ROOSTERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Roosters stormed out of the blocks to go ahead 12-0 in the first half but from there they struggled to stay in the match as they let in six unanswered tries — which allowed Cronulla to break their three-game losing streak with a 37-12 victory.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
The Chooks were frustrated out of the match but big man Jared Waerea-Hargeaves played with aggression, Jake Friend made a massive 64 tackles and young gun Connor Watson again showed his NRL credentials after crossing the line to score a try.
INJURY WARD
Sio Siua Taukeiaho (ACL, season), Ian Henderson (leg, indefinite)
LURKING ON THE EDGE
The Wyong Roos went down 28-20 to the Cutters in the NSW Cup. The Roos did enjoy their fair share of possession in the dying stages of the match but couldn’t convert it into points.
REPORT CARD
C: After a promising start, the tricolours just couldn’t match it with a Sharks side desperate to regain some form. Making 12 errors didn’t help their cause either.
— Fatima Kdouh
EELS
HOW THEY FARED
Parramatta farewelled Pirtek Stadium in style on Monday, with a 30-18 win over St George Illawarra.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Bevan French was the man for the Eels, bagging a hat-trick of tries to give long-suffering Parramatta fans something to smile about.
Clint Gutherson continues to impress since being forced into the halves, so much so that Brad Arthur has pencilled him in as the club’s five-eighth for the 2017 season.
Kenny Edwards provided plenty of punch off the bench, charging for 138 metres from 11 runs, busting five tackles, making two linebreaks, as well as an offload and linebreak assist.
CASUALTY WARD
Luke Kelly (ACL, Season), Kieran Foran (Released, Season), Corey Norman (Disciplinary, Season), Bureta Faraimo (Cheekbone, Season), Anthony Watmough (Knee, Season), Mitchell Cornish (Hamstring, Round 26), Brad Takairangi (Hamstring, Round 25), Rory O’Brien (Suspension, Round 26), Matt Woods (Shoulder, Season).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Skipper Cody Nelson scored a try in Wentworthville Magpies’ 20-17 loss to NSW Cup minor premiers Mounties. Winger Jermaine Mati-Leifi was lively and scored a try as the Eels fell 32-10 to the Dragons in the under-20s.
REPORT CARD
B: The Eels continue to dig in, and rewarded their fans with an entertaining performance.
KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
The Knights had some good moments on Old Boy’s day but in the end they sunk to another defeat, this time by 34-12 against the Rabbitohs.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Daniel Saifiti continued his impressive rookie season and led the way in the middle of the field for the depleted Knights pack. Sam Mataora also had some nice touches while Dylan Phythian gave the long-suffering fans something to cheer about when he scored a try on debut.
All season the Knights haven’t got what they needed from Trent Hodkinson and Jarrod Mullen and the experienced duo failed to produce against the Rabbitohs. In contrast to the controlled kicking performance of Adam Reynolds, Mullen and Hodkinson consistently failed to put themselves into the position to create attacking chances.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The Knights Under 20s and NSW Cup teams will both miss the finals but Jack Cogger gave the fans a glimpse of his potential with a starring role in his sides 32-12 win over the Rabbitohs in the Holden Cup. Cogger has bounced between all three grades this season and was thrown into the NRL side before he was ready, but he remains a player of great promise.
INJURY WARD
James McManus (Concussion, Season), Brock Lamb (Ankle, Indefinite), Robbie Rochow (Pectoral, Season), Nathan Ross (Suspension, Round 26), Korbin Sims (Illness, Round 26), Will Pearsall (Concussion, Indefinite), Kade Snowden (Various, Season), Mickey Paea (Ankle, Season), Akuila Uate (Ankle, Season), Danny Levi (Back, Season)
REPORT CARD
D: The Knights might have the best fans in the league, considering that 15,000 people came to see a team that has one win all season. For their sake, here’s hoping that Newcastle can snag a win over the Dragons in Round 26.
— Nick Campton
Originally published as NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 25?
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