NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 22?
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 22 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
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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 22 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
MELBOURNE STORM
HOW THEY FARED
The Storm looked gone until some late Cameron Smith heroics saw them snag a 15-14 victory over the Rabbitohs.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Cameron Smith knocked over a buzzer-beating penalty goal to send the match into extra time before calmly knocking over a golden point field goal to win the game. Throw in a typically excellent Smith performance around the ruck and it was a match-winning turn from the veteran skipper.
The Storm’s attack just failed to click against the Rabbitohs with a series of passes and kicks not finding the mark. Cooper Cronk and Blake Green did not have a bad game per se, but they weren’t as crisp in their execution as usual.
INJURY WARD
Billy Slater (Shoulder, Season)
Jordan McLean (Ankle, Round 25)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Storm under-20s broke a two-game losing streak to smash the Rabbitohs 48-14 with Jacob Boyce, younger brother of Broncos forward Joe, playing a starring role in his Under 20s debut, scoring a try an setting up another.
VERDICT
B — The Storm were a little below their best but still did enough to win and assume ownership of the top spot on the ladder.
— Nick Campton
CRONULLA SHARKS
HOW THEY FARED
The Sharks suffered their first defeat since Round 3 with Canberra pulling off a 30-14 upset win in the Shire.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Andrew Fifita was strong in the middle of the field and engaged in a running battle with the Raiders forwards. He even managed to create a try with a clever offload for Paul Gallen late in the match and is running into form at just the right time.
On the whole, the Sharks lacked the attacking fluency they required to convert the mountain of possession an field position they had into points. There was no single culprit but the absence of Michael Ennis didn’t help matters, nor did the five-day turnaround from Monday’s struggle against the Titans.
INJURY WARD
Michael Ennis (Illness, Round 23)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Jacob Gagan hasn’t played first grade since 2014 but the bustling centre/winger looked a class above for the Jets, busting the line on several occasions and looking safe as a bank in the Jets 22-19 win over Newcastle.
VERDICT
C — The Sharks weren’t awful and will be better for the loss but their attacking struggles in both of their last two matches might give Shane Flanagan some slight concerns.
— Nick Campton
CANBERRA RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
Any remaining doubts about the Raiders’ title credentials were smashed as the Green Machine downed the Sharks 30-14 in the Shire.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Josh Hodgson has taken a back seat in the Raiders recent winning run but he produced a sensational performance against Cronulla that was reminiscent of his untouchable form from the early weeks of the season. After a nervous start by Canberra it was Hodgson who set them right, exploiting the Sharks’ over-eager marker defence and cutting them to shreds around the ruck.
Brenko Lee had something of a night to forget. The replacement winger was heavily targeted by the Sharks and made two unforced errors in the first half that very nearly led to Sharks tries.
INJURY WARD
Lachlan Croker (ACL, Season)
Kurt Baptiste (Foot, Round 24)
Jeff Lima (Hip, Round 23)
Blake Austin (Shoulder, Indefinite)
Edrick Lee (Calf, Round 24)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Raiders under-20s won their sixth match on the trot in an 18-12 struggle over fellow finals aspirants Cronulla while Mounties downed the Bulldogs 22-20 to move a step closer to the minor premiership, with star winger Kato Ottio scoring his 23rd and 24th tries of the season. Everything’s coming up Canberra.
VERDICT
A. Canberra knocked over a premiership heavyweight away from home and locked up their place in the top four. They still have room to improve, but are peaking at just the right time.
— Nick Campton
LUCKY: Hayne avoids suspension
KEEP HIM: Queensland wants to secure Hayne
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
The Bulldogs didn’t get close to top gear but still managed to down the Knights 28-14 at Hunter Sports Stadium.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Moses Mbye looked classy with every touch but the Bulldogs’ continued preference to play to their right hand side and allow Josh Reynolds to act as dominant playmaker stifled their attack badly. When Canterbury played to their left side in the second half and got Mbye more involved they looked far more dangerous and Mbye’s smooth short-kicking game helped build pressure far more effectively.
Michael Lichaa managed to dart over for a try and defended stoutly but his lack of attacking instincts hamstrung the Bulldogs’ attack. Lichaa was known as a scheming attacking player in his younger days but due to either the restrictions placed on him by Des Hasler or a lack of confidence he seems unwilling or unable to help convert the Bulldogs’ forward dominance into points.
INJURY WARD
Chase Stanley (Knee, Season)
Greg Eastwood (Hamstring, Round 24)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Bulldogs’ under-20s produced one of their best performances of the seasons and downed the Knights 34-24 away from home. Backrower D’Rhys Miller was the blue and white’s best and constantly gave the Knights headaches on the left edge, scoring two tries.
VERDICT
C — The Bulldogs have not played well in their last two matches but have been able to secure their place in the top four and remain just one point behind the third-placed Raiders. Go figure.
— Nick Campton
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
North Queensland suffered a major upset at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, falling 26-14 to the Tigers.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Johnathan Thurston returned from a hamstring injury only to be well contained by the Tigers forwards. With the star playmaker struggling to find a way through, the rest of the Cowboys spine failed to pick up the pieces. While their forwards did their best — and defended strongly — the attack was where it all went wrong for the reigning premiers.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The Cowboys are expected to welcome back winger Kyle Feldt for Sunday’s clash with the Roosters. Feldt has finished serving a three-game suspension for a shoulder charge.
REPORT CARD
B-: The Cowboys side that turned out on Sunday looked like a shadow of the side that has dominated all season. Their attack was flat, they looked fatigued and they had few answers for Mitchell Moses and his men. It was an uncharacteristic performance and one they will be looking to fix quickly.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
BRISBANE BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
Brisbane managed to pull out a much-needed win in awful conditions at Wollongong, defeating the Dragons 12-8 on Thursday night.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Sam Thaiday returned from a one-week suspension to repay his team well, putting in a standout performance for the Broncos. Halves Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford also looked solid after copping most of the blame for Brisbane’s recent form.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Injured duo Kodi Nikorima (shoulder) and Jordan Kahu (pec) have to be edging close to a return after both trained strongly in the lead up to the clash with the Dragons. Nikorima at least should be available for this Friday’s meeting with the Eels.
REPORT CARD
B+: It was a tough performance from the Broncos in the wet conditions at Wollongong and a great effort considering their recent form. However, they still have a fair way to go before they return to their very best.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
PENRITH PANTHERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Panthers move to seventh on the ladder after defeating the Roosters 38-18 at Pepper Stadium on Monday night.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Who else other than Nathan Cleary? The young halfback was sensational with the ball in his hand and his kicking game was on song. His chip to set-up Peachey when he broke the line showed vision and skill well beyond his years. He crossed for a try of his own showing he isn’t afraid to run the ball and take the line on himself.
INJURY WARD
Sitaleki Akaoula (ribs, tbc), Dean Whare (knee, season), Peta Hiku (knee, season), Sam McKendry (knee, season), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (elbow, indefinite)
LURKING ON THE EDGE
Penrith suffered its third loss in a row at the hands of the Tigers in the NSW Cup, as young playmaker Te Maire Martin made his return from injury. He’s expected to make his return into the NRL side this weekend.
REPORT CARD
B- : From here on in every point matters. The Panthers need to be wary of taking their foot of the gas in the dying stages of the match. They let the Roosters in for two quick tries and this could hurt them when it comes to deciding the final make-up of the top eight.
- Fatima Kdouh
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
HOW THEY FARED
The Warriors produced one of their best 80-minute performances of the season, downing the Titans 24-14.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Solomone Kata won a points decision in his battle with former teammate Konrad Hurrell, scoring two tries including a length of the field effort when he hit Anthony Don with a monstrous fend. Shaun Johnson controlled the game well with his short-kicking game and the Warriors’ communication in defence was top notch.
Winger Ken Maumalo did his best to put his stamp on the game and put a hurt on Josh Hoffman but lacked his customary work rate and made a couple of basic errors.
INJURY WARD
Sione Lousi (ACL, Season)
Issac Luke (Knee, Round 26)
Charlie Gubb (Suspension, Qualifying finals)
Ben Henry (Knee, Season)
Roger Tuivasa Sheck (Knee, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Hooker Sheldon Pitama scored a double in the Warriors’ under-20s defeat to the Titans and was a constant threat around the ruck. With Jazz Tevaga and Nathaniel Roache looking good in relief of Issac Luke, the Warriors’ dummy half stocks seem strong for the future.
VERDICT
B. The Jarryd Hayne experience might have stolen the show but the Warriors looked commanding and poised in a fine victory. They are a genuine finals side and given the skills the team possesses they could go far in this competition.
— Nick Campton
WESTS TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
A 26-14 win over the Cowboys was the Tigers finest win of the Jason Taylor era and secured their place in the top eight.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Mitchell Moses and James Tedesco were again superb but the star of the show was winger David Nofoalouma. He had some powerful charges from his own end, a bullocking effort to score a crucial try in the first half and made some damaging tackles to shut down numerous North Queensland attacking raids.
You’d be hard pressed to say any Tiger struggled. They produced a defensive effort of great courage, especially given the early loss of Elijah Taylor.
INJURY WARD
Matt Ballin (ACL, Season)
Bayley Sironen (Shoulder, Season)
Luke Brooks (Knee, Round 24)
Nathan Milone (Knee, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Tigers remained in the top four of the NSW Cup with a narrow 22-18 win over the Panthers with Robbie Farah, Mania Cherrington and Curtis Sironen all grabbing tries.
VERDICT
A. The Cowboys were a little off their game but the tenacity and commitment of the Tigers was simply superb. They now have some real momentum and confidence as they chase a playoff spot for the first time since 2011.
— Nick Campton
GOLD COAST TITANS
HOW THEY FARED
All the attention and hype in the lead up to this match centred around the return of Jarryd Hayne to rugby league. But no one told the Warriors it was Hayne’s day, with the New Zealand side snatching a 24-14 victory over the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Hayne has been out of the game for almost two years now, but you could not tell that by his performance. Apart from throwing one intercept pass, it was a strong showing from the former NSW Origin star. No one in the Gold Coast side struggled too badly, but concerns are growing over Ashley Taylor’s fitness as he continues to deal with a groin injury.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Tyrone Roberts is facing another fortnight on the sideline, after missing Sunday’s clash with a knee injury. Aside from waiting for his return, the Titans are not a team that need too players rushing back any time soon. Co-captains Will Zillman and Nathan Friend are still out but Hayne’s arrival means coach Neil Henry is going to have a tough time fitting everyone in anyway.
REPORT CARD
A-: It was a thrilling clash on the Gold Coast on Sunday, with the Titans simply outclassed by a hungry Warriors team. The Titans made a number of handling errors which led to the loss and will be looking to fix that before they meet the Tigers on Saturday.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
MANLY SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY FARED
The Sea Eagles finals hopes are now on life support after a dour 10-9 defeat to the Eels.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Apisai Koroisau always looked dangerous for the Sea Eagles and crashed over for their only try of the night with a slick show and go. Siosaia Vave was again strong off the bench and really helped to lift the tempo whenever he carried the ball.
Despite the resolve of the Eels, nine points is a very poor return for the Sea Eagles. Tom Trbojevic tried hard but seemed unable to inject himself into the attack while Dylan Walker and Daly Cherry-Evans did not provide the structure or attacking ingenuity that Manly required.
INJURY WARD
Steve Matai (Neck, Season)
Brenton Lawrence (Pectoral, Season)
Brett Stewart (Knee, Indefinite)
Jayden Hodges (ACL, Season)
Tim Moltzen (Knee, Season)
Jamie Lyon (Hamstring, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Winger Peter Schuster scored three tries while Pita Godinet again stamped himself as a classy and creative half but the Sea Eagles fell up just short against the Cutters, going down 30-28.
VERDICT
C — The Sea Eagles lacked cohesion and attacking spark and still have some major rough edges in their game. Put a line through them for 2016.
— Nick Campton
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
The Dragons tried hard but were killed by their lack of attacking skill and went down 12-8 to the Broncos.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Jack de Belin was again strong at lock forwards and was ably supported by Mike Cooper and Tariq Sims as they really took it to the Broncos forwards. Taane Milne and debutant Lucianio Leilua also looked likely, if a little loose, with the ball in hand.
Benji Marshall is chasing a new contract but he was very poor, making a litany of mistakes and killing off any chance of a miracle Dragons win with a foolish cut out pass in the final minutes.
INJURY WARD
Mose Masoe (ACL, Season)
Ben Creagh (Knee, Indefinite)
Josh Dugan (Broken jaw, Round 24)
Dylan Farrell (Back, Indefinite)
Leeson Ah Mau (Suspension, Round 24)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Kalifa Faifai Loa made an early return from injury in the NSW Cup and scored three tries for the Cutters in their 30-28 win over Manly.
VERDICT
D — The Dragons were willing but they just didn’t have the creativity, skill or execution to trouble the scorers as often as they should have. The finals now seem a remote possibility for the battling Red V.
— Nick Campton
PARRAMATTA EELS
HOW THEY FARED
The Eels can’t score tries to save themselves but it doesn’t matter because they’re as tough as a $5 steak and worked their way to a 10-9 victory over Manly.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Kenny Edwards was superb off the bench and gave the Eels a real burst of energy while Brad Takairangi was always a threat and led from the front with first class communication in defence.
Clint Gutherson lacked the poise you’d want in a five-eighth but seeing as he’s actually a centre/fullback we’ll give him a pass.
INJURY WARD
Kepeli Tanginoa (Ankle, Round 23)
Matt Woods (Shoulder, Season)
Semi Radradra (Knee, Round 24)
Corey Norman (Disciplinary, Season)
Beau Scott (Ankle, Indefinite)
Bureta Faraimo (Cheekbone, Season)
Luke Kelly (ACL, Season)
Tepai Moeroa (Concussion, Round 23)
Anthony Watmough (Knee, Season)
Kieran Foran (Shoulder, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Scott Schulte scored three tries for Wentworthville in their 28-20 win over the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup. The Queensland Under 20s representative was one of the best players on the field as the Magpies downed the Bears in an entertaining, back and forth match.
VERDICT
A. The Eels are running around with a bare bones side and have nothing to play for but they beat Manly because they wanted it more and you can’t ask any more than that.
— Nick Campton
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
HOW THEY FARED
The Rabbitohs came so damn close to snatching what would have been a famous win over the Storm but came up short in golden point to the tune of 15-14.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Sam Burgess had his best game since his neck injury against the Dragons and led from the front in a powerful performance. Damien Cook also justified his inclusion at hooker ahead of Cam McInnes, despite an avoidable penalty that allowed Cameron Smith to level the scores after the fulltime siren.
The form woes of George Burgess continued unabated with the big man making two basic errors and giving away three penalties. He also ran the ball a paltry eight times for just 90 metres in a very disappointing performance.
INJURY WARD
Bryson Goodwin (Arm, Indefinite)
Siosifa Talaki (Ankle, Indefinite)
Luke Keary (Hamstring, Round 26)
Samisoni Langi (ACL, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Ed Murphy and halfback Eli Levido both had strong performances for the Bears but it wasn’t enough to run down Wentworthville in the NSW Cup with the Magpies running out 28-20 winners.
VERDICT
B. The Rabbitohs put in a brilliant effort and nearly did enough to spring the upset of the season but a lack of poise late and some foolish penalties cost them the match. Adam Reynolds had a chance to win the game with a very gettable field goal but failed to find the mark.
— Nick Campton
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Roosters competed for the opening 20 but in the end were overrun by the Panthers and crashed to a 38-18 defeat.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Connor Watson continued to look sharp and set up all three of the Roosters tries with fine ball-playing. Trent Robinson has indicated that Watson will play as a bench utility next season to accommodate Luke Keary, which would be a real shame considering the bright spot Watson has been this season.
Aidan Guerra has been poor all season but some of his defence against Penrith was not of first grade standard. Twice the Origin backrower was bumped off by Panthers players for tries and he looked nothing like the barnstorming backrower we’ve seen in the past.
INJURY WARD
Jared Wearea-Hargreaves (Knee, Round 23)
Ian Henderson (Broken leg, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Eloni Vunakece hasn’t been seen in first grade for several weeks but the hard-working prop continues to play well for Wyong in the NSW Cup. As one of the most consistent forwards in the competition, Vunakece was typically powerful in the Roos narrow 20-16 win over the Warriors.
VERDICT
D. The loss of Mitchell Pearce didn’t help matters but the Roosters collapse would have been very disappointing after last week’s win over Brisbane. They now face the unenviable task of containing a Cowboys side smarting after their upset loss to the Tigers.
- Nick Campton
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
The Knights had their moments but were resigned to another defeat, this time a 28-14 loss to Canterbury.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Trent Hodkinson had one of his better games of the season and played a huge role in the Newcastle fightback at the start of the second half. Jarrod Mullen also had some quality touches but his gaffe when trying to regather a charged down kick, which led to a try to Moses Mbye, killed off any hope of victory.
The Knights have high hopes for Danny Levi and the young New Zealander has been playing with injury but he needs to offer more in both attack and defence.
INJURY WARD
Nathan Ross (Calf, Indefinite)
Brock Lamb (Ankle, Indefinite)
Mitchell Barnett (Suspension, Round 23)
Josh King (Ankle, Indefinite)
Tyler Randell (Ribs, Round 23)
Sione Mata’utia (Broken jaw, Round 24)
Kade Snowden (Various, Season)
James McManus (Concussion, Season)
Robbie Rochow (Pectoral, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Knights’ under-20s lost 34-24 to Canterbury and their NSW Cup side went down 22-19 to Newtown after conceding the final try within the final three minutes. Jaelen Feeney had a strong game at five-eighth, scoring a try and doing his best to create attacking chances.
— Nick Campton
Originally published as NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 22?
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