The Tackle: All the likes and dislikes from a wet round two of the 2021 NRL season

Michael Maguire has hinted at changes following another poor performance — check out all the likes and dislikes from R2 with Dally M votes and full leaderboard.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Jerome Luai of the Panthers runs the ball during the round two NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Penrith Panthers at Bankwest Stadium, on March 20, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Our rugby league writers reveal what caught their eye — both good and bad — in Round 2 of the NRL.

EELS V STORM

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Like: Backrower Marata Niukore was a last-minute replacement for injured centre Waqa Blake (calf) but didn’t miss a beat, or a chance at a big hit in defence, in his first game of the season. With Blake likely to miss around three weeks, Eels coach Brad Arthur has an unlikely, but reliable, replacement in Niukore. There was also Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy’s honesty about the gaping hole of experience the retirement of club legend Cameron Smith has left in his side. Bellamy admitted without Smith the side had “lost its way”.

Marata Niukore stepped up when the Eels really needed him.

Dislike: Seeing Parramatta star Ryan Matterson knocked out cold on the Bankwest Stadium, given the backrower has had an extensive history with concussion and head knocks. Just as concerning was referee Ashley Klein’s decision to keep Melbourne’s Felise Kaufusi on the field following his part in the incident. As it stands, the referee and the video referee have the power to bin or send off a player for foul play that results in concussion or head knock. But the NRL should consider introducing a mandatory sin bin for foul play leading to a HIA.

Fox Sports key stats: Eels have won two of the past three games against Melbourne - with both wins coming at Bankwest Stadium (won 14-0 last season). Just second time in the past six seasons Storm has not started 2-0 (2018 was the other).

- Fatima Kdouh

Dally M votes

Judge: Ryan Girdler

3 Reed Mahoney (PAR)

2 Maika Sivo (PAR)

1 Ryan Papenhuyzen (MEL)

He’s just 19 - what a future Bradman Best has in the NRL.

WARRIORS V KNIGHTS

Like: There have been huge wraps on Newcastle centre Bradman Best ever since his emergence in the NRL - and it wasn’t just because of his name. Best showed why former Knights coach Nathan Brown - who was in the opposition coach’s box on Friday - wasn’t afraid to debut the then 18-year-old two years ago with two sterling second-half try assists, including a late game-winner to ensure the Knights made it two-from-two to start the NRL season. The fact he overcame an ankle issue earlier in the week also proves just how tough the bullocking centre, rated by many as a future representative star, can be.

Dislike: A stubborn Knights defence may have had plenty to do with it, but there was plenty of frustration around the Warriors’ 27-12 advantage in plays inside the opposition 20-metre zone in the first half. A week after being heavily criticised for their last-tackle options, halves Kodi Nikorima and Chanel Harris-Tavita again left their new coach wanting more in good-ball situations. Brown conceded post-game that their chemistry remains a work in progress. Perhaps getting departing star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck more ball on the end of their set plays, as they did in the second half when he set up two tries and stole the lead, could be the answer.

Fox Sports key stats: Bradman Best set up two tries in the same game for the first time in his career. The Warriors had 55 per cent possession, 37 tackles to 22 in the opposition 20, and six set restart infringements to nil.

- Matt Encarnacion

Dally M votes

Judge: Mark Geyer

3 Bradman Best (NEW)

2 Roger Tuivasa-Scheck (WAR)

1 Jayden Brailey (NEW)

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui terrorised the Broncos defence.

TITANS V BRONCOS

Like: It’s only natural David Fifita will steal the headlines but Tino Fa’asuamaleaui shapes as the heartbeat of the Titans pack. While Fifita ripped the Broncos apart on the edges with his two-try haul, the real damage was done with towering Tino’s bursts in midfield. The Queensland Origin hulk charged for 115 metres and will give the Titans some genuine presence in the midfield this season. The Gold Coast’s midfield rotation is impressive with Fa’asuamaleaui ably supported by Mo Fotuaika, Jarrod Wallace, Jaiman Jolliffe and Sam Lisone.

Dislike: The Broncos will never recover as a finals contender until they find some resilience in their defensive line. It wasn’t just their 27 missed tackles against the Titans, it was the manner in which their derby rivals scored their five tries. Anthony Milford missed four tackles and three led to Titans tries, including David Fifita’s double, while Brisbane’s midfield were too passive on their tryline when Jolliffe crashed over just before halftime. The likes of Tevita Pangai Jnr, Tom Flegler, Jordan Riki and Pat Carrigan need to muscle up in the absence of the suspended Payne Haas for this week’s clash against the Bulldogs.

Fox Sports key stats: Broncos’ 13th straight loss. Equal 16th longest losing streak all time - and equal fourth longest in the NRL era. David Fifita scored two tries against his former club while running for over 100 metres and busting nine tackles.

- Peter Badel

Dally M votes

Judge: Anthony Minichiello

3 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (GCT)

2 David Fifita (GCT)

1 Ash Taylor (GCT)

Jarome Luai was outstanding against the Bulldogs.

BULLDOGS V PANTHERS

Like: The confidence, form and attitude of Jarome Luai. While his halves partner, Nathan Cleary, may dominate headlines, there is little doubt of the importance of Luai to this Panthers side. He brings energy and an attitude where he just has the confidence of knowing things will work out. Despite the torrential rain, he still tormented Canterbury’s defence. He laid on two tries and engaged in a healthy set to with opposite Kyle Flanagan. Penrith also keeping their opposition scoreless to start the season is a huge coup for the club.

Dislike: The patchiness of the Bulldogs. There are signs that they are an improved team but are yet to produce a complete performance. Against Newcastle, they were really good for 20 minutes before falling away. On Saturday, they were good for 38 minutes before dropping off significantly. There are signs they are on the improve but fundamental errors – dummy half passing, kick clean-up and missed one-on-one tackles at crucial times hurt. It will be interesting to see how patient new coach Trent Barrett is.

Fox Sports key stats: Penrith became first team in premiership history to start a season without conceding a point in their opening two games. The Bulldogs became the fifth side in the NRL era to lose nine straight home games.

- Michael Carayannis

Dally M votes

Judge: Corey Parker

3 Jarome Luai (PEN)

2 Viliame Kikau (PEN)

1 Brian To’o (PEN)

Damien Cook tore Manly apart with his running game.

SEA EAGLES V RABBITOHS

Like: Damien Cook’s running game. He struggled at stages last year despite the go-fast rules that should have made him lethal, Cook showed how lethal he can be. One of the fastest players in rugby league over 20m, the former beach sprint champion put the NRL on notice in the 25th minute when he went off like a shotgun and blasted his way through the ruck only to be denied by the video referee. The near miss sparked Cook into action and the NSW hooker combined with Adam Reynolds to lead South Sydney to their first win of the season. “I don’t have a plan for him to run,” coach Wayne Bennett said. “It depends what opportunities are available to him. He has a very talented backline there that is always wanting the ball so it is about the opportunities and balancing it every week.” Cook ended up making almost 100m and scored a try as he ran eight times in a five-star wet weather performance.

Dislike: Dylan Walker at fullback. A world-class centre, Walker has proved himself to be a liability at the back since being forced into the No.1 jersey. Dropping two attempted kick catches and failing to make a play at a 40/20 that led to a crushing on the stroke of halftime try, Walker’s performance has Des Hasler desperately searching for a replacement. Tom Trbojevic is not scheduled to return from a hamstring injury until round five. “It was a tough day for everyone,” Hasler said. “We might need to reshuffle some players. I thought Brad Parker was really good today so we will have to look at some options around it.”

It was unclear whether Hasler was referring to Parker as a potential fullback or switching him to the wing in a move that would allow either Jason Saab or Rueben Garrick to play No.1. Either way, it appears Walker will next week be wearing No.3.

Fox Sports key stats: Latrell Mitchell scored a try, set up another, ran for almost 140 metres and was sin binned for the sixth time in his career. Manly has lost its first two matches in four of the past six seasons.

- James Phelps

Dally M votes

Judge: Paul Whatuira

3 Latrell Mitchell (SOU)

2 Damien Cook (SOU)

1 Benji Marshall (SOU)

Ben Hunt had one of his best games for the Dragons.

COWBOYS V DRAGONS

Like: The spirit is back in the Red V. While their true litmus test will come against the top sides, there was enough in the Dragons’ defensive display at the back end of their win to have the faithful hopeful. Down by one try, the Cowboys forced three straight dropouts late in the second half but the Dragons refused to be breached. While they might have conceded a few “soft” tries earlier in the night, it was a defensive display that had coach Anthony Griffin’s DNA all over it and was led by their on-field general Ben Hunt. “It will help him, he is a really tough competitor,” Griffin said of Hunt. “Some of his big plays in defence were enormous. It was a captain’s knock, they all played for each other and he led that.”

Dislike: The Cowboys need to find an answer to their poor handling, and fast. The home side swung the momentum several times in their favour, and while the attack was clunky, they continued to find a way to the try line to keep pace with the Dragons. But the Cowboys proved their own worst enemy with sloppy errors in their own half handing the Dragons cheap field position. The mental resilience was also lacking for the home side, compounding their errors with poor efforts on defence. It was always going to be a mission for Todd Payten to turn the club around into genuine finals contenders, but it is becoming apparent that could be mission impossible this season.

Fox Sports key stats: Ben Hunt scored a try, set up two others and had four line break assists. The Cowboys have won three of their 11 games at their new home ground.

- Matthew Elkerton

Dally M votes

Judge: Greg Alexander

3 Ben Hunt (STI)

2 Valentine Holmes (NQC)

1 Daniel Alvaro (STI)

Brett Morris just can’t stop scoring tries.

TIGERS V ROOSTERS

Like: Don’t compare Brett Morris to a vintage red wine — he’s better than anything Penfolds has produced over the years. The ageless Roosters winger became the first player in rugby league history to score back-to-back hat-tricks in the first two rounds of the competition after collecting another three against the Tigers. The 34-year-old is loving life at the end of the Chooks’ deadly right edge, racing to 171 career tries after scoring six in two weeks. He is fast closing in on Steve Menzies’ tally of 180 and may threaten Ken Irvine’s record of 212 if he keeps up his current strike rate. Teammates reckon BMoz is going so well he could play until he’s 40.

Dislike: Tigers coach Michael Maguire strongly hinted at changes following the Campbelltown shellacking. And that could spell bad news for centre Joey Leilua. Leilua missed eight tackles on the Tigers’ porous left side. With James Roberts expected back for next week’s clash with Newcastle, big Joey could see himself on the outer. The smart money has Roberts returning at right centre and Tommy Talau switching to the left. It’s clear Madge is fast running out of patience with a number of under-performing players.

Fox Sports key stats: While his team was well and truly outclassed, Tigers fullback Daine Laurie had a strong game, clocking up 16 runs for 163m and also managing two linebreaks, the same amount as Roosters stars Luke Keary and Brett Morris.

- Adam Lucius

Dally M votes

Judge: Sam Thaiday

3- Brett Morris (SYD)

2- James Tedesco (SYD)

1- Daine Laurie (WST)

The Raiders dominated early but couldn’t put the Sharks away.

SHARKS V RAIDERS

Like: John Morris has shown enough to warrant a contract extension, yet he still has his detractors who feel he doesn’t have what it takes to cut it in the NRL. Morris has taken the Sharks to the finals in both years at the helm despite salary cap dramas, long-term injuries and strong personalities in the sheds. He has transformed this team from one that was defensively fragile to one that can match it with the best in the competition, while his fingerprints are all over everything they do in attack. This was a game the Sharks would have lost by 40 points last season, yet they were a couple of straight kicks away from upsetting one of the competition heavyweights, and that’s with plenty of stars on the sidelines.

Dislike: The Raiders have a long way to go with their attack before they can challenge for the title. They struggled for points in round one and weren’t any better here. It took 21 tackles inside the opposition 20 for them to score, and they only managed one more four-pointer from a barge-over close to the line. Jack Wighton had a night to forget, coming up with a number of errors close to the line. Halves partner George Williams was also quiet. It’s easy to blame the conditions, but Canberra’s big men laid a good enough platform for them to put the game to bed early in the second half.

Fox Sports key stats: This was a scrappy game in which there were 29 errors (Sharks 18-11) and 55 missed tackles (Sharks 36-19). The Raiders had 34 tackles to two in the opposition 20 in the first half but scored just two tries — and one of those came in the 40th minute.

- Martin Gabor

Dally M votes

Judge: Ben Ikin

3- Joseph Tapine (CBR)

2-Josh Papali’i (CBR)

1- Hudson Young (CBR)

DALLY M LEADERBOARD: ROUND 2

Brett Morris (Roosters) 6

Reed Mahoney (Eels) 5

Junior Paulo (Eels) 4

Hudson Young (Raiders) 4

Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs) 4

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors) 3

James Tedesco (Roosters) 3

Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm) 3

Daniel Saifiti (Knights) 3

Kodi Nikorima (Warriors) 3

James Fisher-Harris (Panthers) 3

Bradman Best (Knights) 3

William Kennedy (Sharks) 3

Tino Fa’asumaleaui (Titans) 3

Jarome Luai (Panthers) 3

Ben Hunt (Dragons) 3

Joseph Tapine (Raiders) 3

Josh Papali’i (Raiders) 2

Valentine Holmes (Cowboys) 2

Viliame Kikau (Panthers) 2

Christian Welch (Storm) 2

David Klemmer (Knights) 2

Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors) 2

Lindsay Collins (Roosters) 2

Nathan Cleary (Panthers) 2

George Williams (Raiders) 2

Mat Moylan (Sharks) 2

David Fifita (Titans) 2

Maika Sivo (Eels) 2

Damien Cook (Rabbitohs) 2

Jayden Brailey (Knights) 2

Anthony Milford (Broncos) 1

Daniel Alvaro (Dragons) 1

Daine Laurie (Tigers) 1

Dylan Edwards (Panthers) 1

Jordan Rapana (Raiders) 1

Jack Bird (Dragons) 1

Ash Taylor (Titans) 1

Brian To’o (Panthers) 1

Benji Marshall (Rabbitohs) 1

Originally published as The Tackle: All the likes and dislikes from a wet round two of the 2021 NRL season