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NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 10?

WHO’S hot, who’s not and who’s on the block? Get the very best analysis from our team of experts in the Round 10 edition of the NRL Lowdown.

Milford was again superb for the Broncos.
Milford was again superb for the Broncos.

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 10 edition of the NRL Lowdown.

BRONCOS

HOW THEY FARED

Brisbane overcame the absence of key trio Alex Glenn, Andrew McCullough and Adam Blair to record an impressive 30-6 victory over Manly in the Suncorp Stadium double header.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?

Five-eighth Anthony Milford was electric again with a double while halfback Ben Hunt played one of his better games of the season. Darius Boyd was sensational at fullback. Sam Thaiday played 71 minutes starting in the back-row and prop Herman Ese’ese was strong off the bench.

Anthony Milford was flying for the Broncos against Manly. Picture: Adam Head
Anthony Milford was flying for the Broncos against Manly. Picture: Adam Head

INJURY WARD

Lachlan Maranta (Knee, Round 11), Andrew McCullough (Hamstring, Round 11), Alex Glenn (Calf, Round 11), Adam Blair (Suspension, Round 11), Aaron Whitchurch (Knee, Indefinite).

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?

It looks like Glenn (calf) and McCullough (hamstring) will return from injuries while Blair is available after serving a one-match suspension. The Broncos will need all their big guns on deck to face the Cowboys in Townsville on Friday.

REPORT CARD

A-: It was a danger game for the Broncos without three key forwards but they aimed up. The Cowboys will be a tougher challenge though.

— Travis Meyn

SHARKS

HOW THEY FARED

Cronulla’s purple patch continues and the shire club’s 62-0 demolition of the Knights extends their winning streak to seven games.

After a slow start in the opening minutes, any concerns about the Sharks taking a complacent approach to this clash were put to bed as they ran in five first-half tries.

They crossed for six more in the second stanza and their 11 try-haul helped them leapfrog the Storm to second place on the ladder.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED

There were star performances right across the park, especially from the backline.

Valentine Holmes was in spectacular form and crossed for four tries — the first of which was a contender for put-down of the season.

Not to be outdone, Sosaia Feki also crossed for a treble on the left wing.

The Knights couldn’t touch Valentine Holmes.
The Knights couldn’t touch Valentine Holmes.

Fullback Ben Barba was also in fine touch and played with plenty of zip as he crossed for two tries.

Luke Lewis, Paul Gallen and Wade Graham are all deserving of an honourable mention, with Graham having one of his best games of the season, running for a huge 234 metres.

Who struggled? It’s hard to point the finger at any one player after such a comprehensive showing.

INJURY WARD

Connor Tracey (ACL, Season), Jayson Bukuya (Suspension, Round 11)

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?

Newtown went down to the Mounties 18-12 in the NSC Cup. There were notable performances once again from five-eighth Josh Cleeland and backrower Kurt Capewell, who both impressive in a losing side.

REPORT CARD:

A: Big and dominant up front and threatening in attack, the Sharks will go into their clash against the Sea Eagles confident they can make it eight wins on the trot.

— Fatima Kdouh

STORM

HOW THEY FARED

Melbourne emerged victorious in one of the games of the season, skipper Cam Smith’s field goal sealing a 15-14 win over fellow competition heavyweight North Queensland.

The Storm fought back from 8-0 down to hit the front through back-to-back tries from back-row partners Tohu Harris and Kevin Proctor as both sides threw everything they had at each other..

When Michael Morgan levelled the scores for the Cowboys late in the game they refused to panic, and Smith’s sharp shot snuck them home in a Suncorp Stadium bell-ringer.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?

After what’s been by his standards a quiet start to the season, Smith has exploded in recent weeks and was arguably at his best on the biggest stage so far, capped with the gamewinning moment.

Tohu Harris was magnificent for the Storm on Saturday.
Tohu Harris was magnificent for the Storm on Saturday.

Harris is another Storm player who’s hit his straps of late, the Kiwi Test forward led the way up front with 126 metres from 16 runs, four tackle busts, a linebreak, and combined with fullback Cameron Munster for a brilliant try-saving tackle on Cowboys winger Antonio Winterstein.

Unfortunately Storm’s win didn’t come without cost, the club’s backline crisis rearing its head again as utility Ben Hampton, who started at centre, was struck down by a calf injury.

INJURY WARD

Billy Slater (Shoulder, Season), Richie Kennar (Foot, Indefinite), Will Chambers (Fractured foot, Round 19), Jeremy Hawkins (Hamstring, Round 13), Tony Tumusa (Ankle, Round 11), Young Tonumaipea (Knee, Indefinite), Ben Hampton (calf, TBC)

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?

Hampton’s injury has once again opened a backline spot, but this time there might be a ready-made — and fit — replacement. Recent recruit Ryan Morgan had his first hit-out for Sunshine Coast Falcons in their 22-16 loss to Tweed Heads in the Queensland Cup and while he didn’t star, might have done enough to prove he’s ready for a Storm debut.

REPORT CARD

A: Craig Bellamy’s men passed their biggest test of the season with flying colours, edging the defending premiers on (virtually) home soil, to confirm their status as a genuine title contender. Imagine how they’ll go with a fully fit backline.

— Dominic Burke

COWBOYS

HOW THEY FARED

Suffered a 15-14 defeat at the hands of a desperate Melbourne Storm team at Suncorp Stadium.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?

Lock Jason Taumalolo (15 runs, 141m) was the Cowboys’ strongest player and got them back into the game with his second stint. James Tamou (147m) was also very impressive. Gavin Cooper made three handling errors in what was a poor night for Johnathan Thurston’s edge partner.

INJURY WARD

Rory Kostjasyn (neck, TBC)

Taumalolo has been one of the most damaging forwards in the league.
Taumalolo has been one of the most damaging forwards in the league.

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE

Hooker Rory Kostjasyn suffered a nasty neck injury and is in doubt to face the Broncos. If Kostjasyn is out, Ray Thompson could make his first NRL appearance of the season. Thompson broke his ankle while training with the Indigenous All Stars and made his comeback for Townsville on the weekend.

REPORT CARD

B: Looked a little rusty following the week off. They will be desperate to bounce back at home against the Broncos after losing by one point to them earlier in the year.

— Travis Meyn

BULLDOGS

HOW THEY FARED

In a match that they really needed to stamp authority, the Bulldogs did so with an emphatic 36-4 win over a struggling Wests Tigers who were without their best player.

Nine line-breaks to one, missing just six tackles for the entire match, their attack sparked and took its chances but it was the defence that was a real feature with strong kick-chase and keeping the pressure on the Tigers when coming out of their own half, a couple of times forcing them back in goal to earn line dropouts.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?

The Dogs’ halves — Moses Mbye and Josh Reynolds — played what was in front of them and generated plenty of second phase. Sam Perrett had a great game filling in for Will Hopoate at fullback, scoring a try, finishing with three try assists, running for 171 metres, and making a couple of line-breaks. It’s hard to fault anyone in a side that wins so convincingly.

Josh Reynolds had his best game of the season against the Tigers.
Josh Reynolds had his best game of the season against the Tigers.

INJURY WARD

Brett Morris (knee, Rd 16)

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE

Tony Williams had a great game for the reserves after being dropped from first grade and helped them to a massive 42-12 win, the first of the season. But it was winger Jarrod McInally who was the real hero, scoring six tries, having his hat-trick before halftime. The 20s were on the other end of a similar scoreline, the Tigers blitzing them 42-10, Luis Strickland and Marcelo Montoya scoring the tries.

REPORT CARD

A-: It was nice to see the Bulldogs playing a little less structured and using their talented backline to expose weakness as it appeared. Set plays still featured in the game plan but there was more ball movement that created opportunity against a struggling defensive line. It was resolute defence but the big question will be can they back it up. Everyone knows they are capable of this kind of performance, the issue has been producing it regularly.

— Fiona Bollen

EELS

HOW THEY FARED

Parramatta’s pain worsened with a heartbreaking 22-20 loss to the Rabbitohs.

Finally cleared to play for points after shedding enough players to become salary cap compliant, the Eels looked set to kickstart their bid for an unlikely finals push with a morale-boosting win at home.

But Greg Inglis and Luke Keary combined for a scintillating late try to kill off Parramatta and make their top-eight bid look all but impossible.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?

Semi Radradra at least gave Eels fans something to smile about, the flying Fijian bagging a hat-trick of tries.

Isaac De Gois was solid if unspectacular as he started at hooker following the mid-week departure of Nathan Peats, and the Eels will need more from their No. 9 in the coming weeks.

Semi Radradra‘s hat-trick was a bright spot for Parramatta. Picture: Brett Costello
Semi Radradra‘s hat-trick was a bright spot for Parramatta. Picture: Brett Costello

INJURY WARD

Anthony Watmough (Knee, Retired), Luke Kelly (ACL, Season), Bevan French (Elbow, Round 11), Kieran Foran (Personal leave, Round 11), Tim Mannah (Shoulder, Indefinite), Kenny Edwards (concussion, round 11), David Gower (concussion, round 11)

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?

The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield has reported that captain and star halfback Kieran Foran could return on Monday night against the Storm.

In the lower grades, Wentworthville Magpies had little to cheer about as they crashed to a 42-14 defeat at the hands of the previously winless Bulldogs, while exciting youngster Bevan French scored a try on his return from injury as the Eels’ under-20s beat the Rabbitohs 28-22.

REPORT CARD

C: It’s hard to be critical of the Eels players given their efforts after such a tumultuous time for the club. But the fact remains they let a winnable game slip from their grasp, and will now likely have to triumph in 12 of their last 14 games to finish inside the top eight.

— Dominic Burke

PANTHERS

HOW THEY FARED

After a series of nailbiters the Panthers beat the Warriors 30-18 in Christchurch — the 12 point margin marking their biggest win of the season.

They were able to keep the Warriors scoreless in the second half thanks to some good scrambling defence and defensive reads, especially on the edges.

Jamie Soward’s kicking game was commendable in the gusty conditions.

Once again Penrith troubled the opposition with their second-phase play making 20 offloads and showed they are prepared to shift the ball and play instinctive footy.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?

Matt Moylan and Tyrone Peachey combined to lethal effect. The fullback laid on two of Peachey’s three tires in a performance which surely caught the attention of Blues coach Laurie Daley.

Leilani Latu continued his rapid improvement.
Leilani Latu continued his rapid improvement.

Leilani Latu goes from strength to strength and is playing with added confidence on the back of his representative selection City Origin. Five-eighth Soward is deserving of an honourable mention for his influence on the game.

INUURY WARD

Dean Whare (ACL, Season), Te Maire Martin (Shoulder fracture, Season)

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?

The Panthers suffered their third consecutive loss on the weekend going down to the Warriors 32-16 in the NSW Cup. Waqa Blake was forced to make an appearance in that game after a passport mishap meant he wasn’t able to fly with the NRL side to New Zealand. It’s expected he’ll take his spot in the centres in the first grade side against the Titans this week.

REPORT CARD

B: Penrith have now won three from their past four games and sit seventh on the ladder. They get a chance to consolidate on their winning form against the Titans in round 11. Barring injury, this side has shown it has what it takes to be right in the mix come finals time.

— Fatima Kdouh

DRAGONS

HOW THEY FARED

Like many of St George Illawarra’s matches the clash against the Raiders wasn’t pretty. But they got the job done. Just. The golden point thriller was one with a Euan Aitken intercept try but not before the Dragons did everything to give the match to Canberra.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?

The injury to Jack de Belin saw Mike Cooper handed extra minutes and responsibility on the field. And the Englishman stepped up. Cooper marched the Dragons up the middle of the field with 16 runs for more than 120m and was solid in defence.

The joint venture’s halves, however, have some work to do. It wasn’t that Gareth Widdop and Benji Marshall were bad but a number of their kicking decisions continue to let the team down.

Euan Aitken scored the winning try for the Dragons.
Euan Aitken scored the winning try for the Dragons.

INJURY WARD

Dylan Farrell (back, indefinite), Mose Masoe (ACL, season), Yaw Kiti Glymin (hamstring, indefinite), Ben Creagh (knee, indefinite), Jack De Belin (shoulder, round 16).

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?

If the Dragons are looking for a centre they could seemingly do worse than proven NYC try-scorer Patrick Herbert. The young Draon crashed over for a hat-trick in his side’s 44-6 demolition of the Raiders.

REPORT CARD

C: The Dragons continue to have the worst attack in the NRL and have failed to surpass the 20-point mark in a match this year. Poor kicking options in the opposition 20m zone are killing any chance of tries and when there is space on the left the Dragons go right. St George Illawarra are grinding out the occasional win but they are not a team that looks capable of seeing finals football let alone competing should they get there.

— David Campbell

RAIDERS

HOW THEY FARED

Canberra lost 16-12 to the Dragons in golden point on the back of a Jack Wighton error that will live on blooper reels for decades. The defeat puts the Raiders out of the top eight.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?

Jordan Rapana and Joey Leilua continued to threaten with every touch of the ball as their excellent form continued. The duo were a constant threat on the right-hand side and always looked the most likely for a Raiders side who struggled for attacking cohesion throughout the match.

Wighton had close to the worst game of his entire life on Thursday. He made six handling errors, including the fatal interception in golden point, his positional play was again poor and he struggled to inject himself into the attack. The 23-year old seems to have regressed badly and looks low on confidence. Halfback Aidan Sezer also had another night to forget — for the second match in a row he squandered multiple field goal shots that could have given Canberra the victory. The Raiders need more out of the former Titan, especially considering he was brought to the capital to help close out tight matches.

Jack Wighton’s ordinary form continued.
Jack Wighton’s ordinary form continued.

INJURY WARD

Sia Soliola (Broken arm, Round 13), Jeff Lima (Hand, Round 12), Adam Clydesdale (Ankle, Round 12)

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?

Kato Ottio’s excellent start to the season has continued with the Papua New Guinean international scoring his 13th try of the season in Mounties’ 18-12 NSW Cup win over Newtown. Ottio has notched 13 four-pointers in just nine matches and his latest effort was one of his most spectacular, a 90-metre intercept.

REPORT CARD

D: The Raiders have just one win from their last five matches and will be fuming that they let the last two slip through their fingers. Sezer’s combination with Josh Hodgson and Blake Austin is still building but the lack of progress is starting to become a concern. If they want to be a playoff team they need to find form quickly.

— Nick Campton

RABBITOHS

HOW THEY FARED

South Sydney showed on Friday night there is fight in the old side yet. Staring down the barrel of a fifth consecutive loss against an emotionally-charged Eels outfit no-one really gave the Bunnies a chance. But with Greg Inglis at five-eighth and the Burgess brothers back to their best they clawed their way to a gritty 20-22 win.

WHO STARRED, WHO’S STRUGGLING?

Paul Carter was absolutely everywhere. Yes, he made some handling errors but he was the most passionate and lively Rabbitoh out there. He led every kick chase, was first person into every tackle and almost set up a try with a brilliant piece of footwork from the sideline. Conversely, Dane Nielsen was nowhere to be seen and his touches of the ball were underwhelming to say the least.

Souths didn’t get much out of Dane Nielsen.
Souths didn’t get much out of Dane Nielsen.

INJURY WARD

Michael Oldfield (hamstring, indefinite), Jason Clark (head, indefinite), John Sutton (pectoral, round 18), Zane Musgrove (wrist, indefinite), Angus Crichton (groin, indefinite), Hymel Hunt (pectoral, season), Samisoni Langi (ACL, season), Aaron Gray (knee, round 15).

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?

Slim pickings in the Rabbitohs NYC side. They had a late comeback effort against the young Eels fall short but no-one was really putting their hand up for a first-grade debut.

REPORT CARD

B-: They found their spirit but now they must find their skill. Sheer stubbornness got the Rabbitohs over the line against the Eels but their ball control still requires work. Silly errors gave the Eels a sniff but, unlike previous weeks, South Sydney refused to lie down. If they can couple that mental intent with a more capable style of play then they will be a force to be reckoned with once more.

— David Campbell

SEA EAGLES

HOW THEY FARED

Put simply, the Broncos were just too good for the Sea Eagles. They were out-muscled up front and Anthony Milford ran riot in attack.

Manly tried hard but had no answer to Brisbane’s go-forward and it’s becoming obvious that even for all his skill, Daly Cherry-Evans can’t continue to shoulder the burden in attack as the dominant playmaker — they need more of a contribution from Dylan Walker in the halves.

And things don’t get any easier in round 11 when they take on a Sharks outfit who are on a seven-game winning streak. However, the Sea Eagles did hand Cronulla its second loss for the season back in round three.

Taupau was put on report during the loss to Brisbane.
Taupau was put on report during the loss to Brisbane.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?

Halfback Cherry-Evans never stopped trying from behind a beaten forward pack. He played direct, challenged the line and showed his running game is getting to near its best.

OK so Martin Taupau scored Manly’s only try but once again his inability to control his aggression will likely see him sit on the sidelines for a stint.

The backrower will continue to find himself in trouble if he doesn’t channel the angst appropriately and where his side needs it most, in attack.

INJURY WARD

Daly Cherry-Evans (ankle, round 11), Jamie Buhrer (Broken thumb, Round 11), Jayden Hodges (ACL, Season), Isaac John (Pectoral, Round 16), Jorge Taufua (Broken collarbone, Round 14), Apisai Koroisau (Ribs, Round 11)

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?

Jamie Buhrer made his return from a broken thumb in Manly’s 23-22 defeat to the North Sydney Bears in NSW Cup. A field goal right on full-time sunk the Sea Eagles in what was a lacklustre affair for at least the first 50 minutes. With Taupau set for a stint on the sideline, Buhrer shapes as the likely beneficiary and is set to earn selection in Trent Barrett’s 17.

REPORT CARD

C: The Sea Eagles really struggled to keep up to the tempo of the match and to stop the Broncos from getting a roll-on. It’s been said before but we’ll say it again: Manly need more from their big men. Maybe a shift from lock to prop for Jake Trbojevic could spark their forward pack back to life.

— Fatima Kdouh

WARRIORS

HOW THEY FARED

The Warriors missed a chance to take advantage of another “away” clash in New Zealand, when they were fell to the Panthers.

On a windy day in Christchurch, Andrew McFadden’s let slip an 18-14 lead as they went pointless in the second half and were blown away by a hungrier Penrith side.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?

Veteran prop Jacob Lillyman was probably the pick of the Warriors pack, carting the ball forward 15 times for 136 metres and making 30 tackles, while second-rower Bodene Thompson looked the best he has this season.

Shaun Johnson’s form struggle continued against Penrith.
Shaun Johnson’s form struggle continued against Penrith.

Halfback Shaun Johnson’s performance matched that of his season, with a mixture of good and bad — and the Warriors desperately need more of the fast feet and slick hands he showed in the build-up to Blake Ayshford’s try, than the offload shocker he popped that saw Jamie Soward grab the simplest of four-pointers.

INJURY WARD

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Knee, Season), Ben Henry (Knee, Indefinite), Manu Vatuvei (Medical leave, Round 11), Sione Lousi (ACL, Season), Simon Mannering (Mouth cut, Round 11)

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?

Skipper Simon Mannering is due to return from a nasty facial injury to boost the Warriors pack.

REPORT CARD

D: They sit just a win outside the eight, but that says more about the crazy state of the ladder than the Warriors’ chances of putting together a run to the finals. They need to turn a lot around fast, and won’t find it easy against a desperate but dangerous Raiders outfit.

— Dominic Burke

TITANS

HOW THEY FARED

The Gold Coast had one of their best wins of the season in a 26-6 drubbing of the Roosters at CBUS Super Stadium.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED

Ashley Taylor continued to show why he’s one of the most promising halfbacks in rugby league with another composed display, highlighted by a tricky grubber for Will Zillman that helped seal the win for the Titans. Ryan James was also excellent in the middle of the field, showcasing his rising workrate and endless aggression.

Tyrone Roberts and Zillman struggled in the first half but came good in the second, with Roberts creating a try for David Mead with a wonderful cut out pass and kicking well while Zillman nabbed his first try in close to a year when he latched onto Taylor’s grubber.

Ashley Taylor has enjoyed an excellent rookie season.
Ashley Taylor has enjoyed an excellent rookie season.

INJURY WARD

Oshae Tuiasau (MCL, Round 11), Matt Srama (Knee, Season), David Hala (Elbow, Round 12), Kane Elgey (ACL, Season), John Olive (Broken collarbone, Indefinite), Daniel Mortimer (Hamstring, Round 11)

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE

Cameron Cullen was extremely impressive in his brief stint in first grade and has taken that form back to the Queensland Cup, scoring a try in Burleigh’s 30-18 defeat of Ipswich last weekend.

REPORT CARD

B+: The Titans dropped a lot of ball and could have easily rolled over but managed to stay staunch in the middle of the field and were rewarded with a flurry of late points. Their forward pack is improving all the time and Taylor is a leading candidate for rookie of the year. There are some really good signs for the long-term future of the Gold Coast.

— Nick Campton

TIGERS

HOW THEY FARED

The Tigers endured a listless 36-4 defeat to Canterbury where they looked badly off the pace despite the inclusion of Aaron Woods and Elijah Taylor.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?

Taylor had a fine debut for his new club in the middle of the field and looks to be a superb buy once Jason Taylor lands on his preferred rotation for his middle forwards. Aaron Woods was also strong in his comeback from injury.

The Tigers’ edge defence was woeful on the weekend. An injury to Tim Simona forced Kyle Lovett to the centres temporarily, which is never a good idea, and Kevin Naiqama and David Nofoalouma’s combination on the left-hand side was non-existent. Just as the forwards begin to strengthen, the Tigers face a fresh defensive challenge.

The Tigers lurched to another defeat.
The Tigers lurched to another defeat.

INJURY WARD

Robbie Farah (concussion, TBC), Sauaso Sue (ribs, TBC), James Tedesco, shoulder (Round 12), Josh Aloiai (concussion, TBC)

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?

The usual suspects were at it again for the Tigers’ NSW Cup side in their 24-22 defeat of Wyong. Josh Addo-Carr scored another wonderful long-range try and Rod Griffin was again immense in the middle of the field, scoring a blockbusting four-pointer of his own. Both would not be out of place in first grade but Griffin’s debut will have to wait after he suffered a knee injury on the weekend.

REPORT CARD

D: The Tigers have the talent and the roster to be competitive week to week but their once potent attack is sorely lacking. While the loss of James Tedesco is a factor the inability of Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses to combine on a consistent basis should give Jason Taylor plenty to think about.

— Nick Campton

ROOSTERS

HOW THEY FARED

Poorly. Disorganised and unable to execute the Roosters were still in with a shot with not long to go, which didn’t portray how they’d performed for much of the match, committing 18 errors in the 80 minutes and completing at just 68 per cent. They were outplayed by the Titans in a 26-6 loss.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?

Latrell Mitchell had flashes of brilliance but they were offset by instances of taking the wrong option, which can be put down to inexperience. Jake Friend again left everything on the field, but didn’t run the ball nearly enough while Boyd Cordner produced some strong runs that tested the Titans’ line. Mitchell Pearce failed to replicate the effort he produced in his return to NRL last week and Joe Burgess struggled a bit under the high ball.

The Roosters remain in 15th spot on the ladder.
The Roosters remain in 15th spot on the ladder.

INJURY WARD

Vincent Leuluai (knee, Round 12), Sio Siua Taukeiaho (knee, Round 12-13), Dale Copley (pec, Round 19), Ian Henderson (leg, indefinite)

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE

Wyong Roos went down by just two to Wests Tigers, 24-22. Omar Slaimankhel and Tyler Cornish were again strong, Slaimankhel scoring a try and Cornish threatening from the halves. The Holden Cup team defeated the Titans. Kiah Cooper led the side well, setting up and try and Nat Butcher finished with a double.

REPORT CARD

C: There are no excuses left for the Roosters now that their stars are back on the field and a week soul searching is in order. A shadow of the team they once were, they face an uphill battle to even be in the vicinity of making finals but on efforts like that they won’t go close.

— Fiona Bollen

KNIGHTS

HOW THEY FARED

The Knights lost 62-0 at home to the Sharks. Everything you need to know is in the scoreline.

WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?

Nobody starred and everyone struggled. It was a day where nothing went right for the Knights but there were slight signs of life from their rookie five-eighth Brock Lamb.

INJURY WARD

Jacob Saifiti (wrist, TBC), Trent Hodkinson (knee, round 11), Nathan Ross (hamstring, TBC), Chanel Mata’utia (Knee, Round 16), James McManus (Concussion, Season), Kade Snowden (Various, Season), Jake Mamo (Ankle, Round 11), Peter Mata’utia (Knee, Round 17), Robbie Rochow (Broken arm, Round 12), Jarrod Mullen (Hamstring, Indefinite).

The poor Knights can’t take a trick.
The poor Knights can’t take a trick.

WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?

Despite losing most of their star players to first grade the Knights under-20s were able to eke out a 30-10 victory over the Sharks with bench forward Jayden Butterfield providing an eye-catching two-try cameo off the bench.

REPORT CARD

F: The poor old Knights are so far off the pace they may as well be going backwards. They might fancy their chances of springing another upset on the Tigers this weekend but judging on Sunday’s effort they’ll be flat out getting to the ground on time.

— Nick Campton

Originally published as NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 10?

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