NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 20?
ROUND 20 saw the emergence of another potential title threat, but how is your side faring? Find out how in the latest 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 20 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
SHARKS
HOW THEY FARED
Cronulla finished with a victory and the scoreline most would have expected them to notch up against the Knights.
But for the Sharks, their 36-4 win in front of a home crowd, was a tale of two halves.
Without James Maloney, who was a late omission, they struggled to execute and went into the break with only a 10-point lead.
A dressing down at halftime from coach Shane Flanagan did the trick and his side ran in six second half tries.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Fullback Ben Barba is one of the form players of the competition and continues to deliver the goods. He scored two tries and had another controversially disallowed for an obstruction.
Valentine Holmes and Jack Bird have formed one of the most potent right side combinations in the game. The Sharks look dangerous whenever Bird gets his hands on the ball and on Sunday he crossed the line twice and set up one of Holmes’s two tries.
INJURY WARD
Ricky Leutele (ankle, Round 21)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Sharks squad is so in tact that there’s little room for fringe players to force their way in at the moment. As it was, the Sharks’ NSW Cup affiliate Newtown were leapfrogged by their opponent on the NSW Cup table after going down 42-24 to the Tigers at Leichardt Oval. The Tigers were boosted by the inclusion of Blues hooker Robbie Farah, who stamped his authority on the match. The Jets were in the game at half-time with the scores level at 18-all but were overrun in the final 40 minutes.
REPORT CARD
A-: The Sharks now make it 15 wins in a row but made a stack of errors and lacked execution at times.
— Fatima Kdouh
STORM
HOW THEY FARED
The Melbourne juggernaut rolled on, with a clinical 26-10 win over a Roosters side that tried hard but was ultimately outmatched by a superior side.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The usual suspects led the way for Melbourne: skipper Cameron Smith set up the first two tries, while halfback Cooper Cronk continued his resurgence with another controlled performance. Tohu Harris was the pick of the pack, with another strong display that included his seventh try for 2016 — equalling his previous career tally.
Star centre Will Chambers, playing his second game back from a long-term injury lay-off, is still feeling his way back into first-grade and will only improve as he gets more game time under his belt.
INJURY WARD
Tim Glasby (Shoulder, Round 21), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (PCL, Round 25), Jordan McLean (Ankle, Round 25), Ryan Morgan (Knee, Round 21), Billy Slater (Shoulder, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The return of Will Chambers and form of Cheyse Blair has alleviated Storm’s backline crisis but, in a good sign, their depth players are all fit and firing in the reserve grades. Richie Kennar scored a hat-trick and was joined on the try-scorer’s list by Ryan Morgan in Sunshine Coast Falcons’ 28-16 Queensland Cup win over the Tweed Head Seagulls, while centre Jeremy Hawkins scored a try as Easts Tigers were comfortably beaten 38-8 by PNG Hunters. Meanwhile winger Cory Parker scored four tries as the Thunderbolts fell 44-32 to the Roosters in the under-20s.
REPORT CARD
A: The Sharks are rightly reeling in plenty of plaudits for their 15-game winning streak, but the Storm are hot on their tail and continue to push their premiership credentials.
— Dominic Burke
COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
The Cowboys made the Bulldogs look second rate in a 38-0 belting.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
To a man, the Cowboys were fantastic. It was a performance of power and precision as they utterly dismantled the Bulldogs with powerful forward running and sublime backline plays. Johnathan Thurtson was the best player on the field until he left early with a hamstring injury but Lachlan Coote and Jason Tauamlolo were also superb.
INJURY WARD
Kyle Feldt (suspension, Round 23), Johnathan Thurston (hamstring, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Kalyn Ponga made a return from injury on the weekend and wasted no time in destroying the poor old Bulldogs in the under-20s. Ponga was moved to five-eighth from fullback early in the match due to injury but was superb nonetheless, scoring three tries, setting up two more and notching 10 tackle busts, four line break assists and an unbelievable 212 metres gained from just nine runs.
VERDICT
A: They made a fellow top four side look ludicrously off the pace and could have put 50 on them if Thurston hadn’t been injured. So long as that hamstring complaint isn’t too bad, the Cowboys are building nicely at just the right time.
— Nick Campton
RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Raiders went Full Raider in this one, giving up an 18-point lead in the final 10 minutes before scoring a golden-point try to down the Warriors 26-22.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Jarrod Croker had one of the best games of his career, scoring three tries and setting up another. The Raiders skipper always looked dangerous and was able to capitalise on a Jordan Rapana line break to score the match winner.
For 70 minutes the Raiders were as strong in defence as they have been all season but their worrying collapse in the final 10 minutes dampened the celebrations of the incredible win. The Raiders are now a top four side and should be able to close out matches far more easily.
INJURY WARD
Kurt Baptiste (Foot, Round 24)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Raiders continued their tightrope walk to the under-20s finals with a narrow 24-14 win over the Warriors. Centre Nick Cotric proved why he’s one of the finest prospects to emerge from the Raiders system in recent years with two tries, a try assist, 17 tackle busts and four line breaks. Remarkably, the young Raiders scored six tries and missed all six conversions.
VERDICT
B: It’s been 13 years since the Raiders have been in the top four this late in the season and they should consider themselves as viable premiership threats.
— Nick Campton
BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
The Dogs were looking to push their top four credentials against the Cowboys but instead were well and truly dominated, going down 36-0 in a horror performance.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
James Graham tried everything to drag his team back into the game and worked as hard as one player possibly could.
However, he was the sole bright spot on an ugly night for the Dogs as they dropped a heap of ball in good field position and never really looked like scoring.
INJURY WARD
Chase Stanley (Knee, season), Adam Elliott (Hamstring, Round 23)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Bulldogs under-20s were smashed 44-12 by the Cowboys last weekend but back-rower D’Rhys Miller could hold his head high after scoring a try and making 132 metres in a hardworking performance.
VERDICT
D: Canterbury were snapped back to reality and looked second rate compared to the team just one spot ahead of them on the ladder. They have a lot to do if they’re going to become a premiership force.
— Nick Campton
BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
The Broncos slumped to a dour 31-12 defeat to the Panthers as their top four hopes took a major hit.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
James Roberts tried to get involved and Darius Boyd had some moments but the Broncos were so listless in this defeat that their premiership hopes appear to be a little shaky. There was no intensity from the forwards and no imagination or execution from the halves as the team turned in perhaps their most uninspiring performance to date.
INJURY WARD
Jack Reed (Shoulder, Indefinite), Jordan Kahu (Pectoral, Round 22), Greg Eden (Knee, Round 22), Kodi Nikorima (Shoulder, Round 24), Matt Gillett (Shoulder, Round 21), Carlin Anderson (Jaw, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Broncos under-20s came so close to ending Penrith’s long unbeaten streak in the Holden Cup but just fell short with a try inside the final minutes giving the Panthers a 12-10 victory. Despite the defeat, backrower Jaydn Su’A was close to best on ground with a powerful performance.
REPORT CARD
D: Until the forwards start to establish some dominance in the middle, the Broncos will continue to lose. They also have a tricky matchup against the improved Roosters this weekend.
TITANS
HOW THEY FARED
Titans fans have plenty of reason to be excited as their side galloped to a 34-14 win against the Eels and into the top eight.
Gold Coast jumped out of the blocks to score three tries in the opening 20 minutes and were in control for most of the match.
Halves Ashley Taylor and Tyrone Roberts combined well and new recruit Konrad Hurrell is coming into form which made him one of the most dangerous centres in the game.
The Titans will have their finals credentials tested during the run home as they come up against the Sharks, Panthers and Cowboys.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
A strong contender for rookie of the year, Ashley Taylor was again instrumental in his side’s victory. The halfback pulled the strings in attack and ran the ball with intent, exposing Parramatta’s edge defence to set-up Chris McQueen for a try. He capped off an impressive performance by adding his own name to the try-scorers with an intercept right on full-time.
Konrad Hurrell is rediscovering his barnstorming form and caused the Eels defence plenty of headaches. He scored a try, set-up another, made six tackle busts and two linebreaks.
Winger Anthony Don scored a try but otherwise had a quiet afternoon.
INJURY WARD
Kane Elgey (ACL, season), Matt Srama (knee, season), Daniel Mortimer (hamstring, indefinite), John Olive (fractured collarbone, Round 22), David Shillington (pec, Round 21), Nathan Davis (broken leg, season), Will Zillman (foot, indefinite), Karl Lawton (broken leg, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Brian Kelly went on a try-scoring spree in the under-20s and bagged a hat-trick as the young Titans thrashed the Eels 52-10.
The livewire centre was dominant throughout and displayed plenty of strength close to the line when scoring his first try.
REPORT CARD
B: The Titans are one step closer to cementing a finals spot. But they face a huge challenge over the next two rounds when they take on the Sharks and Warriors.
— Fatima Kdouh
PANTHERS
HOW THEY FARED
Not taking away from Penrith’s performance on Friday night but the Broncos are a shadow of the team they were at the start of the season.
Having said that, the Panthers played with purpose, enthusiasm and were deserved 31-12 winners.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Matt Moylan, Nathan Cleary and Trent Merrin were all influential and perfectly played to their relative strengths.
Moylan was in fine touch and a constant threat. The fullback set-up a try, scored another and made seven tackle busts. Young Cleary played with maturity and showcased game management skills beyond his years. His kicking was controlled and composed as he forced three dropouts. Merrin, in his 150th game, played with impact and finished with a game-high 227 metres as well as a try.
Once again, Bryce Cartwright was exposed in defence on a couple of occasions — one miss let in Darius Boyd for a try.
INJURY WARD
Te Maire Martin (shoulder, indefinite), Dean Whare (knee, season), Peta Hiku (knee, season), Sam McKendry (knee, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Te Marie Martin is still listed on the injury list but it’s expected he’ll make a return in round 21. Martin suffered a shoulder injury which was initially believed to be season ending. He’ll likely partner Nathan Cleary in the halves, pushing Bryce Cartwright into the back row.
REPORT CARD
B: The Panthers have favourable run home, and if they play out the rest of the season with the same enthusiasm they did at Suncorp, then a finals berth is theirs to be had.
— Fatima Kdouh
WARRIORS
HOW THEY FARED
The Warriors fought right until the end, but went down 26-22 to the Raiders in a golden point thriller.
For all their attacking prowess, the Warriors failed to convert the glut of possession they enjoyed in the first half and went into the break trailing their opponents.
Ultimately, their inability to break Canberra’s line in the opening exchanges — when momentum was in their favour — proved to be the difference.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Halves Shaun Johnson and Thomas Leuluai kept the Warriors’ hopes alive right to as they lead the charge towards an unlikely boilover.
Johnson threatened Canberra’s line with his scheming runs and set up the try to David Fusitua which sent proceedings into golden point. And five-eighth Leulaui kept them in touch with back-to-back tries.
Hooker Issac Luke deserves a mention for showing tremendous steel to convert Fusitua’s try from the sideline right on full-time, giving his side one last chance to snatch victory.
INJURY WARD
Ben Henry (knee, indefinite), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (ACL, season), Sione Lousi (ACL, season), Bodene Thompson (ankle, Round 21)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Bodene Thompson, who was only rated a 50/50 chance to line-up against the Raiders, didn’t take the field. But he is expected to make his return from an ankle injury this week, with Bunty Afoa likely to make way for the backrower.
REPORT CARD
C: A loss in Canberra puts a dent in New Zealand’s finals aspirations and the pressure continues to mount on coach Andrew McFadden
— Fatima Kdouh
TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
It was scrappy at times but the Tigers shut out a week of drama and managed to down the Dragons 25-12.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Mitch Moses had one of his best games in first grade, showing great composure and skill to first land a 40/20 and then set up a try for Josh Aloiai. He also made two line breaks and seemed to thrive with the extra responsibility.
The Tigers’ right-side defence was again an issue with Kevin Naiqama and David Nofoaluma still struggling to gel. Despite their undoubted attacking skills, its something to keep an eye on.
INJURY WARD
Matt Ballin (ACL, Season), Bayley Sironen (Shoulder, Season), Tim Grant (Concussion, Round 21), Nathan Milone (Knee, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
There’s this guy who played hooker for the Tigers in the NSW Cup win over Newtown and we reckon he’s far too good for that level.
But enough about Manaia Cherrington, the real story is Robbie Farah’s dropping to reserve grade where the veteran dummy half set up a try for the Tigers in a 42-24 win.
VERDICT
C: The Tigers will need to rely on other results going their way to make the finals but they have some real points in them, an improving forward pack and seem to be able to shut out the drama. If nothing else, they’ll be fun to watch in the last six weeks of the competition.
— Nick Campton
DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
The Dragons sank to 11th on the ladder after a woeful performance against the Tigers delivered a 25-12 loss. It was meant to be a celebration of Benji Marshall’s 250th match and Jack De Belin’s 100th. Instead it was a new low for the Red V as their utter lack of attacking talent was exposed. Again.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The Dragons centres were the best of a bad bunch. Euan Aitken and Taane Milne troubled the Tigers’ edges with dangerous runs. Meanwhile, the halves struggled. Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop made horrible kicking decisions, couldn’t find each other with passes and just stank up the place in general. There was one point when Marshall broke through the Tigers line before turning away from space and running cross-field into the arms of a defender. Seriously!
INJURY WARD
Dylan Farrell (back, indefinite), Mose Masoe (ACL, season), Ben Creagh (knee, indefinite), Josh Dugan (broken jaw, round 25), Kalifa Faifai Loa (cheekbone, round 25).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Illawarra Cutters def by Bulldogs 30-0, NYC Dragons def by Tigers 36-16. Nothing to see here.
REPORT CARD
F: The Dragons’ awful attack plumbed new depths on Sunday. Not only are the players unable to score tries but now they know it. And in a bid to try and make something happen, players are throwing passes and offloads that just aren’t on. A number of times against the Tigers there were ridiculous passes thrown straight into the arms of opposition players.
— David Campbell
SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY FARED
Despite emerging from the sheds after halftime a different side to the one which skipped to an 18-nil lead in opening stanza, the Sea Eagles still found a way to secure an 18-12 win against the Rabbitohs on Monday night.
Manly, full of confidence, enjoyed all the momentum and were able to capitalise on South Sydney’s blunders in the first half.
But as the Rabbitohs got back into the match, Trent Barrett’s men struggled to contain the pressure mounted on them.
In the end the Sea Eagles made it three wins in a row, in part thanks to a controversial no-try call to Bunnies winger Joe Burgess, which could have levelled the scores in the final 20 minutes.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Once again, Tom Trobjevic was a shinning light for the northern beaches club. The rising star looks dangerous every time he handles the ball. He crossed for a try and ran for almost 200 metres and made one linebreak.
A big play by Daly Cherry-Evans deserves an honourable mention. The halfback pounced on a loose ball in a desperation effort to turn defence into attack after Souths had piled a heap of pressure on his side.
INJURY WARD
Steve Matai (Neck, Season), Brenton Lawrence (Pectoral, Season), Matt Parcell (Hamstring, Round 21), Jayden Hodges (ACL, Season), Dylan Walker (Hand, Round 23), Tim Moltzen (Knee, Season), Brett Stewart (Knee, Indefinite)
LURKING ON THE EDGE
Brad Parker could earn a recall to replace Matthew Wright after the Manly winger suffered an ankle injury on Monday night and didn’t see out the match.
Hooker Matt Parcell is pencilled down to return from a hamstring in round 21. His inclusion could see a reshuffle in the backline with Jamie Lyon moving into the centre, Api Koroisau into the halves and Parcell in at hooker.
In the NSW Cup, the Sea Eagles had a day they would rather forget. They went down 32-18 to the Bears but in the process lost both halves to injury and prop Liam Knight was sin-binned for dissent.
REPORT CARD
C: It was an ugly win, but a win nonetheless. And most importantly it keeps Manly’s slim finals hopes alive.
— Fatima Kdouh
RABBITOHS
HOW THEY FARED
The Rabbitohs went down 20-12 to the Sea Eagles on Monday night after another performance punctuated with handling errors. Dropped catches, loose carries and errant passes killed off South Sydney’s chances despite a second half revival.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Cody Walker has been mentioned as the star of the Rabbitohs a number of times this season and so it is again in round 20. The Bunnies fullback had a quiet first half but was the only player who looked seriously capable of taking Manly down. Joe Burgess, on the other hand, had a shocker. The bunker denied him what probably should have been a try but he was shaky under the high ball, lost the pill in tackles and just had a night to forget, really.
INJURY WARD
Hymel Hunt (pectoral, season), Samisoni Langi (ACL, season), Bryson Goodwin (arm, indefinite), Greg Inglis (suspension, round 22), Michael Oldfield (hamstring, round 21), Siosifa Talaki (ankle, indefinite), Tautatasi Tasi (knee, indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Brock Gray and Keaon Koloamatangi both bagged doubles for the NYC Bunnies against Manly in their 44-40 win. Clearly defence wasn’t a strong point for either side.
REPORT CARD
D: Start thinking about next year, boys, because your season is over. The Rabbitohs are 13th on the ladder and won’t move any higher in the near future. Ball security, defence and showing up for the full 80 minutes are the three areas most in need of attention if they are to become a threat to anyone.
— David Campbell
EELS
HOW THEY FARED
Parramatta crashed to a second straight defeat, outclassed 34-14 by the Titans.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Clint Gutherson had never played in the halves at NRL level before last weekend but you wouldn’t know it, the outside back making a great fist of his switch to five-eighth. Gutherson set up two tries, busted four tackles, made a linebreak and a linebreak assist in another impressive effort.
It’d be harsh to single out any strugglers in an Eels side that has refused to give up against all odds for so long this season.
INJURY WARD
Isaac De Gois (Leg, Indefinite), Luke Kelly (ACL, Season), Mitch Cornish (Knee, Round 21), Kieran Foran (Shoulder, Season), John Folau (Fractured wrist, Round 22), Kaysa Pritchard (PCL, Round 22), Anthony Watmough (Knee, Season), Semi Radradra (Knee, Round 25), Vai Toutai (Medial, Round 21), Michael Jennings (Hamstring, Round 22), Corey Norman (Disciplinary, Season), Beau Scott (Ankle, Indefinite), Kepeli Tanginoa (Ankle, Round 21).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Isaac De Gois left the field with a leg injury and if he’s ruled out, it might open the door for Cameron King to make his Eels debut. The former Dragons and Cowboys hooker scored a try as Wentworthville Magpies posted 24 unanswered points to turn a 16-6 half-time deficit into a 30-22 triumph in the NSW Cup. The Eels’ under-20s didn’t fare quite so well, thumped 52-10 by the Titans.
REPORT CARD
D: There’s no doubting the Eels’ effort, but injuries, suspensions, and the fact that they officially can’t make the finals have all been mounting up and they face a challenge to keep performing for the rest of the year.
— Dominic Burke
ROOSTERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Roosters showed renewed enthusiasm but still went down 26-10 to the Storm.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Connor Watson again looked sharp while Boyd Cordner continued his strong recent form on the right edge.
Blake Ferguson made a good fist of fullback after being shifted to the back at the last minute but was found out of position for two Melbourne tries and dropped a bomb in the first half.
INJURY WARD
Ian Henderson (Broken leg, Indefinite), Jared Wearea-Hargreaves (Knee, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The former first-graders were again in fine form for the Roosters under-20s with Jackson Hastings and Joseph Manu looking a class above the rest in the Tricolours’ 44-32 win over Melbourne on the Sunshine Coast.
VERDICT
C: The lift in effort from the Roosters will please Trent Robinson but a lack of refinement, especially by their halves, killed their chances of springing an upset.
— Nick Campton
KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
The Knights went down 36-4 to the Sharks and in their two matches against the competition leaders this season the Novocastrians have been outscored 94-4.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Mitch Barnett did his best to fire up this teammates but was ultimately a little overmatched and the niggle got the best of him. Trent Hodkinson tried hard to spark his side but took several poor options. Pat Mata’utia had one of the worst bombed tries all season. The poor Knights couldn’t even win a scrum.
INJURY WARD
Kade Snowden (Various, Season), Jaelen Feeney (Ankle, Indefinite), Robbie Rochow (Pectoral, Season), Tyler Randell (Ribs, Round 22), Sione Mata’utia (Broken jaw, Round 24),
Brock Lamb (Ankle, Indefinite), James McManus (Concussion, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Jack Cogger badly needed some time out of first grade to get his confidence back after a difficult few weeks in the top grade and the young halfback delivered with a good performance in the Knights’ narrow loss to the Sharks in the under-20s.
VERDICT
D: The Knights have a very real chance of being the first team of the NRL era to win less than three games.
— Nick Campton
* The Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles play on Monday night
Originally published as NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 20?
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