NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 24
THE Broncos are looking back to their old selves, while the Cowboys and Titans are also improving. 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 24 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
STORM
HOW THEY FARED
Melbourne reignited their charge for their minor premiership with a comfortable 38-18 win over struggling Manly.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Suliasi Vunivalu scored four tries in the first half to continue his incredible debut season. The towering winger has jumped clear of Valentine Holmes on the top tryscorer’s list with an astonishing 21 four-pointers from just 16 games.
Skipper Cameron Smith was his usual crafty self, kicking an early 40-20 to start the Storm surge and darting over for a try of his own, while fullback Cameron Munster had a great game in attack, with two try assists, two linebreak assists, 111 run metres, seven tackle busts and a linebreak.
Gun centre Will Chambers is struggling to recapture his top form, a couple of errors punctuating an off night for the Maroons star.
INJURY WARD
Billy Slater (Shoulder, Season), Jordan McLean (Ankle, Round 25), Kevin Proctor (Knee, Round 25)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Centre Richie Kennar scored two tries as Storm’s Queensland Cup feeder side Sunshine Coast Falcons locked up a finals berth with a 30-28 win over Wynnum Manly. Rookie Storm playmaker Brodie Croft also scored two tries, but his Easts Tigers dropped out of the top six with a 24-12 loss to Burleigh Bears. In the under-20s, winger Cory Parker bagged a double to take his season tally to 17 tries as the Thunderbolts drew 28-all with Manly.
REPORT CARD
A: The Storm bounced back from their loss to the Raiders, and did so on a short turnaround to reassert their premiership favouritism. With two home games to come to round out the regular season, Craig Bellamy’s side are well placed for a run to the title. In fact, if they keep winning they won’t have to leave Melbourne until the grand final on October 2.
— Dominic Burke
RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
Canberra had the wobbles early but scored six straight tries to overwhelm the Eels 28-18 and record their eighth straight win.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Jarrod Croker continued his excellent season, scoring a try and throwing the last pass for two others. Joey Leilua is a near certainty to take out centre of the year but Croker should be in the conversation and has more tries than any other centre in the competition with 16. Brenko Lee gave Raiders fans the perfect farewell (unless they snag a home game in the finals) with four tries and underrated bench forward Luke Bateman had another fine performance.
As expected, the Raiders missed the clean service and smarts of Josh Hodgson. Kurt Baptiste looked sharp when he took on the markers but his passing game is not on the same level as the Englishman’s.
INJURY WARD
Lachlan Croker (ACL, Season), Edrick Lee (Calf, Round 25), Jeff Lima (Hip, Round 25), Paul Vaughan (Sternum, Round 25), Josh Hodgson (Suspension, Round 25), Junior Paulo (Rib cartilage, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
It was a clean sweep for the Raiders in all three grades with Mounties continuing their fine NSW Cup form with a win over the Warriors that saw Shaun Fensom score a double while the under-20s remain in eighth spot but established a three-point gap on the ninth-placed Knights with an upset 28-12 win over Parramatta.
VERDICT
A: This was a danger game for the Raiders. Backing up from a Monday night game and without Hodgson, who has become the most important player in the team, and conceding three early tries would have been enough for past Raiders teams to pack it in but Canberra showed great resilience to get the victory and secure their spot in the top four.
— Nick Campton
BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
The Bulldogs were flattered by the scoreline in a 20-10 defeat to Brisbane that showcased many of their shortcomings.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
James Graham worked hard, Josh Reynolds tried hard and Sam Kasiano kicked hard but effort wasn’t the problem for the Bulldogs, execution was. For such a well-drilled team they seem unable or unwilling to play to their strengths, namely their monstrous forward pack and the Mbye-Morris-Morris left edge.
Instead, they forced offloads, dropped everything and continually played to their right-hand side. Reynolds, Josh Jackson and Curtis Rona are all fine players but until Moses Mbye is given full control of the team (or if he has already, until he takes more control in the attacking 20) there are limits to how good this team can be.
INJURY WARD
Sam Kasiano (Suspension, Qualifying finals), Chase Stanley (Knee, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Bulldogs have leapt into the NSW Cup top eight with a hard fought 28-22 win over Penrith on the back of a double from former first grader Lloyd Perrett.
VERDICT
C: The Bulldogs did not look like a top four team at all against Brisbane. They have the talent and the pedigree to turn things around but face a tricky match-up in the Cowboys at Belmore.
— Nick Campton
COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
The reigning premiers returned to the winner’s circle with a dominant 34-6 victory over the Warriors.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Five-eighth Michael Morgan stepped up in a big way on Saturday night, taking the heat off halves partner Johnathan Thurston.
The forward pack also impressed in the absence of injured co-captain Matt Scott, with Jason Taumalolo playing one of his best games of the year.
INJURY WARD
Matt Scott (Back, Round 25), Ben Hannant (Knee, Round 26), Jake Granville (Hand, Round 26)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Matt Scott is expected to return this week. Otherwise, Cowboys are full strength at the moment.
REPORT CARD
A-: The Cowboys desperately needed that win and they worked well to get it. But like any team after a slight form slump, they were not perfect and not yet at their very best. They will have a chance to go to another level against fellow top four contenders the Bulldogs on Thursday.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
Brisbane notched up their third straight win in a tough contest against Canterbury, claiming a 20-10 victory in front of their home crowd.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The Broncos’ forward pack was particularly impressive standing up against Canterbury’s big men. They controlled the ruck well and did not let themselves get overwhelmed like they did in Round 16.
INJURY WARD
Jack Reed (Shoulder, Indefinite), Carlin Anderson (Jaw, Indefinite), Corey Oates (Concussion, Round 25), Kodi Nikorima (Shoulder, Round 25)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Broncos are basically back to full strength, with utility Kodi Nikorima the only regular player that could make a comeback before the end of the season. He is training well but is yet to get the call up after suffering a dislocated shoulder.
REPORT CARD
A: Brisbane look more and more like their old selves every week. They were far more disciplined against the Bulldogs than they were in their win over Parramatta the week before and their defence was almost unstoppable. It wasn’t a flashy win but it was hard-fought and well-deserved.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
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PANTHERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Panthers made it three wins in a row as they ran over the Tigers with a 40-10 victory. The win all but assures the Panthers a top eight spot.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
It was the usual suspects for the Panthers with Bryce Cartwright, Nathan Cleary and Trent Merrin all having standout games. Cartwright showed how dangerous he can be when he runs the ball — the five-eighth crashed over to score and set up a try. Nathan Cleary continues to play with skill beyond his years. He helped set up two of Penrith’s seventh-try haul.
Merrin is in fine form with the backrower running for over 200 metres, making three tackle busts, a linebreak and setting-up a try. His experience will prove invaluable to his young teammates.
INJURY WARD
Dean Whare (knee, season), Peta Hiku (knee, season), Sam McKendry (knee, season), Chris Grevsmuhl (elbow, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Penrith fell to their second straight defeat at the hands of the Tigers, going down 22-14 in the under-20s. In the NSW Cup, a gallant Penrith outfit also went down 28-22 to the Bulldogs at Pepper Stadium. Once again, TeMaire Martin was influential, helping to set up two tries.
REPORT CARD
B: The Panthers are finding form at the right time. If they continue to win, and other results go their way, they could find themselves finishing as high as fifth on the ladder.
— Fatima Kdouh
TITANS
HOW THEY FARED
The Gold Coast moved further towards a finals berth last week, notching up a 26-6 win over the Knights in Newcastle.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The Titans’ forward pack was outstanding on Saturday, with the big men scoring all four tries for the Gold Coast club. They also played a crucial part in keeping Newcastle from scoring in the second half when the home team put a lot of pressure on the Titans.
Jarryd Hayne played a quieter game compared to his last two weeks, but still proved he is fitting in well with the Titans halves.
INJURY WARD
Kane Elgey (ACL, Season), Matt Srama (Knee, Season), Daniel Mortimer (Hamstring, Season), Karl Lawton (Broken leg, Season), Nathan Davis (Broken leg, Season), Ashley Taylor (Hip/groin, Round 25), Jarryd Hayne (Concussion, Round 25).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Co-captain William Zillman looks to be stuck with feeder club Tweed Heads for now, with not much room for movement in the Titans 17 at the moment. Young halfback Ashley Taylor is expected to come back this week however after being rested for the Knights match due to groin and hip niggles.
REPORT CARD
A-: It was not the Titans’ best effort but it was enough against the last-placed Knights. They did not need to do much to get the win but also maintained plenty of desperation in the second half to keep Newcastle from scoring.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
WARRIORS
HOW THEY FARED
The Warriors showed a renewed intensity in defence but collapsed under the weight of penalties and errors to lose 34-6 to North Queensland.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Ryan Hoffman was again strong on the right edge, picking up a try and Ata Hingano showed flashes of real skill in his NRL debut.
Unfortunately, there was more bad than good for the Warriors on the night. Manu Vatuvei is a legend of New Zealand rugby league but Father Time is doing what few defenders ever could and continues to slow the big man down.
Nathaniel Roache, a hooker by trade, was forced to the wing. Shaun Johnson still looked troubled by injury and the cookie-cutter block plays that constituted the Warriors’ attack would be a great cure for insomnia.
INJURY WARD
Ben Matulino (Concussion, Round 25), Ben Henry (Knee, Season), Sione Lousi (ACL, Season),
Issac Luke (Knee, Round 26), Charlie Gubb (Suspension, Qualifying finals), Solomone Kata (Hamstring, Round 25), Ken Maumalo (Hamstring, Indefinite), Roger Tuivasa Sheck (Knee, Season).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Tui Lolohea was overlooked for first grade this week and played NSW Cup, scoring a try for the Warriors in their 38-30 loss to Mounties. While Lolohea has not hit his best form this season he hasn’t been helped by being unable to settle in a single position and constantly being hauled in and out of first grade.
VERDICT
D: It seems we were all seduced by the Warriors’ mid-season Origin bump yet again. They will miss the finals yet again unless a slew of results go their way. With such talent at their disposal, it’s just not good enough.
— Nick Campton
TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Tigers were always going to do it tough without James Tedesco but the 40-10 brutalising they suffered at the hands of Penrith was still a shock.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Mitchell Moses was again the Tigers’ best and seemed the only player to look like testing the Penrith defence. He played a lone hand though with Luke Brooks offering little on his return from injury.
Jordan Rankin replaced Tedesco at the back and had a very unhappy night. Under constant pressure from the Panthers, Rankin crumbled and dropped nearly everything that came his way.
INJURY WARD
Nathan Milone (Knee, Season), Matt Ballin (ACL, Season), Bayley Sironen (Shoulder, Season), Chris Lawrence (Knee, Round 25), James Tedesco (Broken jaw, Season), Rod Griffin (Arm, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Tigers’ chances of finishing in the top two of the NSW Cup took a serious hit with a shock 38-34 loss to strugglers Manly. Robbie Farah was ruled out of the match due to illness and Michael Chee Kam was sent off just before half-time in a controversial encounter. The under-20s fared better, upsetting title favourites Penrith 22-14.
VERDICT
D: Tedesco is the best player at the club but the pitiful defence had nothing to do with his absence. With everything to play for, the Tigers didn’t show up.
— Nick Campton
DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
Remember when the Dragons beat the Sharks last week? That was fun. This week they lost 42-6 to the Roosters, which was not as fun.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Taane Milne has shown plenty of promise in his limited game time this season, albeit with a share of errors to go with it. He’s definitely someone worth persisting with. Jack de Belin was close to the Dragons’ best again and in a tough end to the season he’s been consistently superb.
Benji Marshall has been a wonderful player for a long time, but it’s time for him to hang them up. He doesn’t have the same touch in attack and looked all at sea in defence. Here’s hoping that he can get his mojo back but it seems increasingly unlikely.
INJURY WARD
Ben Creagh (Knee, Indefinite), Mose Masoe (ACL, Season), Siliva Havalii (Knee, Indefinite), Tariq Sims (Ankle, Round 25), Dylan Farrell (Back, Indefinite), Yaw Kiti Glymin (Hamstring, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Dragons’ 25-24 win over the Roosters in the under-20s wasn’t enough for the Red V to jump the Roosters into the top three but it will give them great confidence leading into the semi-finals. Skipper Patrick Herbert was the star, knocking over a field goal inside the final two minutes to secure a vital victory.
VERDICT
D: The Dragons had the chance to secure some momentum following last week’s win over the Sharks but instead they turned in one of their worst performances of the season. For a team that still had faint finals hopes that isn’t good enough.
— Nick Campton
SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY FARED
It was all one-way traffic in the first half with the Storm racing away to a 26-6 lead at half-time. The Sea Eagles made a contest out of it in the second half but the damage had been done in the opening 40 minutes. In the end Manly went down 38-18 in front of their home crowd at Brookvale Oval.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Brad Parker had a night he won’t soon forget. The local junior scored two tries, made three tackle busts and a linebreak in what was just his second NRL game.
He has been Manly’s best in 2016 but it is clear Tom Trbojevic is not at 100 per cent fitness and his performance was below the standard we’ve come to expect from the youngster. Having said that, he still managed a try assist, which is testament to the class of player he is.
INJURY WARD
Jayden Hodges (ACL, season), Tim Moltzen (ankle, retired), Brenton Lawrence (pec, season), Steve Matai (neck, season), Brett Stewart (knee, indefinite), Dylan Walker (shoulder, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
In the NSW Cup the Sea Eagles came away with a 38-24 win against a 12-man Tigers outfit. Michael Chee-Kam was sent off for dissent right before half-time, which made it difficult for the Tigers to stay in the contest.
REPORT CARD
C: Coach Trent Barrett echoed the same sentiment he did after round 23’s loss to the Bulldogs … that his side will endeavour to give the rest of the season all they’ve got.
— Fatima Kdouh
ROOSTERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Roosters’ late resurgence continued with a dominant 42-6 win over the Dragons.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Mitchell Pearce, Boyd Cordner and Blake Ferguson were again the Roosters’ best with Cordner in particular continuing the brilliant form he’s showcased since returning from injury. Connor Watson also had some classy touches and his emergence has to be the highlight of the Roosters’ grim overall season.
He didn’t play badly, but Latrell Mitchell was again quiet on the wing. Trent Robinson indicated after the match that Ferguson would not stay at fullback long term but now that the season is gone it seems strange not to give Mitchell more time at fullback.
INJURY WARD
Ian Henderson (Broken leg, Indefinite), Mitchell Aubusson (Kidney, Round 25), Dale Copley (Concussion, Round 25)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Mitchell Frei has dipped in and out of first grade this season and was in great touch for the Wyong Roos in their 26-16 win over Newcastle, a victory that secures a top eight spot for the Roosters feeder club.
VERDICT
B: The season might be gone but the Roosters are playing with an energy and focus that should give their fans great hope for the future. They’ll fancy their chances of pushing the Sharks to the brink this weekend.
— Nick Campton
KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
Newcastle lost again, this time to the Titans 26-6.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Nathan Ross tried hard as always and Sam Mataora had some good moments. Apart from the first 20 minutes there was far more effort than last week but the Knights lacked the forward grunt and the creativity to trouble a Titans side that looked half asleep.
INJURY WARD
James McManus (Concussion, Season), Brock Lamb (Ankle, Indefinite), Robbie Rochow (Pectoral, Season), Nathan Ross (Facing suspension, Round 26), Will Pearsall (Shoulder/concussion, Indefinite), Sione Mata’utia (Concussion, Round 25), Jarrod Mullen (Knee, Indefinite), Danny Levi (Back, Season), Kade Snowden (Various, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Knights’ NSW Cup side went down 26-16 to Wyong but there was some joy in the Hunter this weekend as the under-20s defeated the Titans 36-24 to keep their faint finals hopes alive. Prop Cameron King charged over for a double in the victory.
VERDICT
D: Shout out to the 10,000 or so fans who made it to Hunter Sports Ground, you all deserve medals. The Knights play their final home game of the season this weekend against Souths and while it would be great to see them land another win they look increasingly certain to be the first side since the 1993 Gold Coast Seagulls to finish a season with one victory to their name.
— Nick Campton
Originally published as NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 24
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