NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 4?
WHO starred, who struggled and who’s the next man up? Find out how your team is faring in the Round 4 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 3 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
YOUR SAY: How do you think your team is faring? Have your say below — the best reader comment for each club will be published in the Tuesday update
BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
A sluggish performance in Round 3 was well and truly banished to the annals of time as the Bulldogs blitzed the Rabbitohs in the opening 30 minutes, scoring at a rate of a point a minute. Their rate dropped in the second half but they certainly didn’t switch off and now people are taking notice of Canterbury as contenders for 2016.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Take your pick for a star. Moses Mbye once again, Aiden Tolman, James Graham, Josh Reynolds even Craig Garvey put his hand up this week. Des Hasler has that welcome conundrum of players stepping up in the absence of stars and everyone working to hold on to their spot.
With a forward pack as jammed with talent as the Dogs’ it’s easy for a good performance to appear off. Sam Kasiano has done nothing wrong but he has been quiet and could have more impact through the middle when he runs.
KENT: Why Hopoate should be applauded
WHO WINS: Tedesco and Dugan battle for Blues fullback
INJURY WARD
Brett Morris (knee rd 16), Michael Lichaa (knee Rd 6), Adam Keighran (shoulder, indefinite), Tony Williams (concussion, TBA)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Holden Cup side was run down in the second half by the Rabbitohs on Friday, getting out to a 10-point lead but not scoring again to finish down 28-10. A late withdrawal of towering centre Jayden Okunbor may have disrupted the side but the didn’t have a response to Souths. In reserves it was another loss (32-14 to the Tigers), but the centre-wing combination of Tyrone Phillips and Kerrod Holland had impressive flashes and combined well with Dane Chisholm.
REPORT CARD
A+. It was such an emphatic performance and meant that from four matches thus far the Bulldogs have looked good to really good in three of them. While not the most star-studded roster in the NRL, it is packed with talent and if they can control games like that consistently throughout the season they’ll be one of the tougher sides to beat.
— Fiona Bollen
BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
The Broncos came out on top in the game of the season when Anthony Milford potted a 40m field goal in golden point to sink the Cowboys 21-20 in the grand final rematch.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
James Roberts exploded with his best game since leaving the Titans, scoring his first Broncos try and making three linebreaks in a performance which was only topped by Milford’s. Halfback Ben Hunt is still searching for form.
INJURY WARD
Jordan Kahu (shoulder, round six), Jack Reed (eye, round five), Corey Oates (shoulder, round six)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Jack Reed could make his return from an eye injury which would be welcome given Jordan Kahu will likely be sidelined with a shoulder problem.
REPORT CARD
B+: Three wins from the opening four rounds is a good start but the Broncos still aren’t playing the way they’d like to.
— Travis Meyn
STORM
HOW THEY FARED
The Storm juggernaut ground to a halt at Shark Park on Monday night when they were well held by Cronulla to post their first loss of the season.
Uncharacteristic errors, poor decision-making and a staunch defensive effort from the Sharks combined to make it a frustrating night for the Storm.
The loss was compounded by a leg injury to young gun Curtis Scott, which is expected to sideline the exciting centre for up to eight weeks.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Tohu Harris had his busiest game for the year, chalking up nearly 150m from 19 runs while Felise Kaufusi provided some punch from the bench and crashed over for the Storm’s only try.
On the flip side, halfback Cooper Cronk has looked strangely out of sorts for the Storm so far in 2016 and was well below his best against the Sharks.
INJURY WARD
Curtis Scott (leg, TBA), Kevin Proctor (thigh, TBA), Billy Slater (shoulder, season), Matt White (calf, indefinite), Jeremy Hawkins (indefinite), Cheyse Blair (indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The injury to Scott has opened the door for an outside back, provided Bellamy doesn’t opt to push Tohu Harris or fellow back-rower Kenny Bromwich out wider. Richie Kennar has been playing in the centres for Storm’s Queensland Cup feeder club Sunshine Coast, while young winger Tony Tumusa recently bagged a hat-trick for the Falcons.
REPORT CARD
B: A tough loss away to a fellow finals contender is no reason to be reaching for the panic button, and the Storm can’t be disappointed with a 3-1 start to the season. But their attack has yet to really click aside from the Round 2 win over the Titans, and they’ll be keen to rack up a score against the hapless Knights this weekend.
— Dominic Burke
TITANS
HOW THEY FARED
Produced one of the club’s best comebacks to beat the Raiders in Canberra, which isn’t an easy task.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Prop David Shillington was huge and there’s no doubt the Gold Coast’s experienced forward pack is their strength. Their young backs are still learning the game but will improve with time.
INJURY WARD
Anthony Don (head cut, round five), Nathan Friend (concussion, round five), Tyrone Roberts (knee, TBA), Will Zillman (calf, round five), Kane Elgey (ACL, season), Karl Lawton (groin, round five), Oshae Tuiasau (MCL, round eight), Nathaniel Peteru (knee, round six), Nathan Davis (shoulder, round six), Brian Kelly (ankle, round five), Matt Srama (knee, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Five-eighth Tyrone Roberts is nursing a knee injury and could be replaced by Daniel Mortimer, Greg Bird or Cameron Cullen. Hooker Nathan Friend will return from a week off due to multiple head knocks.
REPORT CARD
B+: Not much was expected from the Titans this year but they are 3-1 and in the top four. They should be very happy with how they’re progressing.
— Travis Meyn
EELS
HOW THEY FARED
The Eels rolled up their sleeves to grind out a gritty, rather than pretty, shutout of the Tigers in a grinding Easter Monday showdown at ANZ Stadium.
Resolute defending and toughness in the middle was the order of the day as Parra closed down a previously free-flowing Tigers attack to prevail 8-0.
Junior Paulo’s try and two Michael Gordon goals were all that separated the two teams but it was enough for Parra to make it three wins on the trot.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Prop Junior Paulo was a powerhouse up front the for the Eels, repeatedly punching his way into the Tigers defensive line until they finally couldn’t contain him. He bulldozed his way over in the 55th minute for the game-winner, albeit by the tip of his fingers. In an impressive defensive effort, Manu Ma’u was at his typically tenacious tackling best.
As stoutly as they defended though, coach Brad Arthur would have been a lot happier if the Eels had been able to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Star halves Corey Norman and Kieran Foran will be hoping for a more fluid attacking effort against the Panthers next week.
INJURY WARD
Nathan Peats (dislocated elbow, round six), Anthony Watmough (knee, indefinite), Cameron King (sternum, indefinite), Tim Mannah (shoulder, TBA)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Young flyer Bevan French returned from a hand injury in style, scoring a hat-trick of tries as the Eels under-20s ran riot in a 40-4 win over the Tigers. The Auckland Nines standout also chimed in with two try-saving tackles to give a strong reminder of his exciting potential — and maybe give Arthur cause to rethink his declaration that French was unlikely to feature in the NRL this season.
REPORT CARD
A: Parra did everything asked of them on the defensive side of the ball to rack up their third straight win of the season and a share of first place on the ladder. With their attack sure to improve as Norman and Foran work on building their budding partnership, things look to be heading in the right direction for the Eels.
— Dominic Burke
RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
Canberra lost an unlosable game. Leading the Titans by 20-6 with 25 minutes to go it seemed as though they’d maintain their undefeated record but a series of errors and defensive lapses resulted in the Titans storming home to win 24-20 as the issues that have lain dormant for the Raiders since the start of the season came to the forefront.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Josh Hodgson again starred despite lacking support from his halves, setting up two tries in the first half and controlling things around the ruck with aplomb. He has become one of the best hookers in the competition and has been the Raiders’ best player all season. Paul Vaughan also had a game to remember, providing wonderful impact off the bench.
Frank-Paul Nu’uausala continued to provide nothing but misdirected aggression. After starting at prop and providing little impact, Nu’uausala engaged in a running battle with Ryan James and come out the loser by giving away a mindless, pointless penalty following the Zeb Taia try that led to the matchwinner. He should be due for a lengthy stint in reserve grade.
INJURY WARD
Jeff Lima (torn metatarsal, indefinite), Blake Austin (knee, Round 7), Aidan Sezer (eye socket, Round 6)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Mitch Barnett was the NSW Cup Player of the Year last season and has gotten his 2016 campaign off to a similar start, playing a starring role in Mounties strong early season form. The powerful backrower was again one of the Mulga’s best in their narrow win over Norths on Saturday with his excellent carries and strong defence a real highlight of the day.
REPORT CARD
C: It defies belief that the Raiders lost this game. While they’re still missing both of their first string halves the defensive frailties and poor handling that ushered the Titans back into the match are issues that require a far more substantial remedy. Every win without Austin and Sezer should be treasured but the Green Machine let this one slip through their fingers.
— Nick Campton
RABBITOHS
HOW THEY FARED
South Sydney got pumped by the Bulldogs on Friday afternoon, with a crushing 42-12 loss darkening the shine on their opening two wins of the season. The Rabbitohs were playing without injured star Sam Burgess and just didn’t have their heads in the game.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Nathan Brown had big shoes to fill in the No. 13 jersey with Sam Burgess out and he did so admirably. Brown made 36 tackles, five offloads and 13 runs to be the best player in a losing side. Conversely, Paul Carter had a game to forget. Carter has been impressive in the opening rounds but the Rabbitohs forward tried a little too hard to make things happen and coughed up costly errors as a result.
INJURY WARD
Thomas Burgess (ankle, round 5), John Sutton (pectoral, round 18), Adam Reynolds (broken jaw, round 8), Zane Musgrove (wrist, indefinite), Angus Crichton (groin, round 8), Sam Burgess (neck, round 5), Bryson Goodwin (groin, indefinite), Alex Johnston (hamstring, indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Souths NYC centre Siosifa Talakai won’t appear on his side’s stats sheet for their 28-10 win over the Bulldogs but he was instrumental in the win. Talakai timed passes to perfection, broke tackles and drew defenders to set up two tries as the Bunnies came from behind for the win.
REPORT CARD
D: Despite carrying a number of injuries the Rabbitohs showed fans in the opening two round they still had depth to get on with the job. Where that resolve disappeared to over the last two weeks is anyone’s guess. The Bunnies pack just didn’t show up against the Bulldogs, giving further weight to talk that without Slammin’ Sam at the helm they are nothing but bottom eight contenders.
— David Campbell
COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
They fell 21-20 to the Broncos in an epic grand final rematch. If a couple of marginal calls went their way they would have come out on top.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Jason Taumalolo was incredible in the second half, running for more than 200m in a commanding performance to lift the Cowboys. Johnathan Thurston is hitting some form and Lachlan Coote has arguably been their best player in 2016.
INJURY WARD
Kane Linnett (shoulder, round nine), Ray Thompson (broken ankle, round 10), Tautau Moga (ACL, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Centre Kane Linnett is facing a month on the sidelines with a shoulder injury which could see Matt Wright or Tautau Moga come into the side.
REPORT CARD
B: The Cowboys are 2-2 and will be looking for a dominant win over the Dragons on Saturday.
— Travis Meyn
SHARKS
HOW THEY FARED
Cronulla had only won twice against the Storm since 2005 but a gutsy defensive effort helped break that drought on Monday night. The Sharks were far from perfect but they managed to stifle Melbourne from gaining any real momentum by targeting Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith. The ploy worked and handed the competition front-runners their first loss of the season.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Ben Barba continues to repay the faith shown in him by coach Shane Flanagan. The fullback had his best game in while, he crossed for a try, made a line break and three tackle busts. He also showed glimpses of the speed which once made him the most exciting players in the game.
Winger Valetine Holmes had a tough night on Monday and looked to be playing with very little confidence, he blew certain tries and struggled with his handling. He was also run down by Cooper Cronk in a 70-metre foot race. He did show what he was capable of when he split the defence to help send Townsend over the tryline. But even the 20-year-old admitted he was off his game.
INJURY WARD
Paul Gallen (knee, round five), Connor Tracey (ACL, season), Matt McIlwrick (eye, round five), David Fifita (golden staph, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Centre Jacab Gagan is giving coach Shane Flanagan plenty to think about after he played an influential role in Newtown’s 26-20 win over Manly in the NSW Cup. He crossed for two tries of his own and set up another after making a break down the sideline.
REPORT CARD
B-: The Sharks made a point of trying to niggle their way to victory. It worked against the Storm but the Tigers pose an entirely different proposition. While they’ll need to be at their defensive best to shut down the Tigers’ attack, they’ll also need five-eighth James Maloney to really find his ball-playing straps.
— Fatima Kdouh
TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Tigers produced a duck egg in the defeat to Parramatta, a stark contrast to the free-flowing attack we saw in the opening three rounds. While their own defence was as strong as one could ask for the lack of spark will be of serious concern to coach Jason Taylor.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
James Tedesco was again the Tigers’ best. Not only did he always look dangerous in attack, his defence was first class and he saved two certain tries with tackles on Semi Radradra and Michael Jennings. The truly concerning sign for the joint venture however was the return of Robbie Farah. Even in the previous defeat to the Titans, the Tigers had managed to score points but the comeback by the veteran hooker coincided with both a drop in their attacking potency and a lack of combination between their key players. It remains to be seen if this was a one off or symptomatic of Farah’s decline.
INJURY WARD
Curtis Sironen (hamstring, round seven), Matt Ballin (ACL, round 10), Tim Grant (concussion, TBA)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Rod Griffin and Michael Chee-Kam both played strong games for the Tigers in their NSW Cup match against Canterbury and given the puzzling lack of forward depth on their bench the duo could make their black and gold debuts this weekend.
REPORT CARD
C+: The lack of points is a concern, especially considering the return of Farah. Not at panic stations yet, but two losses in a row makes that start to the season seem a little less bright.
— Nick Campton
SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY FARED
Saturday’s victory was worth so much for than just two competition points for the Sea Eagles. The courageous win on the back of a five-day turned around and injuries to key players will provide the side with the confidence needed to kickstart their season. They struggled with execution, which won’t be helped by the loss of Daly Cherry-Evans for at least a month with an ankle injury. The luckless Jamie Buhrer left the field with a broken thumb, on what was his return from a broken jaw.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
After recruiting specifically to help bolster their forward pack, Manly found the grunt they needed in this game from two unlikely sources in Darcy Lussick and Siosaia Vave. Both Vave and Lussick ran with purpose, coming up with kind of efforts you expect from your big men. As we’ve come to expect from Jake Trbojevic he shouldered plenty of work in defence.
Jorge Taufua served up another hot and cold performance. He crossed for a try but that was overshadowed by handling and defensive errors.
INJURY WARD
Jamie Buhrer (broken thumb, TBA), Daly Cherry-Evans (ankle, TBA), Jayden Hodges (ACL, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The ankle injury to playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans’ poses a dilemma of sorts for coach Trent Barrett but it opens up an opportunity for Api Koroisau and Isaac John a crack at first grade. While Barrett has options in his current NRL team (like Lyon, Mateo, Parcell), don’t be surprised to see him pluck either John or Koroisau from NSW Cup as cover in the absence of DCE.
REPORT CARD
B-: A gutsy performance by all means. Manly conceded a stack of penalties and had less possession than the Roosters but still came out on top. There is plenty of improvement needed in their game across the park but the Sea Eagles showed they have the attitude and commitment to better their footy. Their fitness and commitment will again be tested when they face the Rabbitohs on the back of another short turnaround on Thursday night.
— Fatima Kdouh
DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
It was a second gritty win on the trot for the Dragons. After losing the lead late in the game Josh Dugan crashed over for the home side before Gareth Widdop added the extras for a two-point victory over the Panthers.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Dugan bagged the winner but he was our star last week so let’s throw the torch to Mitch Rein. The Dragons hooker was everywhere and the Panthers defence struggled to contain him as he made deep runs up the middle out of dummy half. Russell Packer, on the flip side, had a rough match. Packer played an error-riddled first half that saw him dropping balls and conceding penalties to put his side under pressure.
INJURY WARD
Ben Creagh (knee, round 5), Euan Aitken corked thigh, indefinite), Dylan Farrell (back, indefinite), Mose Masoe ACL, (season), Kurt Mann Knee, (round 5), Benji Marshall (hamstring, round 5), Yaw Kiti Glymin (hamstring, round 5).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Fringe first-grader Adam Quinlan continued pushing for selection with a brilliant solo try in the Illawarra Cutters’ 46-18 win over the Panthers. The Cutters fullback made a number of damaging runs throughout the romp.
REPORT CARD
B+: The Red V still lack precision or plan in attack but they can grind it out if they get some points on the board. Like last week, it was an ugly win. But two wins on the board as the head on the road to face both grand finalists in Queensland is the best they could hope for.
— David Campbell
WARRIORS
HOW THEY FARED
At long last the Warriors started to look like the Warriors again. There was still much to improve on following their 42-18 win over Newcastle but at least they showed some flashes of the immense potential we all know is lurking across the Tasman.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Manu Vatuvei played his best club game in several seasons, Shaun Johnson looked far more dangerous and Blake Ayshford had his best game since he was at the Tigers but the star of the show was Ben Matulino. The Kiwi prop rampaged through the middle of the field and dominated the ruck with his carries and defence and even dotted down for a try shortly before half-time.
Even in a winning side it was a difficult day for Jeff Robson. The veteran halfback made three errors, two of which came when the Warriors were on the attack, and is yet to really click with Johnson. With the impressive Tuimoala Lolohea waiting in the wings Robson’s job security should still be under threat.
INJURY WARD
Solomone Kata (knee, TBA), Nathaniel Roache (ankle, indefinite), Ben Henry (knee, indefinite), Ligi Sao (dislocated shoulder, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Ken Maumalo played eight first grade games last season but is yet to taste NRL in 2016. The bullocking winger, who rucks the ball tremendously out of his own end, is the leading try-scorer in the NSW Cup with five in his first four games and will surely feature in selections at some point this season.
REPORT CARD
C: Some signs of life from the Warriors were desperately needed after three straight defeats to open the season and a club record 11 straight losses stretching back to last July. There is still a lot to do and Issac Luke is yet to find his rhythm but things are slowly turning for the New Zealanders.
PANTHERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Panthers returned to earth with a thud from the dizzying heights of their thrilling win over the Broncos last weekend to slug it out in scrappy, ill-disciplined affair against the Dragons. The Panthers conceded a massive 10 penalties in the first half alone which destroyed any attempts at building momentum. They did muscle up in defence to deny the Red V from crossing the line until the 53rd minute despite facing back-to-back sets on their own line on a number of occasions.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Trent Merrin’s homecoming was spoiled by his former club but he was the best forward on the field. He ran for 139 metres, more than any forward on either side. He also came up with the bust down the middle which lead to Peta Hiku’s try to level the scores.
Centre Waqa Blake struggled, in particular with his handling throughout the game. Up front Sam McKendry just didn’t provide the kind of impact you need from your big men, while Peter Wallace was nowhere near as effective from dummy half as he has been in previous rounds.
INJURY WARD
Bryce Cartwright (thumb, TBA), Will Smith (concussion, TBA), Dean Whare (calf, round seven), James Segeyaro (broken arm, round seven), Viliame Kikau (ankle, indefinite), Brendan Atwood (arm, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
A stint on the sideline by Bryce Cartwright due to his thumb injury could open the door for backrower Elijah Taylor to return to the starting side. Taylor was left out of the side to take on the Dragons.
REPORT CARD
C+: The Panthers have the makings of a competitive NRL side and they showed flashes of the kind of footy they are capable of against the Dragons but they failed, like they did against the Raiders and Bulldogs, to maintain the composure needed to close out the game and walk away with the two competition points.
— Fatima Kdouh
KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
Pretty well in the first half. The Knights showed much of the application that earned them a draw against the Raiders, only to let it all slip away with a dire effort in the second. Their forward pack again wilted under pressure and the lack of experience out wide was glaring and obvious.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Nathan Ross gave it his all on the wing and was rewarded with a fine individual try inside the last 10 minutes. He was the only player to crack 100 metres with ball in hand. The forwards were again the bulk of the problem for Newcastle and Korbin Sims was particularly disappointing, gaining just 83 metres from 12 carries in 34 lifeless minutes of playing time.
INJURY WARD
David Bhana (ankle, round 10), Chanel Mata’utia (knee, round eight), Tariq Sims (suspension, round six), James McManus (concussion, season) Jake Mamo (ankle, TBA)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Winger Ken Tofilau was a late inclusion for the Knights under-20s and didn’t disappoint, churning out 147 metres from 14 carries in a highly industrious performance.
REPORT CARD
D-: The Knights were in with a fighting chance at half-time but completely self-destructed. What was already a long season seems to get grimmer by the week.
— Nick Campton
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ROOSTERS
HOW THEY FARED
There was a little more spirit this match but the attack was stilted and their combinations aren’t clicking leading to poor execution. They say winning and losing can become habits and with the Roosters now 0-4, the concern will be it will become more difficult to crack that first win as their big name stars remain sidelined for a few more weeks.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Shaun Kenny-Dowall continues to be their best performer, injecting himself into the attack throughout the 80 trying to inspire his teammates to lift. Finished with two tries in his 200th game. Daniel Tupou had a strong game on the wing and threatened each time the ball went his way.
Latrell Mitchell had a rocks and diamonds night at the back. Flashes of brilliance were unfortunately offset by some errors at crucial points.
INJURY WARD
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (ACL, indefinite), Boyd Cordner (pectoral, round 8), Dale Copley (pec, indefinite), Ian Henderson (broken leg, indefinite), Vincent Leuluai (knee, indefinite), Mitchell Pearce (suspended, Rd 9)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Both lower grade teams recorded big wins at the weekend, the NYC side putting in a strong second half to run away with the game and Wyong had a 36-0 half-time lead over the Warriors in Auckland and went on to keep them to 20 in the second half, finishing 36-20. Strong games were had by Wyong’s halfback Tyler Cornish and fullback Omar Slaimankhel, as well as hooker Mitch Williams.
REPORT CARD
B-: The Roosters are still missing the fluidity that has been such a feature of their play since Trent Robinson took over and also appear to lack some leadership and thus direction. The absence of Pearce, Waerea-Hargreaves, Cordner is truly noticeable and the efforts of a few in the team isn’t enough at the moment to help guide their young players. The team has plenty of talent but it’s getting it to work together that is key. Last week was their best effort for 2016, but there’s still a chasm between the top sides and them.
Originally published as NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 4?
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