NRL Lowdown: How your team is faring after Round 13
WHO starred, who struggled, who’s on the fringe, who’s on the outer, who passed and who failed? Get the best team analysis in the Round 13 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 best team analysis from out experts in the Round 13 lowdown.
BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
Brisbane fluffed their lines without their State of Origin stars, falling at home to a weakened Wests Tigers outfit 19-18.
The Broncos had their chances to at least send the game to golden point, but a poor last set left Ben Hunt with a difficult field goal shot which he sent wide.
To make matters worse, hooker Andrew McCullough broke his thumb and will miss up to two months.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The absence of Brisbane’s Maroons contingent opened the door for the club’s young guns to step up, and Jaydn Su’A and Tevita Pangai Jnr were the pick of the bunch. Su’A played the entire 80 minutes in the back-row and worked hard for 38 tackles along with 86 metres from 10 runs, while Pangai Jnr made his considerable presence felt off the bench, charging for more than 100m off 13 carries and rattling a host of Tigers with his 16 tackles.
Star halves Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford were playing behind an inexperienced pack, but failed to guide their team home for the second week running.
INJURY WARD
Andrew McCullough (Broken thumb, Round 19), Aaron Whitchurch (Knee, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
McCullough’s injury has opened the door for Travis Waddell to step up and share hooking duties with Kodi Nikorima. Brisbane’s Maroons contingent — Darius Boyd, Sam Thaiday, Corey Oates, Corey Parker and Matt Gillett — will all be hoping to back up from Origin 1 on Wednesday night, but Wayne Bennett has previously rested his Origin stars and may look to do so again. That could provide an opportunity for one or two of the younger brigade to see more NRL action this week.
REPORT CARD
C: While the loss of five Origin stars was a major disruption, the struggling Tigers were also missing their three best players and with Hunt and Milford running the show Brisbane could have expected to win this clash. Instead they’re riding a two-game losing streak as they prepare for a tricky trip to Auckland to tackle the well-rested Warriors.
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COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
The Cowboys did their best in the 14-10 defeat to the Dragons but lacked the class to turn pressure into points when it mattered most.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Fullback Jahrome Hughes had a fine game at fullback in his first NRL match in three years while Jason Taumalolo was typically immense in the middle of the field. The New Zealand international played more minutes than usual and was always a threat whenever he carried the ball.
The Cowboys would have expected a little more from Kane Linnett and Javid Bowen — the centre duo were solid enough but failed to provide real spark when it mattered. Bowen also missed a tackle on Euan Aitken that led to the burly centre plunging over for the try that proved to be the difference.
INJURY WARD
No injuries
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Cowboys legend Matt Bowen made an appearance for the Townsville Blackhawks in their 29-20 loss to Easts Tigers on the weekend and the 34-year old proved he’s still got plenty in the tank, setting up three tries with well-timed passes.
REPORT CARD
C: It’s hard to be too critical of the Cowboys considering their top two playmakers, their starting front-rowers and their strike centre were all missing and they still managed to go down by just four points.
BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
A reasonable first half for Canterbury was quickly forgotten by fulltime after the Raiders put the foot down and sliced through the Bulldogs’ defence to finish with a 32-20 victory.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Late call-up Reimis Smith scored a double, while Greg Eastwood was probably the best on field for the Dogs with 205 metres from 22 runs. Aiden Tolman clocked 200 metres and made 42 tackles.
It was a forgettable afternoon for Sam Perrett who fell off a number of last-man tackles to watch Canberra players cross over for a four-pointer.
INJURY WARD
Brett Morris (knee, Rd 16), Greg Eastwood (knee, Rd 16)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The reserves team had a strong win over Manly 36-22. Renouf To’Omaga and George Tskrikas scored doubles but it was Chisholm, who also scored a brace of tries, who was the standout, playing a part in four tries. He continues to impress at NSW Cup level.
They 20s were pipped at the end by the Raiders 36-34. Luis Strickland and Marcelo Montoya again featured for the Bulldogs and both scored tries.
REPORT CARD
C: Regardless of a late call-up to Origin for Josh Morris and the shifts in the backline as a result, the Bulldogs can only blame themselves for the end result. They were in front at halftime but poor defence cost them and Canberra continued to find ground down the Dogs’ right side.and they couldn’t match the Raiders’ intensity for the 80 minutes. The absence and David Klemmer and Josh Jackson was more noticeable probably of more concern than the last minute changes they were forced into.
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EELS
HOW THEY FARED
After a week in which they hit “rock bottom” off the field, Parramatta almost crashed to a similar position on it after being given an almighty fright by lowly Newcastle.
In the end they managed to hold off a scrappy Knights outfit — just — to record a 20-18 win that keeps their slim hopes of making the finals alive.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Manu Ma’u produced a typically powerful performance upfront to lead the way for the Parramatta pack, and was ably supported by props Daniel Alvaro and Danny Wicks.
After the hell they’ve been through in recent times, the debut of Auckland Nines sensation Bevan French gave Eels fans something to smile about — and the flying winger made his mark with a try, and was on hand to deny Nathan Ross the matchwinner.
Of course, as has been the case for most of 2016 it was far from all good news for Brad Arthur. Captain Kieran Foran succumbed to a shoulder injury before halftime, and he was joined on the sidelines by Brad Takairangi (hamstring) and Tepai Moeroa (concussion).
INJURY WARD
Kieran Foran (shoulder, TBC), Brad Takairangi (hamstring, TBC), Tepai Moeroa (concussion, TBC), Anthony Watmough (Knee, Season), Luke Kelly (ACL, Season), Tim Mannah (Shoulder, Round 13), Kepeli Tanginoa (Ankle, Round 22), Bureta Faraimo (Fractured eye socket, Round 16), Mitch Cornish (Knee, Round 20), Junior Paulo (Contract dispute, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Michael Jennings will return to the backline if he gets through Origin 1 unscathed, with Vai Toutai next cab off the rank if Takairangi is ruled out after making way for French.
Parramatta’s reserves Wentworthville had the weekend off in NSW Cup, while Jermaine Mati-Leifi scored a hat-trick for the Eels under-20s in their 26-24 loss to Newcastle.
REPORT CARD
C. Parramatta needed a win
RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
Canberra scored back-to-back wins for the first time since the opening fortnight of the season courtesy of a 32-20 victory over the Bulldogs.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Joey Leilua’s turnaround has been truly remarkable. The big centre was again Canberra’s best with a try, a try assist and a number of powerful charges. Joseph Tapine played his best game in first grade off the bench, scoring two tries and helping turn the tide when he came on.
Jack Wighton had a couple of nice moments in defence with some try-saving tackles but again struggled with his hands, making five errors — three of which led directly to Bulldogs tries. His positional play was also poor and his confidence still seems to be fragile after his nightmare against the Dragons two weeks ago.
INJURY WARD
Edrick Lee (hamstring, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Sam Williams was in sublime form for Mounties as they retained their lead at the top of the NSW Cup ladder courtesy of a 27-20 win over the Tigers. Williams had a hand in all five of his team’s tries and kicked a field goal to boot. Brenko Lee and Kato Ottio also nabbed tries, giving Ricky Stuart plenty of options if Edrick Lee is unavalibale this Friday after he injured his hamstring scoring a try against Canterbury.
REPORT CARD
C+: The Raiders looked very pedestrian for 60 minutes, but clicked into gear without warning and put on four tries with outrageous ease. They are impossible to work out.
DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
The Dragons managed to avenge their round five 36-0 loss to the Cowboys with a 14-10 win on home soil. The men in the Red V claimed the match from an Origin-ravaged North Queensland but not before squandering a 10-0 lead to send the fixture down to the wire.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Leeson Ah Mau was the standout player in the Dragons’ forward pack. The big No.8 made 11 runs for more than 120m and two tackle busts and kept the Red V ploughing through the middle all night. There were no standout strugglers though. A few players put in less than impressive performances but the Dragons looked to hold together relatively well across the park.
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), Josh Dugan (elbow, indefinite), Drew Hutchison (broken hand, round 15).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
NYC Dragons fullback Matt Dufty put his fancy footwork on show in his side’s 30-30 draw against the young Cowboys. Dufty wove his way across the chalk twice to keep the Dragons in the match after the Cowboys had raced to an early lead.
REPORT CARD
C: The Dragons secured a much-needed win but it was a close one against an undermanned side. To claim the result marks the start of a revival would be going too far. St George Illawarra showed more spark in attack than they have all season but had a full strength Cowboys roster taken to the field the result would likely have been reversed.
TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Broncos might have been without their Origin players but the Tigers couldn’t care less — they escaped Suncorp Stadium with a sorely needed 19-18 victory.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Elijah Taylor was brilliant for the Tigers and could prove to be the buy of the season. He scored his first try for his new club, tackled tirelessly in the middle of the field and acted as an effective first receiver throughout the match.
The Tigers young halves started the game in poor form and while they recovered to show some nice touches — Brooks kicked well in the second half and Mitch Moses potted the game-winning field goal — they need to show more if they want to justify their asking price.
INJURY WARD
Nathan Milone (Knee, Indefinite), Rod Griffin (Knee, Round 14)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Michael Chee-Kam has been one of the Tigers’ best in the NSW Cup this season and scored a try in the 27-20 loss to Mounties.
REPORT CARD
C. The Tigers didn’t set the world on fire and Brisbane weren’t even close to full strength but every win over a top eight side should be treasured, especially given they were missing Aaron Woods.
KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
The Knights were valiant, adventurous and brave in their match against Parramatta but came up just short, going down 20-18.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
If Newcastle can snag a couple more wins this season you can bet that Nathan Ross will play a big part in them. The enthusiastic Ross was switched from wing to centre and had the best game of his first-grade career, scoring a try, making a season-high 188 metres and breaking seven tackles. He also came perilously close to snagging the winning try, only to be denied by a great effort from Bevan French.
Korbin Sims will be lamenting a couple of brain snaps that might have cost his team victory. He made a strong bust early in the second half but opted to take on Michael Gordon despite having support runners on either side and he gave away a crucial penalty for a mindless high shot on Tepai Moeroa that will see him suspended.
INJURY WARD
Peter Mata’utia, (Knee, Round 16), Robbie Rochow, (Broken arm, Round 14), Jarrod Mullen, (Hamstring, Round 16), Brock Lamb, (Ankle, Round 19), Jacob Saifiti, (Wrist, Round 14), Will Pearsall, (Ankle, Round 17), Chanel Mata’utia, (Knee, Round 16). James McManus (Concussion, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
You’ve got to be a diehard to show up early for Knights’ game these days but those hardcore fans were rewarded by a stirring victory by the Newcastle under-20s side over Parramatta. In a back and forth battle the two sides exchanged leads multiple times before a try on the siren to winger Kainoa Gudgen gave the young Knights a chance at a dramatic victory. Five-eighth Jake McNamara banged over the sideline conversion after full-time for a memorable 26-24 victory.
REPORT CARD
D: It was hard not to feel for the Knights on Monday — the team desperately needs a win and victory over Parramatta would have meant so much to them. Having said that if they bring that kind of application every week they’ll be able to hold their heads high at season’s end.
Originally published as NRL Lowdown: How your team is faring after Round 13
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