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NRL SuperCoach: Fonua-Blake raises the bat again, 20 Friday night SuperCoach Winners and Losers

Addin Fonua-Blake put the Warriors on his back with a monster SuperCoach score, as a popular Storm player almost raised the bat. See the 20 Winners and Losers from Friday Night Footy.

Sean TeumaSean Teuma
@seanteuma
12 min read
July 26, 2024 - 10:47PM
News Sport Network
Addin Fonua-Blake went beast mode once again for the Warriors. Photo: Dave Rowland/Getty Images
Addin Fonua-Blake went beast mode once again for the Warriors. Photo: Dave Rowland/Getty Images

It was a Friday Night Footy with four teams in varying circumstances.

The Wests Tigers and Parramatta are in a two-way battle to avoid the wooden spoon, the Warriors needed a win to keep any hopes of making the finals alive, and a victory for Melbourne would see them inch closer to sealing top spot.

The favourites prevailed, not without resistance from the cellar dwellers however, in what was a more entertaining night of footy than most anticipated.

Here are the 20 SuperCoach Winners and Losers from Friday Night Footy:

SUPERCOACH WINNERS

1. Addin Fonua-Blake (107) – For the fifth time this season AFB has raised the bat by cracking the century, and he’s done it in back-to-back weeks. Absolute machine.

2. Will Warbrick (107) – Saw a lot of early ball and that suited his game down to the ground being given room to move. Scored a try for good measure and probably could’ve set up another.

3. Ali Leiataua (95) – It was hard not to be impressed by the efforts of this young man. In just his third game of the season he looked dangerous with every touch of the ball.

4. Ryan Papenhuyzen (98) – The game opened right up and that played right into the hands of the classy fullback. Was at his attacking best during the second half in particular.

5. Eli Katoa (88) – The combination between him and Jahrome Hughes looked the goods and Katoa’s ability to offload came in very handy in leading to a few tries.

6. Shaun Lane (88) – Came up with his best score of the season and it was the most threatening Lane has looked in a long time. Played well and rewarded with a good score.

7. Api Koroisau (93) – Scored right at the death to inflate his score, but it was another strong performance from the Tigers skipper up to that point and he was deserving of a meat pie.

8. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (76) – Didn’t look out of place at fullback at all. In fact you could say it’s the best someone has looked wearing the Warriors #1 jersey this season.

9. Jahrome Hughes (74) – Keeps ticking over good scores for his owners. Despite a down week against the Roosters he bounced back hard. The price drop will be appealing come Monday.

10. Latu Fainu (50) – Was given 56 minutes, his most of the season, and looked really good for the most part, including setting up the last try of the night. Should see more minutes in weeks to come.

Friday Night Footy - top SuperCoach scores
Friday Night Footy - top SuperCoach scores

SUPERCOACH LOSERS

1. Sua Fa’alago (1) – Was thrown on for the last part of the game. While we’ve seen him make magic out of short stints, he wasn’t able to get his hands on the ball tonight.

2. Daejarn Asi (11) – Played the 66 minutes before he was taken from the field for Joey Lussick. Struggled to make his mark with Dylan Brown taking over as the dominant half.

3. Leka Halasima (4) – Snuck past his breakeven of two, just. Nine minutes of game time saw him make the four tackles but didn’t get to touch the ball for a run.

4. Freddy Lussick (11) – Saw 23 minutes of action and it was largely uneventful. Hasn’t seen more minutes than 23 since back in round 12.

5. Charlie Staines (31) – His score of 31 included a try, so not a strong performance base wise from the Tigers winger. Four missed tackles and two errors didn’t help his cause.

6. Joey Lussick (15) – Was thrown into the deep end over the final 14 minutes when the game was safe in Melbourne’s keeping – so not much he could’ve done.

7. Wiremu Greig (16) – Played out the opening stint of 17 minutes before being taken off and not returning. Parramatta was well on top while he was on the field as well.

8. Wayde Egan (26) – Was in the wars all night. Went down a couple of times after some heavy collisions but kept playing on. Eventually was taken off before the hour mark.

9. Blaize Talagi (26) – We’ve seen some good from Talagi this year, but the Storm contained him very well and were up in his face to prevent his creativity from close range.

10. Lachlan Galvin (34) – The Warriors looked like they had a clear plan to try and get up in his face. Put in two beautiful grubbers that should’ve resulted in tries. Was that kind of night.

Will Warbrick had a big night for Melbourne. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images
Will Warbrick had a big night for Melbourne. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

RELIVE ALL THE LIVE ACTION FROM FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY

FULL-TIME - Storm 32-14

They started well, and Parramatta finishes on a good note with Bryce Cartwright setting up Sean Russell for his second try of the night with a nice play down the blindside.

The fitness of Melbourne proved the difference in the end, particularly in the middle of the field, but you can’t accuse the Eels of not trying tonight.

It was a solid win from the Storm who look set to claim the minor premiership barring a late collapse.

Here are the top SuperCoach scores from full-time:

Eels vs Storm - top SuperCoach full-time scores
Eels vs Storm - top SuperCoach full-time scores

70th minute - Storm 32-8

Both teams are starting to tire with the Storm holding a commanding lead by 18 points.

Melbourne has tried to chance its hand a couple of times with some kicks over the top, to no avail.

They eventually seal the game with a bit of Cameron Munster brilliance as he skips across field, gives it onto Eli Katoa who finds Ryan Papenhuyzen backing up to push the lead out to four converted tries.

60th minute - Storm 26-8

An extraordinary stat - Parramatta has had 39 play the balls inside Melbourne’s 20m line, compared to just one from the Storm.

It’s a sign of just how dominant the Eels have been in terms of possession and territory.

They now have a set of six from a scrum packed on Parramatta’s 10m line, but they throw it out on the first play and Craig Bellamy has left his seat.

He’s a national treasure that needs to be protected at all costs.

Just moments later he’s back after Jahrome Hughes puts Eli Katoa into a gaping hole to pass back inside for Tyran Wishart to score under the sticks.

50th minute - Storm 20-8

The Eels have had plenty go their way while Tago spends time in the sin bin.

A penalty for offside after they dropped the ball and a very harsh call on a play the ball from Ryan Papenhuyzen helped keep them deep in Storm territory.

An early spread brings them unstuck with Will Warbrick making big metres down the flank.

Jahrome Hughes on the very next play swung it back to the short-side and a bouncing ball finds Warbrick in the corner to score.

HALFTIME - Storm 14-8

Both teams had chances to post points in the final 10 minutes but it has to be said there’s been some good defence across the board.

With the very last play of the half, Jake Tago is sent to the sin bin for a professional foul after he held down Will Warbrick after a break.

The Storm take a shot at goal and Nick Meaney slots it from the sideline.

That will hurt the Eels to start the second half.

Parramatta have had the better of the chances and have enjoyed 57 per cent of the ball,

See the top SuperCoach scores from halftime:

Eels vs Storm - top SuperCoach halftime scores
Eels vs Storm - top SuperCoach halftime scores

30th minute - Storm 12-8

Melbourne is starting to hit harder in defence and actually showing some line speed as they look to get back into the contest.

The Eels might only lead by two but they’ve been the much better team so far.

Cameron Munster is warming up on the sideline and he looks like he can’t wait to get back on the field.

Just like that, the Storm score the luckiest try of the season with a dropped ball falling straight into the arms of Harry Grant to run to the tryline and give them the lead once again.

In further good news, Cameron Munster is on in place of Josh King. How Craig Bellamy will shuffle the deck around remains to be seen.

20th minute - Eels 8-6

How do you even begin to describe that?!

Parramatta should’ve been over for their second try. They had the Storm shot to bits but Blaize Talagi couldn’t contain a short ball from Ryan Matterson.

Ryan Papenhuyzen runs it over halfway and just moments later a spread results in a try to Grant Anderson for the Storm to score against the run of play.

The lead of the Storm doesn’t last long however, with Dylan Brown catching Anderson badly out of position to throw the lobbed pass for Sean Russell to score.

10th minute - Eels 4-0

Despite coming into the game as massive outsiders, Parramatta has first points.

On the back of a penalty, two set restarts and a dubious decision to restart the tackle count after Clint Gutherson appeared to drop the ball, Jake Tago scores out wide.

They’re bringing a good energy so far with the Storm appearing quite lacklustre so far.

7.50PM: Melbourne has named a huge inclusion for their game against Parramatta.

Cameron Munster will make his return from a groin injury on the bench with Tyran Wishart to hold the starting five-eighth spot.

Dan Keir is a late addition for the Eels and will make his NRL debut off the bench.

80th minute - Warriors 28-16

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck take a bow.

The Tigers had multiple sets on the line of the Warriors, but the fullback cleaned up a grubber on last and made it all the way to the 50m line.

Just a few tackles later they spread it wide and seal the game with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak proving too fast out wide.

With the very last play of the game, Api Koroisau scored in a moment that would prove very important for some viewers.

They were given an almighty scare, but manage to survive.

Here are the top SuperCoach scores from full-time:

Warriors vs Tigers - top SuperCoach full-time scores
Warriors vs Tigers - top SuperCoach full-time scores

70th minute - Warriors 22-10

A late hit by the Tigers gifts the Warriors an easy two points from straight in front to take the lead out to a converted try.

Jackson Ford went down with nobody around him when trying to make a tackle, but he appears okay now. You never like to see players go down like that.

Addin Fonua-Blake has been enormous tonight and he now has a try to his name.

He’s in line for a monster SuperCoach score after barging his way over from close range on the last tackle.

60th minute - Warriors 14-10

A nice run from Kurt Capewell sees him make 30m from off his goal line, only to undo it with an unnecessary offload straight to a Tiger.

It leads to the first points for the visitors with Isaiah Papalii hitting a lovely line off some nice work from Api Koroisau to score near the posts.

That’s a real lack of awareness from the Warriors on so many fronts.

Another set restart gifts the Tigers perfect territory and they go back-to-back with Charlie Staines flying to touch down in the corner.

The season of the Warriors is hanging on by a thread at this point.

50th minute - Warriors 14-0

Lachlan Galvin produces another beautiful grubber behind the defensive line, but Luke Laulilii drops the ball under the pressure of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Kurt Capewell is strangely penalised for a dangerous tackle, despite reaching Latu Fainu before he kicked the ball.

The Tigers have a few sets on the line but can’t get on the board.

Wayde Egan and Laulilii clash heads in a kick return gone wrong. The Warrior gets a little cut on the side of his face while the Tigers winger comes off for a HIA.

Lachlan Galvin has tried hard for the Wests Tigers. Photo: Dave Rowland/Getty Images
Lachlan Galvin has tried hard for the Wests Tigers. Photo: Dave Rowland/Getty Images

HALFTIME - Warriors 14-0

Brilliant fast hands from the Warriors allows an easy passage for Edward Kosi to score in the corner.

Ali Leiataua in particular did extremely well to catch and pass in a flash to set up his winger.

It was a tough conversion attempt, but Chanel Harris-Tavita didn’t get particularly close. He’s missed his last five attempts over the past fortnight and they might have to look for another option.

The Tigers spill the ball after Charlie Staines passes to Jahream Bula on a kick return - and the Warriors make them pay.

A lovely ball from Te Marie Martin to Leiataua sees the centre cross over - and from a relatively easy spot, Harris-Tavita gets the monkey off his back to the loud cheers of the crowd.

Here are the top SuperCoach scores from halftime:

Warriors vs Tigers - top SuperCoach halftime scores
Warriors vs Tigers - top SuperCoach halftime scores

30th minute - Warriors 4-0

A blatant forward pass from the Tigers is let go and they get another chance to attack, but it amounts to nothing.

The Tigers receive another lucky call with Isaiah Papali’i offside on the goal line, but it’s let go and the Warriors can’t add to their tally.

Latu Fainu is on the field in place of Tallyn Da Silva, so expect him to move to the halves and Api Koroisau to hooker.

Can he provide the spark for the visitors?

20th minute - Warriors 4-0

After a good set after points, the Warriors spoil it with a silly play on the last to give the Tigers great field position.

They get very close to scoring through Starford Toa, only to be ruled to have knocked it on before grounding the ball.

It’s a wake up call for the Warriors.

Wests Tigers get a penalty in the next set with the ball, but can’t find touch with the kick - coach killer.

Safe to say this game isn’t a spectacle.

10th minute - Warriors 4-0

The Warriors have looked the much more likely team, but they just can’t break through the Tigers defence.

The visitors are holding solid for the moment - that was until their latest batch of defence proved too much.

After dropping the ball less than one tackle into a set restart in Warriors territory, NZ goes down the other end and a simple spread close to the line results in a Kurt Capewell try.

6PM: Round 21 is underway in New Zealand and it’s time for the Warriors to stand up.

Will they do just that, or will the Wests Tigers move another step away from the wooden spoon.

5.30PM: We will get a real glimpse at the future of the Wests Tigers tonight with three of their key young guns to feature.

Lachlan Galvin (5/8 $583,800) has been a mainstay from their first game this season and would’ve been a lock for Rookie of the Year if not for suspension.

Latu Fainu (5/8 $204,300) lines up for his sixth game of the season and his first start, while Tallyn Da Silva (HOK $238,900) is coming off his best outing of the season against Souths where he scored 103 SuperCoach points in just his second game of 2024.

If all three of these players can kick on over the next 18 months, there’s no reason why the Wests Tigers can’t be contending for the finals next year.

Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm - top recent SuperCoach players
Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm - top recent SuperCoach players

5PM: The Warriors are 1-17 as they look to keep their season alive.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (CTW $508,400) will start at fullback for New Zealand with Taine Tuaupiki ruled out after suffering a head knock last week.

It’s a game they simply have to win in order to keep their slim hopes of making the finals alive.

As for the Tigers, a win would give their hopes of avoiding the wooden spoon a massive boost.

They’ve moved Api Koroisau (HOK $606,500) to halfback with Latu Fainu (5/8 $204,300) dropping back to the bench.

Tallyn Da Silva (HOK $238,900) retains his spot at hooker after an impressive showing last week.

They sit locked on four wins with Parramatta who have the unenviable task of taking on Melbourne in the main game later tonight.

New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers - top recent SuperCoach players
New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers - top recent SuperCoach players

EARLIER: The 16th placed Wests Tigers and last placed Eels are in action tonight and a win for either will help them avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.

The Tigers have an atrocious away record (1-9) and come up against a Warriors team smarting from a tough loss last week.

The Eels have a decent home record (4-5) but bring poor form into the game having lost their past five games and come up against a Storm outfit which has won their past five.

Big scores are likely and that means some big SuperCoach scoring should be expected. These are the players to watch:

Mitchell Barnett/Addin Fonua-Blake: The two big boppers from the Warriors have been superb, both are averaging over 70PPG over the course of the season and Barnett’s current form is red hot with a five-round average (5RA) of 101PPG. For all their defensive woes, the Tigers have actually defended against middle forwards quite well this year but they’ll have their hands full holding out the dynamic duo from the Wahs.

Te Maire Martin: ‘TMM’ had brought his season average up to a stellar 70.6PPG after round 17 but a tough fortnight has seen five points knocked off that tally. A matchup at home against the Tigers is probably exactly what he needs to rediscover his mojo.

Api Koroisau: Was rested last week after picking up a calf injury in round 19 but trained strongly this week and has been named to start this week. With young rake Tallyn Da Silva named at 14 and inexperienced half Latu Fainu filling in for a suspended Aidan Sezer I expect him to spend a bit of time in the halves.

Apisai Koroisau is expected to spend some time at hooker and some at halfback for the Wests Tigers this week. Picture: Getty Images
Apisai Koroisau is expected to spend some time at hooker and some at halfback for the Wests Tigers this week. Picture: Getty Images

Lachlan Galvin: Hit triple figures last week (his second ton within a five game span) to reward those that held him for so long. Regularly punches out close to 40 points in pure base.

Jahrome Hughes: The Storm scored four tries against the Roosters and yet Jahrome Hughes finished with just a single try contribution and a mere 25 points. Plenty are selling this week to pick up Nathan Cleary, will Hughes make them pay with a big score against the leaky Eels?

Ryan Papenhuyzen: Another Melbourne player who was well held by the Roosters with just 35 points last week. ‘Paps’ has a great record against the Eels – averaging 88.6PPG from five games – and a bounce back this week seems likely.

Originally published as NRL SuperCoach: Fonua-Blake raises the bat again, 20 Friday night SuperCoach Winners and Losers

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/supercoach-news/nrl-live-scores-and-supercoach-analysis-warriors-vs-wests-tigers-eels-vs-storm/news-story/7e8952b1cdbe3f8f46923b4c35d8fa21