NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 21
ONE side notched a victory that could ignite a finals charge, but how is your team faring? Find out in the Round 21 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
Footy Form
Don't miss out on the headlines from Footy Form. Followed categories will be added to My News.
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 21 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
RUN HOME: Will your team make the finals?
SHARKS
HOW THEY FARED
Cronulla’s winning streak is now an unbeaten streak after the Titans took them to the brink in an 18-all draw.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Wade Graham has been one of the Sharks best all year but he took it to another level in this match, providing more and more of the Sharks go-forward as the game went on. The New South Wales representative was the best player on the field and it was perhaps the finest game he’s ever played.
Sosaia Feki had a bit of a game to forget with a poor read for the Anthony Don try and dropping a sitter of a cross kick for the Chris McQueen try. He carried the ball stoutly but those errors will weigh heavy on his mind.
INJURY WARD
Ricky Leutele (Ankle, Round 22)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Fa’amanu Brown is quickly proving that he’s one of the best playmakers not in the NRL. The Samoan international was superb for Newtown in their 12-10 over Penrith at Henson Park, scoring all of his team’s points including a late game-winning try. Brown is under contract until the end of next season but other clubs will surely come knocking soon for the 21-year old. He’ll have an extended window to prove his wares now that James Maloney is facing suspension.
VERDICT
B. Was it the draw they had to have? Having their winning streak come to an end might be the best thing that ever happened to the Sharks but now they face a difficult assignment in the Raiders. Throw in a short turnaround and the loss of Maloney and the match suddenly shapes as one of their toughest of the season.
- Nick Campton
STORM
HOW THEY FARED
Melbourne ground out a 16-8 win over a Johnathan Thurston-less Cowboys outfit in Townsville. First-half tries to Kevin Proctor, Marika Koroibete and Tim Glasby, combined with a stellar defensive display, were enough to sink the defending premiers for the second time on Queensland soil this season and seal a fifth-straight victory.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Kevin Proctor joined fellow Kiwi second-rower Tohu Harris in tormenting the Cowboys on the edges in Townsville. Proctor ran a lovely line to crash over for the opening try of the game and kept carting the ball forward, finishing with 122 metres from 16 carries. Workhorse lock Dale Finucane was typically industrious as he and the rest of the Storm forwards overpowered the Cowboys’ Test-laden pack.
INJURY WARD
Nelson Asofa-Solomona (PCL, Round 25), Jordan McLean (Ankle, Round 25), Billy Slater (Shoulder, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Melbourne’s feeder team Sunshine Coast Falcons enjoyed a 48-14 win over Souths Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup, with Storm-contracted players prominent. Outside backs Ryan Morgan (2), Curtis Scott (2) and Richard Kennar scored tries, while back-rower Joe Stimson bagged a try-scoring double and booted four goals. Young winger Cory Parker scored two tries as the Thunderbolts were well beaten 38-14 by the Cowboys.
REPORT CARD
A: Even without Johnathan Thurston, the Cowboys at home presented a tough challenge and the Storm overcame it in typically clinical fashion. A top-two spot is all but a lock now as the Storm juggernaut rolls on.
— Dominic Burke
RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Raiders cemented their place in the top four and moved into third on the ladder with a thumping 54-4 win over the Rabbitohs.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Joey Leilua and Jordan Rapana continued their excellent seasons and tore the Rabbitohs to pieces on the right side. Rapana in particular was in great touch, scoring two tries, setting up two more, making three line breaks and breaking six tackles.
INJURY WARD
Lachlan Croker (ACL, Season), Edrick Lee (Calf, Indefinite), Kurt Baptiste (Foot, Round 24)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
For the first time in many years, the Raiders have some serious depth across the park. Paul Vaughan and Shaun Fensom were relegated to reserve grade this week and helped lead a furious comeback for Mounties against the Tigers in the NSW Cup. Trailing 28-6 at halftime the Raiders feeder club ripped off five second-half tries to win 30-28 and secure their place at the top of the ladder.
REPORT CARD
A: While Canberra have the best attack in the competition, what will be even more pleasing for Ricky Stuart will be the defensive resolve they showed in the first half. Peaking at just the right time, Canberra are still yet to win over sceptics but can go a long way to establishing themselves as true premiership contenders this Saturday against Cronulla.
— Nick Campton
COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
They fought hard but it was not enough for the Cowboys on Saturday night as they suffered a16-8 loss to the Storm in Townsville.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Jason Taumalolo continues to go from strength to strength for the Cowboys this year while Michael Morgan and Lachlan Coote also did their best in the absence of Johnathan Thurston. No one really appeared to struggle too much against a clinical Melbourne outfit, but the decision to start Rory Kostjasyn over Ray Thompson was questionable.
INJURY WARD
Kyle Feldt (Suspension, Round 23), Johnathan Thurston (Hamstring, Round 22)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Johnathan Thurston should be back for the Tigers clash on Sunday. The star playmaker trained last Friday in a last-ditch attempt to play on Saturday night. While his hamstring failed him, it is expected he should recover in time for this weekend.
VERDICT
B+: Ray Thompson said the Cowboys team that played Saturday night could have beaten any other team. And he was probably right. There was little the Cowboys did wrong, they just failed to find any attacking spark in the second half without Thurston. Given Melbourne’s incredible defence, it is easy to forgive. The only area they could improve on is their discipline, with handling errors and poor completion rates setting them back in the second half.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
The Dogs beat the Dragons 13-10 in a match that was about as entertaining as a trip to the dentist.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The Morris brothers continue to combine well on the left side in both attack and defence. Puzzlingly, Canterbury did not go to their left more often and given that Moses Mbye and the twins are the best attacking players in the side such neglect is strange.
Josh Reynolds had the most Josh Reynolds game of his life — he scored a try, kicked a belter of a field goal, was hit with a tripping charge and despite his best efforts he didn’t quite provide the team with the direction they required. Reynolds means well but Mbye must take a bigger share of the playmaking duties.
INJURY WARD
Tony Williams (Calf, Indefinite), Greg Eastwood (Hamstring, Indefinite), Adam Elliott (Hamstring, Round 23), Chase Stanley (Knee, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Exciting Camden product Will Kerr made his under-20s debut for the Bulldogs against the Dragons and despite Canterbury’s heavy 52-18 loss the dynamic Kerr was a shining light at hooker, leading the tackle count and bringing plenty of energy to a side that sorely needed it. In NSW Cup, Kerrod Holland continued his push for another shot in first grade, crossing for four tries in the 34-16 win over Newcastle.
VERDICT
C: The Dogs might be in the top four but they looked like anything but an elite side and have a long way to go before they’re considered a title threat.
— Nick Campton
BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
The Broncos truly hit crisis mode on Thursday as they fell to their seventh loss in nine games, going down 32-16 to the Roosters.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Darius Boyd continued his impressive form, playing a big hand in Brisbane’s attack and running the show strongly from the back. Corey Oates was also dominant in attack, making 13 runs for 154m. It was not an overly successful night for James Roberts, however, with the Brisbane centre struggling to contain former Bronco Dale Copley. Ben Hunt also had nine missed tackles — the most for both sides.
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 22), Josh McGuire (Suspension, Round 22), Sam Thaiday (Suspension, Round 22), Lachlan Maranta (Concussion, Round 22), Carlin Anderson (Jaw, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Broncos will be relieved to welcome back the likes of Matt Gillett (shoulder), Josh McGuire (suspension) and Sam Thaiday (suspension) this week. Kodi Nikorima (shoulder) is also pushing for a return, having trained strongly so far this week. While Jordan Kahu (pec) also trained on Monday, he could be out for another week or two.
VERDICT
C-: The Broncos have taken a massive backwards step over the last two months, looking like a shadow of the team they were. The loss to the Roosters was another huge blow for last year’s runners-up. However, it does need to be remembered that they have not been at full strength since their thrilling 19-18 loss to the Cowboys in Round 11. This week’s clash with the Dragons should see them almost back to their strongest.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
TITANS
HOW THEY FARED
In one of the finest performances in their history, the Titans came incredibly close to downing the hig flying Sharks in a 18-all thriller.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Zeb Taia has been one of the underrated buys of the season and he again showed his worth on the right edge with an excellent display of skill and power. Ryan James and Konrad Hurrell also put in excellent performances.
Injuries forced Ryan Simpkins into the hooking role late in the match when Tyrone Roberts went down and while Simpkins defended stoutly his less than crisp service cost the Titans valuable time on several field goal shots.
INJURY WARD
Matt Srama (Knee, Season)
Daniel Mortimer (Hamstring, Season)
Karl Lawton (Broken leg, Season)
Nathan Davis (Broken leg, Season)
Nathan Friend (Hamstring, Round 240
Kane Elgey (ACL, Season)
David Shillington (Pectoral, Round 22)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Fullback Alex Brimson had a game to remember against the Sharks in the Under 20s, setting up two tries and running for over 100 metres in the Titans 34-28 loss.
VERDICT
B. They might have only gotten one premiership point but nobody will take the Titans lightly now. A playoff spot is their’s to lose.
- Nick Campton
WARRIORS
HOW THEY FARED
The Warriors finally got a little luck in golden point and downed the Panthers 18-14 courtesy of a try to Shaun Johnson.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Switched to centre this week, David Fusitu’a proved he’s dangerous wherever you play him with a fine try in the second half. The big outside back was a constant threat whenever he got involved while Ben Matulino and Johnson also had strong performances.
Issac Luke’s uneven season continued and his decision making left a lot to be desired at times. His brain snap early in golden point — where he tried to draw a penalty by taking on the markers on the last tackle, could have cost the Warriors the match.
INJURY WARD
Ben Henry (Knee, Indefinite), Sione Lousi (ACL, Season), Charlie Gubb (Suspension, Qualifying finals), Roger Tuivasa Sheck (Knee, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Bodene Thompson’s return saw Bunty Afoa drop back to the under-20s and the young back-rower had an immediate impact, setting up a try as the Junior Warriors snapped Penrith’s 16-game unbeaten streak. Centre Junior Pauga scored a sizzling solo try and kicked three goals in the thrilling 30-28 triumph.
VERDICT
B: At last, a golden point win! The Warriors have already played more extra-time matches than any other side in NRL history in a single season and this could be the win that really ignites their finals charge.
— Nick Campton
PANTHERS
HOW THEY FARED
A trademark individual try from Warriors star Shaun Johnson sunk the Panthers in a 20-16 golden-point thriller at Mt Smart Stadium. Penrith were kept try-less in the first half but halfback Nathan Cleary helped open their account by setting up Tyrone Peachey for a try. There was some good scramble defence but an error count of 13 made it difficult to take a strangle hold of the game. They also made poor last-tackle choices when the game was in the balance.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Josh Mansour was at this best. The powerful winger made a massive 11 tackle busts, two linebreaks and ran for a huge 266 metres. He also scored two tries, the first of which he shook off five defenders to score.
Fullback Matt Moylan was missing in action in parts and he failed to step up when it counted.
INJURY WARD
Dean Whare (knee, season), Peta Hiku (knee, season), Sam McKendry (knee, season), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (elbow, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Te Maire Martin returned from a shoulder injury through NSW Cup but he wasn’t able to inspire the Panthers to a win. He did play a part in setting up one of Penrith’s two tries in their 12-10 loss to the Newtown Jets, and will be pushing for a NRL recall this week.
In the under-20s, the Panther cubs’ remarkable 16-game winning streak came to an end with a 30-28 defeat at the hands of the Warriors.
REPORT CARD
C —: The Panthers like to move the ball and keep the play alive but they have now made the third-most errors of any side. They notched up 13 against the Warriors, making it too hard to take control of the contest.
— Fatima Kdouh
WESTS TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Tigers were far from their exhilarating best but got the job done in a 23-8 shutdown of Parramatta.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
For the second week in a row it was Mitchell Moses who did a lot of the good work for the Tigers, with the young five-eighth setting up two tries and kicking well in general play throughout. With halves partner Luke Brooks set to miss time with a knee injury, Moses will need to continue his fine form to keep the Tigers’ hopes alive.
Jordan Rankin had a day to forget, dropping a number of easy passes and letting a try go begging when he failed to complete a simple tip-on to Kyle Lovett with the line wide open.
INJURY WARD
Nathan Milone (Knee, Season), Matt Ballin (ACL, Season), Bayley Sironen (Shoulder, Season),
Robbie Farah (Calf, Round 22)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Thrust into the unfamiliar role of halfback, Justin Hunt did a fine job for the Tigers’ NSW Cup side and played a big part in helping them to a 28-6 half-time lead over Mounties. Unfortunately, a second half collapse saw the joint venture go down 30-28.
VERDICT
B: The injury to Brooks is a downer but the Tigers are now in equal seventh spot on the ladder. Their poor for and against is a worry but a finals berth is a real possibility for the talented squad.
— Nick Campton
SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY FARED
The Sea Eagles kept their finals chance alive by beating the Knights 36-16 in front of their home crowd on Sunday afternoon.
After storming away to a 26-0 lead at half-time, Manly took their foot off the pedal and couldn’t find the tryline in the final 30 minutes of the match.
Nonetheless, the win makes in four in a row and gives them a sniff at footy in September.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Who starred? Who else? Tom Trbojevic has been a mainstay in our ‘Who Starred’ section for the Sea Eagles and rightfully so. Regardless of the kind of footy his teammates may be serving up, Tommy Turbo is always in fine touch.
Again he was potent in attack with his three try assists, two linebreaks and six tackle busts.
Forward Darcy Lussick and Marty Taupau played with impact, especially in the first half, and both cracked the 200-metre mark in runs.
INJURY WARD
Jayden Hodges (ACL, season), Tim Moltzen (ankle, retired), Brenton Lawrence (pec, season), Steve Matai (neck, season), Matt Parcell (hamstring, Round 22), Brett Stewart (knee, Round 24), Jamie Lyon (calf, Round 22)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Sea Eagles were comprehensive 52-22 winners against the Knights in Holden Cup. The Manly youngsters went into the match having only won two games this season. Winger Tevita Funa crossed for three tries in Sunday’s rout at Brookvale Oval.
REPORT CARD
B-: The win keeps Manly in the hunt for a finals berth but coach Trent Barrett would be worried about his side’s inability to put the Knights to the sword in the second half.
— Fatima Kdouh
DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
The Dragons were much improved on last week and took the fight to the Bulldogs for the entire 80 minutes. In encourage signs, Gareth Widdop and Benji Marshall showed there still is some life in their attack with both halves playing a part in the Red V’s two tries.
They had other try-scoring opportunities but lacked the polish needed to convert their chances. Coach Paul McGregor was impressed with the gritty attitude his troops showed, to not only stay in the match, but mount a second half comeback.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Winger Kurt Mann continues to find the tryline and Euan Aitken, who is probably one of the hardest working outside backs, also bagged a four-pointer. Upfront the Red V’s big men were up for the challenge and were physical, taking it to the biggest pack in the competition. Mike Cooper ran for 180 metres, as did Tariq Sims coming off the bench.
McGregor started Mitch Rein from the bench, in a move he hoped would leave him fresh to cause havoc from the ruck. But the pint-sized hooker failed to make the desired impact.
INJURY WARD
Mose Masoe (ACL, Season), Ben Creagh (Knee, Indefinite), Leeson Ah Mau (Suspension, Round 24), Josh Dugan (Broken jaw, Round 24), Kalifa Faifai Loa (Cheekbone, Round 25), Tim Lafai (Disciplinary, Indefinite), Siliva Havalii (Disciplinary, Indefinite), Dylan Farrell (Back, Indefinite)
LURKING ON THE EDGE
The senior playing group may get accused of forgetting how to score tries but the under-20s are having none of it. They ran in 10 tries in a dominant 52-18 performance against the Bulldogs — with fullback Matt Dufty bagging a hat-trick in the process.
REPORT CARD
C+: The Dragons really dug in against the Bulldogs and refused to let the contest slip away from them. They even chanced their hand in attack, in what was one of their better showings of the season.
— Fatima Kdouh
RABBITOHS
HOW THEY FARED
If you can’t hold on to the ball, you can’t win footy games and the Bunnies fumbled their way through the entire 80 minutes against the Raiders.
Souths were a far cry from their premiership-winning outfit of just two years ago and looked hapless at times as a red-hot Canberra ran away with a 54-4 thrashing at ANZ Stadium. A lack of concentration and effort in defence sent the proud club crashing to their biggest defeat in 10 years.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The Bunnies have dished out some bad performances this season but Sunday’s showing against the Raiders was their worst. They struggled across the board with the Raiders able to contain any threat from Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds.
Up front, starting props George Burgess and Zane Musgrove combined for a measly 120 metres and couldn’t give their side the go-forward needed to have any impact.
INJURY WARD
Luke Keary (hamstring, TBA), (Hymel Hunt (pectoral, season), Samisoni Langi (ACL, season), Bryson Goodwin (arm, indefinite), Greg Inglis (suspension, round 22), Siosifa Talaki (ankle, indefinite), Tautatasi Tasi (knee, indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Greg Inglis returns from a three-week suspension for a shoulder charge and will likely be thrust into the halves with Luke Keary out with a hamstring injury.
Things weren’t any better for the under-20s with the Raiders running in nine tries to thump the Bunnies 48-10 — like the first-graders, poor defence and a lack of possession cost them dearly.
REPORT CARD
D: Can they win another game this year? Considering they face the Storm, Warriors, Sharks, Knights and Dogs on the run home, their form against the Raiders would suggest not.
— Fatima Kdouh
EELS
HOW THEY FARED
Parramatta battled hard and never packed it in but lacked the class and execution to score points when they needed to and went down 23-8 to the Tigers.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Tepai Moeroa has thrived since he was moved back to second-row and had one of his best games of the season against the Tigers, running for 162 metres from 17 carries and seemed to be one of the few players capable of breaking the line.
Clint Gutherson and Jeff Robson didn’t quite have the impact Brad Arthur would have been looking for but given that one of them is a winger and the other arrived at the club a month ago we’re prepared to let it slide.
INJURY WARD
Matt Woods (Shoulder, Season), Luke Kelly (ACL, Season), Kieran Foran (Shoulder, Season),
Anthony Watmough (Knee, Season), Semi Radradra (Knee, Round 24), Michael Jennings (Hamstring, Round 22), Corey Norman (Disciplinary, Season), Beau Scott (Ankle, Round 22), Manu Ma’u (Suspension, Round 22), Bureta Faraimo (Cheekbone, Season), Kepeli Tanginoa (Ankle, Round 22), Mitch Cornish (Knee, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Powerful centre Tyrell Fuimaono was the star of the show in the Eels’ 25-18 win over the Tigers in the under-20s.
VERDICT
C+: The finals are gone and injuries have robbed them of their pointscoring ability but the Eels still have a lot of pride and effort in their performances. They won’t be easybeats over the final month of the competition.
— Nick Campton
ROOSTERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Roosters showed the enthusiasm they had against the Storm last week was not just a blip on the radar. The Chooks played with plenty of energy, were physical and hurt the Broncos down the middle of the park. Yes, the Broncos are way off the pace at the moment but the Roosters were deserved 32-16 winners — their first victory since round 13.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Faced with the prospect of lining up against James Roberts, the man who essentially forced him out of the Broncos, Dale Copley found another gear. He set up a try and scored two of his own.
Blake Ferguson was also impressive from fullback, setting up two tries and crossing for another, as he showcased his ball-playing skills.
Boyd Cordner gets better each week and was again strong on the right edge, churning out 184 metres and making a linebreak.
INJURY WARD
Ian Henderson (Broken leg, Indefinite), Jared Wearea-Hargreaves (Knee, Round 22), Connor Watson (Ankle, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
What did we say about players lifting against former clubs? Former tricolours winger Joe Burgess scored a first-half hat-trick to help sink the Wyong Roos 34-10 at Morrie Breen Oval. Ill-discipline and soft defence made it difficult for the Roos to stay in the game. Jai Ingram and Mitch Frei each scored a try. Relegated five-eighth Jackson Hastings helped lead the young Chooks to their fourth-straight win in the under-20s. Hastings set-up two tries in their 38-24 defeat of the Broncos.
REPORT CARD
B-: Putting a tough run of losses behind them, the Roosters have discovered the energy and enthusiasm needed to be competitive.
— Fatima Kdouh
KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
The Knights went down yet again, this time 36-16 to the Sea Eagles.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Fair play to the Knights — after being down 26-0 at the break they could have collapsed completely but did enough to win the second half 16-10. As always, Nathan Ross did his best to spark Newcastle while Dane Gagai made the most of limited opportunities.
INJURY WARD
James McManus (Concussion, Season), Kade Snowden (Various, Season), Brock Lamb (Ankle, Indefinite), Robbie Rochow (Pectoral, Season), Mitchell Barnett (Suspension, Round 23), Jarrod Mullen (Hamstring, Round 22), Tyler Randell (Ribs, Round 22), Sione Mata’utia (Broken jaw, Round 24)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Newcastle’s NSW Cup side lost to the Bulldogs 34-16, with former Knight Kerrod Holland scoring four tries, while their under-20s side went down to Manly 52-22. It was just Manly’s third win of the year. Not a great weekend to be a Novocastrian.
VERDICT
D: The end is coming Knights fans. Only five games to go.
— Nick Campton
* The Titans and Sharks play on Monday night
Get your 2019 NRL tipping chart
Whether you’re getting the office together or just organising the family tipping competition, you’re going to need a tipping chart. We’ve got you covered. DOWNLOAD YOUR CHART HERE.
Storm’s new iceman sledges Cronk
WITH Cooper Cronk’s departure last season, Cameron Munster has emerged as Melbourne’s clutch hero in 2018, and the playmaker let his former teammate know all about his new-found talent.