NRL Lowdown: Every team rated on their form after round nine
WHO’S been your side’s best player, who needs to lift, how have the new recruits performed and who’s on the fringe? We analyse all 16 clubs a third of the way through the season.
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WE’RE a third of the way through the season and heading into a break from NRL action for rugby league’s representative round.
That means it’s time to take stock of all 16 clubs, to see how every side is really faring after round nine.
Who’s been your side’s best player, who needs to lift, how have the new recruits performed and who’s on the fringe ready to force their way in?
Get the very best analysis from our team of experts in the Round 9 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
STORM
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
A mere 25 minutes is all it took for Storm to strike fear into the hearts of NRL Premiership rivals. Electric wingers Suliasi Vunivalu and Josh Addo-Carr did the damage on the scoreboard but not before pristine handling from playmakers Billy Slater and Cameron Munster. The team to beat.
A brilliant start to the season to establish a two-game break on top of the NRL ladder. So many weapons and yet still the best defence in the competition. The big names have not missed a beat, while the next generation is in good hands with Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Josh Addo-Carr in ripping early-season form.
LEADING LIGHT
Take your pick. No, really! The highlights reel would suggest Josh Addo-Carr, who has emerged as the most exciting winger in the comp with a blinding turn of foot and appetite for the try line. The ex-Tigers flyer has scored seven tries in nine games to form a lethal combination with Suliasi Vunivalu. But Felise Kaufusi has claims on “Leading Light” status, quietly crafting a mighty season. The one-time burst player off the bench has transformed into an endurance machine, playing every minute of every game so far this season. Kaufusi has covered more than 700 metres in 89 runs and scored three tries to boot.
NEEDS TO LIFT
Injuries have not allowed Jesse Bromwich to operate at the highest of standards we have become accustomed to. A grizzly finger injury in Round 1 followed by back tightness a month later has frustrated the Storm enforcer. Bromwich is averaging 111m and 19 tackles — down from 147.9m and 30 tackles last season. If there is a silver lining, it is Browmich will be fresher towards the back end of the season.
NEW BLOOD
Ryley Jacks and Joe Stimson have not looked out of place in first grade despite pulling on the purple guernsey earlier than expected. Jacks held down five-eighth with aplomb, while Stimson has established himself as reliable bench cover. Addo-Carr is the standout.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Only through injury, but Storm utility Tohu Harris has not yet played a game this season. Look for him to re-establish himself in the best 17. Young Tonumaipea is stiff to be in this category only because he is a genuine first grade talent starved of opportunity behind Addo-Carr and Vunivalu. Brodie Croft continues to light up the Queensland Cup and should see more first grade minutes.
REPORT CARD
A+: Hard for Craig Bellamy to ask for much more from his men, who sit two games clear on top of the ladder. A hot start to the NRL Premiership laid the foundations before errors with and without the ball called into question the Storm defence not long ago. But true to form, the “Purple Wall” found its mojo again and despite a quick turnaround defeated New Zealand and St George in back-to-back blockbusters. Importantly, the points buffer allows Bellamy to manage his team through the middle part of the season with an eye on the finals.
— Gilbert Gardiner
DRAGONS
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
The Dragons are entering a tough run in their 2017 campaign, so it was imperative they started the season with a bang in order to set a solid foundation. And they delivered. St George Illawarra are second on the ladder after nine rounds with six wins and three losses. They were on a huge run until the Anzac Day blockbuster against the Roosters, which saw them lose by a field goal in golden point, as well as cop a huge injury toll.
It is the absence of injured skipper Gareth Widdop that could make or break the Dragons through the middle of the season. Five wins on the trot have given way to two consecutive losses. Big wins over former premiership favourites the Panthers, as well as besting the Sharks on their home turf, showed the Dragons are capable of mixing it with the best. Not bad for a team many tipped to win the wooden spoon.
LEADING LIGHT
Gareth Widdop looked out of sorts and uninspired in 2016. Even though he missed half of the round eight fixture and all of round nine this year the Dragons captain still sits top of the competition for points scored. he has 87 points from six tries and 31 goals. He has been responsible for half of all the Dragons tries. The turnaround, in short, has been remarkable and as the Dragons saw in rounds eight and nine his absence is felt keenly. Widdop has been by far St George Illawarra’s best and they’ll need him fit and firing to continue their charge.
NEEDS TO LIFT
Kurt Mann. The Dragons utility has been handed a tough gig for the next month or more as Widdop sits on the sidelines injured. Mann now has the task of directing his troops around the paddock and will need to dig deep to fill the huge boots left by his skipper.
NEW BLOOD
It’s likely a coin toss on whether Cameron McInnes or Paul Vaughan have been the better signing for the Dragons this year but the ex-Raider probably gets the nod. Vaughan has been huge in beefing up the Dragons forward pack, which has been much improved in 2017.
The Dragons have won a lot of their games on the old formula of driving hard through the middle. Not only has Vaughan been doing that but he has also contributed to the Red V attack, scoring two tries and collecting three line breaks in his nine matches so far.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
People talk up young guns Jai Field or Shaun Nona as being on the verge of breaking into the first grade team but the real lurker at the Dragons has been Kurt Mann. He is the Dragons Mr Fix-It, regularly slotting in as 17th man on the bench and patching holes everywhere from winger and fullback to — most recently — halfback.
Mann is a solid footballer but has never managed to tie down a regular starting spot. He has to be next in line if someone at the Dragons fails to perform. Already he has Widdop’s job for the next month through injury but after that he’ll return to the shadows waiting for his next chance.
REPORT CARD
B+: Second on the ladder is nothing to sniff at and something no one thought the Dragons capable of a few months ago. The trick now will be to maintain that momentum. The Red V’s depth in the halves will be sorely tested with Widdop out, and fans and players will hope the good work of the opening rounds isn’t brought undone as we enter the Origin period that will likely see fullback Josh Dugan miss game time as well.
— David Campbell
SHARKS
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
Cronulla snuck home against Wests Tigers to continue a premiership defence currently bouncing erratically between good, gritty and ghastly. Despite sitting third on the NRL ladder, the Sharks still have the worst completion rate in the NRL (71%), own the most errors (116) and have conceded the most penalties (74). So imagine if they get that right?
LEADING LIGHT
Skipper Paul Gallen, as usual, is everywhere. According to Fox Sports Statistics, Gallen leads the competition for hit ups and sits third in total metres — behind only Wests Tigers winger Dave Nofoaluma and Manly fullback Tom Trbojovic. Wade Graham is also pushing for selection in the NSW Origin pack after a strong start to 2017.
NEEDS TO LIFT
Hard to argue a bloke must lift when he’s not only in the Australian Test squad but will be among the first picked by Blues coach Laurie Daley. Yet Sharks playmaker Jimmy Maloney has copped some flak early, given he leads the NRL in missed tackles and has conceded 19 penalties, also worst in the category.
Of course, penalties have always been part of the Sharks grinding, strangling style. And find me a player anywhere who wouldn’t run at 83kg Maloney over Gallen, Graham, Fifita? Still, coach Shane Flanagan has understandably called on his playmaker to have fewer whistles blown in his direction.
NEW BLOOD
Rookie No. 9 Jayden Brailey is looking strong in his first NRL season. Even with James Segeyaro sidelined, the youngster continues to show a toughness and maturity well beyond his two months in the NRL.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
So how much is left in the T-Rex? Former Kangaroo Tony Williams got a crack off the bench against the Tigers and will likely get more time during the State of Origin series. Meanwhile, the Sharkies home ground record could do with some work, given they boast only one win in four games. Away, however, they are unbeaten in all five.
REPORT CARD
B+: It may seem a little harsh considering that, with a third of the season gone, Cronulla sit behind only Melbourne and St George Illawarra on the NRL ladder. Yet even the most ardent Sharkies fan would agree the defending premiers are a long way from their best football. Still, nobody grinds better than this mob. And as is so often the case this time of year, it’s usually been enough.
— Nick Walshaw
BRONCOS
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
The Broncos managed to notch up a convincing 32-18 win over the Panthers at home on Thursday night. After a series of close games this year, it was the type of win the Broncos needed to maintain their place in the top half of the competition. However, Brisbane are still not at their very best and have developed a habit this season of taking their foot off the pedal in the second half. They will be hoping to improve their form heading into the Origin period.
LEADING LIGHT
Hooker Andrew McCullough has been Brisbane’s most consistent player this year. Now an 80-minute rake, McCullough is displaying some of his career best form and has been particularly impressive in defence, averaging 51.5 tackles a game to be the best defender in the competition.
NEEDS TO LIFT
It is not so much one single player who needs to lift for the Broncos, but the side does need to combine to stop those second half fade-outs from happening. Brisbane did well to hold Penrith out for 65 minutes on Thursday but after they leaked one try, they let another two through in quick succession. These moments where they take their foot off the pedal are hurting Brisbane and is the reason why they’ve had a few of those close encounters.
NEW BLOOD
All of Brisbane’s new recruits are still working their way into the side. Backs Tautau Moga and David Mead have both had their fair share of hot and cold moments, but Moga in particular is starting to find consistency. Prop Korbin Sims probably has not made the impact he was hoping for but has been stronger since being relegated to the bench. Benji Marshall (broken wrist) has not had the chance to show what he can do for the team yet.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Centre Tom Opacic, who became a regular face in Brisbane’s 17 towards the back end of last year, has returned for Redcliffe and is already firing. He has been named in the Queensland Residents side for their annual showdown with NSW. He could be the perfect replacement for an injured James Roberts over the coming month, but should definitely get a chance to return to first grade over the Origin period.
REPORT CARD
B+: Broncos have done well so far this season to win a number of close encounters. But — in what could be a massive threat to the rest of the competition — they still have room for improvement and are yet to really hit their top form. They are sitting comfortably in the top five at the moment and will need to secure their next two games to give them the best lead into the Origin period.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
ROOSTERS
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
The Roosters are back after a horror 2016 and will push every team in the competition all the way. A narrow one-point loss to the Warriors heading into the representative round prevented the Tricolours from claiming second on the ladder in their own right, forcing them to sit fifth with six wins and three losses to open the season. It sounds worse than it is. Second, third and fourth on the ladder are also 6-3 with for-and-against the only thing separating the top tier.
The Roosters’ mixed bag saw the eastern Sydney club start hot with four wins on the trot but losses in rounds five and six brought them crashing back to Earth. It showed the Roosters have the attacking flair to win and win well but there is still work to be done as players build their combinations and get into the grind.
LEADING LIGHT
Halfback Mitchell Pearce has put the controversies of 2016 behind him and proving to be the class player everyone knows he can be. Pearce has scored three tries and provided four try assists as well as leading the competition in kick metres with a huge 3470m.
Probably the biggest moment for Pearce so far in 2017 was his drought-breaking field goal to claim a golden point win over the Dragons in their Anzac Day blockbuster. Pearce calmly slotted the winner in the first half of extra time to nail his first field goal in six years and 18 attempts.
NEEDS TO LIFT
Latrell Mitchell was punted from the first grade squad after his defensive weaknesses were badly exposed in the Roosters’ 32-8 loss to the Broncos. The young gun has showed he is a future star of the game but now needs to rise to meet those expectations. Mitchell was “rested” in round seven but hasn’t been seen since. The flimsy defence on the left edge hasn’t been entirely Mitchell’s doing, however, with the young centre’s partner on the wing Daniel Tupou leading the club for most errors (17) this season.
NEW BLOOD
Luke Keary has been a revelation at the Roosters. The former Rabbitoh hasn’t reached the heights of his 2014 premiership-winning season and left South Sydney after mixed performances and deteriorating relationships with players and club management. No one knew how Keary would settle in with halves partner Mitchell Pearce but they have proven to be one of the most potent halves pairings in the competition. The five-eighth has produced three tries and seven try assists to start the season and insists he’s just getting started.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Joseph Manu played a handful of matches last year and is currently filling in for the ditched Latrell Mitchell. With two tries, two line breaks and just three errors in his few games this season, Manu is doing his best to make it hard for Trent Robinson to send him back to reserve grade.
REPORT CARD
B: The Roosters showed they have the potential to push deep into September at season’s end and they’ve set a good foundation upon which to do so. A good thing too, considering the form of Mitchell Pearce could see the Roosters lose their chief playmaker for much of the State of Origin period.
The Roosters likely have a tough period coming up because Pearce won’t be the only one called upon to serve their state. Boyd Cordner, Dylan Napa and Blake Ferguson could all be missing as Origin takes over. This is the period where the Roosters’ depth will be tested but based on the first nine rounds of the season you can see the Tricolours are building towards something.
— David Campbell
SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
A big win over Souths last week continued Manly’s bold form. The Sea Eagles have won five of their past seven games and sit inside the top eight going into the rep weekend.
LEADING LIGHT
Difficult to pinpoint one standout player but Daly Cherry-Evans has been superb. This is now his team and he is leading with authority and calmness, and must be close to grabbing the utility spot on Queensland’s bench.
NEEDS TO LIFT
Manly’s roster has impressed across the board. Every player is contributing. The Sea Eagles’ forwards are aggressive and mobile while Cherry-Evans, Brian Kelly and Dylan Walker have been the pick of the backline.
NEW BLOOD
Blake Green has been solid without being spectacular. He has teamed well with DCE and has a steadying influence over the playing group. Kelly has been super.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Manly’s under 20s have struggled so far this year. Tom Wright has potential. He joined Manly from rugby union last year and is learning his trade. His time will come.
REPORT CARD
B+: Some thought Manly was a wooden spoon contender. Not so. This side has gumption and resilience. They could well be there come the September big games.
— Dean Ritchie
EELS
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
Parramatta’s performance in Townsville on Friday night would have Brad Arthur reasonably happy leading into rep weekend. The Eels built their reputation last year on the back of their defence and against North Queensland they really showed those little extra efforts are again making the big difference.
After an up and down start to the season, the Eels have now won their last three to lock them into the top eight. There is still plenty of room left for improvement but the Eels have done enough to suggest they will be finals contenders.
LEADING LIGHT
It’s hard to go past Clint Gutherson being Parramatta’s most consistent player over the opening nine rounds. He has eight line breaks, five tries, including a double against the Cowboys, and always plays with energy and spark no matter which position he is in.
With the Eels signing Mitchell Moses for next year and Bevan French the long-term fullback, who knows where Gutherson’s future lies. The one certainty is that if he keeps improving at the rate he is Gutherson will be a valued member of the team given his utility value.
NEEDS TO LIFT
It’s not that his form is bad but it’s fair to say Semi Radradra hasn’t been spectacular heading into this week’s court appearance that will likely decide his future in the NRL. Overall on this time last year, Radradra is only marginally down in most key stats.
He has six tries to five at this point last year but remember, four of those were scored in one against (round two against St George Illawarra). His run metres are down on average from 137m to 118m, while his tackle busts have dropped from 30 to 16 this year.
Interestingly, Semi hasn’t busted 150m so far in nine games, as opposed to last year when he made 215m, 194m and 166m on separate occasions.
NEW BLOOD
Nathan Brown has been the standout. Against the Cowboys on the weekend he had 21 runs for 173m which was by far the most of any forward or back on the paddock. Overall, the Eels have got good value out of all their recruits including Suaia Matgai, Siosaia Vave and Kirisome Auva’a, who have all made valuable contributions.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Bevan French (knee) should be back for the game against the Sydney Roosters in round 10, which is a big bonus given the uncertainty surrounding Radardra’s future. Rory O’Brien (hamstring), Jeff Robson (calf) and George Jennings (quad) are also due back from injury after the rep weekend while Brad Takairangi (knee) is still a few weeks away.
REPORT CARD
B+: Parra have had their share of injuries but have done well to be where they are on the table with five wins from their opening nine games. The started with a bang with wins against Manly and St George Illawarra before four consecutive defeats to Gold Coast, Cronulla, Canberra and New Zealand. But just when we were starting to question if they were heading for a long season, they bounced back beating Wests Tigers, Penrith and North Queensland.
The Eels have enough strike power to worry the best teams but the key to their success lies in their defence and attitude, which was probably at its best against the Cowboys. Right now you’d have to say they are in a pretty good position.
— Paul Crawley
BULLDOGS
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
If their whole season was like their 16-10 victory over the Raiders on Saturday night, the Bulldogs would be a side that could cause some trouble. They were down two players for the whole second half but scored the only points after the break to get ahead and stay there. It was a win toughed out and showed the spirit and tenacity the club has been known for.
Canterbury started 2017 slow and were 1-3 after the first four rounds. A suspension to Moses Mbye in their embarrassing 36-0 loss to Manly in Round was a catalyst for change in the Dogs’ season, Matt Frawley being called up from NSW Cup, and he led them to a 10-7 win over the Broncos in Round 7 and has remained in the side since. The club’s record from Round 5 is 4-1.
LEADING LIGHT
The Bulldogs are known for their formidable forwards and though some may feel they’re been a little off the boil, there’s no denying their contribution to the team’s go-forward. David Klemmer is the standout. He’s averaging 10 metres a run with 134 runs for 1349 metres — across his eight matches, that’s 168 metres a game. Josh Jackson, James Graham and Aiden Tolman are all averaging more than 11 metres a game.
NEEDS TO LIFT
He’s probably a victim of circumstance, but Michael Lichaa needs something spectacular for the rest of the season to save his spot. Already relegated to being subbed off to allow Frawley to come into the game, the arrival of Kieran Foran next season means there’s some shifting around in the 6, 7 and 9, with four bodies but only three jerseys. Right now he’s last in line.
A great runner of the ball who can find in roads when darting out from half, Lichaa is running 42 metres a game at the moment. He’s capable of bigger numbers and in the limited game time he’s getting currently, upping his workrate may be his only hope of proving his value.
NEW BLOOD
Brenko Lee arrived at the club and has quickly established himself as a go-to body in the backline. He’s proven deft at offloading and his size and strength make him difficult to pull down close to the line. Makes plenty of metres, has 24 offloads so far and seven try assists to his name.
Brad Abbey and Marcelo Montoya made their first grade debuts with the injuries to Will Hopoate and Kerrod Holland. They held their own, but Abbey failed to make the impact that many thought he could, but he’ll be better for some NRL experience.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
It’s hard to see any new faces getting a run throughout Origin period with Klemmer and Jackson likely the only forwards to be selected and if Josh Morris gets a call up Montoya will come back into the side.
However, should an injury curse rip the place apart, Rhyse Martin has been performing well in reserve grade and is a second rower who could push Hasler for selection. And keep the name Jayden Okunbor in the back of your mind. A tall, rangy centre/wing, he knows how to find the tryline and keeps the Holden Cup on its toes. He’s in his last year of under-20s so is one to watch in the future.
REPORT CARD
B-: They’ve been more consistent than in previous seasons, which has been one of Canterbury’s biggest things to overcome. The rotation in the spine is working for now, but you would think Hasler will need to pick and stick at some point to give more stability in the game plan and style. What seems to be working is Frawley at 7, Mbye at 9 and Lichaa on the bench. The team clicks into gear with this line-up but if they make it through the next few rounds of Cowboys, Roosters, Sharks playing this way then there’s every likelihood Hasler will stick with the changeroo too.
— Fiona Bollen
COWBOYS
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
The Eels loss on Friday was the worst loss of the Cowboys’ season, and the reaction from coach Paul Green and his players afterwards showed they know it. They didn’t play with the required toughness, which will be the biggest concern for Green. They have already dropped three home games after losing just once in Townsville last year. They sit in ninth with a 4-5 record, but six of those games have been at home.
The Cowboys now face six away matches in their next eight, which coincides with the taxing State of Origin period. It’s two months that will make or break their quest for a second premiership in three years. Thankfully, the majority of their injured stars could be back for their next game against Canterbury in Sydney on May 11.
LEADING LIGHT
Coen Hess has rightly gained plenty of plaudits after some destructive performances in the back row, including six tries. The 20-year-old’s dip in form the past couple of weeks could be put down to tiredness given it’s his first full NRL season after he was blooded late last year. His progression has been one of the major highlights for the Cowboys and he is averaging 102 metres and 23 tackles a game. The past fortnight has perhaps show State of Origin football this year may be a bit too soon for him, but he’s not far off.
NEEDS TO LIFT
Five-eighth Michael Morgan is an international player but he looks completely devoid of confidence right now. His cause hasn’t been helped by the fact the rest of their first-choice spine — Johnathan Thurston, Jake Granville and Lachlan Coote — has spent much of the year injured. He has been forced to try and organise the team as a result and it simply doesn’t suit his skill set.
NEW BLOOD
The Cowboys were relatively quiet on the recruiting front for 2017. Former Melbourne Storm utility Ben Hampton has been up and down and has been overtaken in the pecking order by Ray Thompson after he returned from injury a fortnight ago. Hampton will likely be the man to make way when Granville returns from a broken leg. Former Raider Shaun Fensom has been a handy pick up given the injuries to the forwards, but he has missed the past two weeks with an ankle injury.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Gideon Gela-Mosby had some eye-catching displays when injuries gave him an NRL opportunity earlier this year. He scored three tries in four games but can be suspect in defence. Young half Kyle Laybutt may get a chance to crack first grade when first choice playmakers Michael Morgan and Johnathan Thurston are on State of Origin duty.
REPORT CARD
C: They’re within striking distance of the top eight but they simply haven’t capitalised on a glut of home games to start the year. Granted they’ve had a number of injuries to key players, but the cattle is still there capable of beating the likes of Wests Tigers and Manly at home. They are seriously missing Matt Scott who is out for the year with a knee injury, and most teams are winning the forward battle against them. It means they will have to win more games than budgeted when their stars are away on Origin duty, or any chance of a top four place and legitimate chance at a premiership will be gone.
— Jon Tuxworth
RAIDERS
HOW HAVE THEY FARED
After struggling for wins against a brutal draw in the opening month, the Raiders strung together three consecutive victories before a golden point loss to Manly last week.
Promising plenty, Canberra produced one of their most disappointing performances of the season in a 16-10 loss to Canterbury on Saturday night. Class prevailed over form with the Morris twins scoring a unanimous win over Leipana in their battle. The Bulldogs’ edge kept their counterparts at bay all game despite Canberra’s almost desperate attempt to find points from their lethal pair.
LEADING LIGHT
Jordan Rapana was a highly contentious selection in round one last season ahead of Sisa Waqa. A little over a year later he is arguably the best winger in the world. Rapana is the competition’s joint top tryscorer with eight, is second for line breaks with nine and has amassed a whopping 66 tackles busts behind only James Tedesco.
NEEDS TO LIFT
Canberra’s right edge defence has become a key target area for opposition coaches. After improving significantly last season, Joey Leilua, Blake Austin and Jordan Rapana have been found out on a weekly basis in 2017. While an average of 29 points scored per game in 2016 (regular season) allowed them to get away with a few defensive lapses, a drop to 23 points per game this year has resulted in a few tight losses and intensified finger pointing.
While they are struggling as a unit, it’s Leilua and Austin raising serious alarm bells. Leilua looks absolutely clueless in defending the hardest position on the field. His decision to jam (or not to jam) on a sweeping fullback has been awful so far this season and is likely to cost him an Origin debut. Austin has shown signs of improvement in defence at times, until he provided one of the worst missed ‘tackles’ on Adam Elliott the game will ever see.
NEW BLOOD
Canberra’s roster is very settled with Ricky Stuart fortunate enough to avoid the off-season player market to a great degree. With limited opportunity, Dave Taylor and Dunamis Lui have been solid in just two and three games respectively.
Versatile English import Jordan Turner is yet to crack the top grade with Stuart opting to play fellow countryman Elliott Whitehead out of position in Jarrod Croker’s early season absence. On all reports Turner has impressed in NSW Cup for the Mounties, but the snub doesn’t bode well for his short-term prospects.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Mounties sit third on the NSW Cup ladder while the Raiders NYC are ninth in the competition. While there is limited opportunity to crack the stable first grade team, Zac Santo has been the standout in the lower grades. The fullback stepped into Jack Wighton’s boots in round one against the Cowboys and did his NRL prospects no harm. Following Wighton’s return, Santo was relegated back to the NSW Cup where he has played a constant starring role for the feeder-club.
REPORT CARD
C: The Green Machine have seemingly become complacent in attack as a result of the immense ease with which they’ve crossed the white line over the past 15 months. Rule number one in rugby league is that you must go forward before you go around a team. Canberra at times, particularly against the Bulldogs, have relied on their strike power out wide early in their sets to provide points from nowhere. Despite possessing the likes of Papalii, Paulo and Boyd up front, they aren’t opting to dominate through the middle like they have in recent times.
Fortunately Canberra possess two vital things: talent and time. While they haven’t yet replicated their form at the back end of 2016, they’ve retained their team and shown enough in the opening eight rounds to indicate they can achieve their first premiership since 1994. While it appears a little optimistic at the moment, they have another four months to click into gear.
— Tim Williams
WARRIORS
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
The Warriors claimed a tough 14-13 win over the Roosters on Sunday to give them their first genuine big scalp of the season. New coach Stephen Kearney has overseen his side steadily build into 2017, with Kieran Foran’s arrival in round 5 sparking the Warriors after an early slump in form.
LEADING LIGHT
As ever, Simon Mannering leads the way for the Warriors in typically tireless fashion. Running for 110 metres and averaging 40 tackles per game, the workhorse lock has been the pick of the pack.
Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is getting better every week. After missing most of his first season with the Warriors through a serious knee injury, Tuivasa-Sheck continues to improve and had just about his best game in the win over the Roosters.
NEEDS TO LIFT
Shaun Johnson has had a decent start to 2017, but the Warriors need more than decent from their superstar halfback. Foran’s presence has taken some of the pressure off Johnson, but if the Kiwi outfit is to truly launch from pretenders to contenders then he needs to be regularly hitting the kind of form that saw him with the Golden Boot as the world’s best player in 2014. The signs are there — Johnson showed what his combination with Foran can produce when scored a try and laid on three others in the round 5 win over Gold Coast. More of those dominant performances can catapult the Warriors up the ladder.
NEW BLOOD
Foran was the big “in” for the Warriors in the off-season and he’s delivered in big fashion, scoring a try in a man-of-the-match performance on club debut against the Titans, and steering the side to victory the following week against the Eels. The more time he can get to work with Johnson, Tuivasa-Sheck and hooker Issac Luke, the better the Warriors will be.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Tui Lolohea was dropped to reserve grade after a disappointing start to the season, but there is life in the livewire yet. He scored a double in a win over North Sydney last weekend and more good NSW Cup form could catapult him back into the NRL.
REPORT CARD
C+: Four wins from nine is barely a pass, but Kearney appears to be making his mark on the Warriors. Their defence the past two matches — in Sunday’s win over the Roosters, after a narrow loss to the Storm — has been excellent, and if they can continue to build their attack more wins will come.
— Dominic Burke
TITANS
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
Gold Coast managed to notch up back-to-back victories for the first time this season after beating Newcastle 38-8. They have struggled across their opening nine rounds, as injuries cruelled their chances of continuing on last year’s form. However, with a number of big name troops back, the Titans have shown in the last three weeks that they are still real top eight contenders.
LEADING LIGHT
At the start of the season, Tyrone Roberts was going to be the man who lost his preferred position to become a bench utility. Nine rounds in and you can see why coach Neil Henry viewed him as a super sub. With teammates falling like flies, Roberts has played in multiple positions across the park and been Gold Coast’s backbone when they needed it. His form and reliability have been too good to put him back to the bench.
NEEDS TO LIFT
Dan Sarginson has had a tough start to the year with a number of injuries, but will need to find form soon to retain his place in the side. He has put in a couple of error-riddled performances to start the season and is struggling to make an impact.
NEW BLOOD
The Titans’ new recruits have started to really stand up in recent rounds, particularly Kevin Proctor and Joe Greenwood. Co-captain Proctor could do more work in attack, but given he has had to deal with a few injuries, he can be forgiven for a somewhat slow start.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Gold Coast have already shown off most of their depth this season given how many injuries they’ve suffered. Tyronne Roberts-Davis was probably the most impressive youngster they brought into the team and could be used again at Origin time if Jarryd Hayne gets called into the NSW side.
REPORT CARD
C: The Titans are finally finding form after a tough start to the season. If they can stay relatively injury free, they should only get better from here.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
RABBITOHS
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
The Rabbitohs had their worst performance of the season on Friday night against Manly and it capped a difficult opening nine matches for the 2014 premiers. They have just three wins to their name and the scalps they hold are not impressive — a depleted Manly, a gutted Panthers and a narrow victory over the Knights. There are danger signs at Redfern.
LEADING LIGHT
Cody Walker has been the Rabbitohs’ most dangerous player by the length of the straight. He leads in the league in line breaks with 11 and has 10 try assists, behind only Titans halfback Ashley Taylor. With Greg Inglis succumbing to a knee injury, Walker has taken charge as the club’s most important attacking player and shown far more composure than his 28 career matches would indicate.
NEEDS TO LIFT
Sam Burgess has toiled hard with little support in the middle of the field and his twin brothers have been truly dreadful in the opening stages of the season. George’s handling issues have continued and he’s added some grubby elements to his game this season, which hasn’t helped matters. He’s only played five matches and while Tom has played seven he’s not been much better — he’s only cracked the 100 metres gained mark four times and is missing more tackles than any other season of his career.
NEW BLOOD
Braidon Burns and Robert Jennings have been in and out of the first grade side with very mixed results. Burns had a particularly rough outing in the win over Penrith — Nathan Cleary’s torpedo bombs will give him nightmares for years to come. Veteran hooker Robbie Farah has been solid in limited minutes off the bench but doubts remain over his ability to perform in longer stints.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Cameron Murray has made his NRL debut but he’s yet to play extended minutes. The Junior Kangaroo has produced several eye-catching performances off the bench. If Souths’ season keeps going the way it’s going don’t be surprised if the likely backrower gets longer stints.
REPORT CARD
D: There are serious problems at Redfern. The forwards can’t establish dominance, the loss of Greg Inglis is felt more keenly every week and the less said about the outside backs the better. A finals berth is already looking very unlikely.
— Nick Campton
TIGERS
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
It may have been a different story for the Tigers if they hadn’t lost skipper Aaron Woods and James Tedesco to injury in the first half on Saturday night. The Tigers clawed back to lead at half-time but could not hold on with the Sharks scoring two unanswered tries to claim a 22-16 win.
Ivan Cleary’s man have produced some gritty and spirited performances to open the season but have only managed three wins for their efforts. Having said that, their defence and willingness to yield through the middle of the park continues to be problematic. And until they shore up their defence, especially on the edges, they’ll continue to struggle to match it with the better sides in the competition.
LEADING LIGHT
James Tedesco is easily the best player on this roster. There are times where the fullback is the Tigers’ only genuine attacking player on the field. He leads the competition for tackle busts, with 60 to his name, is averaging 160 run metres, has made seven line breaks assists and six line breaks.
Then there’s winger David Nofoaluma, who is holding his own as an attacking weapon and has punched out some impressive stats to open the season. Second in the comp for tackle busts (59), he’s also made 8 line breaks, is leading the way with 29 offloads and averaging 170 metres a game.
NEEDS TO LIFT
The “Big Four” said they wanted to play finals footy and if they want to be alive come September then Mitchell Moses needs to step up. He finished 2016 on a high after hitting a purple patch in the back end of the year and the Tigers need him to regain that form if they are to be any chance for a playoffs push.
NEW BLOOD
Jamal Idris made his NRL return this year but has hardly set the world on fire. He came off the bench in the opening two rounds of the competition and looked to seriously lack match fitness. He’s played five games so far but has been sidelined with injury since Round 7.
Matt McIlwrick has more than delivered during his time at hooker. He’s just notched up nine games, the most he’s played in any season at NRL level. The Kiwi has shown plenty of footy smarts from dummy half and isn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty in defence.
Young gun Moses Suli started the season guns blazing against the Rabbitohs but stuck out on the wing he found himself devoid of attacking opportunities. The 18-year old has been impressive since his shift into the centres and looks at home in that position.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
It’s the usual suspects for the Tigers in reserve grade with the likes of Jordan Rankin, Kyle Lovett, Justin Hunt and Jack Littlejohn all plying their trade in NSW Cup, waiting for another crack at the top grade. New recruit Malakai Watene-Zelezniak played his first game in Tigers colours in the centres in the reserves.
REPORT CARD
D: New coach Ivan Cleary has a lot of work to do, especially with all the turmoil that continues to plague the club. They’ve churned out a couple of spirited performances but haven’t been able to back-up the same level of intensity and intent the following week. Defence continues to be a real problem, they can be soft as butter through the middle and rival teams have made turnstiles out of their edge defenders.
— Fatima Kdouh
PANTHERS
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
Penrith showed some handy glimpses the final 15 minutes against Brisbane, but the game was already well and truly over. They should have been awarded a try in the opening five minutes, only to be robbed by the NRL Bunker. But just as the have been in seven of the nine opening matches of the season, the Panthers have not been good enough.
This is a young team who have seriously struggled with the weight of expectation. The club keep trotting out the line ‘’we didn’t make ourselves favourites with the bookies’’. They didn’t, but they are the only ones who can dig themselves out of this awful slump. They are leaking way too many points and their attack has become too predictable.
LEADING LIGHT
Despite the arrival of international prop James Tamou, it’s lesser light Reagan Campbell-Gillard who has been the most consistent prop, leading the metres gained again against the Broncos.
As a forward pack the Panthers have been disappointing and often dominated by their rivals.
Peter Wallace is another player who can hold his head high after nine rounds, but now seems to be having more traffic than ever directed at him. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been a livewire with his hit-ups after he missed the opening two rounds with a knee injury.
NEEDS TO LIFT
Matt Moylan is one player who has shown glimpses of his best, but fans will be hoping they see it more consistently. When he fires, the Panthers generally win. Tamou and Trent Merrin also need to find another gear. Bryce Cartwright has battled injury, but expect for him to also return to his best with some match fitness.
NEW BLOOD
It’s not new blood, but the return of Dean Whare has been a positive for the Panthers after a serious knee injury. Backrower Corey Harawira-Naera has also impressed since getting his opportunity against Newcastle. While he’s good for an error, he will only improve the deeper the season goes.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The loss of winger Josh Mansour was always going to hurt, but nobody expected it to be this painful. Mansour was arguably the game’s best winger before he broke down with an ACL injury at the Four Nations. His kick returns often put the Panthers on the front foot, and a player who amasses north of 200m every game will always leave a gaping hole in attack.
REPORT CARD
D: The one-time premiership favourites were wonderful in their two wins over the Tigers and Knights, they should have beaten the Roosters and Souths, and threw everything at Melbourne for no result, despite it being one of their best performances of the season.
They will lose Moylan, Merrin and possibly Tamou during the Origin period, but they are too good a team on paper to remain at the wrong end of the ladder.
— Fatima Kdouh
KNIGHTS
HOW THEY HAVE FARED
Unlike 2016, the Knights have been competitive in most games and the improvement from the squad this season is noticeable. But one win from their opening nine rounds has the club headed for a third straight wooden spoon.
LEADING LIGHT
With six tries in nine games including a couple of spectacular efforts, the player they call “Rossdog” has been a standout for the Knights. Nathan Ross has been a constant threat with the football in a side that has struggled in attack. The left winger has made 18 tackles busts and six line breaks and is averaging 145 metres per game, easily superior to any of his teammates. Of his teammates, centre Dane Gagai’s last month of footy has been impressive.
NEEDS TO LIFT
Trent Hodkinson suffered the ignominy of being dumped to reserve grade over the past fortnight with his form over the opening seven rounds not up to scratch. He has just three try assists to his credit but his overall involvement has been well below what’s expected from a chief playmaker. His average of less than four kicks per game and reliance on teenage five-eighth Brock Lamb to handle the majority of the kicking responsibilities is an indication of his loss of confidence.
NEW BLOOD
While it hasn’t been as bad as last season, coach Nathan Brown has still had to call on a couple of rookies with Sam Stone, the son of former coach Rick, and Luke Yates blooded in the top grade for the first time. While Yates was knocking on the door at times in 2016, this time last season, Stone was battling to hold down a regular spot in the Under 20s but has been a revelation in the backrow after Brown brought him into the fulltime squad in the pre-season.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
With injuries to key players Jamie Buhrer and Mitch Barnett and Rory Kostjasyn’s playing future in doubt, Brown doesn’t have a lot of room to move. Car crash victim Pauli Pauli has had a few games back in reserve grade since recovering from a dislocated hip and will be pressing for a spot in the squad in coming weeks with his size desperately needed. Young half Jack Cogger is another who will push for selection later in the season when he finally gets on the field after a long lay-off following surgery.
REPORT CARD
C: The Knights should have won at least two more games than they have but face a tough period with key players unavailable over the next six weeks. Their lack of composure at crucial times in games has cost them dearly early in the season but more recently, it has been their inability to get an even share of possession that has cruelled their chances of causing upsets.
— Barry Toohey
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