NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 2
NRL LOWDOWN: Four teams remain unbeaten, but a team notching its first win made the biggest statement in Round 2.
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WHO starred, who struggled, who’s on the fringe, who’s on the outer, who passed and who failed?
Get the very best analysis from our team of experts in the Round 2 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
EELS
HOW THEY FARED
Parramatta were dynamic, tough and entertaining in a highly impressive 34-16 win over the Dragons
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
For the second week in a row, Corey Norman was in sublime touch. He was in total control throughout the 80 minutes, creating numerous attacking raids and showcasing a vastly improved kicking game. Clint Gutherson continues to improve at five-eighth, as does Bevan French at fullback, and the implementation of Semi Radradra all over the field makes the blue and golds all the more dangerous.
Picking out a poor performer would be quite difficult — this was an excellent team display.
INJURY WARD
John Folau (Wrist, Round 6), Matt Woods (Shoulder, Round 8), Peni Terepo (Disciplinary, Round 4), Greg Leleisiuao (ACL, Round 12), Will Smith (Knee, Round 6), Isaac De Gois (Concussion, Indefinite), Kenny Edwards (Disciplinary, Round 8).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
His older brother will take the headlines — which is fair enough, because he threw a pass between his goddamn legs — but George Jennings did his NRL chances no harm over the weekend, scoring a try for Wentworthville and looking dangerous whenever he got a sniff of open space.
REPORT CARD
A: You couldn’t have asked for a better performance. The Eels built on their win over Manly in the season opener and looked like real premiership contenders.
— Nick Campton
STORM
HOW THEY FARED
Melbourne powered to victory, brushing aside Warriors 26-10 for a perfect start to the season. Storm did not concede a point in the second half for the second week in a row.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Cooper Cronk did what Cooper Cronk does and paced the victory with precision passes and kicks to set up scoring opportunities. Cronk iced the game with a try of his own late in the second half. Dale Finucane was brilliant helping out an undermanned forward pack.
Josh Addo-Carr showed glimpses without setting the park alight. An early fumble gifted the Warriors one of their two tries.
INJURY WARD
Billy Slater (Shoulder, Round 3), Jesse Bromwich (Thumb, Round 4), Tohu Harris (Foot, Round 9)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
No bigger name than Billy Slater (shoulder), who is set to make his long-awaited return against Brisbane Broncos. Slater is primed for the comeback, having trained solidly throughout the pre-season. Jesse Bromwich (dislocated thumb) will be pushing to return this week but suspect Storm will take a more cautious approach. Both feeder teams, Sunshine Coast Falcons and East Tigers, suffered Queensland Cup losses in Round 2.
REPORT CARD
A: Hard to do much more than start the season with two impressive wins on the road.
— Gilbert Gardiner
ROOSTERS
HOW THEY FARED
After arguably the most polished performance of the opening round, the Roosters were out to reinforce their legitimate title credentials against Canterbury.
Despite an eventual winning margin of just four, the Bondi boys were in complete control of their 28-24 win over the struggling Bulldogs.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Luke Keary is leading the Dally M count. No typo. The former Rabbitoh admitted on Monday his “drama-free” start to the 2017 season aided the form that earned him man-of-the-match honours for the second straight week. Keary set up three tries and appears to relish playing alongside Mitchell Pearce in the halves.
Blake Ferguson left the field in the 62nd minute with a rib cartilage injury that may see him spend several weeks on the sideline. Despite a few moments of class, Ferguson was caught out of position on several occasions due to poor defensive reads.
INJURY WARD
Sio Siua Taukeiaho (ACL, Indefinite), Isaac Liu (Shoulder, Indefinite), Kane Evans (Calf, Indefinite), Blake Ferguson (Rib cartilage, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Roosters have plenty of talent coming through the grades with the Holden Cup team getting their premiership defence off to a perfect start with consecutive wins.Twin brothers Ben and Jesse Marschke were the standouts in the side’s 34-12 win over Canterbury.
REPORT CARD
While a few defensive lapses soured the Tricolours’ unbeaten start to the season, 60 points in two rounds reflects a side thriving around a rejuvenated halves combination of Keary and Peace.
The next job for Trent Robinson will be to ensure his side contend for the full 80 minutes after fading late in the game for the second week in a row.
- Tim Williams
COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
On field? Superbly. Injury-wise? Not so good.
Johnathan Thurston described it as second only to the 2015 grand final as the best win of his career, but it was a subdued atmosphere in the Cowboys sheds after Matt Scott (ACL), Lachlan Coote (calf) and Antonio Winterstein (forearm) all suffered serious injuries. Despite the casualty ward the Cowboys outlasted the Broncos 21-20 on Friday night in yet another golden point classic.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Jason Taumalolo was enormous again and has run for over 500 metres in two weeks. His effort to charge down an Anthony Milford field goal in golden point was a huge play after he churned through 80 metres of hard work in a torrid contest. His likely one week suspension for a shoulder charge on Alex Glenn is a big blow, with Matt Scott expected to be out for the season. Coen Hess was also outstanding, the young back rower scoring a try through brute strength for the second straight week. It’s hard to fault any Cowboys player given the adversity they had to push through to get the result.
INJURY WARD
Lachlan Coote (Calf, Indefinite), Antonio Winterstein (Broken forearm, Round 7), Josh Chudleigh (ACL, Season), Matt Scott (ACL, Season), Jason Taumalolo (Suspension, Round 4)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Kalyn Ponga looks a strong chance to replace Lachlan Coote at fullback, while Javid Bowen is locked in to fill Antonio Winterstein’s boots on the left wing. Raiders recruit Shaun Fensom is favourite to deputise for Jason Taumalolo if he’s suspended, while Sam Hoare and Corey Jensen are frontrunners to replace Matt Scott.
REPORT CARD
A: It was one of the most brutal club games in recent history with players from both sides going down left, right and centre. The character and application the Cowboys showed to prevail will hold them in great stead for the rest of the season, with Paul Green describing it as the toughest win he’s coached. Their depth will be tested over the next month, especially up front, but they will still start strong favourites at home against struggling Manly next week.
— Jon Tuxworth
SHARKS
HOW THEY FARED
Hey NRL, don’t forget who the defending premiers are. That was the undeniable message from Cronulla as they not only smashed up Canberra 42-16 on Saturday night, but also appeared to officially steal the Viking Clap for themselves as well. The Sharkies are now two-from-two under the new NRL craze, having also scored an emphatic win at the same venue in the 2016 playoffs.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Cronulla’s rookie No. 9 Jayden Brailey was undoubtedly the story in this one — not only scoring a try and making more tackles than all but Paul Gallen, but also receiving high praise from the skipper afterwards. “As far as being aggressive and having that right attitude to play first-grade, he’s got that in spades,” Gallen said. “If he keeps working on his attack and gets better then the sky is the limit for him.” Wade Graham also looked every inch a NSW Origin contender, bagging three tries and setting up another while Jimmy Maloney also had two try assists.
INJURY WARD
Valentine Holmes (Hamstring, Round 3), Gerard Beale (Hamstring, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Always a good sign when you score 42 points and still have a player like Valentine Holmes to come back into your side, which will likely happen as soon as this week. Elsewhere, the James Segeyaro contract saga remains at a stalemate although the efforts of Brailey are making that look less of a deal with each passing competition round.
REPORT CARD
A: After losing first up against Brisbane, the defending premiers enjoyed an emphatic recovery against a team many have tipped to take their title in 2017. Despite being more famed for their grit — and questioned about their ability to keep pace following the retirement of hooker Michael Ennis — Cronulla have shown they still have plenty of points in them.
— Nick Walshaw
DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
Average. It’s an old saying, but a week is a long time in rugby league. The Red V faithful held high hopes for 2017 after a dominant opening-round victory over Penrith, but this optimism has been shattered following Sunday’s heavy loss to Parramatta. The Dragons returned to their old habits against the Eels, with repeated mistakes and substandard last-tackle options plaguing their game.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Birthday boy and skipper Gareth Widdop did his best to fire the Dragons’ attack, but he needed more support and direction from halfback Josh McCrone.
Fullback Josh Dugan scored a special solo try in the second half, but he was largely contained by Parramatta.
Ultimately, the Dragons lost the game in the forwards, where their big men failed to take charge of proceedings through the middle of the park.
Prop Russell Packer had a particularly rough night, dropping two balls cold, including the first hit-up off the kick-off.
INJURY WARD
Yaw Kiti Glymin (Shoulder, Indefinite), Will Matthews (Dislocated hip, Indefinite), Drew Hutchison (ACL, Season), Tyson Frizell (Concussion, TBC).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Young gun Jai Field was a late withdrawal from the Parramatta game due to a rib injury, but he remains in the first grade frame.
REPORT CARD
C: The Dragons failed to reach the heights of their strong round one win over Penrith against Parramatta. Paul McGregor’s men leaked far too many points, while their attack looked disjointed and error-riddled. The Dragons must quickly regroup for Sunday’s huge local derby against defending premiers Cronulla. The Sharks smashed the Raiders in Canberra and will be primed to take down the men in the famous Red V.
— Matt Logue
BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
Brisbane went down to the Cowboys in yet another golden point thriller, losing 21-20 at Suncorp Stadium.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
As predicted by Johnathan Thurston, Ben Hunt was back to his best, setting up two tries with grubber kicks. Young forward Herman Ese’ese was also very impressive, running the most metres of any Broncos forward. There were very few weak links in the Broncos side as they all aimed up for the derby clash, but winger Jordan Kahu struggled as he played on with a corked hip.
INJURY WARD
Matt Gillett (Concussion, Round 3), Jordan Kahu (Corked quad, Round 3), Tevita Pangai Jr (Calf, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
David Mead, Benji Marshall and George Fai could all come into contention for their Bronco NRL debuts as Brisbane deal with injuries to Tevita Pangai Jnr (ankle) and Kahu. Neither player has been officially ruled out but struggled through Monday’s training session. Kodi Nikorima is also an option after playing the last two weeks with Norths Devils.
REPORT CARD
A-: The Broncos improved greatly on their winning performance against the Sharks in Round 1, with less mistakes and a better kicking game. But when it came to golden point, they struggled to once again overcome their Queensland rivals.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
RABBITOHS
HOW THEY FARED
The Rabbitohs struggled early but were well in control after the first quarter of their match against Manly, running out 38-18 winners.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Cody Walker was the best player on the field by the length of the straight. He scored a try in the first half and always looked dangerous, taking command of the attack when required and showcasing his brilliant all-round attacking game. His combination with Adam Reynolds was a real highlight, with the duo showing tremendous chemistry to steer the team around the park.
George Burgess toiled hard in his return to first grade but the handling troubles that have plagued the big man for so long continued to be an issue. Burgess was willing to carry the ball, despite not having the impact of seasons past, but until he can eliminate these basic errors his continued selection could be in jeopardy.
INJURY WARD
Aaron Gray (Medial, Round 10), Jake Goisweski (Knee, Round 12), Connor Tracey (ACL, Indefinite), Greg Inglis (ACL, Season).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Tom Burgess made every post a winner in the NSW Cup, playing a major role in the Bears’ 40-20 victory over Blacktown. Burgess charged over for a try and was always dangerous in the middle of the park as he stated his case for an NRL recall.
REPORT CARD
B: There’s life in the Bunnies yet. They could have easily packed it in after Manly’s early onslaught but in managing to fight back without Greg Inglis Souths showed a toughness that was sorely lacking in the season opener.
— Nick Campton
KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
There were grand final-like scenes among players and fans alike after the club’s first NRL win since April 10, 2016. This was a performance full of character, fight and desire from a playing group starting to find some genuine belief after the horrors of 2016. Sure the Gold Coast Titans suffered some adversity during the game, losing Jarryd Hayne, Anthony Don and Karl Lawton to injury and finishing with just one player on the bench. But the Knights still managed to come from behind twice, with two tries in the final five minutes to Peter Mata’utia and Nathan Ross getting them home.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Brock Lamb was well below par in the first round loss to the Warriors but credit where credits due, he responded brilliantly in this one. The young playmaker threw the final pass for two tries, putting Brendan Elliot and Sam Stone over with two deft passes after taking the ball to the line. Jamie Buhrer’s contribution to the win was also significant while the Mata’utia brothers Sione and Peter and Nathan Ross were always dangerous. A positive for the team is the fact their only Origin player Dane Gagai has only had limited chances in the opening two games and is yet to make an impact.
INJURY WARD
Pauli Pauli (Hip, Round 8), Rory Kostjasyn (Throat, Round 6), Jarrod Mulle (Drugs ban, Indefinite), Dylan Phythian (ACL, Season), Sam Mataora (Knee, Indefinite), Chanel Mata’utia (Knee, Round 4), Jack Cogger (Pelvis, Round 16), Jaelen Feeney (Knee, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
For the third straight week, coach Nathan Brown will be reluctant to make any changes with his bench in particular outstanding against the Titans. Experienced forward Anthony Tupou was 18th man for the game but may have to bide his time again unless injury plays a part.
REPORT CARD
A: Has to be after a drought-breaking win like that. A bigger question mark is how the team responds to the victory against South Sydney at home on Saturday.
— Barry Toohey
PANTHERS
HOW THEY FARED
What a difference eight days makes. An opening-round shocker was backed up with a brilliant attacking and defensive display that never gave the Wests Tigers a chance.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Tyrone Peachey and Matt Moylan were outstanding, with Peachey’s sizzling speed to set up Dylan Edwards on the stroke of half-time all but guaranteeing the victory.
Peachey ran for 198m and had 10 tackle busts, while his new winger Edwards could not have done any more, amassing more than 170m from his 19 runs.
No certainty to retain a starting spot in the outside backs before the season kick-off, Peachey has done more than enough to justify his left centre spot, and will push for higher honours this year.
Moylan was the star No. 1 — something that is rare when Tigers fullback James Tedesco is also on the paddock — and looked in control every time he got his hands on the ball. What a shame his chip kick for Nathan Cleary didn’t pull up.
James Tamou and Trent Merrin both chalked up more than 100m, while big Billy Kikau scored a try on debut and has always had huge raps on him.
The only person who struggled was Bryce Cartwright, who was forced from the field with bone bruising. Scans have since confirmed there are no fractures, and he could even return this weekend against the Sydney Roosters.
INJURY WARD
Josh Mansour (ACL, Round 12), Sam McKendry (ACL, Season), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Foot, Round 3), Peta Hiku (Eye socket, Round 4), Bryce Cartwright (Ankle, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is in line to make his return this weekend, giving coach Anthony Griffin a backline selection headache. Dean Whare might have cemented his spot with a two-try performance against the Tigers, while Edwards is the other winger under pressure if DWZ is cleared to return from a foot injury.
REPORT CARD
B: This was a marvellous turnaround by the Panthers. The Tigers were dreadful and coughed up way too much ball, but they still wouldn’t have come close to their western Sydney neighbours.
— Christian Nicolussi
WARRIORS
HOW THEY FARED
The Warriors toiled hard but lacked the class and execution when it mattered most and were outlasted by Melbourne 26-10.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Simon Mannering might be the most consistent player in Warriors history. In atrocious conditions, the former skipper was superb on both sides of the ball and was constantly making metres and locking down the middle of the field defensively. Mannering had to lift with the injury to Ben Matulino and the most reliable man in rugby league has done just that.
The equation for Shaun Johnson is simple — when he runs the ball, the Warriors look great. When he doesn’t, they don’t. Johnson ran just three times against the Storm for a mere 27 metres and despite scoring a try it was an unusually quiet match for the Kiwi superstar.
INJURY WARD
Kieran Foran (Disciplinary, Round 4), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Concussion, Round 3), Ben Matulino (Knee, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Isiah Papali’i made his first grade debut in Round 1 and despite being dropped back to NSW Cup he showed he’s ready to step up again if needed. The dynamic backrower scored a try in the Warriors 36-22 win over Canterbury and looks a likely prospect.
REPORT CARD
C: The Warriors showed much more grit than they have in the past but are still finding their way under new coach Stephen Kearney. Johnson remains the key, and getting him to play to his strengths is the most pressing concern across the Tasman.
— Nick Campton
WESTS TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
It was a case of same old, same old for the Tigers who slumped to a 36-2 loss at the hands of the Panthers.
After jumping out of the blocks with an impressive win in round one they struggled to find any kind of rhythm on Sunday. They had their chances but execution was poor.
Their forward pack was well and truly dominated and halves Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses both struggled with their respective kicking games, making it a tough afternoon at Campbelltown Stadium.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Even the Tigers themselves would admit they were poor right across the park. James Tedesco did try hard but without quality ball from his halves and no go forward from his big men he couldn’t inject himself into the match in the way he did against the Bunnies.
Jamal Idris was again played off the bench but failed to make an impact.
Special mention must go to Elijah Taylor, who battled through a head cut and even had a dislocated finger put into place mid-game, but still smashed out 68 minutes.
INJURY WARD
Tim Simona (Disciplinary, Indefinite), Jacob Liddle (Shoulder, Round 4), Kyle Lovett (Disciplinary, Round 3)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Things didn’t go much better for the Tigers in the NSW Cup either, they suffered a heavy 52-12 to the Panthers. Both Justin Hunt and Jordan Rankin played parts in getting the Tigers over the tryline but the defence struggled to contain Penrith on the edges. The under-20s also went down 36-4.
REPORT CARD
D: The Tigers showed none of the energy or enthusiasm they displayed in round one. If the Tigers are to be genuine finals contenders, they need to find some consistency.
— Fatima Kdouh
BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
Two games for two losses but the Bulldogs improved slightly from their Round 1 performance and pushed the Sydney Roosters right to the end, even being down to 15 men. They were down 28-18 with just a few minutes to go but a late try to Josh Morris showed there was still fire in the belly and the rushed conversion by Moses Mbye got them to within four points.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Brett Morris pulled off a couple of incredible saves in-goal late in the match to prevent the Roosters blowing the score. His shift back when Hopoate went off after a nasty head collision brought the attack back to life a bit and Des Hasler may need to look at where he can get the best from Morris. The bench of Sam Kasiano, Adam Elliott, Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Danny Fualolo contributed well when on. Quiet games from the second row combo of Eastwood and Jackson who can be damaging when at their best.
INJURY WARD
Kerrod Holland (Shoulder, Round 7), Will Hopoate (Fractured cheekbone, Round 9)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Bulldogs are 0-2 across all three grades. Second-rower Rhyse Martin has been OK in NSW Cup and can kick goals, so could come into consideration for that alone. Josh Cleeland is holding his own in reserves and could still be an option if Hasler wants to shake up his halves.
REPORT CARD
C+: Certainly a better performance and maybe the weather conditions in Round 1 could take some of the blame for their opening performance. The last tackle options are still poor and their kicking game needs work but when they get some ball movement their outside backs can cause teams concern.
— Fiona Bollen
TITANS
HOW THEY FARED
The Gold Coast came off second best against last year’s wooden spooners, losing three keys players as they went down 34-26 to the Knights.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The shining lights in a very tough game for the Titans were co-captain Ryan James and young playmaker Ash Taylor. Taylor set up three tries while James played 80 minutes in the front row with incredible gusto. The bad news for the Titans was the loss of Jarryd Hayne (ankle), Anthony Don (shoulder) and Karl Lawton (shoulder). With a massive injury list already, the news isn’t great.
INJURY WARD
David Shillington (Shoulder, Retired), Nathan Peats (Shoulder, Round 9), Pat Politoni (Broken arm, Round 4), John Olive (Pectoral, Indefinite), Daniel Vidot (Groin, Indefinite), Anthony Don (Dislocated shoulder, Indefinite), Karl Lawton (Dislocated shoulder, Indefinite), Jarryd Hayne (Ankle, Round 7), Will Zillman (Calf, Indefinite), Daniel Sarginson (Knee, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Unfortunately for the injury-ravaged Titans, the options are not great. The club is trying to send an SOS to Rooster Dale Copley while also sweating on the fitness of the likes of Will Zillman (calf), Daniel Vidot (groin), Dan Sarginson (knee) and Ryan Simpkins (rib).
REPORT CARD
C-: The Titans get a few extra points for battling through 44 minutes with a one-man bench. But they still started slow and ended up losing to last year’s wooden spooners. Injuries or not, things have to change quickly.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY FARED
The Sea Eagles looked brilliant for about 15 minutes but after that it was all downhill and the 38-18 defeat will be deeply troubling for coach Trent Barrett.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Tom Trbojevic was excellent for Manly, scoring a try and setting up another and at times playing a lone hand for the Sea Eagles. The rangy fullback has settled in well in his first full time season at the back and is well on the way to fulfilling his immense potential.
Manly were undermanned in the middle of the field but the performance of their forward was just not good enough. Brenton Lawrence and Jake Trbojevic toiled hard but the output produced by likes of Curtis Sironen, Frank Winterstein and Nate Myles was nowhere near what was required.
INJURY WARD
Brad Parker (Knee, Round 5), Brett Stewart (Knee, Retired), Steve Matai (Neck, Retired), Darcy Lussick (Wrist, Round 6), Addin Fonua-Blake (Suspension, Round 4), Martin Taupau (Suspension, Round 4), Lloyd Perrett (Eye socket, Round 6).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Pita Godinet had a fine individual performance in Blacktown’s 40-20 defeat in the NSW Cup and was consistently his side’s most dangerous player. Cameron Cullen seems to have pulled ahead as the preferred bench utility for the first grade side but Godniet could do the job if required.
REPORT CARD
D: There are structural problems at Manly but the defeat is somewhat mitigated by the loss of Martin Taupau, Darcy Lussick and Addin Fonua-Blake. However the lack of fluency in attack is a cause for concern.
— Nick Campton
RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
Alan Tongue sounded the Viking Horn to over 15,000 fans at GIO Stadium to launch Canberra’s first home game of the season. The iconic former captain’s bellow was in vain as Cronulla ambushed the home side 30-6 in a clinical second half display. The Sharks eventually ran out 42-16 winners, claiming their fifth straight win in the nation’s capital.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
After vastly improving their well-documented defensive woes of years gone by in 2016, Canberra’s edge defence was appalling.
The left edge can be forgiven with Elliott Whitehead out of his depth at centre and captain Jarrod Croker returning in coming weeks, the right edge can’t be granted the same sympathy.
Blake Austin, BJ Leilua and Jordan Rapana were made to look second rate by James Maloney and Wade Graham. The trio have spent enough time together now to warrant greater cohesion in their unit, however continually poor defensive reads, particularly from Leilua, left Ricky Stuart with plenty to ponder after the clash.
Jack Wighton’s return from illness provided a rare highlight for Raiders fans. The fullback notched two brilliant tries, indicating signs of a big year ahead for the fan favourite.
INJURY WARD
Kato Ottio (ACL, Indefinite), Kurt Baptiste (Achilles, Indefinite), Jarrod Croker (Knee, Round 5), Joseph Tapine (Broken finger, Round 6), Joseph Leilua, (Knee, Round 3)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
English import Jordan Turner was shown little faith by Ricky Stuart when overlooked for Jarrod Croker’s vacant centre role, instead opting to use Elliott Whitehead out of position.
Turner responded in the Intrust Super Premiership with a man-of-the-match performance for the Mounties against Newtown. The versatile back, playing at five-eighth, scored 18 points to further push his claims for an NRL debut.
REPORT CARD
C-: After an impressive start to the season, the Raiders were handed a reality check by the defending premiers.
Despite the abysmal performance, one poor early season showing isn’t enough to get worked up about, particularly with the Raiders flamboyant nature.
Expect the Green Machine to bounce back against the Tigers in round three.
— Tim Williams
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