NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 24
WHO’S hot, who’s not and who could still sneak into the top eight? Find out who is on track to play finals football in the Round 24 edition of the Lowdown.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
WHO’S hot, who’s not and who could still sneak into the top eight?
Find out who is on track to play NRL finals football in the Round 24 edition of the Lowdown.
STORM
LADDER: First, 40 points (+213 points differential)
WEEKEND WRAP
The Storm schooled the young Knights, scoring a season-high 44 points on their way to clinching the minor premiership.
INS AND OUTS
Brodie Croft must be the only halfback in NRL history to get dropped after scoring a hat-trick and assisting in two other tries, but Cooper Cronk is the exception.
Queensland Origin forward Tim Glasby comes back into the starting 17 after being rested this week, with Joe Stimson or Slade Griffin the unlucky omissions.
RUN HOME
Rabbitohs, Raiders
PROGNOSIS
Have answered every challenge and ticked every box, incredible depth and ability with and without the Steeden. Have the ideal preparation going into finals, with two tricky assignments to iron out any creases and build momentum.
— Gilbert Gardiner
BRONCOS
LADDER: Second, 34 points (+172)
WEEKEND WRAP
The Broncos continued their strong run of form, beating the Dragons 24-12. It was their third straight victory.
INS AND OUTS
The Broncos have pulled up fairly unscathed and are expected to have the same 17 for this Thursday’s clash with Parramatta. Bench forward Tevita Pangai Jr might miss a week with a hamstring strain.
RUN HOME
Eels (home), Cowboys (away).
PROGNOSIS
The Broncos have started to earn a reputation as one of the few sides who can upset Melbourne for this year’s premiership. They deserve that title after a very impressive run over the last three weeks. However, Thursday’s showdown with Parramatta will be a true test for Wayne Bennett’s men. The last time the two sides met in Round 21, the Eels walked away with a shock 28-14 win. The Broncos need to show just how much they have improved since that encounter.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
ROOSTERS
LADDER: Third, 34 points (+66)
WEEKEND WRAP
Which Roosters did we see this weekend? Both. The Tricolours blew the Tigers away early, running in three tries to hold a commanding lead after just 30 minutes. But they couldn’t hold momentum, with the Tigers running in three tries of their own to take the lead. The Roosters needed a late try to edge past the Tigers 22-18.
INS AND OUTS
Michael Gordon made a successful return from a pectoral injury, his presence at fullback adding some much-needed stability and experience to the Roosters backline.
RUN HOME
Sharks (away), Titans.
PROGNOSIS
Resilient defence, sustained attack and playing for 80 minutes. Those are the three things the Roosters lack as the near the finals. Trent Robinson’s men can tear teams to shreds and hold their line — we’ve seen them do it throughout 2017. But they only appear to do those things in patches. Consistency is key for the Roosters.
— Jon Tuxworth
SHARKS
LADDER: Fourth, 32 points (+63)
WEEKEND WRAP
The Sharks got the win but it wasn’t pretty. Cronulla ran out 26-16 winners against North Queensland after scoring four tries in the first half but managed just the one penalty goal after the break. The win was assured as time ran out but the Cowboys snuck two quick tries through in the final eight minutes to make the scoreline look more respectable.
INS AND OUTS
The Sharks are virtually full-strength with only Jack Bird on the injury list. James Maloney (tripping) and Wade Graham (high tackle) escaped judiciary punishment with fines so will lace up against the Roosters.
RUN HOME
Roosters, Knights (away)
PROGNOSIS
The Sharks will be desperate to hold a top-four spot on the ladder and went some way to doing that with the win over the Cowboys. The victory allowed them to move past back-to-back losses in recent weeks but their failure to play the full 80 minutes should be cause for concern. The defending premiers are in the mix but will need to find the consistency that led them to last year’s maiden premiership.
— David Campbell
EELS
LADDER: Fifth, 32 points (+15)
WEEKEND WRAP
If they didn’t defeat the Titans something would have seriously been amiss. But in a somewhat turgid affair the Eels never looked in serious danger to run out winners 30-8 and a confidence boosting bounce back after the previous week’s loss to the Knights.
INS AND OUTS
The backline crisis at the Eels continues. Having lost Clint Gutherson for the season, his replacement Bevan French has likely been sidelined for the rest of the regular season with a hamstring injury. Second-rower Manu Ma’u will miss a week after taking the early guilty plea for a shoulder charge.
RUN HOME
Broncos (away), Rabbitohs (home).
PROGNOSIS
The Broncos, along with Melbourne, are the form team of the competition, their expansive, high-octane game enhancing their premiership credentials. Can Brad Arthur repeat the magic he conjured in round 21 when the Eels shocked the Broncos 28-14? Wayne Bennett’s men seem to be timing their September run perfectly and it’s difficult to see the Eels stopping their momentum at Suncorp Stadium. Depending on results, Eels can still finish top four with one more victory this season, likely to be against the Rabbitohs in the final round.
— Heath Kelly
PANTHERS
LADDER: Sixth, 30 points (+30 points)
WEEKEND WRAP
Penrith surged to a seventh successive victory, edging the Raiders 26-22 in a thrilling encounter at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
The victory was their most impressive of the streak, young utility Tyrone May coming off the bench to seal the win over a desperate Raiders outfit with a late try.
INS AND OUTS
The good news keeps coming for the Panthers, with Trent Merrin making a successful return from a knee injury. Merrin made 125 metres from 13 runs off the bench to go with 26 tackles and will be pushing for a starting berth as the Panthers head towards the finals.
RUN HOME
Dragons, Sea Eagles (away)
PROGNOSIS
Sunday’s win all but locked up a top eight sport for Penrith and, incredibly for a team that started the season so poorly, the Panthers are within striking distance of the top four. The last two rounds will be anything but easy, however. They face the desperate Dragons and Sea Eagles, with both sides fighting to stay in the finals race.
— Dominic Burke
COWBOYS
LADDER: Seventh, 28 points (+26)
WEEKEND WRAP
Copy and paste the same old story from the last month here. Once again the luckless Cowboys copped more injuries with Kalyn Ponga (shoulder) and John Asiata (hyperextended elbow) both failing to finish Saturday’s 26-16 home loss to the Sharks. It stretches their injury list to an incredible 14 players, and they’ve now used 32 players this year after Enari Tuala and Shane Wright debuted.
INS AND OUTS
Centre Tuala debuted from the bench but could find himself in the run-on side after Ponga’s injury for Friday’s must-win clash with the Tigers at Campbelltown. Experienced campaigners Lachlan Coote (ankle), Gavin Cooper (calf) and winger Antonio Winterstein (hamstring) are all some hope of returning. Their composure and leadership would be vital to take the pressure off Michael Morgan and Jason Taumalolo.
RUN HOME
Tigers (a), Broncos (h)
PROGNOSIS
The decimated Cowboys may have finally run out of chances. St George Illawarra are just two points behind them with a superior for and against. One win from their last two games may not be enough for North Queensland to guarantee a spot in September.
— Jon Tuxworth
SEA EAGLES
LADDER: Eighth, 28 points (+23)
WEEKEND WRAP
Manly’s charge to the finals took a massive hit when they were stunned 30-16 by the battling Bulldogs. Following on from the previous week’s shock loss to Wests Tigers, the disappointing defeat resulted in the Sea Eagles slipping to eighth on the ladder.
INS AND OUTS
While their form has dropped right off, it’s not because of injuries. Second-rower Curtis Sironen could make a return from a pectoral injury but it’s hard to see where else coach Trent Barrett can make any changes to spark the Sea Eagles out of this slump.
RUN HOME
Warriors (away), Panthers
PROGNOSIS
The disparity between Manly’s best and worst is alarming. While their comeback win over the third-placed Roosters was just three rounds ago, it came on the back of successive hammerings to the Dragons and Storm, and has been followed up by the losses to the lowly Tigers and Bulldogs. Their finals destiny is still in their own hands, and they can probably wrap up a playoffs berth with a win away to the lowly Warriors this weekend. But fans will want to see a massive lift in performance if they’re to be any kind of threat come finals time.
— Dominic Burke
DRAGONS
LADDER: Ninth, 26 points (87)
WEEKEND WRAP
The Dragons proved no match for the red-hot Broncos in Brisbane. They must now win their remaining matches against Penrith and Canterbury and hope other results go their way to make the finals.
INS AND OUTS
Centre Euan Aitken has been ruled out for the season after dislocating his shoulder for the second time this season on Friday.
The Dragons hope prop Russell Packer will return from a knee injury in round 26. Paul McGregor will also monitor his charges after a flu virus swept through the playing ranks last week, with Paul Vaughan vomiting during Friday’s game against Brisbane, while interchange forward Hame Sele was ruled out.
Young gun Matt Dufty was bedridden until kick-off with the virus and Nene MacDonald sent home after being unable to run at final training session to prepare for must win clash against Penrith.
Star forward Tyson Frizell was helped off by a trainer from the captain’s run after rolling his ankle when he stepped on teammate Jack de Belin.
Only six starting players — Josh Dugan, Tim Lafai, Jason Nightingale, Cameron McInnes, Joel Thompson and Tariq Sims were unaffected by the flu before the game.
RUN HOME
Penrith (A), Bulldogs (H)
PROGNOSIS
The Dragons must win their final two games, but it won’t easy. First, they have to overcome the in-form Panthers in Penrith. If they lose and Manly beat the Warriors in New Zealand, the Red V’s season is over. After impressing for much of the year, the Dragons’ finals hopes are in serious doubt.
— Matt Logue
RAIDERS
LADDER: 10th, 24 points (+69)
WEEKEND WRAP
Canberra and Penrith produced a spectacle for fans with numerous lead changes ensuring a thrilling encounter in the nation’s capital.
A 73rd-minute matchwinner to Panthers rookie Tyrone May all but ended the Raiders’ season with a 26-22 loss at GIO Stadium.
INS AND OUTS
Mathematically Canberra are still alive by the narrowest of circumstances, should plenty of results fall their way.
Due to this Ricky Stuart is unlikely to take the opportunity to experiment with his squad that has ultimately failed to fire in 2017. Expect the same side to face Newcastle in round 25.
RUN HOME
Knights (H), Storm
PROGNOSIS
As mentioned, Canberra diehards still hold out hope of a miracle run of results to edge them into finals football.
Realists have put a line through the Raiders for season 2017 with the loss to Penrith appearing to be the final nail in the coffin.
— Tim Williams
RABBITOHS
LADDER: 11th, 22 points (-36)
WEEKEND WRAP
South Sydney made it three wins on the trot in windy conditions at ANZ Stadium with a relatively convincing 36-18 victory over the Warriors.
Alex Johnston continued to silence critics in his favoured fullback position, crossing for three tries to surge atop the charts with 22 for the season.
INS AND OUTS
With the season over Michael Maguire may continue to tinker with the make-up of his forward pack.
Sam Burgess has expressed his desire to play out the remainder of the season with injured ribs, however his inclusion is anyone’s guess.
The same can be said for Angus Crichton who continues to play big minutes despite nursing several injuries.
Highly rated youngster Cameron Murray is likely to gain valuable experience with additional game time to round out the season.
RUN HOME
Storm (A), Eels (A)
PROGNOSIS
The Rabbitohs have given faithful fans plenty to cheer about in recent weeks after an up and down season.
The good times may be short-lived with the daunting prospect of playing Melbourne away on Saturday night. Perhaps Craig Bellamy will rest Cameron Smith and Billy Slater with the minor premiership secured?
— Tim Williams
BULLDOGS
LADDER: 12th, 20 points (-113)
WEEKEND WRAP
It might be too little, too late but at least Bulldogs fans have something to cheer about after their side romped to a 30-16 victory over the Sea Eagles. The win, ending a four-match losing streak, came thanks to a rampant attacking right edge. Marcelo Montoya and Brett Morris both bagged doubles as the Bulldogs ran away with the match in the second half.
INS AND OUTS
Sam Kasiano will miss gametime following a sternum injury and Josh Reynolds remains sidelined with his calf injury. With the season gone though, now is the time to experiment and see what useful combinations might be uncovered ahead of 2018.
RUN HOME
Titans (away), Dragons (away).
PROGNOSIS
There will be no finals football for the Bulldogs but a win like that will be welcome relief for a side — and coach — under immense pressure. Des Hasler’s men will take confidence from the win in a bid to finish the season strongly.
— David Campbell
WARRIORS
LADDER: 13th, 18 points (-118)
WEEKEND WRAP
The Warriors actually dominated sections of the game and by the time Roger Tuivasa-Scheck touched down for his second try in the 49th minute were in the ascendancy. Predictably the Warriors faded throughout the second half and once Adam Reynolds touched down the floodgates opened for the Rabbitohs to finish 36 to 19 victors.
INS AND OUTS
Kieran Foran is no certainty to play for the Warriors again after injuring his back while Jacob Lillyman is also out for the rest of the season with a torn biceps.
RUN HOME
Sea Eagles (home), Tigers (away).
PROGNOSIS
About the only positive thing you can say about the Warriors is that they can’t finish last thanks to a superior for and against to those teams lower on the ladder. They come up against a Sea Eagles side devoid of confidence this week but with far more on the line with a finals berth at stake. They finish against the Tigers who have shown signs of life and want to finish the season on a positive given the disaster it’s been. Warriors are on 18 points now and will be at the end of the season.
— Heath Kelly
TITANS
LADDER: 14th, 18 points (-174)
WEEKEND WRAP
The Titans’ late season fade out continued with their fifth straight loss, a 30-8 defeat to Parramatta at ANZ Stadium last Thursday night.
INS AND OUTS
Centre John Olive suffered a dislocated elbow and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Anthony Don received a nasty cut to the mouth but should be OK for the Gold Coast’s final home game of the season against Canterbury on Saturday. Centre Konrad Hurrell is nearing his return from a hamstring injury and will be a big boost if he can face the Bulldogs. Prop Jarrod Wallace should be cleared to play after missing the Eels game with a knee problem.
RUN HOME
Bulldogs, Roosters (away).
PROGNOSIS
The Titans are looking to salvage something from their final two games of the season but it is unlikely to be enough to save coach Neil Henry’s job. They could even have a caretaker coach for the Bulldogs game with Henry to learn his fate early this week. They need one more win to avoid the wooden spoon but it won’t be easy with the Bulldogs finding some form against Manly.
— Travis Meyn
WESTS TIGERS
LADDER: 15th
WEEKEND WRAP
The Tigers clawed back a 16-point deficit after half-time against the Roosters, but a try to Latrell Mitchell in the 72nd minute consigned them to a 22-18 loss at Allianz Stadium.
When the game was on the line, they came up with a costly error and the wrong play on the last tackle by Luke Brooks in the dying stages of the match.
INS AND OUTS
Elijah Taylor (ribs/shoulder), Luke Brooks (hamstring), and Kevin Naiqama (ribs) all picked up injuries on the weekend. Backrower Chris Lawrence has a troublesome pectoral injury which has seen him become a week to week proposition.
RUN HOME
Cowboys, Warriors
PROGNOSIS
The Tigers have displayed plenty of resilience is recent times and it’s keeping them in matches they would ordinary have crumbled in. When it looked like the Roosters could do a number on them after they streaked to a 16-nil lead, the Tigers found a way to get back into the contest. They finish their season with home clashes against the Cowboys and the Warriors and going on the grit they have displayed in the past month, wins against both sides is realistic and will see them avoid the wooden spoon.
— Fatima Kdouh
KNIGHTS
LADDER: Last, 14 points (-194)
WEEKEND WRAP
Despite entering the match on a three-game winning streak, Newcastle were simply outclassed by minor premiers Melbourne in a 44-12 loss at home.
INS AND OUTS
Brock Lamb played through a knee complaint for much of the game before succumbing to the injury late in the fixture.
The drama continued with Sione Mata’utia failing a HIA test at halftime, ruling him out for the remainder of the contest.
The Knights have confirmed Lamb will miss Newcastle’s final two fixtures, along with forward Luke Yates. Jack Cogger and Jaelen Feeney will come into contention for a return to the top grade.
RUN HOME
Raiders (A), Sharks (H)
PROGNOSIS
As expected, Newcastle find themselves in a battle for the wooden spoon with Wests Tigers.
The Knights are two points behind the Tigers with a slightly inferior differential leaving them 32 behind.
If the Tigers lose their final two games, a single victory for Newcastle may well lift them off the bottom of the ladder.
— Tim Williams
Join the conversation
Brave NRLW coaching call the Bulldogs must make
The Bulldogs have a groundbreaking NRLW opportunity. There are two obvious candidates for the vacant coaching job if they’re brave enough to make a big decision for the future, writes PAMELA WHALEY.
Read more
Broncos star set to reject Sydney raids in $2m signing coup
Brisbane’s 2024 Allan Langer Medallist is set to reject rival Sydney suitors to ink a multimillion-dollar contract extension - but the move could force his backline partner out of Red Hill.
Read more