Josh Morris provided the crucial play, Latrell Mitchell made his Rabbitohs debut at fullback, Melbourne unearthed another rising star, injury updates and more - everything you need to know from all the weekend's rugby league action!
The NRL pre-season is all but done and dusted.
There was a host to digest in a massive weekend of action headlined by the Charity Shield clash between South Sydney and St George Illawarra.
Latrell Mitchell made his Rabbitohs debut in the No.1 jersey, Mitchell Moses gave Eels fans reasons to smile, Melbourne unearthed another rising star, Valentine Holmes scored his first try in Cowboys colours and Kalyn Ponga tore it up for the Knights.
Here's everything you need to know from the weekend's action.
RACE FOR MORRIS INTENSIFIES
The tug of war for Sharks centre Josh Morris will only intensify this week after he crossed for a telling try in his side's 28-16 win over Manly on a steamy night at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
The veteran had a fairly quiet game but came up with the crucial four-pointer after the half-time siren to give his side a 10-6 lead at the break.
It could well be his last try in Cronulla colours with the Roosters desperate to sign the former rep star as cover for Latrell Mitchell and Billy Smith, who suffered a serious knee injury earlier in the year.
"I know they'd be pretty keen with trying to fill that spot their on the left, but the same reasons they want him are the same reasons we don't want to let him go. We need him," Sharks coach John Morris said.
"He's a very important player to our squad and we hope that he continues to rip in for us."
Tipped by some to suffer a massive slide in 2020, the Sharks made up for a lack of spark in attack - not helped by the late withdrawal of Shaun Johnson with a virus - as their trademark defence frustrated their opponents.
The Sea Eagles sent the opening kick-off dead but spent the majority of the first quarter in the red zone, only for Johnson's replacement, Connor Tracey, to break the deadlock when he backed up a Jack Williams break.
Parity was soon restored when Manly recruit Danny Levi burrowed over from close range, only for Morris to give the home fans something to cheer about as some of the crowd had made their way to the concession stand.
With both sides fielding largely inexperienced squads for the second half, big man Toby Rudolf pushed his claims for an NRL debut as he crashed over for a try while Abbas Miski could add to his Sea Eagles tally after he touched down in the left corner.
Calling Kogarah home for the first time, the Sharks extended their lead when Franklin Pele barged over as the clubs united to raise much needed funds for Fine Kula as he continues to battle brain cancer.
Manly scored with 10 minutes remaining but they can start preparing for the Storm in Round 1 after Tracey crossed late to seal the win.
Levi fits
Just like a pair of Levi's jeans, Danny took a while to fit in but looked comfortable once he did. The former Knight missed a tackle that led to Cronulla's first try but he quickly settled in as he started to run the the ball. His solo effort to get Manly on the board is a promising sign as the club looks to handle life without Manase Fainu. Sharks rake Blayke Brailey was solid in defence but quiet with ball in hand.
Jack is locked in
Replacing a legend in any sport is an unenviable task, but Jack Williams has shown enough to suggest the Sharks are well stocked to cover for Paul Gallen's retirement. The energetic lock laid on the first try of the evening in an impressive opening stint in a Gal-like showing that has all but wrapped up the No.13 jersey for Round 1. Toby Rudolf could also be in contention for the season-opener against South Sydney following his wrecking-ball performance on Sunday which included a barnstorming try early in the second half. "He was solid and ran really hard. He was nice and physical which is what I wanted to see from him," his coach said.
- Martin Gabor
MOSES SHINES AS EELS, PANTHERS DRAW
Mitchell Moses looks set to take his career-best 2019 form into the new season after scoring two solo tries in Parramatta’s 22-22 NRL trial draw with Penrith on the NSW far south coast.
Moses scored 12 points for the Eels in the bushfire appeal match in Bega, including a chip-and-chase effort which would make any highlights reel for the season.
Penrith’s Nathan Cleary also crossed for a try, as he prepared to take the playmaking reins this year after James Maloney’s departure for France.
Fullback Calen Aekins was impressive as he looked set to fill the Panthers’ No.1 jersey in place of the injured Dylan Edwards.
Coach Ivan Cleary would also be happy with recruit Zane Tetevano, who ran a game-high 117 metres at prop.
WILLIAMS LIFTS RAIDERS PAST BULLDOGS
A late try to Sam Williams has delivered Canberra a 12-10 win over Canterbury in Port Macquarie.
It was a hard-nosed affair, with plenty of rough edges.
Veteran halfback Williams proved the hero for the Raiders, scoring the match-winner with 12 minutes left as he sliced through some poor goal-line defense from close range.
Early tries to rookie winger Jake Averillo and star prop Dylan Napa put Canterbury in control, as Canberra could only manage a solitary score, to star five-eighth Jack Wighton, in reply until Williams’ coup de grace.
Both sides will walk away with plenty to think about – Canterbury’s halves picture may be a little clearer after Lachlan Lewis enjoyed a very tidy game at five-eighth, with his kicking game especially impressing.
Dean Britt was another standout – the former Rabbitoh has impressed all pre-season, and judging on this performance he should land a bench spot for the season opener against Parramatta.
- Nick Campton
STORM YOUNG GUN STEPS UP AGAINST COWBOYS
Hooker Harry Grant showed why there has been a tug-of-war for his services with a starring performance off the bench as Melbourne cruised to a 22-14 win over North Queensland.
Grant replaced Storm skipper Cameron Smith midway through the first half and scored a try with his second touch before setting up a Dale Finucane score with a clever grubber into the in-goal.
The youngster was set to be involved in a one-season loan agreement between the Storm and Tigers, which would have seen centre Paul Momirovski head south before it was blocked by the NRL for salary cap reasons.
The 22-year-old reportedly asked for a release this week but with Melbourne’s back-up rake, Kiwi star Brandon Smith, out for four to six weeks with a facial fracture the Storm denied his request.
Cowboys recruit Valentine Holmes showed he was already building a strong combination with Michael Morgan, running on to the halfback’s kick into the in-goal to score before putting winger Kyle Feldt through for a try.
Despite a year away from the game as he chased his NFL dream, Holmes looked like he had lost none of his pace.
PONGA STARS AS KNIGHTS TROUNCE BABY CHOOKS
Kalyn Ponga put in a star turn as Newcastle breezed to a 58-0 win over an understrength Roosters side in Gosford in Adam O’Brien’s unofficial debut as Knights coach.
The young Roosters gave a good account of themselves in the opening exchanges before the Novocastrians finally clicked into gear, with Ponga ducking down a narrow blindside to put Mitch Barnett over down the right.
From there it was a procession – Barnett grabbed another, with Jayden Brailey, Ponga, Gehamat Shibasaki, Hymel Hunt, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Connor Watson, Simi Sasagi and Tex Hoy all getting on the scoresheet.
Ponga’s try was the pick of the bunch, as the superstar fullback flew onto a pinpoint kick from Mitchell Pearce to fly under the posts without breaking stride.
Former Cronulla hooker Brailey caught the eye with a number of probes from dummy half. The 23-year-old is better known for his rugged defense, but his willingness to run would have pleased O’Brien.
Watson was also dangerous when he came on as a hybrid hooker/lock. Shibasaki, another new recruit, had some nice touches of his own. The former Broncos showed great hands to hold a pressure pass from Kurt Mann to score, and put Hunt over with a well-timed offload early in the second half.
Barnett was impressive at second row, with his physicality in both attack and defense a particular highlight and Jacob Saifiti did well off the bench, putting forth a compelling case for inclusion in the Knights lineup for Round 1.
Mackenzie Baker was the pick of the Roosters – the young fullback was busy and looked sharp every time he got the ball.Last week’s World Club Challenge meant the defending premiers played a bare bones side, with only four players boasting first grade experience.
- Nick Campton
CHARITY SHIELD: MITCHELL DEBUTS AS BUNNIES TRIUMPH
Latrell Mitchell continues to show positive signs at fullback after making a solid debut in South Sydney’s 26-12 win over St George Illawarra.
Mitchell needed just 55 seconds to make an impact, sending winger Campbell Graham over the line with his first touch of Saturday night’s game at Mudgee in NSW’s central west.
The Kangaroos’ star looked dangerous with almost every touch of the ball, particularly when the Rabbitohs set up shifts to his favoured left edge. His only blemish was what initially ruled an air swing at a Corey Norman bomb, only for the Dragons to challenge the call successfully.
Patrick Mago had an absolute blinder, with a try, try assist, with some solid defence and forcing an error, while other youngsters Keaon Koloamatangi and Blake Taaffe were also standouts.
Read the full match report here
BRONCOS TROUBLES EXPOSED AS TITANS TRIUMPH
Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold enters the NRL premiership with some headaches after the Broncos rounded out a losing pre-season with a 28-22 derby capitulation against the Titans.
The Broncos looked to be cruising to victory when a superb first half from Storm halfback recruit Brodie Croft catapulted Brisbane to a 16-0 lead after 23 minutes in their final trial hit-out at Dolphin Stadium.
But the Broncos went from slick to second-rate in the space of an hour at Redcliffe, conceding five tries in 25 minutes as reigning wooden-spooners the Titans stunned big brother with a superb fightback.
When the full-time siren sounded, Seibold was left to digest the disappointment of a loss to a Titans team who finished the contest stronger, sharper and hungrier.
The Broncos conceded some soft tries close to their tryline and with No.1 prop Matt Lodge sidelined for three months with a knee injury, Seibold needs his forwards to step-up and support Payne Haas.
The 117kg giant was outstanding, amassing 151 metres by half-time, but Haas needed more assistance as the Titans slowly won the ruck with passion and intensity.
Josh Reynolds has put a nightmare pre-season behind him with a try as Wests Tigers recorded a 20-6 win over the Warriors in their final NRL trial in Rotorua.
Replacement hooker Reynolds barrelled over from dummy-half near half-time to level the scores 6-6- before the visitors controlled the second spell on Sunday against the injury-hit Warriors.
It will have been a sweet moment for the 30-year-old former Blues Origin star, who was only cleared this week of domestic violence allegations after NSW police dropped charges against him.
Reynolds’ try preceded a dominant second half for the Tigers, who crossed twice through winger David Nofoaluma and through a sharp chip and chase from Luke Brooks.
Nofoaluma’s second try was set up a by a sharp bust from centre Joey Leilua, the former Canberra ace at times showing what a fine acquisition he could be.
The Warriors’ only try was a 20th-minute effort from winger Ken Maumalo, set up by Kodi Nikorima and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
The hosts were directionless for much of the second half without captain Tuivasa-Sheck, who was off the field to have an ankle injury iced.
The classy fullback later described the problem as minor but the club will still be sweating on knocks picked up prop Agnatius Paasi (ankle) and lock Lachlan Burr (neck), who failed to see out the game.
Tigers co-captain Moses Mbye didn’t return after an early head knock and knee strain in the same collision. He was cleared of any consussion issues.
Both teams were at close to full strength but the Tigers will come away with more positivity after shaking off some early handling errors.
Leilua and Benji Marshall were sharpest among their backs while the Warriors will have been heartened by the strong return from injury of second-rower Tohu Harris, in his first game in nine months.
INJURY REPORT
PANTHERS
James Fisher-Harris (shoulder)*
Mitch Kenny (elbow)*
Kurt Capewell (quad)*
* did not play v Eels
RABBITOHS
Liam Knight - First game back from a foot injury and looked like he may have tweaked it slightly, but managed to play on
Well, that's some sort of recovery.
Brisbane raced out to a 16-0 over the Gold Coast, then watched as the Titans piled on 28 unanswered points to run out 28-22 winners over their Queensland rivals.
Herbie Farnworth scored a late try to give Brisbane a sniff but Gold Coast held on to finish the pre-season with a bit of momentum.
And that's the last of today's games done, so that's it for our live coverage – thanks for joining us!
Titans storm to lead against Broncos
What is happening at Dolphin Stadium? Gold Coast trailed the Broncos 16-0 early in this match … and now lead 28-16 inside the final 15 minutes!
The Dragons Charity Shield losing streak going since 2012 has continued, with the Rabbitohs running away with it in the second half to win 26-12.
The Dragons were the better team in the first half, with solid defence guiding them to a 12-3 lead, but they were unable to keep it going in the second half. It all fell apart when the marquee men from both sides left the field, with Rabbitohs youngsters dominating the Dragons.
Patrick Mago had an absolute blinder, with a try, try assist, with some solid defence and forcing an error, while other youngsters Keaon Koloamatangi and Blake Taaffe were also standouts.
That was pretty to watch! #CharityShield pic.twitter.com/jgUj5OX8uX
— NRL (@NRL) February 29, 2020
By Nick Campton
Kalyn Ponga put in a star turn as Newcastle breezed to a 58-0 win over an understrength Roosters side in Gosford in Adam O’Brien’s unofficial debut as Knights coach.
The young Roosters gave a good account of themselves in the opening exchanges before the Novocastrians finally clicked into gear, with Ponga ducking down a narrow blindside to put Mitch Barnett over down the right.
From there it was a procession – Barnett grabbed another, with Jayden Brailey, Ponga, Gehamat Shibasaki, Hymel Hunt, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Connor Watson, Simi Sasagi and Tex Hoy all getting on the scoresheet.
Ponga’s try was the pick of the bunch, as the superstar fullback flew onto a pinpoint kick from Mitchell Pearce to fly under the posts without breaking stride.
Former Cronulla hooker Brailey caught the eye with a number of probes from dummy half. The 23-year old is better known for his rugged defense, but his willingness to run would have pleased O’Brien. Watson was also dangerous when he came on as a hybrid hooker/lock.
Shibasaki, another new recruit, had some nice touches of his own. The former Broncos showed great hands to hold a pressure pass from Kurt Mann to score, and put Hunt over with a well-timed offload early in the second half.
Barnett was impressive at second row, with his physicality in both attack and defense a particular highlight and Jacob Saifiti did well off the bench, putting forth a compelling case for inclusion in the Knights lineup for Round 1.
Ponga and Pearce, who were both typically classy, played the first half of the match, as O’Brien opted to keep his powder dry ahead of the season opener against New Zealand in two weeks time.
Mackenzie Baker was the pick of the Roosters – the young fullback was busy and looked sharp every time he got the ball.
Last week’s World Club Challenge meant the defending premiers played a bare bones side, with only four players boasting first grade experience.
SATURDAY
Full-time: Panthers 22 drew Eels 22
Full-time: Raiders 12 d Bulldogs 10
Full-time: Storm 22 d Cowboys 14
Full-time: Knights 58 d Roosters 0
Full-time: Rabbitohs 26 d Dragons 12
Full-time: Titans 28 d Broncos 22
SUNDAY
12pm Warriors v Wests Tigers
6pm Sharks v Sea Eagles
The Bunnies bounce back is in full swing, with back to back tries to Keaon Koloamatangi and Alex Johnston giving them a 26-12 lead. Young playmaker Blake Taaffe has had a hand in everything since coming on the field.
The Dragons have been nothing short of awful since their NRL stars left the field, giving Souths multiple chances with continued errors.
The Bunnies are firing!
— NRL (@NRL) February 29, 2020
They extend their lead, 20-12 after 58 minutes. #CharityShield pic.twitter.com/9aFxMSWZ7g
The Bunnies bounce back is in full swing, with back to back tries to Keaon Koloamatangi and Alex Johnston giving them a 26-12 lead. Young playmaker Blake Taaffe has had a hand in everything since coming on the field.
The Dragons have been nothing short of awful since their NRL stars left the field, giving Souths multiple chances with continued errors.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe Bunnies are firing!
— NRL (@NRL) February 29, 2020
They extend their lead, 20-12 after 58 minutes. #CharityShield pic.twitter.com/9aFxMSWZ7g
The Bunnies are back in this game, with Patrick Mago scoring an easy try with four defenders hanging off him, after Zac Lomax was penalised for passing off the ground.
Not long after Mago continued his dominance, with a great run and offload setting up a try to Bayley Sironen.
With Latrell Mitchell and Adam Reynolds now off the field, Blake Taaffe converted both times to put Souths ahead at 16-12.
Sneaky!
— NRL (@NRL) February 29, 2020
The @SSFCRABBITOHS get one back! #CharityShield pic.twitter.com/Ef15dgdH5O
The Bunnies are back in this game, with Patrick Mago scoring an easy try with four defenders hanging off him, after Zac Lomax was penalised for passing off the ground.
Not long after Mago continued his dominance, with a great run and offload setting up a try to Bayley Sironen.
With Latrell Mitchell and Adam Reynolds now off the field, Blake Taaffe converted both times to put Souths ahead at 16-12.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsSneaky!
— NRL (@NRL) February 29, 2020
The @SSFCRABBITOHS get one back! #CharityShield pic.twitter.com/Ef15dgdH5O
The last match of the night is under way at Redcliffe's Dolphin Oval as the Broncos battle the Titans.
Here's how the teams line up:
Broncos: 1.Jack Bird 2.Corey Oates 3.Kotoni Staggs 4.Darius Boyd 5.Xavier Coates 6.Anthony Milford 7.Brodie Croft 8.Tom Flegler 9.Jake Turpin 10.Payne Haas 11.David Fifita 12.Tevita Pangai Jnr 13.Patrick Carrigan.
Interchange: 14.Jamayne Isaako 15.Herbie Farnworth 16. Jesse Arthars 17.Tesi Niu 18.Richie Kennar 19.Tom Dearden 20.Tyson Gamble 21.Jordan Riki 22.Andrew McCullough 23.Joe Ofahengaue 24.Rhys Kennedy 25.Jamil Hopoate 26.Ethan Bullemor
Titans: 1. Phillip Sami, 2. Anthony Don, 3. Kallum Watkins, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Jonus Pearson, 6. Tyrone Roberts, 7. Ashley Taylor, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Sam Lisone, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Bryce Cartwright, 13. Jai Arrow.
Interchange: 14. Jai Whitbread, 15. Tyrone Peachey, 16. Nathan Peats, 17. Tanah Boyd, 18. Dale Copley, 19. Sam Stone, 20. Jaimin Jolliffe, 21. Erin Clark, 22. Greg Lelisisauo