NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 23?
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 23 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
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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 23 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
MELBOURNE STORM
HOW THEY FARED
The ladder leaders went down 22-8 to the Raiders in an enthralling battle at GIO Stadium. The Storm’s attack was frustrated by Canberra’s impressive and gritty defensive display.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Halfback Cooper Cronk schemed all night, and while he beat the Raiders defence early in the first half to go over untouched, he was heavily marked and his attacking prowess nullified by Raiders’ willing defence.
INJURY WARD
Tohu Harris (concussion, round 24), Billy Slater (shoulder, season), Jordan McLean (ankle, Round 25)
LURKING ON THE EDGE
In the Holden Cup, Melbourne made it three wins in a row after taking down the Raiders 34-26 in a thrilling comeback win. The Thunderbolts clawed back from an 18-point deficit in the second half to claim victory. Forward Lachlan Timm crossed for a double.
REPORT CARD
B+: Despite enjoying a glut of possession in Canberra’s red zone, Melbourne couldn’t find the tryline and covert their chances into points. They were beaten at their own game.
— Fatima Kdouh
CRONULLA SHARKS
HOW THEY FARED
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan insists he isn’t panicking after his side suffered back-to-back losses, going down 32-18 to archrivals the Dragons.
Cronulla took the lead into halftime but were unable to stop the Dragons’ roll-on in the second half. They also lost skipper Paul Gallen in the warm-up with a calf strain.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Fullback Ben Barba performed well, considering he was heavily marked and scored a try in the 27th minute on the back of 95-metre play.
Euan Aitken’s defensive work on Barba meant Jack Bird enjoyed nowhere near the attacking opportunities he’s usually accustomed to.
INJURY WARD
Sam Tagataese (shoulder, indefinite), Paul Gallen (calf, indefinite), Sosaia Feki (groin, indefinite)
LURKING ON THE EDGE
In the NSW Cup, the Newtown Jets went down to the Mounties 30-28 in an exciting match. Jets halves Fa’Manu Brown and Josh Cleeland had a hand in all of their side’s points, Brown in particular, was menacing when taking on the line.
REPORT CARD
B —: The Sharks’ title tilt has hit the skids over the last two weeks and they will be looking to get their campaign back on track against the Rabbitohs.
— Fatima Kdouh
CANBERRA RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
Canberra produced their best defensive performance in years to down the Storm 22-8 and announce themselves as premiership contenders.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Joey Leilua was immense on the right side, scoring two first half tries and bringing the pain every time he ran the ball. His partner in crim Jordan Rapana was excellent again, as was interchange forward Luke Bateman but to a man the Raiders tempo and aggression in defence had to be seen to be believed.
INJURY WARD
Lachlan Croker (ACL, Season), Paul Vaughan (Sternum, Round 24), Edrick Lee (Calf, Round 24)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The Raiders feeder club secured the NSW Cup minor premiership with Mounties landing a heart stopping 30-28 win over Newtown courtesy of a last minute try to Jarrad Kennedy and an after the siren conversion by Sam Williams. The Mulga have only dropped three games all year and are warm favourites to take out the title.
VERDICT
A+. The Raiders title credentials are no longer in question. They’ve beaten the teams sitting first and second on the ladder in back to back weeks and answered every question any one had about their defence. This is a serious football team.
— Nick Campton
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
Once again, the Dogs managed to eke out an unimpressive victory, this time in golden point against Manly courtesy of a Josh Reynolds try.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Reynolds tried hard as always but his lack of refinement cost the Dogs a couple of times. Their forwards were again heavily involved with James Graham and Aiden Tolman both getting through a mountain of work. Brett Morris was also strong and always seemed like the most dangerous Canterbury player on the field.
INJURY WARD
Chase Stanley (knee, season), Greg Eastwood (hamstring, round 24), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (concussion, round 24)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The Bulldogs’ NSW Cup side have kept their faint finals hopes alive with a professional 22-14 win over the Warriors. Kerrod Holland continued his push for another shot at the NRL and Craig Garvey continued his strong form, dotting down for a try inside the second half to cap an excellent display.
VERDICT
B. It’s not pretty, but they keep winning. A top four spot is now the Bulldogs’ to lose and they’re yet to hit their peak.
— Nick Campton
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
The reigning premiers slumped to their third straight loss, going down 22-10 to the Roosters in Sydney.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
The Cowboys as a whole looked out of sorts and were disjointed. Johnathan Thurston failed to have his usual impact and struggled to get the team’s plays to hit the mark.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Winger Antonio Winterstein missed the clash with a knee injury but is expected to be right for a return for Saturday’s clash with the Cowboys.
REPORT CARD
C: This is the third straight week the Cowboys have played poorly despite promises from the players they would be fine. They looked to be lacking the right attitude and hunger needed for a second title. Things need to change quickly.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
BRISBANE BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
Brisbane continued their return to the winner’s circle on Friday night, notching up a 38-16 victory over Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Friday night’s victory was orchestrated by Anthony Milford who looked like his old self once again. The young five-eighth set up two tries, scored one of his own and made three line breaks and nine tackle busts.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Utility Kodi Nikorima is edging closer to a return but centre Jordan Kahu is not expected back for another couple of weeks.
REPORT CARD
A-: The Broncos endured an error-riddled first half but put it behind them for a stunning second 40. They are getting closer to their best form.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
PENRITH PANTHERS
HOW THEY FARED
Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Knights actually had the edge over the Panthers in the opening exchanges but Penrith went on to score a huge 36 points in the second half to register a 42-6 victory.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Fullback Matt Moylan was influential in the second half, stepping up ahead of his side’s halves pairing to help lead the Panthers to victory. He scored a try, set up two others, made six tackle busts and two linebreaks. Wingers Josh Mansour and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak crossed for two tries each.
INJURY WARD
Dean Whare (knee, season), Peta Hiku (knee, season), Sam McKendry (knee, season), Chris Grevsmuhl (elbow, indefinite)
LURKING ON THE EDGE
TeMaire Martin played his third game back from injury as the Panthers went down 22-16 to the Wyong Roos in the NSW Cup. Martin was heavily involved, setting up two tries. But his efforts weren’t enough to get the Panthers over the line.
REPORT CARD:
B —: Penrith’s first half was riddled with handling errors but in the end they were too good for the Knights. The crucial win edges them closure to securing a finals berth.
— Fatima Kdouh
GOLD COAST TITANS
HOW THEY FARED
New recruit Jarryd Hayne kicked a field goal with eight seconds left on the clock to secure the Titans a 19-18 win over the Tigers on Saturday.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Hayne was the obvious star for the Gold Coast with his matchwinning field goal. Young halfback Ashley Taylor continued his tough run through a groin injury while Nene Macdonald was also in good form.
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Tyrone Roberts could cause a bit of a selection headache if he proves fit enough for Saturday’s clash with Newcastle. Given Hayne played five-eighth against the Tigers, it is unclear where he will move to if Roberts returns from a knee injury. William Zillman is also on track for a return after playing reserve grade at the weekend.
REPORT CARD
A: It was a tough, gritty match but the Titans came away with the two points and moved back into the top eight.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
HOW THEY FARED
The Warriors fell apart at the most Warrior time possible, completely collapsing against the Rabbitohs and going down 41-22.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Ryan Hoffman had one of his best games for the Warriors while Solomone Kata was always dangerous on the right edge, scoring two tries and nearly grabbing a third.
Tuimoala Lolohea is a player of tremendous talent but he turned in an awful performance at the back. Lolohea’s poor positional play was exploited time and again by Adam Reynolds and he was unable to get himself involved in the play. It came as no surprise when he was hooked midway through the second half.
INJURY WARD
Ben Henry (knee, season), Issac Luke (knee, round 26), Charlie Gubb (suspension, qualifying finals), Roger Tuivasa Sheck (knee, season), Sione Lousi (ACL, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The Warriors’ NSW Cup side went down 22-14 to the Bulldogs but will remain in the top four with the finals fast approaching. Hardworking forward John Palavi and skipper Mason Lino were the two best on field for the New Zealanders, who have endured a tough period of injury late in the season.
VERDICT
D. Throwing up such a lacklustre effort against an ailing side like the Rabbitohs when there was so much to play for is unforgivable but sadly par for the course when it comes to the Warriors.
— Nick Campton
WESTS TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Tigers and the Titans duked it out in one of the most entertaining games of the season but the joint venture club were undone by a last-minute field goal to some guy the Titans signed a couple of weeks ago.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Aaron Woods had his best club game of the season but the star of the show was winger David Nofoalouma. The Campbelltown junior enjoyed a sensational match on his home turf, scoring two tries and busting through tackles like a man possessed.
Mitch Moses has been superb in the last few weeks and did more good than bad against the Titans but once James Tedesco went off with injury he was left with too much to do. Moses did manage to help engineer the Tigers comeback but could have dearly used some support.
INJURY WARD
Bayley Sironen (shoulder, season), James Tedesco (broken jaw, season), Nathan Milone (knee, season) Matt Ballin (ACL, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Robbie Farah had another strong game for the Tigers in the NSW Cup, setting up a number of tries and kicking a field goal, but Josh Addo-Carr was again the star of the day, scoring three tries in the Tigers 39-14 win over Wentworthville.
VERDICT
B: This was a close loss to a finals team with an undermanned squad but the loss of Tedesco means the Tigers are facing an uphill battle to make the finals.
— Nick Campton
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
Dragons fans will be wondering where kind of form they displayed against the Sharks has been all season. Dogged for not being able to score points, they played an exciting brand of footy, making 13 offloads on their way to a five-try upset in front of a home crowd at Kogarah.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Josh Dugan’s value to the Dragons is undeniable. The fullback returned from a broken jaw and was threatening all game long. He ran for a whopping 190 metres, making seven tackle busts along the way.
Benji Marshall, who is playing to prolong his NRL career, stepped up to put a poor showing against the Broncos the week before behind him. The halfback set-up two tries.
INJURY WARD
Mose Masoe (ACL, season), Dylan Farrell (back, indefinite), Ben Creagh (knee, indefinite), Josh Leeson Ah Mau (suspension, round 24), Kalifa Faifai Loa (cheekbone, round 25)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The Cutters thrashed the Bears 42-6 in the NSW Cup. The eight-try haul keeps them in the top four. The game was one-way traffic with the result pretty much decided in the first half with Illawarra posting 28 unanswered points.
REPORT CARD
B —: The Dragons showed the kind of football they are capable of producing when their forwards are dominant and their attack is on song, pulling off a 32-18 upset against derby rivals Cronulla.
— Fatima Kdouh
MANLY SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY FARED
A 20-16 loss at the hands of the Bulldogs has snuffed out Manly’s finals hopes. The Sea Eagles played with enthusiasm but were unable to convert their chances in the first half and went into the sheds behind on the scoreboard despite enjoying almost 60 per cent of the possession.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Marty Taupau was a handful and had one of his best games of the season. The backrower made six tackle busts and four offloads.
Halfback Daly Cherry-Evans never stopped trying and scored an impressive try through a chip and chase effort.
Jamie Lyon missed a penalty, from 40 metres out, which would have handed the Sea Eagles victory right on fulltime.
INJURY WARD
Dylan Walker (shoulder, season), Tom Trbojevic (shoulder, tbc), Jorge Taufua (shoulder, tbc), Jayden Hodges (ACL, season), Tim Moltzen (ankle, retired), Brenton Lawrence (pec, season), Steve Matai (neck, season), Brett Stewart (knee, round 24)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The season looks over for Trbojevic, Walker and Taufua and this could see Brad Parker return into the NRL side. Lewis Brown may also shift back into the centres to fill one of the vacated places and Brett Stewart could get his NRL swansong, with the fullback scheduled to return from injury in round 24.
REPORT CARD:
C+: With their season all but over, coach Trent Barrett has assured fans his side would still give the rest of the season all they’ve got.
— Fatima Kdouh
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
HOW THEY FARED
The Rabbitohs broke their long losing streak with a dominant 41-22 win over the Warriors in New Zealand.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Adam Reynolds had his best game of the season and destroyed the Warriors early on with his kicking game. It was a complete domination by Reynolds that sadly ended on a sour note after he tore his hamstring and did not reappear for the second half.
INJURY WARD
Bryson Goodwin (arm, indefinite), Siosifa Talaki (ankle, indefinite), Luke Keary (hamstring, round 26), Adam Reynolds (hamstring, indefinite), Samisoni Langi (ACL, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The Rabbitohs under-20s side scored an upset win over fellow stragglers New Zealand but their was no such luck for their NSW Cup side who went down 42-6 to Illawarra.
VERDICT
B. Their season has been gone for some time but the resurgence of the Rabbitohs in the last few weeks will give their fans hope for 2017.
— Nick Campton
PARAMATTA EELS
HOW THEY FARED
The trials of an incredibly tough season finally came back to bite the Eels as they fell apart late to go down to Brisbane 38-16.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Danny Wicks has been an underrated performer for the Eels since he joined them at the start of last year and was close to their best against Brisbane. Wicks led from the front and never stopped trying to get his side back in the match, even scoring a fine individual try late in the game.
Bevan French is the future of Parramatta and has wonderful ability but he struggled to impose himself on the game from fullback. French danced across for a try early but struggled when moved to the back in relief of Michael Gordon. He’ll be better for the run.
INJURY WARD
Semi Radradra (knee, round 24), Corey Norman (disciplinary, season), Beau Scott (ankle, round 25), Bureta Faraimo (cheekbone, season), Matt Woods (shoulder, season), Mitchell Cornish (hamstring, round 26), Luke Kelly (ACL, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The Eels NSW Cup side lost to the Tigers 39-14 while their Holden Cup side went down 34-32 due to a last second conversion. All in all, it was a tough weekend for Parramatta.
VERDICT
C. The rigours of the year were always going to catch up with Parramatta at some stage. They’re still a committed football side but it must be hard to find motivation at this time of year.
— Nick Campton
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Chooks handed the Cowboys their third loss on the trot, beating the defending premiers 22-10. The Roosters turned up to play and were committed in defence. Coach Trent Robinson described the victory as his side’s “best performance of the year”.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Again, forward Boyd Cordner was one of the best on-field. Ryan Matterson showed his NRL credentials after admirably coming in to cover for Dale Copley. Matterson was a handful, scoring a try, making four tackle busts and a linebreak.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall’s potent form continues. He ran for 180 metres, scored a try, made a whopping 11 tackle busts and set-up a four-pointer.
INJURY WARD
Ian Henderson (leg, indefinite), Dale Copley (concussion, round 24)
LURKING ON THE EDGE
Aiden Guerra was dropped for round 23 and didn’t feature in reserve grade either. In the NSW Cup, Wyong defeated the Panthers 22-16, with halves pairing Joey Lussick and Tyler Cornish influential in their side’s win.
REPORT CARD:
B+: The Roosters were much improved on their performance against the Panthers and showed plenty of steel to get the job done, despite having three tries disallowed during the course of the match.
— Fatima Kdouh
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
The Knights continued their season of misery with a 42-6 belting at the hands of the Panthers after going into halftime at 6-all.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Mitch Barnett looked likely but is still acclimatising to first grade. Sione Mata’utia tried hard but showed his inexperience in forward play and committed a number of preventable errors and penalties. But after a game where coach Nathan Brown admitted his team gave up its hard-to-find positives.
INJURY WARD
Brock Lamb (ankle, indefinite), Jeremy Smith (calf, indefinite), Tyler Randell (concussion, round 24), Nathan Ross (hamstring, round 24), Danny Levi (back, season), Kade Snowden (various, season), Robbie Rochow (pectoral, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The Knights finally had some joy in the NSW Cup, smashing Manly 62-26. It was just their second win of the season and Jaelen Fenney starred, running in a first half hat-trick and having a hand in several other tries from five-eighth.
VERDICT
D. What will make this game all the more disappointing for Knights fans is the field position and possession the Knights had and failed to convert it beyond a lucky try from a kick. They were in a position to be competitive and wilted. Three games left, Knights fans.
— Nick Campton
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