NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 13?
WHO starred, who struggled, who passed and who failed? Get the very best analysis from our team of experts in the Round 13 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 13 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
STORM
HOW THEY FARED
Billy Slater runs riot as Melbourne slayed Knights 40-12 at AAMI Park.
Fijian flyer Suliasi Vunivalu posted his fourth double in nine games, while debutant Brandon Smith could not have been more impressive.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
There were few standouts in what would be one of Storm’s most even performances of the season.
Craig Bellamy’s men dominated play and possession for about 65 minutes.
They were “frantic” for 15 minutes before the half, but steadied after the break.
The forwards had too much power and experience for the mismatched Knights, while Slater marshaled the backs with lethal precision.
Origin duo Cooper Cronk and Will Chambers were understandably short of their best, backing up less than 48 hours after Queensland’s loss to NSW.
Cronk was instrumental early, setting up the first try of the game with a perfectly timed cross-field kick and again after the break with a grubber allowing Slater to score.
INJURY WARD
Christian Welch (ACL, Season)
Cameron Smith (Sternum, Round 14)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Cameron Smith will be the big inclusion for Thursday night’s clash with premiers Cronulla.
Slade Griffin was solid in Smith’s absence but unfortunately for him the champ is back.
Brandon Smith deserves another go after an impressive debut performance off the bench.
REPORT CARD
A+: Tough time of year for Storm with Origin taking a toll, but cleared the first hurdle stylishly. Huge test against the Sharks, one of only two teams to lower Storm colours this year, on Thursday might.
There will be no easy tries here, that’s for sure. Grab a bag or two of popcorn, knock the top off a stubbie of Vic and enjoy.
— Gilbert Gardiner
DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
The Dragons were far from their best but did enough to get the job done in a 16-12 win over the Tigers.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Gareth Widdop returned from injury and looked like he’d never left, scoring two tries and making the Dragons attack look a hell of a lot more dangerous.
Josh Dugan was superb at the back, producing one of his finest games in red and white, both with the ball and without.
Nene Macdonald has been a fine acquisition for the Dragons but he had a day to forget, letting a number of try-scoring chances go begging.
INJURY WARD
Yaw Kiti Glymin (Shoulder, indefinite)
Tyson Frizell (Ribs, Round 14)
Will Matthews (Hip, Round 14)
Drew Hutchison (Knee, season)
Levi Dodd (Knee, season)
Euan Aitken (Hamstring, indefinite)
Siliva Havili (Pectoral, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Illawarra put a beating on the Tigers in NSW Cup, racing out to a comfortable 36-8 victory. Winger Izaac Thompson stormed over for three tries while electrifying fullback Matt Dufty also got on the score sheet.
REPORT CARD
B: The Dragons didn’t hit their stride but they did enough to get to the win and remain ensconced in the top four.
People keep waiting for the wheels to fall off but it hasn’t looked like happening just yet.
— Nick Campton
ROOSTERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Roosters held off a late charge from the Broncos to claim an 18-16 victory.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Boyd Cordner had one of his best games of the season, scoring two tries and constantly threatening down the left edge.
The fact he was backing up from State of Origin made the performance all the more impressive. Jake Friend again thrived with the extra responsibility afforded to him through the absence of Mitchell Pearce.
Another Origin representative, Blake Ferguson, wasn’t as fortunate.
He missed more tackles than he made and failed to really impose himself on the contest.
INJURY WARD
Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Disciplinary, indefinite)
Mitchell Pearce (Concussion, Round 14)
Daniel Tupou (Groin, Round 14)
Mitchell Cornish (Calf, Indefinite)
Jayden Nikorima (Hamstring, Round 17)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Wyong scored a 35-28 win over Wentworthville with Lindsay Collins, who debuted in the NRL last week and owns the filthiest mullet the league has seen for many years, scoring a try.
REPORT CARD
A: Without a key player and against quality opposition, the Roosters managed to grind their way to an important win.
— Nick Campton
BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
The Broncos battled hard but could not overcome the Roosters, going down 18-16.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
With Anthony Milford sidelined due to a concussion, it was Benji Marshall who stepped up when the Broncos needed it most.
He played a hand in two late tries to Tautau Moga and Corey Oates, after the Broncos were down 18-6 with six minutes to go. He also scored the first try of the night.
The Origin contingent backed up well but could have used more support from the likes of Korbin Sims and Herman Ese’ese, who were a bit quieter than usual.
INJURY WARD
Anthony Milford (Concussion, Round 14)
Kodi Nikorima (Shoulder, Round 14)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Star five-eighth Milford should return this week from a concussion while Kodi Nikorima is also a chance of making a comeback from a shoulder issue.
They are the only two who are likely to disrupt the current line-up.
REPORT CARD
B+: The Broncos improved on all the areas they struggled with against the Warriors, including their missed tackles and ball control.
But against the Roosters they found it tough to execute in attack.
Their late fightback was not enough.
The Broncos will desperately need a win over the Rabbitohs on Friday to prove they aren’t headed for an Origin period slump again.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY FARED
Manly were lucky to escape with a 21-20 golden point victory over the Raiders after leading 20-6 at halftime.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Daly Cherry-Evans continued his excellent recent form and his kicking game continually kept the Raiders on the back foot.
He also scored a try in the first half and showed great poise to kick the winning field goal. Martin Taupau and Addin Fonua-Blake were strong in the middle of the field with Fonua-Blake coming of age in a powerful performance off the bench.
Jorge Taufua’s season is over due to injury but even before that he had a day to forget. Jordan Rapana dominated his opposite number and his defensive frailties were exploited more than once.
INJURY WARD
Jorge Taufua (Knee, season)
Tom Trbojevic (Ankle, Round 16)
Nate Myles (Elbow, Round 14)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Taufua has been ruled out for the season and Jono Wright seems to be the man to replace him. Wright was named in the Sea Eagles extended squad and is the only player in their NSW Cup side with first grade experience.
However, if Tom Trbojevic makes an early return from injury one would think he would slot straight in at fullback with Matt Wright moving to the wing.
REPORT CARD
B: There are still things for Manly to work on and the way they surrendered the lead should be troubling but the fact they’ve been able to keep winning without Trbojevic is a good sign for their premiership hopes.
— Nick Campton
COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
It certainly wasn’t a game you’d put in a time capsule but an ugly win is better than a pretty loss, particularly when you are missing one J. Thurston.
Had the world’s best player been in the No. 7 jersey the Cowboys would likely have won by 30-plus, such was the glut of possession and territory they enjoyed.
They were tackled 57 times in the opposition 20 compared to Gold Coast’s eight, but what they lacked in firepower they made up for with patience.
Michael Morgan didn’t get frustrated and took the points on offer, and the defence did the rest.
It was a crucial win which moves them to 7-5 before Saturday’s trip to Darwin against Parramatta.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Coen Hess has been a dominant figure in the media as he continues to press his Queensland Origin claims.
Although Cowboys coach Paul Green thinks Origin might be a bit too soon for the 20-year-old, all signs are he will be picked by Maroons coach Kevin Walters for Origin II.
Normally a back-rower, Hess played in the middle third when he came off the bench and complemented a second half try with 142 metres from 14 carries.
He replaced Dally M medallist Jason Taumalolo at lock at one point, a scary thought for rival packs.
Morgan was also solid as his return to form gains momentum, while Scott Bolton (150 metres) continues to prove age is just a number.
INJURY WARD
Matt Scott (ACL, season)
Johnathan Thurston (shoulder, 0-2 weeks)
Pat Kaufusi (ankle, season)
Josh Chudleigh (ACL, season)
Shaun Hudson (ACL, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Deputising for Queensland centre Justin O’Neill (concussion), Javid Bowen was solid without being spectacular against the Titans.
Although Konrad Hurrell ran for 167 metres, he didn’t have a major impact on the game and it’s the second time this year Bowen has managed to keep the hulking centre quiet.
REPORT CARD
B. The Cowboys basically did enough to win against a Gold Coast outfit who were simply too exhausted after a huge defensive workload to threaten too much in attack.
North Queensland’s attack will have to improve once they come up against the better sides, but they’re doing well to maintain a spot in the top eight before Thurston returns, possibly this week.
— Jon Tuxworth
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EELS
HOW THEY FARED
Parramatta had their bravest win of the season after the Eels held out the Warriors 32-24 despite finishing the game with just one player left on the bench.
The Eels lost Kaysa Pritchard (concussion) and Josh Hoffman (knee) in the first half before David Gower was forced off in the second half (suspected broken hand).
But in a game that pushed them into the NRL top eight at the halfway point of the season, the Eels showed plenty of determination and spirit to hold off the fast finishing Warriors with a Clint Gutherson try only sealing the match in the final minute.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
In a tough team performance there were none tougher than Nathan Brown.
Brad Arthur said after the game that Brown should not have played because of a rib cartilage injury.
Brown ignored the advice and went out and led the way, running for the most metres of any forward (157) and had a hand in two tries.
Gutherson also continued his outstanding season with another standout effort while Semi Radradra had the crowd on their feet with a length of the field try.
INJURY WARD
Matt Woods (Shoulder, Round 15)
Isaac De Gois (Concussion, indefinite)
Tim Mannah (Ribs, Round 14)
Frank Pritchard (Foot, Round 18)
Peni Terepo (Pectoral, Round 22)
Siosaia Vave (Calf, indefinite)
Corey Norman (Knee, Round 14)
Michael Jennings (Hamstring, Round 15)
Josh Hoffman (Knee, indefinite)
Kaysa Pritchard (Concussion, Round 14)
David Gower (Hand, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The Eels injury report says Corey Norman (knee) is still a few weeks away but Brad Arthur gave a glimmer of hope after the win over the Warriors when he said the stay playmaker was a chance to return against the Cowboys this week.
There was no mention of Michael Jennings (quad) who is due back in Round 15 while assessments will be made this week on the extent of the damage Hoffman (knee) and Gower (hand) suffered.
REPORT CARD
A: This was a win that typified the character in this team and as Arthur said “how important this season is to them”.
With Corey Norman and Michael Jennings still out injured and with three more players ruled out for the game, the Eels had every right to surrender when the Warriors came charging late.
But instead they refused.
After the game Arthur labelled it “brave” while skipper Beau Scott called it “gritty” and said he was proud.
The Eels now take on North Queensland this Saturday with early speculation suggesting Johnathan Thurston could make his return.
— Paul Crawley
RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
After a couple of scrappy wins, the Raiders were on the receiving end of a scrappy golden point loss to Manly.
Jarrod Croker’s clutch game-levelling penalty goal was in vain, with his opposing skipper Daly Cherry-Evans nailing a golden-point field goal to secure the home side a 21-20 victory.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Jordan Rapana is almost single-handedly keeping Canberra in games at times this season. Sunday was no different, the freakish winger’s long range try through the ruck was a special, and he gave absolute everything in the final stages to try rescue a result for the Green Machine.
Canberra’s kicking game again let them down and proved the difference in a tight contest. Cherry-Evans had an outlandish number of repeat sets, while Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin failed to capitalise in the same department.
INJURY WARD
Luke Bateman (Thumb, round 14-16)
Shannon Boyd (Knee, TBA)
Dunamis Lui (Knee, TBA)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Mounties had an impressive come from behind 44-30 win over Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles. The best on ground was backrower Scott Sorensen who scored a double and played a key role in multiple other tries. With injuries to Shannon Boyd and Dunamis Lui, Sorensen could find himself in the top grade against Penrith. Kurt Baptiste also impressed and will likely take Adam Clydsdale’s bench spot in coming weeks.
REPORT CARD
C-: The Green Machine failed to receive the rub of the green on multiple decisions; however it isn’t enough to hide the negatives they’ve displayed in recent weeks.
Despite sitting in ninth position and their attack being ‘off’ so far this season, Canberra have recorded the most points of any team in the NRL.
This is a truly frightening stat for the rest of the competition. Should the Raiders click into gear at any time prior to finals football, a run to the end of September is still a realistic aspiration.
— Tim Williams
PANTHERS
HOW THEY FARED
Penrith ripped the Bulldogs apart 38-0 in a thrilling display of attacking football.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Matt Moylan made an excellent fist of five-eighth, thriving on the extra responsibility and combining well with Nathan Cleary. Josh Mansour was also fantastic, shrugging off any talk of injury rust to dominate in his comeback match.
It’s very hard to say anyone struggled in a team that won 38-0.
INJURY WARD
Sam McKendry (ACL, season)
James Fisher-Harris (Hamstring, Round 16)
Isaah Yeo (Ankle, Round 14)
Peter Wallace (Groin, Round 16)
Bryce Cartwright (Knee, Round 24)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
The Panthers recruiting habits means they have a fair bit of talent in the lower grades, including former Kiwi Test representative Peta Hiku, who played in Penrith’s 16-4 NSW Cup loss to Canterbury.
REPORT CARD
A: Penrith showed plenty of the form that wowed the competition last season but it’s worth remembering the nature of those wins and where their opponents are on the ladder. They’ve beaten the Knights twice (16th), the Tigers (15th), Bulldogs (14th) and Warriors (12th). If they want to surge into the top eight they need to replicate these performances against quality opposition.
— Nick Campton
TITANS
HOW THEY FARED
The Titans were on the end of a ludicrously lopsided possession ratio and it told on the scoreboard in their 20-8 loss to the Cowboys.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Ashley Taylor, Ryan James and Jarrod Wallace have been three of Gold Coast’s best all season and they were immense again under enormous pressure. James in particular showed why he’s among the best middle forwards in the competition, working as hard as humanly possible.
Dale Copley and Jarryd Hayne were far from their best on the left edge. Hayne was troubled by injury but totally failed to impose himself on the match while Copley was dominated by Kyle Feldt for the North Queenslander’s decisive second-half try.
INJURY WARD
Nathan Peats (Thigh, Round 14)
Dan Sarginson (Shoulder, indefinite)
Ryan Simpkins (ACL, season)
Kevin Proctor (Discinplinary, Round 15)
Chris Grevsmuhl (Shoulder, indefinite)
Agnatius Paasi (Shoulder, Round 14)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Fijian international Ben Nakubuwai had a strong performance at prop for Tweed Heads as they scored a rare win in the Queensland Cup, triumphing 36-28 over fellow stragglers Central Queensland.
REPORT CARD
C: An A for effort, as always for Gold Coast, but they need to bank a couple of wins in order to keep touch with the top eight. They need more out of Jarryd Hayne, but there are still major question marks surrounding his ability to switch back to fullback.
— Nick Campton
WARRIORS
HOW THEY FARED
The Warriors were their own worst enemy against the Eels and went down 32-24 to a side they should have beaten.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Issac Luke had one of his better games for the season and showed plenty of the attacking spark around the ruck that was his trademark at the Rabbitohs. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck continued his slow road back to his best football and scored a fine try in the second half.
The continued struggles of Shaun Johnson have become a serious problem. There are no more excuses for his poor performances — he has a forward pack that goes forward, he has backs that can finish, he has fellow playmakers who can share the creative duties and he has played with them all before. His refusal to take on the line and decision to back his running game is equal parts baffling and frustrating.
INJURY WARD
Matt Allwood (Ribs, indefinite)
Manu Vatuvei (Hamstring, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Jazz Tevaga is something of a forgotten man this season and is yet to play an NRL match but the hardworking hooker/lock is plugging away in NSW Cup and charged over for a try in the Warriors’ 18-all draw with the Knights.
REPORT CARD
D: There are no more excuses. The Warriors are just a bad football team.
BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
Deep breath ... and exhale.
That’s what Canterbury fans need to do a lot of as they brace for the second half of the season, based on their performance on Sunday against the Panthers anyway.
Origin stars backing up or not backing up, captain sidelined, first choice five-eighth injured, none of it really makes up for a 38-0 loss to a fellow bottom eight team.
The same old criticisms can be applied to the Canterbury performance as they failed to complete sets, lacked options and were undisciplined.
They didn’t even break the 1,000 metre mark from total runs.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
David Klemmer backing up from Origin put in a gutsy performance considering the fatigue from Wednesday’s match would have well and truly set in by Sunday’s kick off.
He ran for 113 metres when starting the game and busted a couple of tackles while Will Hopoate at the back was the only other Bulldog to break 100 metres made.
Michael Lichaa continues to struggle in the hooking role and his case for contract renewal seems to become tougher to make with each week.
INJURY WARD
Chase Stanley (Knee, indefinite)
Josh Reynolds (Hamstring, Round 14)
James Graham (Neck, Round 14)
Brett Morris (Knee, Round 14)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Craig Garvey certainly isn’t going to be pushing a case to take over Lichaa’s spot given he was sin binned with less than 10 minutes remaining against Penrith and Chase Stanley continues to perform well in his return in reserve grade but the outside backs aren’t where the Dogs are struggling.
Josh Cleeland and Lachlan Lewis had a good week in the halves in the Bulldogs’ win over Penrith in NSW Cup, but there’s no one really putting their hand up demanding selection or a solution for Des Hasler.
REPORT CARD
C-. It’s not looking good for Canterbury with four losses in a row and them starting to look more comfortable among the strugglers of 2017 than the challengers.
They’ve had two whoopings this season. The last one, from Manly, sparked a run of form, but it’s really not what you see from a side that’s going to be a contender for the premiership and it seems the club may be faced with getting through this season and hoping for better direction once Kieran Foran comes into the fold in 2018.
— Fiona Bollen
WESTS TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
They didn’t get the result, losing to the Dragons 16-12, but it seems Ivan Cleary’s decision to go into a three-day camp while on the bye has paid some dividends.
The Tigers were improved and their effort promising. However, their attack was uninspiring, clunky and lacked execution.
Another area which was exposed was the lack of game management and the ability to build pressure.
Mid-season recruit Tuimoala Lolohea had his moments on debut but didn’t demand the football when his new side needed him to step-up and take control.
He also looks to be lacking match fitness and Cleary admitted he was “underdone” post-match.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Blues stars Aaron Woods and James Tedesco showed no signs of an Origin hangover and after helping to dispose of Queensland in game one, both churned out a spirited showing against the Dragons.
Woods ran with intent and was busy trying to create second-phase opportunities in attack. Tedesco again was their biggest threat in attack and constantly looked to find ways to spark his side’s attack.
Pleasingly for fans he played with same enthusiasm and energy as in the Origin opener.
Moses Suli continues to show glimpses of his star potential and Wests’ attack would benefit from getting early ball to the centre.
It was the usual suspects defensively. Both edges struggled, in particular on the right side.
INJURY WARD
Matt Ballin (knee, indefinite)
Jamal Idris (ACL, season)
Luke Brooks (hamstring, Round 14)
Chris Lawrence (knee, indefinite)
Sauaso Sue (suspension, Round 14)
Josh Aloiai (knee, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Luke Brooks will link up in the halves with Lolohea for the first time, when he returns from a hamstring injury.
Sauaso Sue is also due back from suspension.
In the lower grades, the Cutters piled on seven tries to beat the Tigers 36-8 in the NSW Cup.
It wasn’t any better in Holden Cup, with the Tigers going down 54-16 to the Dragons.
REPORT CARD
B-: The Tigers are still lacking creativity in attack and are not creating enough opportunities to score points.
But unlike past performances, the effort was there on the weekend and there was a distinctive shift in attitude.
— Fatima Kdouh
KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
The Knights were ripped apart all over the field by the Storm in a 40-12 loss.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
This was one of Newcastle’s worst displays of the season due to the way they looked completely and totally outclassed at almost every turn. Even the usual bright spots, like backrower Sione Mata’utia, five-eighth Brock Lamb and hooker Danny Levi, looked out of sorts.
Returning winger Nathan Ross toiled hard and looked for work but was exposed defensively more than once.
INJURY WARD
David Bhana (Knee, season)
Rory Kostjasyn (Throat, indefinite)
Dylan Phythian (Knee, season)
Jack Cogger (Groin, Round 16)
Jamie Buhrer (Foot, Round 16)
Anthony Tupou (Hip, Round 14)
Jack Stockwell (Shoulder, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Newcastle’s NSW Cup side produced one of their best performances of the season to earn an 18-all draw with the high-flying Warriors. Braden Robson charged over for a double in the clash that keeps the Knights’ top-eight hopes alive.
REPORT CARD
F: The losses are piling up once again and the failure to build on the win over Canberra is disappointing.
— Nick Campton
Originally published as NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 13?
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