NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 1?
WHO starred, who’s on the fringe, who passed, who failed? Get the very best analysis from our team of experts in the Round 1 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
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WHO starred, who’s on the fringe, who passed and who failed?
Get the very best analysis from our team of experts in this Round 1 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
YOUR SAY:How do you think your team is faring? Have your say below — the best reader comment for each club will be published in the Tuesday update
RABBITOHS
HOW THEY FARED
The Rabbitohs enjoyed a sweet and sour season opener against the Roosters on Sunday. The match saw the much-anticipated return of slammin’ Sam Burgess and a decisive victory over their bitter rivals but also resulted in the addition of Adam Reynolds and John Sutton to the growing NRL injury list. South Sydney showed rookies and veterans alike could score points all over the park. Their only concern now will be reshuffling the roster to accommodate injuries.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Adam Reynolds was sublime in the No. 7 jumper before a possible broken jaw cruelled his opening round. Reynolds had complete control of the match and his kicking was pinpoint accurate before the 57th minute injury. There were no strugglers in South Sydney colours on Sunday. Some played better than others but against a poor Roosters side no-one stood out as a failure.
INJURY WARD
Tom Burgess (ankle, round five)
Adam Reynolds (jaw, indefinite)
John Sutton (pectoral, Round 17)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Rabbitohs Holden Cup winger Josh Ellison provided a rare shining light for the young Bunnies in their 40-20 loss to the young Roosters. Ellison scored on the left edge after splitting the Tri-Colours’ attack.
REPORT CARD
A: The Rabbitohs showed reports of disharmony in the dressing room during the off-season will do little to affect their time on the field.
They played an understrength Roosters outfit but put on a clinical attacking display.
— David Campbell
BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
A total shock to everyone.
While many thought their forwards would struggle and halves would lag the Bulldogs put on an opposite performance.
For Round 1, they looked sharp.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
It was a fair effort across the park, but Will Hopoate had Dogs fans less concerned about Brett Morris’s extended stint on the sideline with a strong first showing in the No. 1 jersey.
Chase Stanley picked up an injury, but Des Hasler may test out some other options in that centre position made vacant by Hoppa.
INJURY WARD
Brett Morris (knee, round 16)
Adam Keighran (shoulder, indefinite).
Michael Lichaa (knee, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Dogs’ 20s were convincing in their 40-12 win over Manly, winger Reimis Smith bagging a double and halfback Zac Greene kicking six goals, while the NSW Cup team came away with a 16-all draw with Newtown, Brad Abbey putting in a solid performance at fullback with strong kick returns.
REPORT CARD
A: It’s Round 1, so no point in adjusting their premiership odds just yet, but the Bulldogs were composed and showed lots of promise with a high-intensity attacking effort in the first half backed up by strong defence throughout the second. At Brookvale too.
— Fiona Bollen
TITANS
HOW THEY FARED
The Titans’ first round performance would have given plenty of Gold Coast fans hope. The 30-12 victory over the Knights on Sunday was the Titans’ fourth straight at home and while a great start to the season, Newcastle hardly proved the toughest opposition. New halves pairing Ashley Taylor and Tyrone Roberts had an encouraging first game together, showing the club should handle the loss of playmaker Kane Elgey to a season-ending knee injury.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Greg Bird was back to his best, setting up two of the Gold Coast’s five tries while David Mead was fantastic at fullback for the injured Will Zillman. The most disappointing thing for the Titans is there was only 8313 fans in the stands.
INJURY WARD
Kane Elgey (ACL, season)
Karl Lawton (adductor, round four)
Oshae Tuiasau (MCL, round six)
Nene Macdonald (knee, round three)
Nathaniel Peteru (knee, round six)
Kierran Moseley (knee, this weekend)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Big things are expected of Titans under-20s captain Jed Cartwright, the son of foundation Gold Coast coach John. A powerful backrower, Cartwright scored two tries in the Coast’s 34-18 NYC loss to the Knights.
REPORT CARD
B: The Titans have the forward pack to match it with most teams this season if they play to their potential each week. A better than average start to the season and hopefully a good sign of things to come for long-suffering Titans fans.
— Luke Turgeon
BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
The Broncos kickstarted their premiership redemption with a 17—4 win over the Eels on Thursday night to open the NRL season. This wasn’t the prettiest Broncos win but they never are in March and the injury to Jordan Kahu was the only sour note for the Broncos ahead of Friday’s first home game against the Warriors. Tough to get a good read on the Broncos from this game as while the Eels have recruited strongly and look good on paper, they were without their first choice halves pairing.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Barnstorming winger Corey Oates was incredible in his 55th NRL game, making three line breaks, busting six tackles and running for more than 220m. Anthony Milford looks to be an early contender for the Dally M Medal, while Josh McGuire was a stand out in his first game back from serious injury.
INJURY WARD
Jordan Kahu (calf, Round 5)
Lachlan Maranta (fractured wrist, round seven)
Jack Reed (shoulder, round one)
Carlin Anderson (stomach, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Highly-touted Tevita Pangai played his first game in Broncos colours after his split with the Raiders. He scored a try in Brisbane’s 32-18 NYC loss to the Eels. An explosive forward, Pangai is a bigger version of Josh Papalii and is known for his damaging ball-running.
REPORT CARD
B: Brisbane had 151 days to stew over last year’s gutting grand final, where a Johnathan Thurston field goal in golden point crushed their dreams of a seventh NRL title. They are favourites with the bookies to go all the way this year and as far as first games of the season go, they looked the goods.
— LT
YOUR SAY: How do you think your team is faring? Have your say below — the best reader comment for each club will be published in the Tuesday update
RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
After a 2015 that was filled with heartbreakingly close losses the Raiders shook off some of those demons with their 30-22 win over the Panthers. The Raiders were the better team for the majority of the game but the loss of Blake Austin and some regrettable defensive lapses saw Penrith manage to claw their way back. The Green Machine managed to stand up when it counted and grind out the victory.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Aidan Sezer shone on debut for his new club, scoring two tries, playing most of the match with a fractured cheekbone and taking almost all of the playmaking responsibility once Austin went off.
English backrower Elliot Whitehead had a couple of glaring missed tackles in the first half but made up for it in the second with some punishing efforts chasing kicks and made a potential game saver on Jeremy Latimore late on.
INJURY WARD
Adam Clydesdale (shoulder, round three)
Blake Austin (knee, Round 4-8)
Aidan Sezer (cheekbone, Round 4-8)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Raiders got up in all three grades on Sunday and while Mitch Barnett and Joseph Tapine starred in the NSW Cup the under-20s was ruled by Lachlan Croker. Against the defending champion Panthers, Croker was close to best on ground, setting up one try and scoring two himself, including the match-winner in the final minute. With Sezer and Austin both down with injury, Croker could be looking at a first-grade debut this weekend.
REPORT CARD
B: The Raiders got the win and sparkled in attack when they had a full complement. Ricky Stuart will be concerned about the fragility of their defence at times but they showed real grit to pull out the victory. Some very promising signs.
— Nick Campton
TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Tigers gave their fans heart attacks throughout their bizarre victory over the Warriors but despite nearly blowing their massive lead the intensity they began the match with will please Jason Taylor. Without Luke Brooks and Robbie Farah the Tigers were able to score points nearly at will in the first half with the form of Mitch Moses and James Tedesco a real highlight.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Tedesco is already a blue chip player but Moses had one of the best games of his career against the Warriors. With Chris Lawrence deputising as his five-eighth, Moses took near complete control of the Tigers offence and was giving out try assists to anyone who wanted them. Jordan Rankin, who was shoehorned into the team on the wing, was solid enough without being spectacular but his lack of speed was exposed on several occasions by Tuimoala Lolohea.
INJURY WARD
Matt Ballin (ACL, round eight)
Justin Hunt (back, indefinite)
Robbie Farah (knee, round five)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Josh Addo-Carr made some waves in the pre season and backed it up with an excellent showing in his first senior match for the club. The Tigers downed 34-16 in the NSW Cup and Addo-Carr threatened to scorch the defenders with every touch and is surely just one injury away from making his first grade debut.
REPORT CARD
B: All anyone can talk about is how ordinary the Warriors looked but give some credit to the Tigers — they moved the ball really well, had a depleted spine and managed to get the job done. Considering their tumultuous off-season you can’t ask for any more.
— NC
COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
The Cowboys kicked off their premiership defence with a gritty 20-14 win over the Sharks in Townsville on Saturday. There is no point discussing complacency with the Cowboys. They proved they have hunger against the Sharks. They will go through form slumps through the season but their effort on Saturday night showed it won’t be because they are complacent.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The Cowboys closed out the gripping if conservative contest against Cronulla when underrated forward Ethan Lowe scored a solo special just before full-time. Lowe has to be in the top five most underrated players in the NRL. He is a creative backrower who deserves more praise. Lachlan Coote’s try-saving tackle on 116kg Sharks forward Andrew Fifita was another highlight.
INJURY WARD
Ray Thompson (broken ankle, round 10)
Tautau Moga (ACL, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Gideon Gela-Mosby — the highest single-season NYC try-scoring record-holder — took only five minutes to start scoring points in 2016, crossing for the first try in the Cowboys 30-16 NYC loss to the Sharks. Only a matter of time before the Auckland Nines sensation is lighting up the NRL
REPORT CARD
B: The Cowboys may have celebrated their title in Las Vegas but there is no premiership hangover in North Queensland. The Cowboys were average with ball in hand but they showed the mental toughness coach Paul Green had been asking for.
— LT
SHARKS
HOW THEY FARED
Cronulla started their match against the Cowboys with plenty of composure and star recruit James Maloney looked comfortable in his role at this new club.
Despite a determined performance the premiers were too good for the Shire club.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Backrower Wade Graham was one of the standouts for the Sharks but he did miss a crucial tackle which saw Ethan Lowe crash over and score the winner for the Cowboys.
Valentine Holmes had little impact on the wing and it’s clear the talented 20-year old is wasted out on the flank. Coach Shane Flanagan needs to find a way to ensure he gets he is getting his hands on the ball as much as possible.
INJURY WARD
Paul Gallen (knee, Round 8)
Mitch Brown (broken ribs, indefinite)
Tracey Connor (ACL, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Paul Gallen’s stint on the sideline opens up an opportunity for new signing Jesse Sene lafeao to earn a call up in to Cronulla’s 17.
The hard-running forward is big and mobile and adds some variety to the Sharks’ pack.
REPORT CARD
B: Despite being a bogey team for the premiers, the Sharks went to Townsville with the toughest assignment of the round — to take on a red hot Cowboys side. Cronulla put on a typical gritty performance and were right in the game even in the dying stages but in the end North Queensland were just too good.
— Fatima Kdouh
STORM
HOW THEY FARED
It got a little hairy, but the Storm managed to pull an 18-16 win out of the fire against the Dragons. While they lacked fluency at times, which is strange considering the amount of time their key players have been together, they showed enough good signs to suggest that their run as premiership contenders is far from over.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED
Marika Koroibete starred in the first half with a scorching double and looked ready to break on through to the other side with every touch. His second try, an incredible in and away on Josh Dugan, was one of the best moves of the week. Marika Koroibete struggled mightily in the second half with a couple of key drops and threatened to break Craig Bellamy’s sanity with every touch. His second drop, which led to a Dragons try to Tyson Frizell, was one of the more basic errors of the week.
INJURIES
Cheyse Blair (foot, indefinite)
Matt White (calf, indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE
Nelson Asofa-Solomona is tipped by many to be one of the top front rowers in the game one day and he put in a very strong performance for the Sunshine Coast in the Queensland Cup. Big as a house but light on his feet, Asofa-Solomona will likely push for a spot on the bench in first grade before long.
DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
The Dragons went down 18-16 to the Storm in Melbourne off the back of a number of costly errors. The Red V will need to work on ball control because it was silly errors that cost them a handy 10-0 lead and opened the door for a dangerous Storm outfit to get home.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Young fullback and former Storm player Kurt Mann had a solid first outing for the Dragons. Mann looked a safe pair of hands in the backline, wasn’t afraid to run the ball and set up Jason Nightingale for the first try of the match. Meanwhile, Gareth Widdop and Mitch Rein had poor nights. Both missed two tackles each and ran for a measly 21 and 10 metres respectively.
INJURY WARD
Mose Masoe (ACL, season), Dylan Farrell (back, indefinite), Yaw Kiti Glymin (hamstring, indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Dragons feeder side the Illawarra Cutters have a star in the making in Shaun Nona. The young five-eighth led his team to a 36-22 win over the Warriors with several pieces of brilliance. Nona forced a line drop-out before scoring an individual try on the repeat set and nailed 6/6 conversions with the boot throughout.
REPORT CARD
C: The Red V only went down by two points and a late surge showed their attack could be more than we’ve seen in previous years but the number of errors with the ball was unforgiveable. Ball control is basic stuff that shouldn’t be allowed to impact the outcome of a game as it did in Melbourne on Monday night.
- DC
WARRIORS
HOW THEY FARED
The Warriors opened the season in true Warriors fashion, looking like they had forgotten to turn up as the Wests Tigers raced out to a 28-4 halftime lead, then looking like they had actually turned up in the second half as they roared back to trail by just two points late in the game, then finally looking like a side that’s forgotten how to win as they succumbed to their ninth-straight defeat.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Simon Mannering has handed back the captaincy but continues to lead from the front for the New Zealanders, doing everything he possibly could to stem the Tigers’ tide and drag the Warriors back into the contest. Shaun Johnson shook off an ordinary first half with a more lively showing after the break, which included scoring a hot-stepping try that only he could.
As for the strugglers, you can take your pick. Veteran halfback Jeff Robson, recruited to be the steadying hand alongside Johnson, will be one of many Warriors keen for a much improved showing next week.
INJURY WARD
Thomas Leuluai (ACL, round five)
Henare Wells (hamstring, indefinite)
Ligi Sao (dislocated shoulder, indefinite)
Sione Lousi (round four)
Sipley Toafofoa (round four)
Mason Lino (round four)
Ben Henry (knee, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Konrad Hurrell’s absence from the team sheet was a huge talking point, and with Blake Ayshford turning in a solid but unspectacular performance, the calls will only continue to grow for his inclusion.
The blockbusting centre scored a try in the Warriors’ NSW Cup loss to Illawarra Cutters, but was also put on report for a high shot.
REPORT CARD
D: For a team that had been talked up as a top-four contender following a massive off-season recruitment drive, the Warriors were arguably the disappointment of the opening round.
The second-half comeback was admirable, but the way in which they fell behind so easily in the first place was alarming.
Coach Andrew McFadden was already feeling the heat coming into the season, and it’s only getting going to get hotter.
— Dominic Burke
PANTHERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Panthers could have easily walked away with the two points from a stinking hot Canberra but once again, like in season 2015, found themselves counting the cost of too many errors and injuries to key players.
Their attack spluttered, thanks to their inability to complete sets — in particular in the second half.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Fullback Will Smith was one of the standouts for the Panthers. The 23-year old looked dangerous every time he handled the ball. Coach Anthony Griffin needs to find a way to keep the 23-year old in his side once first choice No. 1 Matt Moylan returns from injury.
Young gun Bryce Cartwright played in the backrow but was easily the best playmaker on the field. He looked threatening when he ran the ball. He was dynamic, setting up a try and always looking to break the line. He also made 27 tackles in what was a busy day for the 21-year old.
But in a game that could have gone either way, the Panthers needed their halves pairing to stand up and take the game by the scruff off of the neck. Neither Jamie Soward or Peter Wallace were able to take control of the game at crucial stages.
INJURY WARD
James Segeyaro (arm, Round 6-10)
Viliame Kikau (ankle, indefinite)
Sione Katoa (knee, round three)
Brendan Atwood (arm, indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
With lack of depth at hooker players like Zach Docker-Clay and Soni Luke become roughies to start in the absence of injured rake James Segeyaro, who faces six weeks out with a broken arm.
REPORT CARD
C: There were things to like about Panthers in round one, like the efforts from Will Smith and Bryce Cartwright but there were also plenty of things to dislike. And with Segeyaro’s injury, Griffin now has a hooking dilemma on his hands. He’ll also be looking for a lot more from his halves pairing, especially Wallace.
— FK
YOUR SAY:How do you think your team is faring? Have your say below — the best reader comment for each club will be published in the Tuesday update
EELS
HOW THEY FARED
The Kieran Foran era failed to take off when Kieran Foran failed to take the field for his first match since heading west, and after that early setback things never quite recovered for Parramatta.
The Eels tried hard against a strong Broncos outfit but when the impressive Corey Norman joined Foran on the sidelines, the writing was on the wall.
Coach Brad Arthur would have at least been pleased with the fight his side showed right up until the death as they ultimately fell short in a gritty, if somewhat sloppy, opening to the season.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Manu Ma’u surely can’t continue to be one of the most underrated forwards in the NRL if he keeps throwing up games like this. The Kiwi backrower topped the Eels for run metres, hit with intent in defence and generally looked menacing in a quality 80-minute showing.
It would be harsh to turn the spotlight on to halfback Luke Kelly, who went from not even starting the match to single-handedly steering the Eels around by the second half following Norman’s departure. So we’ll say that while the 26-year-old struggled to ignite the Eels, he’ll be better for the run if required again.
INJURY WARD
Kieran Foran (hamstring, TBC)
Corey Norman (neck, TBC)
Anthony Watmough (knee/shoulder, round two or three)
John Folau (hamstring, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The arrival of recruits Michael Gordon and Clint Gutherson means backline spots will be hard to come by at Parramatta this year.
But Bureta Faraimo has put his hand up as next cab off the rank should any injuries hit, scoring a try in a strong all-round game for Wentworthwille in their NSW Cup win over Wyong.
REPORT CARD
C: No Foran, no Norman, no need for panic buttons yet. Arthur won’t be overly concerned by the Eels’ first-up showing and will be looking forward to having his starting halves on deck for a tough second-up assignment against the Cowboys on Saturday night.
— DB
KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
A Sunday night on the Gold Coast in the pouring rain would be gloomy enough at the best of times but after getting a 30-12 beating at the hands of the Titans there’s probably not a lonelier place in rugby league.
Nathan Brown’s debut as Newcastle coach went as poorly as can be.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Dane Gagai did his utmost to spark the Knights and was his team’s best, but lacked support and couldn’t hold onto the ball. To a man the Newcastle forwards were diabolical, with not a single member of the pack making more than 100 metres with ball in hand.
INJURY WARD
Tariq Sims (suspension, round six)
James McManus (concussion, season)
Jarrod Mullen (disciplinary, this weekend).
Chanel Mata’utia (knee, Round 3)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Jake Mamo may be out of favour with Brown but he was typically industrious in the Knights’ NSW Cup defeat to North Sydney, scoring a try and looking likely whenever he was around the ball. However, Mamo failed to finish the match after suffering an ankle injury with scans to determine how long he remains on the sidelines.
REPORT CARD
D: It’s a long way back for the Knights, who struggled in terms of intensity, aggression and focus. Just about as poor a start as one can imagine.
— NC
SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY FARED
Manly’s round one performance was hardly what you’d expect from a side supposedly ushering in a new era. Despite the wholesale changes, from roster to coach, the Sea Eagles struggled to make any impact against a Bulldogs side well drilled by Des Hasler.
The Sea Eagles got on the back foot early, conceding two tries and never really looked in the game.
Star halfback Daly-Cherry Evans, Dylan Walker and Tom Trbojevic combined for the first time and the lack of cohesion in the spine was clear at times during the match.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Veteran centre Steve Matai was one of the best in a badly beaten side. He made some effort plays and chipped in with some crucial tackles.
Replacement full back Tom Trbojevic showed glimpses of his athletic brilliance but again was stifled by the lack of cohesion from his halves and the fact he was playing from behind a beaten pack.
It was a game to forget for Braydon Wiliame who struggled all night on the wing. His lapses in defence and poor positioning cost Manly in the early stages of the encounter.
As a halves pairing, Daly Cherry-Evans and Dylan Walker looked very raw. There were some good signs but it’s clear it will take some time before they really gel.
INJURY WARD
Jayden Hodges (ACL, season), Jamie Buhrer (broken Jaw, round five), Isaac John (virus, indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Other than Jake Trbojevic, no Manly forward was able to hold his own against a big and strong Bulldogs pack. This leaves the door open for Brenton Lawrance to at the very least earn a bench spot for round two. In a losing NSW Cup side, Lawrence was a shining light for Manly.
REPORT CARD
C: After a pre-season of hype Trent Barrett and his new-look side copped a nice big reality check in round one. The recruitment drive looked good on paper but it became very clear in the first 40 minutes of 2016 that it would take time for the all the new combinations to gel.
— FK
ROOSTERS
HOW THEY FARED
Their performance at the World Club Challenge is well and truly forgotten now. The Roosters were welcomed back to the NRL by a 42-10 demolition at the hands of the Rabbitohs. They were disorganised and unable to shut down Adam Reynolds’ kicking when he was on-field.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Shaun Kenny-Dowall certainly put his off-field dramas behind him and was doing everything he could to try to lift his team for an assault whenever he had the ball making 10 metres per run.
And though no-one probably expected the fresh halves pairing of Jayden Nikorima and Jackson Hastings to be outstanding, they struggled to gel and the wrong options were taken too often.
INJURY WARD
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (ACL, indefinite)
Mitchell Pearce (disciplinary, round nine)
Boyd Cordner (pectoral, round eight).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The under-20s had better fortunes, posting a 40-20 victory with half Connor Watson taking control during the second half to help the team post three tries to breakaway, but in reserves, Wyong — who were in last year’s grand final — went down to Wentworthville 28-18.
REPORT CARD
C: This was not a Roosters side we’ve become accustomed to watching, however they had flashes that showed those performances will come with a bit more game-time and with the settling of new combinations and positions.
— FB
YOUR SAY:How do you think your team is faring? Have your say below — the best reader comment for each club will be published in the Tuesday update
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Originally published as NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 1?
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