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NRL Live Round 20: Panthers vs. Dolphins, Sea Eagles vs. Titans, Cowboys vs. Bulldogs

Tom Dearden has stunned Canterbury, shrugging off a high tackle to break the line and set up a match-winning try. Discover the major winners and losers from Sunday’s action.

Tom Boswell and Tom Sangster
12 min read
July 21, 2024 - 9:22PM
News Sport Network
Nathan Cleary returns from a hamstring injury. Picture: NRL Photos
Nathan Cleary returns from a hamstring injury. Picture: NRL Photos

It’s been a big weekend of footy with some huge finals-defining results.

Some kept themselves in the hunt for the eight while others stumbled.

Take a look at the major winners and losers from Sunday’s action.

Winners

•Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (124) - The Panthers simply couldn’t handle his pace. Two tries, a try assist and three linebreak assists.

•Daine Laurie (124) - Produced a more-than-believable Dylan Edwards impersonation in place of the injured Origin fullback.

•Nathan Cleary (109) - Very promising return from a serious injury and he’ll be the most purchased SuperCoach player of the upcoming round.

•Jack Bostock (94) - The young Dolphins winger is in the midst of one hell of a breakout season.

•Heilum Luki (105) – The second rower scored twice, made five tackle breaks and a line break while producing 30 tackles of his own.

•Tom Dearden (70) – Another almighty effort. Backing up after an incredible outing for Queensland, Dearden produced the match winner.

•Josh Curran (76) – The prop was enormous. He scored a try, ran 205m, had 73 post contact metres and made 42 tackles.

•Jacob Kiraz (72) – The Bulldogs winger had a fruitful day for SuperCoach users who will be looking to keep him going forward.

North Queensland Cowboys v Canterbury Bulldogs
North Queensland Cowboys v Canterbury Bulldogs

Losers

•Stephen Crichton (23) – He played 81 minutes and there were concerns about his arm early in the first half but it was a quiet night for the NSW representative.

•Blake Wilson (8) – He was sin-binned and it pretty much summed up his night.

•Kyle Feldt (17) – There wasn’t a lot the Cowboy did wrong but he didn’t impact the game enough to generate the points his coaches would have been wanting.

•Chad Townsend (48) – A poor night by his standards.

FULLTIME - Cowboys 20-18

What a rollercoaster of a game. Both sides put some dazzling skill on show but both made enough errors to keep the other in the game.

They swapped the lead several times but it was Dearden’s heroics late in the piece that ultimately decided the game.

70th minute - Cowboys 20-18

Jaxon Purdue has put the Cowboys in front in what could be the match winner.

It was teammate Tom Dearden who shrugged off a high tackle to break the line and set Purdue up to score the second try of his NRL career.

It has flipped the game on its head and North Queensland are in the box seat.

The try came shortly after a penalty goal to the Bulldogs.

Tom Dearden has set up what could be the match winner in Townsville. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
Tom Dearden has set up what could be the match winner in Townsville. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

55th minute - Bulldogs 16-14

Jacob Kiraz has scored for Canterbury to put his side back in front despite being a man down.

North Queensland will be cursing they didn’t make more of Wilson’s sin-bin.

Burton forced a drop out and then put the ball on a dime for Kiraz to leap over Holmes and score in the right-corner.

43rd minute - North Queensland 14-12

Canterbury player Blake Wilson has been sin-binned for a professional foul early in the second half against the Cowboys.

Wilson was deemed to have made a tackle attempt before his opposition had the ball right in front of the line.

It wasn’t enough to warrant a penalty try but he has been given 10 minutes in the bin for it.

Heilum Luki added to the Bulldogs woes by scoring and sending North Queensland back into the lead.

HALFTIME - Bulldogs 12-8

Canterbury enter the break with the advantage and you have to wonder if they didn’t give away four penalties and easy field position if more pressure would have put the game to bed by now.

Matt Burton as controlled the game with his boot.

North Queensland has the running early and were going through the middle of Canterbury but found themselves on the back foot soon after.

North Queensland v Canterbury Bulldogs
North Queensland v Canterbury Bulldogs

29th minute - Bulldogs 12-8

Bronson Xerri has scored on the left edge following a near perfect kick from Canterbury halfback Toby Sexton.

Sexton drew the Cowboys defence up and realised fullback Todd Drinkwater was caught in the middle of the field when he slotted the ball behind the defenders.

Crichton looks to have recovered from his arm complaint while teammate Viliame Kikau is charging on at this stage after clashing knees with an opponent.

25th minute - 8-8

Matt Burton has put Canterbury in front courtesy of two point kick after Chad Townsend gave away a penalty right in front of the line.

The Bulldogs were piling on pressure and Townsend was caught interferring with the ruck.

The lead didn’t last long. Valentine Holmes kicked a penalty of his own to put the game back in the balance.

15th minute - 6-6

Stephen Crichton has forced play to be stopped after injuring his right arm.

Crichton was attacking the goal line when he was tackled by three Cowboys players and his right arm became limp in the aftermath.

After a few minutes being looked over by the doctor he played the ball and remains on the field.

Straight after the Bulldogs levelled scores when Josh Curran won the race to a grubber.

Stephen Crichton of the Bulldogs is tackled during the round 20 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Canterbury Bulldogs at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on July 21, 2024, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Stephen Crichton of the Bulldogs is tackled during the round 20 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Canterbury Bulldogs at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on July 21, 2024, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

5th minute - North Queensland 6-0

Kyle Feldt look to have put North Queensland into a strike position but the only issue was neither side heard the whistle.

Both teams played on after the Cowboys streaked down the field, only to have to go all the way back.

The deadlock didn’t last long though after Bulldog Jacob Kiraz dropped a high ball that the Cowboys pounced on. Heilum Luki is the man to take adavantage and open the team’s account for the night.

LATE MAIL: COWBOYS’ ORIGIN STARS IN

All North Queensland Origin stars will back up and start – Valentine Holmes, Tom Dearden, Reece Robson, Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai.

Meanwhile, Harry Hayes and Chris Patolo come onto the Canterbury bench in the only changes.

NSW 18th man Matt Burton escaped with a fine for his role in the sideline Origin brawl.

Stephen Crichton will back up.

Jacob Preston return from a foot injury.

Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 20. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 19. Jaxon Purdue 21. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 23. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 22. Jeremiah Nanai 24. Reuben Cotter

Bench: 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Sam McIntyre 14. Harrison Edwards 17. Griffin Neame

Reserves: 18. Jake Granville

Players cut: 6. Jake Clifford 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Jamal Shibasaki 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Semi Valemei

Bulldogs

1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Blake Wilson 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Josh Curran 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann

Bench: 14. Bailey Hayward 16. Kurtis Morrin 19. Harry Hayes 23. Chris Patolo

Reserves: 22. Jeral Skelton

Players cut: 15. Poasa Faamausili 17. Lipoi Hopoi 20. Drew Hutchison 21. Hayze Perham 25. Kitione Kautoga

Final SuperCoach scores from Manly v Gold Coast.
Final SuperCoach scores from Manly v Gold Coast.

FULL-TIME: SEA EAGLES 38 DEFEAT TITANS 8

It was the Trbojevic show with all three brothers putting in stunning performances against an outclassed Titans.

SuperCoach winners:

* Tom Trbojevic (158)- Only on 23 at half-time, Turbo produced one of the best second halves you’ll see as captain of Sangster’s Paradise.

* Luke Brooks (113) - Loving having Turbo back in the team. The Sea Eagles now have so many focal points in attack.

* David Fifita (84) - Back with a decent score after a few quiet weeks. Top scorer in a well-beaten side.

* Reuben Garrick (82) - Solid performance from the most popular captain of the round but couldn’t quite cash in with a whopper.

* Ben Trbojevic (60) - Promoted to the starting side and set up for a late try by his bro.

SuperCoach losers:

* Jayden Campbell (32) - Extremely popular buy over the last few weeks but just couldn’t land a punch in a well-beaten team. Will peak in price either this week or next and SuperCoaches face a big decision on whether to move him on.

65 MINS: TURBO IN AGAIN AS MANLY CRUISE TO BIG WIN

Tom Trbojevic has another try as Manly take an unassailable 30-8 lead.

After trailing 8-nil early, the Sea Eagles have tuned on the afterburners to blow the Titans away, with Turbo at the centre of it with two tries and a try assist.

55 MINS: TURBO, GARRICK COME TO LIFE

Just after we bagged them ...

Tom Trbojevic and Reuben Garrick have cranked up the volume after both were quiet in the first half.

Turbo has notched a try and try assist within a few minutes to now sit on 70 points.

Garrick is on the same figure thanks to a try, linebreak and 4/4 goals.

HALF-TIME: SEA EAGLES 12 LEAD TITANS 8

The Sea Eagles ran in two late tries to get back in control but where are SuperCoach studs Tom Trbojevic, Reuben Garrick and Jayden Campbell?

SuperCoach winners:

* Luke Brooks (75)- A try and two try assists as he sparked the Manly attack.

* Beau Fermor (62) - A try and linebreak on top of his usual work.

* David Fifita (55) - Has already beaten his score from the last two weeks. Try assist and generally looking hungry.

SuperCoach losers:

* Reuben Garrick (29) - No big attacking stats yet for the most popular captain of the round.

* Tom Trbojevic (23) - Busy with 11 runs and improving those around him. But yet to notch a big attacking stat.

* Ben Trbojevic (15) - Promoted to start but didn’t get much ball.

* Jayden Campbell (10) - Very popular buy over the last few weeks has barely landed a blow. Two missed goals and only two runs.

18 MINS: TITANS AMBUSH SEA EAGLES EARLY

The Titans have dominated early exchanges with SuperCoach studs Beau Fermor and David Fifita in the thick of it.

Fermor has a try and Fifita a try assist as the Titans ran in two early tries to lead 8-nil.

Worrying signs for the Sea Eagles - and Tom Trbojevic and Reuben Garrick owners - at home.

FINAL TEAMS: BURBO STARTS, BRIMSON OUT

Popular SuperCoach player Ben Trbojevic has been promoted to the starting side for the Sea Eagles in pace of suspended Haumole Olakau’atu.

The Titans have lost AJ Brimson due to hamstring soreness but are 1-17.

Final teams and analysis below.

AJ Brimson is out due to hamstring soreness. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
AJ Brimson is out due to hamstring soreness. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Sea Eagles

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 17. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Josh Aloiai 12. Karl Lawton 15. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 8. Nathan Brown 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 16. Ethan Bullemor 22. Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 20. Jamie Humphreys

Players cut: 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 18. Caleb Navale 19. Clayton Faulalo 21. Corey Waddell

Late Mail: Haumole Olakau’atu is out after taking an early guilty plea after he was charged with grade three contrary conduct for his role in the Origin brawl and he is replaced by Ben Trbojevic, with Taniela Paseka the new face on the bench. Jake Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans will back up from Origin. Reuben Garrick will play after making it through only 63 minutes last week due to illness.

Titans

1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Erin Clark 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall

Bench: 14. Isaac Liu 15. Klese Haas 16. Keenan Palasia 17. Josiah Pahulu

Reserves: 20. Tanah Boyd

Players cut: 18. AJ Brimson 21. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 22. Jaylan de Groot 19. Joe Stimson

Late Mail: AJ Brimson is a key out with Keano Kini to play fullback. They are 1-17.

Will Des Hasler be welcomed or jeered at Brookie?
Will Des Hasler be welcomed or jeered at Brookie?

CLEARY MIRACLE GETS PANTHERS HOME

What a finish!

Nathan Cleary has launched a field goal from the bleachers to get the Panthers a thrilling win.

The Panthers only needed one point but got two given Cleary kicked from 43m out.

Penrith win 26-24.

80 MINS: GOLDEN POINT TIME!!!!

A couple of key late moments with Nathan Cleary missing a field goal attempt – from the sideline no less – and the Penrith No. 7 almost snatching the win with a sneaky grubber and regather.

The Dolphins remain a man short for almost the entire first half of golden point.

Final SuperCoach points from Panthers v Dolphins.
Final SuperCoach points from Panthers v Dolphins.

76 MINS: CLEARY PENALTY GOAL SETS UP THRILLER

Nathan Cleary has slotted a penalty goal to bring the scores level.

But perhaps just as crucially, the Dolphins will play the final few minutes with just 12 men after Josh Kerr was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul.

65 MINS: LAURIE GETS PANTHERS BACK WITHIN TWO POINTS

Who needs Dylan Edwards when you’ve got Daine Laurie?

The fill-in fullback burned the Dolphins for pace and now were are set for a thriller at 26-24 to the Dolphins.

The Panthers have their tails up in front of their home crowd and Nathan Cleary is involved in everything right now.

60 MINS: THE PENRITH COMEBACK IS ON

Just as we said the Dolphins were on the verge of a boilover ... well the Panthers are back in it, trailing 26-18.

The try came from a moment of brilliance from prop Moses Leota, who produced a step Freddy Fittler would have been proud of to score next to the posts.

54 MINS: BOSTOCK GIVES DOLPHINS STRONG LEAD

The Dolphins have surged ahead by two converted tries thanks to a stunning put-down by Jack Bostock.

It was the young winger’s 13th try of a breakout season.

The Panthers came into the game as $1.30 favourites but the Dolphins have been the better side and are on the verge of a boilover.

No doubt Ivan Cleary is regretting resting five Origin players.

48 MINS: ALAMOTI OUT LONG TERM

The score is unchanged after the first eight minutes of the second half but the Panthers have confirmed a fractured forearm for winger Paul Alamoti.

He’ll go for scans but the injury usually means 4-6 weeks on the sidelines.

HALF-TIME: DOLPHINS 18 LEAD PANTHERS 12

SuperCoach winners:

* Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (85) - Dominant first half with two tries and two linebreak assists.

* Jack Bostock (59) - Those who sold early in the season (me) are regretting it.

* Isaiya Katoa (54) - Showing the Panthers what they missed out on. The Penrith junior is conducting the Dolphins’ orchestra perfectly with a try and try assist.

* Nathan Cleary (49) - Early try assist on return from a hamstring injury but also two defensive lapses that led to tries.

* Izack Tago (41) - The popular money-maker is loving having Cleary back on the right edge.

SuperCoach losers:

* Paul Alamoti (51) - Had the hot hand in the first half but went off late with a shoulder injury and it could be serious.

39 MINS: MULTIPLE INJURY ISSUES

A couple of late injuries to keep track of.

Penrith winger Paul Alamoti has suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder.

Dolphins playmaker Kodi Nikorima is off for a HIA.

28 MINS: HAMMER NOTCHES FIRST HALF DOUBLE

No Origin hangover for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

Backing up from a heartbreaking loss in Wednesday’s decider, The Hammer has a first half double.

His first try came from backing up through the middle, his second from a great dummy and go.

The Dolphins are giving a serious account of themselves here, despite being heavy outsiders.

22 MINS: ALAMOTI’S STUNNING PUTDOWN

Paul Alamoti has produced one of the most unlikely putdowns to get the Panthers back to 12-all. The former Bulldog looked out for all money but somehow contorted his body and stay within the sideline.

15 MINS: LOCAL JUNIOR HITS BACK AGAINST FORMER CLUB

The Penrith Panthers never wanted to let Glenmore Park Brumby Isaiya Katoa go.

Now he’s come back to haunt his former side at of all places Penrith Park.

Katoa dummied and jinked over - now a signature move for the talented young half - to take the Dolphins to a somewhat unexpected 10-6 lead.

Moments earlier, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow showed no ill-affects from Origin, showing searing speed to slice over for the Dolphins’ first.

5 MINS: CLEARY BACK WITH A BANG

Nathan Cleary has made an immediate impact on his return from a serious hamstring injury.

Cleary produced a basketball-style pass for Sunia Turuva to score in the corner.

And in perhaps equally good news for SuperCoaches, Cleary also has the kicking duties, booting the Panthers to a 6-nil lead.

KICK-OFF: PANTHERS START NEAR-UNBACKABLE FAVOURITES

We’re underway at Bluebet Stadium and punters are predicting it will be an uphill battle for the Dolphins.

The Panthers are paying $1.30, the Dolphins $3.50.

LATE MAIL: CLEARY CONFIRMED BUT SIX PANTHERS OUT

Penrith have rested five Origin stars from this afternoon’s clash against the Dolphins.

Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards will all be on the sidelines.

Luke Garner is also out due to injury.

But the Panthers do have Nathan Cleary back in the side after a long absence due to a hamstring injury.

NRL SuperCoaches have jumped at the news Cleary will return with 14.3% of players choosing him at halfback in their team.

The Dolphins are 1-17 with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi to back up.

PANTHERS v DOLPHINS

Sunday, 2pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers

1. Daine Laurie 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Brad Schneider 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 13. Matt Eisenhuth

Bench: 14. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith 17. Luron Patea 19. Mavrik Geyer

Reserves: 18. Isaiah Iongi

Players cut: 12. Luke Garner 20. Soni Luke 21. Tyrone Peachey 22. Jarome Luai 23. Brian To’o 24. Liam Martin

Late Mail: Luke Garner has been ruled out, with Liam Henry elevated to the starting side and Mavrik Geyer joining the bench. Nathan Cleary is back after a long absence due to a hamstring injury. Jarome Luai, Brian To’o and Liam Martin took part in the Origin decider and have been rested. Fellow Origin stars Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards weren’t named in the Penrith squad on Tuesday and will also be rested. Edwards picked up a knee injury in Origin that will sideline him for 2-4 weeks.

Nathan Cleary returns, but without Jarome Luai. Picture: NRL Photos
Nathan Cleary returns, but without Jarome Luai. Picture: NRL Photos

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Max Plath 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich

Bench: 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Trai Fuller

Reserves: 18. Sean O’Sullivan

Players cut: 19. Tesi Niu 20. Anthony Milford 21. Mason Teague 22. Oryn Keeley

Late Mail: The Dolphins are 1-17 with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi to back up.

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Originally published as NRL Live Round 20: Panthers vs. Dolphins, Sea Eagles vs. Titans, Cowboys vs. Bulldogs

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