NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 11
WHO starred, who struggled and who’s lurking on the edge? Find out how your team is faring in the Round 11 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
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 11 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
STORM
HOW THEY FARED
Melbourne were below their best in their 14-6 win over South Sydney in Perth but they did what was required to stay atop the ladder.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Cameron Smith did a lot of Cameron Smith things and that’s all you need to know about it. Will Chambers was again excellent — he’s been the best centre in the NRL so far this season.
Tohu Harris had a game to forget, making a couple of preventable errors and giving away some needless penalties. He’s a quality player, but this was one to forget.
INJURY WARD
Christian Welch (ACL, Season)
Jesse Bromwich (Disciplinary, Round 13)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Former Cowboy and Titans back Jahrome Hughes is something of a forgotten man at the Storm but he’s putting his best foot forward for the Sunshine Coast Falcons. Hughes scored a double for the Falcons in their win over the Cutters over the weekend and should come into contention for a first grade spot over the Origin period.
REPORT CARD
B —: Melbourne still have room to improve but keep finding a way to win. With the difficult Origin period coming up that’s about as much as you can ask for.
— Nick Campton
BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
The Broncos struck up an easy 36-0 win over the Tigers in wet conditions on Friday night.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Five-eighth Anthony Milford was back to his best against a struggling Wests outfit while Corey Oates also did plenty to earn himself a recall into the Queensland side.
Joe Ofahengaue was also sensational off the bench, racking up 153m off 15 runs.
INJURY WARD
Mitchell Dodds (Leg, Indefinite)
Andrew McCullough (Concussion, Indefinite)
Ben Hunt (Hamstring, Round 12)
Tevita Pangai Jnr (Hand, Round 12)
Jai Arrow (Broken thumb, Round 12)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Brisbane will need to call on a few men next week, as they prepare to take on the Warriors without their Origin stars. Jai Arrow should be close to a comeback from a thumb injury while George Fai has been pushing for an NRL debut for sometime.
Ben Hunt will definitely return from his hamstring injury while Benji Marshall made his comeback on Sunday for the Redcliffe Dolphins.
REPORT CARD
A: Everyone expected the Broncos to win, but sometimes those games can be the hardest. Brisbane met their expectations however and managed to keep the Tigers scoreless. It was a solid hit out before the dreaded Origin period.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
SHARKS
HOW THEY FARED
Somehow, Cronulla keep finding a way to win. Down 14-blot at the break against North Queensland — and having played worse than even that scoreline suggested — the Sharkies scored three unanswered tries in the second half to scrape home by four points.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Wade Graham was strong, Luke Lewis came up with a couple of key tackles and prop Andrew Fifita, whose first half could politely be described as ordinary, woke in the second to eventually churn through 188m while also orchestrating a try for halfback Chad Townsend. James Maloney, too, scored a strong solo try and kicked all three conversions to eventually prove the difference.
INJURY WARD
James Segeyaro (Broken arm, Round 18)
Tony Williams (ACL, Season)
Matt Prior (Suspension, Round 12)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
While unlikely to get an NRL start this year, eighth Immortal Andrew Johns heaped praise on the Sharks’ under-20s halves on The Sunday Footy. Asked about Kyle Flanagan and Jack Williams, 008 said he had been continually impressed by the pair who “really know their stuff”. It comes as Sharks No. 6 Maloney remains at odds with club hierarchy over the size of his contract.
REPORT CARD
B-: Cronulla made 12 errors, missed 24 tackles and gave up the first three tries. And still, they got home. Yet just as the Sharks were aided by a forward pass last week win against St George Illawarra, we should also point out how the Cowboys missed three chances at conversion or penalty — one of which, the ball boy could have thrown over.
— Nick Walshaw
ROOSTERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Roosters pulled off a 26-18 win over the Bulldogs despite going to sleep in the second half. The Roosters had control of the match at half time but almost gave up the points as they match wound down. A late try secured the win but it wasn’t the polished performance we saw the week before.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The Roosters left edge was the star of the match. Latrell Mitchell and Daniel Tupou looked dangerous every time they touched the ball and combined for two of their side’s four tries. They absolutely carved up the Bulldogs defence, an ominous sign if they can maintain that form. Luke Keary, meanwhile, had a mixed match. He wasn’t awful but there were some uncharacteristic mistakes that he’ll want to sort out especially now he won’t have halves partner Mitchell Pearce to back him up.
INJURY WARD
Zane Tetevano (Ankle, Indefinite)
Isaac Liu (Foot, Round 12)
Latrell Mitchell (Unknown, Indefinite)
Jake Friend (Concussion, Round 12)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Connor Watson has been the bench utility for the Roosters most of the season but with Mitchell Pearce on State of Origin duties he’ll get his chance to partner Luke Keary in the halves for the full 80 minutes. The Roosters young gun will aim to impress as he looks to cement his worth.
REPORT CARD
B: The Roosters are fourth on the ladder with the win over the Bulldogs but showed they can still have lapses despite the huge round 10 win over the Eels. The Roosters were slow to start against Canterbury before running away with the match as half-time approached. They should have ended it when play resumed but invited the Bulldogs back in. The Roosters have a tough period coming up thanks to a number of players getting Origin call-ups and they need to be playing the full 80 to ensure success.
— David Campbell
DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
After three losses on the trot the Dragons finally got back in the winner’s circle with a 30-14 victory over the Warriors. The Red V are fifth on the ladder after managing to fire without big names like Gareth Widdop, Josh Dugan and Euan Aitken. They obliterated the Warriors up the middle, making huge metres all match out of dummy half.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Tim Lafai is having his best season since joining the Dragons and was in full flight against the Warriors. Lafai scored a try, had four line breaks, retained the kicking duties and had four tackle busts. No-one in the Dragons side really struggled this match but it must be said Josh McCrone’s kicking game was left wanting ... again.
INJURY WARD
Yaw Kiti Glymin (Shoulder, Indefinite)
Gareth Widdop (Knee, Round 14)
Will Matthews (Dislocated hip, Indefinite)
Drew Hutchison (ACL, Season)
Levi Dodd (Knee, Season)
Josh Dugan (Fractured cheekbone, Round 13)
Euan Aitken (Hamstring, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Jai Field continues to serve as the bench utility for the Dragons while Kurt Mann’s promotion to the halves rolls on but we’ve yet to see any of the explosive speed and agility that made him look so exciting at the Auckland Nines. He’s getting minimal minutes on the field and we wait to see him light up the field.
REPORT CARD
B: The Dragons needed that win after the golden point defeat to the Roosters on Anzac Day and the loss against the Sharks that, arguably, should have been a win. St George Illawarra looked good but it was against a struggling Warriors outfit. If they can get through the next few weeks unscathed and welcome back Widdop and Dugan from injury then they’ll be much-improved.
— David Campbell
SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY FARED
Manly defied the absence of star fullback Tom Trbojevic to down the Titans 30-10 on the Gold Coast.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Against the club he spurned two years ago, Daly Cherry-Evans had one of his best games of the season. Cherry-Evans combined well with Manly’s right side attack and showcased much of his quality passing game.
Dynamic prop Brenton Lawrence has enjoyed a career renaissance this season but struggled against his former club. Lawrence didn’t have the some impact with ball in hand as in recent weeks and made some uncharacteristic errors.
INJURY WARD
Nate Myles (Knee, Indefinite)
Jorge Taufua (Concussion, Round 13)
Tom Trbojevic (Ankle, Round 17)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles scored an upset over North Sydney 22-6. Cameron Cullen set up two tries while Shaun Lane and Darcy Lussick were both powerful in the middle of the field.
REPORT CARD
B: Manly always looked in charge against the Titans and played with power, control and poise. It was one of their more impressive wins of the season.
— Nick Campton
COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
The Cowboys shot out of the blocks to rack up a 14-0 half-time lead and look set for an upset win over the Sharks in Cronulla.
But a fizzer of a second half saw the hosts storm home to win 18-14.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Jason Taumalolo shook off a couple of quiet weeks — by his standards — and returned to his wrecking-ball best, with a mammoth 220 run metres and 13 tackle busts.
Winger Kyle Feldt had his best game of the season, scoring a try, setting up another and running for 172 metres.
While Michael Morgan stepped up again as the dominant playmaker in Johnathan Thurston’s absence, the Cowboys’ last-tackle options late in the game left a lot to be desired. Twice they were caught in possession to hand the ball over to the Sharks in attacking positions, as Cronulla ran over the top of them.
INJURY WARD
Josh Chudleigh (ACL, Season)
Matt Scott (ACL, Season)
Johnathan Thurston (Shoulder, Round 13)
Patrick Kaufusi (Foot, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Johnathan Thurston’s return from a shoulder injury remains up the air, with the star playmaker considered “unlikely” to play next Wednesday’s State of Origin series opener.
REPORT CARD
C: Back-to-back wins on the road without Johnathan Thurston was probably a stretch to far for the Cowboys, but they’ll be disappointed to have let this one slip from their grasp.
— Dominic Burke
RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
Canberra flew out of the sheds to an early 10-0 lead, before a stroke of misfortune and a few lapses in defence saw Parramatta take a 16-10 lead shortly after halftime.
The NRL’s top try scorer Jordan Rapana delivered a 73rd minute match-winner to break a three match losing streak for the Green Machine in an eventual 22-16 win over the Eels.
The win was captain Jarrod Croker’s 200th NRL game at just 26 years of age.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Josh Papalii returned from suspension and continued his stunning form in 2017 to again stand out as one of the Raiders’ best.
Papalii was brutal in defence, barrelled over Mitchell Moses in attack and will be sorely missed next weekend while on Queensland Origin duties.
Jack Wighton had several uncharacteristic mistakes in the clash, dropping multiple bombs and missing a tackle on Manu M’au that resulted in a try.
The spirited custodian more than made up for his mistakes in the final 20 minutes, having a key hand in the final two tries and assisting Joey Leilua in a vital last gasp tackle on Suaia Matagi to save the match.
INJURY WARD
Luke Bateman (Concussion, Round 12)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Centre Brent Naden was instrumental in Mounties’ 20-18 win over the Tigers at Aubrey Keech Reserve.
Naden has impressed all season in the NSW Cup following an Auckland Nines debut earlier in the year.
Zac Santo was again among the Mounties’ best, while Kurt Baptiste and Kato Ottio continued their return from extended injury lay-offs.
REPORT CARD
C: Canberra’s rampaging forwards set the platform for their flying backs to pile the points on the Eels.
Ricky Stuart extracted the complacency from the Newcastle road trip for a much-improved display against a quality Parramatta outfit.
While the performance was far from flawless, the win will ease a degree of the pressure that has been heaped on the club in recent weeks.
Fortunately, the Raiders face the Roosters in round 12 minus State of Origin stars Mitchell Pearce, Boyd Cordner, Blake Ferguson, Aidan Guerra and Dylan Napa.
— Tim Williams
BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
Canterbury righted the ship in the second half but it wasn’t enough to get them home as a Mitchell Pearce-led Roosters held on for the six-point win, 24-18. Regardless of a controversial decision late in the game, it was a typically frustrating performance from the Bulldogs where moments of brilliance were offset but lapses that allow the opposition easy position and points.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Josh Jackson was solid with 146 run metres and a good defensive effort, while Michael Lichaa put in one of his biggest efforts with run metres as he attempts to put forward a case for contract renewal during this month. The centre-wing pairing of Brenko Lee and Kerrod Holland again showed their potency in attack, linking for a try and busting the Roosters’ line but Lee missed four tackles and three of the Roosters’ four tries came through their corridor.
INJURY WARD
Chase Stanley (knee, indefinite), Richie Kennar (foot, Round 12), Josh Reynolds (hamstring, Round 15).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Rhyse Martin has been performing well in reserves and could push for a call-up should injury, Origin or form create opportunity. He has the extra string of being a goalkicker too.
REPORT CARD
C: The fightback is a positive for the Bulldogs, who can get behind and then let a score blow out. If they take advantage of facing a weakened Sharks team this weekend, they’re run in the second half of the season isn’t too bad with a number of low-ranked teams still to come. But that tends to be the problem with this side, where they lift for big games but drop to the level of the lower teams.
— Fiona Bollen
EELS
HOW THEY FARED
It wasn’t lack of effort that beat Parramatta but execution at vital times.
Like Brad Arthur said after the 22-16 loss to Canberra: “We should have won that game. We need to be better. We need to find a way to win.”
The fact is the Eels had the better of just about every vital statistic.
More possession (53 per cent), more completed sets (31 of 36), made more running metres (1482m), had three times as many tackles in opposition 20m (42 to 13) and won the penalty count (7-5).
But Parra didn’t take their chances, Canberra did.
That was the difference in a tight finish.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
All eyes were on Mitchell Moses in his first game for the Eels.
After two training sessions Moses had his moments but came up with four missed tackles and a few poor decisions at crucial times in respect to kicking options and one pass in particular to Tim Mannah that was just the wrong play.
Semi Radradra’s battle with Jordan Rapana was a ripper.
While Rapana came up with the match-winning play, Radadra’s effort was hard to fault, running for a team high 181m and probably having his best involvement for some time.
Veteran Beau Scott also put in a strong performance coming off the bench.
INJURY WARD
Matt Woods (Shoulder, Round 15)
Isaac De Gois (Concussion, Indefinite)
Brad Takairangi (Knee, Round 12)
Frank Pritchard (Foot, Round 18)
Peni Terepo (Pectoral, Round 22)
Nathan Brown (Ribs, Indefinite)
Corey Norman (Knee, Round 17)
Michael Jennings (Hamstring, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Pressure is going to mount on Moses given Corey Norman (hamstring) is not due back until round 17.
There was also concern after the game for Nathan Brown (ribs) and Michael Jennings (quad).
Brown only lasted a quarter of the game before he was sent to hospital for scans, while Jennings hobbled off late after being caught awkwardly in a cover tackle from Rapana.
REPORT CARD
C-: Like Arthur said, the effort was there but execution continues to be the killer.
Moses looked nervous which is probably understandable given the controversy that followed his departure from the Wests Tigers and the fact he had Josh Papalii and Junior Paulo running at him all night.
But he’s going to have to take charge of this team quick smart or the season could slip away before Norman returns.
The Eels are 10th on the ladder but have lost their last two games and desperately need to hit back this Friday night against South Sydney.
— Paul Crawley
PANTHERS
HOW THEY FARED
Penrith failed to turn up in the first half for the second week running, but still managed to end up in the winner’s circle.
Trailing the Knights 14-0 at half-time, the Panthers overcame injuries to Peter Wallace and Bryce Cartwright to claim a 30-20 victory.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Skipper Matt Moylan scored two tries to spark his side, while Trent Merrin had his best game of the season. The Test lock churned through 211 running metres, busted five tackles and made three offloads.
The whole side struggled in the opening half, just as they did the round before against the Warriors.
INJURY WARD
Josh Mansour (ACL, Round 13)
Sam McKendry (ACL, Season)
James Fisher-Harris (Hamstring, Round 16)
Isaah Yeo (Ankle, Indefinite)
Peter Wallace (Groin, Indefinite)
Bryce Cartwright (Ankle, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Former Dragons hooker Mitch Rein looks set to finally get his chance since his off-season move to the foot of the mountains. With Wallace set to miss up to six weeks with a groin injury, off-contract Rein should get an extended run in first grade. With Cartwright also set to be sidelined with a knee injury, Te Maire Martin could return to the halves.
REPORT CARD
C: Two wins on the trot, but Penrith’s first-half woes, injuries and the fact that they have only beaten sides below them on a ladder are a concern. They need to regroup over the bye and come out firing in Round 13 against the Dogs.
— Dominic Burke
TITANS
HOW THEY FARED
Gold Coast never really got going in their 30-10 loss to Manly and struggled to hold the ball in key attacking positions.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Ashley Taylor was excellent for Gold Coast, scoring a try and setting up another with a fine grubber kick. Anthony Don finished that kick and was superb with his positional play.
Kane Elgey was quiet in a game where he needed to be dynamic, Tyrone Roberts showed his inexperience at fullback and Jarryd Hayne offered little but defensive misreads at left centre. It was the kind of night where not a lot went right for the Titans.
INJURY WARD
Agnatius Paasi (Shoulder, Round 13)
Will Zillman (Calf, Indefinite)
Chris Grevsmuhl (Shoulder, Indefinite)
Kevin Proctor (Disciplinary, Round 15)
Ryan Simpkins (ACL, Season)
Daniel Sarginson (Shoulder, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Promising centre John Olive has struggled with injury since he joined the Titans early last season but he’s been slowly feeling his way back with Tweed Heads. Once Olive gets his match fitness back he could shape as an interesting piece for Gold Coast in the latter half of the season.
REPORT CARD
D —: The effort was still there from the Titans but they lacked concentration and execution in key moments. Considering the position they’re in, if they want to make the finals they can’t afford that many more matches like this.
RABBITOHS
HOW THEY FARED
South Sydney toiled hard in Perth but couldn’t put the points together against the Storm and went down 14-6.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Sam Burgess did the best he could in the middle of the field, working hard on both sides of the ball in an effort to bust the game open. Angus Crichton continued his excellent form of late on the right edge — he seems the sort of player who could play first grade for a long time.
The Rabbitohs spine struggled to generate attacking chances. John Sutton ran the ball well but Adam Reynolds again wasn’t able to get things right. Reynolds is a little low on confidence at the moment and he’s the man who will need to step things up if the Rabbitohs are to push for an unlikely finals berth.
INJURY WARD
Jason Clark (Ankle, Indefinite)
Jake Goisweski (Knee, Round 12)
Connor Tracey (ACL, Indefinite)
Greg Inglis (ACL, Season)
George Burgess (Suspension, Round 14)
Robert Jennings (Hamstring, Round 12)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Winger Dylan O’Connor had a day to remember against the Storm in the Rabbitohs’ 44-18 victory, scoring two tries and running for a massive 281 metres from 16 carries.
REPORT CARD
C: The Rabbitohs showed plenty of toughness and defensive resolve in this loss but the lack of points against quality sides will be of serious concern for Michael Maguire.
— Nick Campton
WARRIORS
HOW THEY FARED
The Warriors woes continue. They followed up their second-half meltdown at Penrith with a poor performance on home soil against the Dragons, getting rolled 30-14.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Youngster Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad bagged a double as he continued his dream start to life in the NRL, taking his try-scoring tally to four in his first three games.
Prop Ben Matulino also crashed over for a four-pointer and topped 100 running metres for the first time this season as he continues to work his way back from a knee injury.
The Warriors pack struggled as a whole, with Dragons duo Paul Vaughan and Russell Packer dominating the battle up front.
It’s also worth noting that halves Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran had just one run between them as the Warriors attack continued to struggle.
INJURY WARD
Manu Vatuvei (Calf, Indefinite)
Simon Mannering (Hamstring, Round 12)
Solomone Kata (Calf, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Workhorse Simon Mannering should return from a hamstring injury to stiffen up the middle, while veteran winger Manu Vatuvei and Solomone Kata could also be available.
REPORT CARD
D-: The good news is it’s State of Origin time, when the Warriors typically get going. They host a depleted Broncos outfit this weekend, when nothing short of a convincing win will suffice.
— Dominic Burke
TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
Missing halfback Luke Brooks and backrower Chris Lawrence, the Broncos made easy work of the Tigers on Friday night.
The 36-0 score line was hardly flattering but at least Ivan Cleary’s men showed some steel and energy in the opening 15 minutes of the game, which might not sound like much but is a massive improvement on the listless display they served up against the Rabbitohs the week before.
But to put it simply, the Broncos were just too good and they had Wests’ measure across every aspect of the game.
A makeshift halves combination of Jordan Rankin and Jack Littlejohn struggled to spark any real threat in attack. And yet again their big men were rolled by a more physical pack.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
While still well down on form, fullback James Tedesco was the only genuine strike option. He crossed the line three times only to be denied on each occasion. He spent 10 minutes in the sin bin for a professional foul but managed 206 run metres from 70 minutes and made eight tackle busts. Moses Suli was again solid in the centres.
The Tigers lack depth up front and are in real need of some mongrel in that area — again they were out-muscled by a far more dominant forward pack.
It was the usual suspects defensively with the right edge once again struggling to contain the Broncos’ left-side attack of Corey Oates and Tautau Moga.
INJURY WARD
Josh Aloiai (knee, TBC) Matt Ballin (knee, indefinite), Jamal Idris (ACL, season), Luke Brooks (hamstring, Round 13), Chris Lawrence (knee, indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Ava Seumanufagai wasn’t named in the NRL team but was a late inclusion in NSW Cup, as the Tigers went down 20-18 to Mounties.
REPORT CARD
C: In his post-match press conference Cleary used the words “turmoil”, “uncertainty” and “scrutiny” to describe his club’s past two months. He also bluntly admitted his side was “in a bit of a hole”. Can they dig themselves out? Optimistically, Cleary thinks they can but he knows the remainder of the season will be, in his words, a “test of our resilience”.
— Fatima Kdouh
KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
The Knights blew a 14-0 half-time lead, giving up 30 points to the Panthers in the second half to eventually go down 30-20 with possession the key stat.
A series of mistakes and penalties saw Penrith enjoy 70 per cent of the ball in the second 40 and once they got on a roll, the Knights were unable to stop them.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The focus on Dane Gagai’s decision to link with South Sydney next season clearly had an impact on the fullback. He had a shocker with a series of blunders in the second half culminating with the Maroons Origin star gifting Matt Moylan his second try late in the game. Young backrower Sam Stone was another to feel the heat with some costly handling errors. On the positive side, skipper Sione Mata’utia, prop Daniel Saifiti and hooker Danny Levi all played strongly while halves Jaelen Feeney and Brock Lamb did well in the first half.
INJURY WARD
David Bhana (Knee, Season)
Josh Starling (Wrist, Indefinite)
Rory Kostjasyn (Throat, Indefinite)
Jarrod Mullen (Drugs ban, Season)
Dylan Phythian (ACL, Season)
Jack Cogger (Groin, Round 16)
Jamie Buhrer (Foot, Round 13)
Anthony Tupou (Hip, Round 13)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Dumped winger Nathan Ross will come into contention for the side’s next game after his axing for disciplinary reasons but is no certainty to regain his spot with his replacement Brendan Elliot playing well. Injured backrower Jamie Burher is still on crutches and considered weeks away from a return.
REPORT CARD
C: All was on track for rare back-to-back wins at half-time before the wheels fell off in the second 40.
— Barry Toohey
Originally published as NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 11
Ex-Bronco Josh McGuire charged with strangulation, assault
