NSWRL Junior Reps Finals Wk 1: 12 talking points from Harold Matts, Lisa Fiaola, SG Ball, Tarsha Gale Cup

From the big names taking over to the upsets and extra time thrillers, the opening round of the NSWRL Junior Reps had it all. Catch up on the major events in our 12 weekend talking points.

Tyson Hansen and the Warriors continue on their winning ways. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

The biggest finals day in NSWRL Junior Reps history is in the books, with the big guns standing tall in upsets, smashings and extra time thrillers.

Catch up on the weekend that was in our weekend talking points:

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Week one, day two recap - Week two schedule

HAROLD MATTHEWS

PUTTING ON A SHOW

It turned out to be one of the matches of the weekend, and somehow the Central Coast managed to come back from a hopeless position to remain alive.

They trailed by eight with six minutes to go before scoring twice.

It carried on from a thriller these two sides played just a few weeks ago, with the roles reversed.

KEEPS GETTING BETTER

It’s hard to improve too much on a premiership side, but the Warriors look like they’ve gone to another level this season.

They got revenge on the Roosters, who beat them in round nine, by completely shutting them down for a classy win.

Their defence in particular was suffocating, holding the division’s best attack to just one try.

They’re a strong hope of winning two titles in as many years in the U17s.

Newcastle is winning games with its defence. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

UNDER THE RADAR

After starting the season 1-2, Newcastle is now one game away from booking its spot in the grand final.

They’ve won six games on the bounce and were emphatic in putting away the minor premiers.

Incredibly they’ve kept their last four opponents to just 10 points, a major improvement over the back half of the season.

LISA FIAOLA

DOGS JUGGERNAUT ROLLS ON

Is there anyone that can stop the Bulldogs?

For just the third time this season they found themselves behind on the scoreboard.

There wasn’t a hint of panic, and by the time halftime rolled around they were up by 18.

It begs the genuine question if there is anyone out there that is capable of beating them.

Sienna Robertson and the Tigers stay alive in Fiaola Cup. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

BENCH ROTATIONS ON FIRE
The Wests Tigers certainly maximised the output from their interchange forwards as their power game proved too much for Canberra to handle.

Kalani Godinet scored within six minutes of getting on the field, while Alavina Tu’ifua had a similar impact within 10 minutes of being injected into the game.

FIFITA GOES BANG

Speaking of immediate impact, it’s hard to match that of Penrith’s Betsy Fifita.

Within three tackles of entering the fray, Fifita was able to win a penalty and score a try, sparking a run that ultimately won the game.

She’s been exceptional out of dummy half this season and did it on the big stage.

SG BALL

TIMING THEIR RUN

The Bulldogs weren’t in the eight heading into the final round.

Now they’re into week two of the finals, and last year’s grand finalists are a team nobody wants to come up against.

The way they were able to fight back from a 16-point deficit against Cronulla is a testament to the firepower they possess.

Charlie Poynton was huge late for the Rabbitohs. Picture: Sean Teuma

COMING UP CLUTCH

Charlie Poynton is South Sydney’s second-string kicker, but with Matthew Humphries out of the game he was called upon to help them reach extra time.

He slotted two kicks from the left-hand sideline, firstly to convert a Taj Alvarez try and then the penalty after full-time to level scores at the end of regulation.

Neither kick looked like missing.

‘UNDERDOGS’ COME OUT ON TOP

In an extraordinary sidenote to the four finals, every winner was the lower ranked side in their contest.

Canterbury and Melbourne advanced from seventh and eighth respectively, while the third and fourth-placed Rabbitohs and Roosters earned a week off.

It’s up to you if you want to classify them as underdogs, but it goes to show that this comp is wide open.

TARSHA GALE

STRANGEST OF DECISIONS

The Wests Tigers left their run late against Canterbury, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to get within two.

But the decision to not take a shot at goal was a head scratcher.

Yes it was from the sideline, but to not even rush an attempt was bizarre.

Sienna Leslie scored in Illawarra’s win over the Knights. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

MAKING A STATEMENT

There was so much to like about Illawarra’s demolition win over Penrith.

Within minutes of the second half beginning they conceded and their lead became just eight, before they hit the go button.

They went to another level and showed why they are the competition favourites.

BRAVEST DECISION

It takes a lot of guts to give a penalty in golden point, especially when it’s 10m out directly in front of the sticks.

Referee Matthew Galvin made the brave call to do just that, penalising the Knights for hitting the legs of the kicker in a field-goal attempt.

It handed the Roosters the win after they scored at the end of regulation and extra time to force extra periods.

FINALS WEEK TWO SCHEDULE

LISA FIAOLA

Cronulla vs Wests Tigers (winner plays Central Coast) - Leichhardt 9.45am

Parramatta vs Penrith (winner plays Canterbury) - Rooty Hill 10am

HAROLD MATTHEWS

Syd Roosters vs Central Coast (winner plays New Zealand) - Leichhardt 12.45pm

Illawarra vs South Sydney (winner plays Newcastle) - Leichhardt 3.45pm

TARSHA GALE

Penrith vs Parramatta (winner plays Canterbury) - Rooty Hill 11.30am

Syd Roosters vs Wests Tigers (winner plays Illawarra) - Leichhardt 11.15am

SG BALL

Parramatta vs Melbourne (winner plays South Sydney) - Rooty Hill 2pm

Canberra vs Canterbury (winner plays Syd Roosters) - Leichhardt 2.15pm

*All games played on Saturday 19 April

Originally published as NSWRL Junior Reps Finals Wk 1: 12 talking points from Harold Matts, Lisa Fiaola, SG Ball, Tarsha Gale Cup