The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 11 of the 2021 NRL NT season

SISTAZ young guns stand out, Sharks win top of the table clash and Deadly Cup a deadly success. WHAT WE LEARNED FROM NRL NT ROUND 11 ACTION

David Paull playing for the Indigenous All Stars against the Territory All Stars in the senior men's rugby league Deadly Cup matchup. Picture: Glenn Campbell

THE NT News looks at some of the main talking points from an action-packed eleventh round of the 2021 NRL NT season.

Palmerston, Brothers and Sharks were triumphant in the men’s competition while Sharks, Palmerston and Sistaz won their games in the women’s contest.

SHARKS UPSET LADDER LEADERS

NRL NT: Northern Sharks v Darwin Brothers. Dakota Marsh kicks off. Picture: Che Chorley

The Sharks have looked a dangerous side for many weeks now but a win over current table toppers Nightcliff has shifted the side to genuine contenders.

The Dragons were the only side Sharks had yet to beat and though they made it hard for themselves at times they got the job done.

Captain Jacob Collie and Lachie Wright made their returns from injury injecting some much needed leadership to the side.

Sharks have perhaps been nortorious for letting off the gas after a quick start but that was not the case on the weekend.

The Dragons kept coming phase after phase but the Sharks held fast to see the game out.

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The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 10 of the 2021 NRL NT season

BROTHERS STAKE A FINALS CLAIM

Nick Yarran impressed at hooker scoring a hat-trick against Litchfield Bears. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Darwin Brothers have all but secured their place in the 2021 finals with an impressive 34-10 win over Litchfield Bears.

The young side showed the pace that they are known for as they surged to perhaps their most important win of the season so far.

Nick Yarran showed his skills at hooker in place of the injured Daniel Warren scoring three tries for his side.

The win puts the reigning premiers in a comfortable third on the table which will bring some confidence to the side that struggled early in the season.

PALMERSTON SIDES RETURN WITH A VENGENCE

Brad Hansen scored a hat-trick for Palmerston Raiders. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Palmerston Raiders came back with a vengeance after suffering a loss of competition points in the previous week, with South Darwin the unfortunate club to come against them.

The senior men knew their season was more than on the line with finals no longer a certainty and so they piled on the points to see off Souths 62-4.

Brad Hansen managed a hat-trick while wing duo Will Beers and Tevita Kanalagi scored a brace of tries each to help put the Rabbitohs away.

The women were just as ruthless winning 46-0 as they fight their way back to the top spot. Kasey Marsden scored a hat-trick.

SISTAZ YOUNG GUNS STEP UP

Tyla Kingdon continues to impress for Darwin Sistaz. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Sistaz impressed with a massive 44-16 win over Litchfield. But most impressive was the skills shown from their younger players.

Abi Sekitoga, Kiera Kurnoth and Tyla Kingdon all crossed to score for their side while Ellie Niki put in many a powerful run to put her side on the front foot.

Their ability laid the foundation for the win and showed that the reigning premiers have depth to spare.

The side have young players stepping up across the park while usual performers such as Bianca Stokes and Leeanne Allia showed their normal flair.

This growing group has Sistaz well poised to take the title once again in 2021 with important players such as Latoniya Norris and Bianca Scrymgour still to make their returns from injury.

DEADLY CUP A DEADLY SUCCESS

Christabel Aigea Faatoafe for the Territory All Stars in the senior women's rugby league Deadly Cup. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Deadly Cup was a deadly success in its second year with another action packed game full of passionate rugby league.

Players that don’t usually play with each other at club level got together to form exciting combinations to showcase the best of Top End rugby played with

The Territory All Stars triumphed in the women’s match-up surging in the second half to take the win.

And in the men’s contest it was the Indigenous All Stars that this year managed the win with Isaac Seden-Kurnoth and Clifford Timms earning braces.

The celebration of culture and promotion of health through the vehicle of rugby league will be back in 2022 as it becomes an annual fixture on the NT rugby league calendar.