The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 3 of the 2021 NRL NT season

SHARKS the 2021 rising side, Litchfield’s development pays off and top of the table thriller. WHAT WE LEARNED FROM NRL NT ROUND 3 ACTION

Sharks’ Dakota Marsh kicks off against Darwin Brothers. Picture: Che Chorley

THE NT News looks at some of the major talking points from a jampacked third round of 2021 NRL NT action with both the men’s and women’s offering plenty of action.

Litchfield, Sharks and Palmerston pulled off wins in the men’s competition, while Litchfield, Sistaz and Palmerston were victorious on the women’s side of the draw.

SHARKS 2021 SURPRISE PACKAGE

Sharks’ Suliasi Tavodi on his way to scoring a try. Picture: Che Chorley

It’s one thing saying you’ve built a squad capable of taking on the competition’s best and another thing to put that talk into action.

And for Sharks they have early in the 2021 campaign mixing experienced campaigners and skilled youth to form a team that has now beaten both 2020 grand final sides.

Strong recruiting in the off season has some real depth form in the A-grade squad with players fighting for positions and allowed coach PD Downes to get the best from his squad.

The most recent win over Darwin Brothers puts Sharks right in the finals fight and proves that their win over Litchfield the week before was no fluke.

Backs with strength and speed seems to be the hallmark of the outfit with Suliasi Tavodi, Simaika Salaa and young gun Rob Franklin all lethal on the attack.

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Litchfield Bears and Northern Sharks pull off big wins in Round 3 of the NRL NT A-grade premiership

Litchfield Bears’ women side shows their hard work is paying off with win over South Darwin

HARD WORK PAYING OFF FOR LITCHFIELD WOMEN

Litchfield captain Shari Togo was proud of her side’s efforts. Picture: Che Chorley

Bears captain Shari Togo credited her side’s hard work in training for their strong run of form after her side’s dominant win over South Darwin.

And it is clear that the hard work is paying off for Litchfield with plenty of players getting stuck in each game to bring home the wins.

Kiyanah Toy was once again in the scoring but wasn’t alone with Ashlee Gilder, Courtney Byrne, Tahlia Waters, Melody Wehipehana and Tiarna Hansen also crossing the try line.

The Bears women are looking a tough side to crack in 2021 and if their hard work on and off the field continues they will be looking to go far come finals.

TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH LEAVES PALMERSTON ONLY UNBEATEN SIDE

Palmerston remain the only unbeaten A-grade side after beating Nightcliff in Round 3, but it wasn’t made easy for them.

The Dragons were first to score bringing plenty of intensity which never let up in either offence or defence.

But it was the Raiders who emerged victourious 20-16 at the end of the encounter with braces from Tevita Kanalagi and Blake Fletcher.

The match was everything a top of the table encounter is expected to be and serves as an indicator of a competitive season to come, particuarly between these two sides.

Palmerston are currently the frontrunners after three rounds but will have to work hard to stay there as other sides seek to upset the party.

LITCHFIELD INVESTING IN YOUNG GUNS

Ben Drayton passes down the line on debut for the A-grade Bears side. Picture: Che Chorley

The Bears ran to their first win of the season in fine fashion and their young guns played no small part in that victory.

Ben Drayton, Callum Dubbeld and David Morrell all made their debuts for the A-grade outfit and more than impressed.

Dubbled in particular earned his place in the side breaking through for two tries against a hapless South Darwin in the 56-0 game.

And veteran Dillan Vanderberg was at his bulldozing best busting through on a number of occasions and was rewarded for those efforts with a late try.

As a much changed unit the Bears are still adjusting to their combinations but are looking better each week.

BROTHERS HAMPERED BY EARLY INJURY WOES

It’s not been the greatest of season starts from the reigning premiers with one win from three games.

Though injuries to key personnel such as captain Aaron Pollard, Daniel Warran and Aaron Rotumah hasn’t made it the easiest of campaign starts for the outfit.

Against Sharks the side showed plenty of intent with Nick Yarran, who also came off injured, putting plenty of pace on the ball.

Though it was execution and a hearty Sharks defence that let down most of those opportunities.

Going forward for Brothers it will be about ironing out those one percenters as the season progresses and players make their return.