The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 4 of the 2021 NRL NT season
SISTAZ shine despite missing players, Raiders retain Mitch Russell Shield and Nightcliff’s steadfast defence. WHAT WE LEARNED FROM NRL NT ROUND 4 ACTION
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THE NT News looks at some of the major talking points from an exciting fourth round of 2021 NRL NT action with both the men’s and women’s offering plenty of action.
Sharks, Nightcliff and Palmerston triumphed in the men’s competition while Sharks, Sistaz and Palmerston were the winning sides in the women’s premiership.
UNDEFEATED RAIDERS RETAIN MITCHELL RUSSELL SHIELD
The Mitchell Russell Shield game between Nightcliff and Litchfield is one of the most important on the NRL NT calender.
And with the two sides being dominant forces in recent seasons it has been an important indicator for how the table will fall.
The Bears aren’t as strong in 2021 as they have been recently and the Raiders took full advantage at Goodline Park running out the 40-6 winners.
There’s plenty of buy-in from this current Raiders pack with star recruit Tom Murphy giving 80 minute shifts at hooker and Blake Fletcher in great form.
It’s that buy in that has seen them remain undefeated so far this season.
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The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 3 of the 2021 NRL NT season
SISTAZ SHINE DESPITE MISSING PLAYERS
Sistaz didn’t take a backwards step against Nightcliff despite missing players of the calibre of Latoniya Norris, Bianca Scrymgour and Tishara Cahill.
Those sort of outs would trouble the best of teams but still the reigning premiers plugged away and proved why they’re the top side.
Talia Corrie took charge making of metres with ball in and hand finding gaps across the ground.
Captain Bianca Stokes also shone on the offensive scoring a hat-trick inspiring her squad to lift.
But it wasn’t just the usual names who made a splash with Jade Albion scoring a brace while Tyla Kingdon held up well in defence.
They will face a similar issue next round with crucial players out due to Titans commitments but this Sistaz unit has depth to spare.
NIGHTCLIFF’S DEFENCE WILL TROUBLE ANY SIDE
The Dragons have been one of the big improvers in the current season and a lot of that comes down to their effort in defence.
Led by former Canterbury Bulldog Brent Crisp, Nightcliff has made their defence a focus point of the season and it’s certainly paying off.
Second on the table after four rounds with only 34 points conceded (the least in the league) makes Nightcliff a problem for any side.
It seems that the new system has clicked well with the playing group and if that cohesiveness holds up they will be a tricky side to beat.
Also impressing for the Dragons was youngster Anthony Hill who was lively at both ends and got his reward in a try late in the game.
PALMERSTON WOMEN HITTING STRAPS
The Palmerston women are picking up momentum with each passing round most recently surpassing Litchfield 28-0.
The Raiders have only dropped one game this season, to the unbeaten Sistaz, but are otherwise on track to at least repeat their historic 2020 season.
Ciara Aigea has been one of the side’s standouts this season pushing the ball through the middle and sometimes coming away with a score.
However, against the Bears it was Christabel Aigea Faatoafe who was the big scorer racking up a brace on her visits to the try line.
Palmerston will be looking forward to their rematch against the Sistaz where they will once against test to see if they can best the women’s premiership top side.
BROTHERS INJURY TOLL NOT SLOWING DOWN
The reigning premiers have been crippled with injuries early in the 2021 season.
And following the game against Dragons that number hasn’t slowed down with 19 players out of the side either injured or on work commitments.
Only three players from last years grand final starting side featured against Nightcliff and of those Caleb Niki picked up a couple of knocks potentially adding to the toll.
The Brethren will hope to have the majority of their stars back in the side by the middle of the season but will have to weather the storm until then.
However, it has given some younger or reserve players a taste of A-grade with plenty impressing coach Leon Cleal with their intent and effort.
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