The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 5 of the 2021 NRL NT season

SHARKS bring Litchfield can compete with best and Women’s Titans impress. WHAT WE LEARNED FROM NRL NT ROUND 5 ACTION

Robbie Butcher carrying the ball for Nightcliff Dragons against Litchfield Bears. Picture: Glenn Campbell

THE NT News looks at some of the main talking points from a thrilling fifth round of the 2021 NRL NT season.

Nightcliff, Brothers and Sharks were the victors in the men’s competition while the NT women made an impression in the National Championships.

SHARKS PROVE EARLY FORM WAS NO FLUKE

Dakota Marsh had a standout game for Sharks in their win over Raiders. Picture: Che Chorley

Any doubts surrounding Sharks and their contender status will surely have dissipated after they beat former ladder leaders Palmerston 22-20.

The win didn’t come easy with the quality Palmerston forward pack making life difficult through the middle but the Sharks held strong to take out the win.

Anthony Smith, Lachie Wright, Damien Mick, William Nicolaidis and captain Jacob Collie all crossed for tries on the weekend.

And with the scoring threats of Robertson Franklin, Suliasi Tavodi, Cooper Segeyaro, Dakota Marsh and Simaika Salaa also in the ranks it’s easy to see how Sharks are finding success.

Sharks will be after revenge next week when they face off against Nightcliff, the only side to have beaten them so far this year.

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LITCHFIELD SHOW THEY CAN PLAY WITH THE BEST

Robert Campbell had a big game for Litchfield against Nightcliff. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Litchfield have struggled for results early in the 2021 season but considering the overhaul of players their effort cannot be faulted.

Most impressive against Nightcliff was some of the more experienced Bears including Dillan Vanderberg, David Jacobson, Robert Campbell and Jarrod Burgess.

Vanderberg and Burgess earned their side vital metres on the attack and it was their work in tandem that put top side Dragons on the back foot.

And it was that reason that for much of their Round 5 encounter that the Bears were level if not in the lead for much of their battle against the Dragons.

It wasn’t to be in the end as Nightcliff found their mojo but if the effort persists there’s no reason the Bears won’t be able to mix it with the best.

NT WOMEN IMPRESS IN NATIONALS

The NT Women’s and Under-19’s sides impressed in the National Championships. Picture: Supplied

Though they may have come away with little in the way of wins the NT Titans women’s and under-19’s sides certainly impressed in the National Championships.

Playing with passion and plenty of intent the Titans showed they could hold their own and contend with some of the best players in the country.

Wins over South Australia in both divisions capped off the trip that exposed many of the Territory’s best up and coming stars to the next level.

Debbie Gimini, Ivana Schober and Calista Boyd were standouts in the women’s competition.

Ciara Aigea, Kiyanah Toy and Micaela Shaw were standouts for the under-19s.

PALMERSTON LOSS MAY BE BLESSING IN DISGUISE

The Round 5 loss is Raiders’ first regular season loss in over a season, but what sort of effect will have it have on the side?

Palmerston in recent years have built up a reputation as a side that dominates the home and away season before faltering in the knock out stages.

And for that reason the loss to Sharks might be seen as a blessing in disguise for the green and black outfit.

It will give the side that packs plenty of firepower up front and in the backs time to adjust and look over what led to the loss in a stage of the competition that’s less high pressure than finals.

BROTHERS GET NEEDED WIN AGAINST FIRED UP SOUTHS

Mickael Becat scored two tries for Darwin Brothers against South Darwin. Picture: Glenn Campbell

It’s been a tough start to the season for the Darwin Brothers with 19 injuries and three losses from five games.

But the 44-14 win over bottom side South Darwin with a young, inexperienced side came at the right time for the reigning premiers.

A confidence boosting win of any kind was needed to rekindle the outfit and that’s what the Brethren managed with three debutants.

Souths for their part fought hard playing in honour of one of their greatest ever supporters, Paul Kelly who passed away last week.