The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 6 of the 2021 NRL NT season

SHARKS women show defensive might, Bears take a big step forward and Nightcliff hold on for the win. WHAT WE LEARNED FROM NRL NT ROUND 6 ACTION

Northern Sharks proved they’re looking to stay in the women’s comp with a win over Nightcliff. Picture:Glenn Campbell

THE NT News looks at some of the main talking points from an exciting sixth round of the 2021 NRL NT season.

Nightcliff, Litchfield and Palmerston were the victors in the men’s competition while the Sharks, Sistaz and Palmerston came away the winners in the women’s comp.

NIGHTCLIFF WIN BUT MAKE IT HARD FOR THEMSELVES

Shaun Wauchope has put in plenty of strong carries for the Bears. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Nightcliff are getting used to winning in the 2021 season but against Sharks they did make matters hard for themselves in the second half.

Momentum was well on their side for much of the first but it shifted significantly in the second with Sharks on for what seemed like an unlikely comeback.

However, Dragons weathered the storm despite their defensive lapses holding on to take the win.

But their efforts in the opening half despite missing lead playmaker Brent Crisp show the Dragons are a side with plenty of depth.

Rugby union stars Jone Vakacegu, Robbie Butcher and Wise Sekitoga were standouts in the opening period causing plenty of havoc down the right wing.

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SHARKS WOMEN SHOW DEFENSIVE STRENGTH

Lauren Linton in the NRL NT women's round 6 match as Nightcliff Dragons v Northern Sharks at Territory Rugby League Stadium, Marrara. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Sharks women proved they’re here to stay after beating Nightcliff in their match up.

And it wasn’t just the strong individual scores from the likes of Crystal Browne and Lauren Linton that stood out but also the total defensive commitment from the entire squad.

The Dragons attacked and attacked in the opening half but had nothing to show for it in that period as the Sharks line held strong.

And a win for the side showed that after missing the 2020 season the Sharks are looking to stay in the women’s competition for a long time to come.

LITCHFIELD TAKE ANOTHER STEP FORWARD

Robert Campbell has been one of the key players in the growing Bears squad. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Bears took another step forward as they scored their second win in a thrilling 26-22 game against Darwin Brothers.

The return of the past two Frank Johnson winners Sam McAuley and Matt Goodfellow added a sense of direction to a side that has struggled for results so far this season.

Though even without those inclusions the duo were already on an upward trajectory adding gun juniors and holding their own against the current top sides.

Dillan Vanderberg, Jarrad Burgess and David Jacobson continue to impress in the side putting in the hard hits alongside some hard runs.

And it’s that combination of performing incumbents and key inclusions that saw Litchfield earn their most significant result of the season so far.

BROTHERS CENTRE IMPRESSES IN LOSS

The Darwin Brothers haven’t managed to put together their ideal side for much of the season so far through injury or work commitments.

But in Pheonix Paeu the side may have unearthed a player that can put the side back on track.

Paeu comes from New Zealand where he played senior rugby league and while he hasn’t been with the Brethren long he has started to make an impact.

Three tries in the match against Litchfield from hard runs will gave the reigning premiers something to cheer about and as combinations grow that should only build.

Meanwhile, Jonas Niki continues to inspire as the fill in captain while Leon Rotumah had his first game back for the Brothers in the losing effort against Bears.

SISTAZ SHOW DEPTH

Tyla Kingdon is one of the developing standouts in the Sistaz side. Picture Glenn Campbell

They’ve been the strongest side in the women’s comp over the past two years and a lot of that comes down to the Sistaz depth.

The star power of Bianca Stokes, Latoniya Norris and Talia Corrie is well known but even without such players the Sistaz have plenty of strong performers.

AFLW Adelaide Crows star Danielle Ponter was a standout against Litchfield scoring four tries in what was her first game back for the side this year.

Kiera Kurnoth and Georgina Garling were the other try scorers in the 26-14 win which proved that Sistaz are a standout side even without their standout players.