The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 8 of the 2021 NRL NT season

SHARKS women blow comp wide open, Nightcliff win thriller and Brothers streghten finals ambitons. WHAT WE LEARNED FROM NRL NT ROUND 8 ACTION

Sharks’ Lauren Linton fends off Sistaz’ Talia Corrie. Picture: Che Chorley

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

Brothers, Litchfield and Nightcliff pulled off wins in the men’s competition while Palmerston and Sharks pulled off wins in the women’s comp.

SHARKS BLOW WOMEN’S COMP WIDE OPEN

Crystal Browne tees off for Sharks against Sistaz. Picture: Che Chorley

Constant pace and effort saw Sharks score themselves a significant upset over reigning premiers Sistaz.

And the result has blown the women’s competition wide open with the previously dominant Sistaz having suffered consecutive defeats.

Sharks were down early but they stuck in and got around each other with Lauren Linton pivotal in getting over the gain line.

From there their backs such as Chloe Callaghan and Jayde De La Couer were able to show their pace beating Sistaz on the outside channels.

The win has the side sitting third which is significant for a side that didn’t exist in 2020.

But it’s also a sign of a more competitive women’s competition with Palmerston now ahead of Sistaz at the top of the ladder.

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The NT News looks at the talking points from Round 7 of the 2021 NRL NT season

NIGHTCLIFF TOP SIDE AFTER THRILLING WIN

Nightcliff's Clint Chettle showed plenty of pace and power against Palmerston. Picture: Che Chorley

The match at Goodline Park was a thriller with both Nightcliff and Palmerston giving it their all in the top of the table clash.

And it quite literally came down to the final whistle with Dragons’ Wise Sekitoga crashing over the line on the buzzer to take the win.

Both sides were missing their big interstate signings with Raiders’ Tom Murphy forced to sit on the sideline while Nightcliff captain Brent Crisp was unavailable.

But that didn’t take away from the action with Palmerston dominating the opening half before Nightcliff clawed their way back into the contest in the second period.

The Dragons now sit top of the table and their depth is a large part of that with ball players, powerful forwards and pacy backs across the field.

BROTHERS PUT THEMSELVES IN STRONG POSITION FOR FINALS

Brothers have returned to winning form in recent weeks. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Darwin Brothers have put themselves in a strong position for finals after scoring a crucial 19-8 win over Sharks.

Brothers are now one win and two competition points clear of Litchfield, who are also desperate to break back into the top four.

The reigning premiers started the season slow suffering an injury crisis but recent wins over Raiders and now Sharks have the young Brothers back in form.

Though they will know as much as anyone that there is still plenty more work to do to secure a spot in the final four.

PALMERSTON WOMEN HIT THE TOP

The Palmerston women have continued their impressive rise and currently sit strong atop the premiership table.

It’s been a long time since a side other than Sistaz has been in such a positon but Palmerston’s consistency and Sistaz’ consecutive losses has turned the table.

Raiders have been threatening such a rise for some time making their first ever grand final in 2020 and carrying that form into the 2021 season.

It was a 28-4 win over Nightcliff that saw them take the top step with five tries including a brace for both Christabel Faatoafe and Michala Shaw.

Ciara Aigea has also been a crucial player for Raiders this season scoring six tries, third on the season tally, with Faatoafe scoring eight.