SuperCoach scores and analysis from Broncos vs. Bulldogs, Cowboys vs. Sharks, Roosters vs. Sea Eagles
There was no shortage of big scores on a Super Saturday that saw the Bulldogs dominate the Broncos, the Cowboys hold off Cronulla and the Roosters survive a miracle Manly comeback. See all the SuperCoach Winners & Losers.
The NRL top eight has been shaken up on a wild Super Saturday of footy, which saw the Bulldogs dominate the Broncos on their own turf, the Cowboys continued their rise up the ladder at the expense of Cronulla, while the Roosters moved into third spot on the ladder after surviving a miracle Manly comeback. And while there was no shortage of monster SuperCoach performances, there were some key injuries to highly owned players.
Here are all the SuperCoach Winners and Losers from Friday Night Footy:
SUPERCOACH WINNERS
1. Connor Tracey (163pts) – The Bulldogs’ hat-trick hero maybe just played the game of his life as he tore the Broncos apart. With all the recent attention on how to bring Tom Trbojevic into every SuperCoach team, has Tracey been flying under the radar?
2. Jacob Kiraz (99pts) – Kiraz had an almighty performance down the right edge with a try and try assist. Two linebreaks, three linebreak assists and five broken tackles got the tough Bulldog close to a century.
3. Jacob Preston (93pts) – Kikau gets most of the outside attention but young Preston is quietly one of the form backrowers in the NRL right now. Preston was dominant down his right edge with Kiraz and Skelton, providing a constant threat in attack.
4. Jeral Skelton (88pts) – Skelton had big shoes to fill with Stephen Crichton ruled out but didn't’t show any nerves in a barnstorming showing. Skelton ran for 306m in 28 runs, breaking the line twice with his speed and power.
5. Bronson Xerri (77pts) – Big game by the speedy Bulldogs centre. Xerri made the most of a tactic to spread the ball early to notch two linebreaks.
6. James Tedesco (126pts) – Coming off a poor performance against Melbourne, James Tedesco bounced back in the best way possible, inspiring a first half Roosters onslaught, scoring 100 SuperCoach points in the first 40 minutes. Sadly scored just 26 points in the second half, but his owners won’t be complaining too much.
7. Sam Walker (108pts) – Like James Tedesco, Walker struggled against Melbourne, but played a massive part in the Roosters’ first half domination. He was the most sold player heading into the round, so everyone who moved on will be spewing.
8. Kyle Feldt (115pts) – Finished the Sharks off with a trio of tries and linebreaks, on top of five tacklebreaks, and 26 points in base. A very solid night for the Cowboys winger.
9. Scott Drinkwater (100pts) – He was one of the most owned fullbacks before the Origin period, Drinkwater rewarded the almost 14% of SuperCoaches who stuck with him, ending the game on 100 points despite not scoring a try himself.
10. Valentine Holmes (98pts) – He’s struggled for form this year, but that hasn’t impacted his SuperCoach output too much, with the Cowboys centre falling just short of triple digits before updates.
11. Kayal Iro (87pts) – Despite being one of the most popular players in the game, he was a popular sell among the game’s highest ranked players. But Iro rewarded those who held on to him with an impressive 87 points.
12. Payne Haas (79pts) – One of the most purchased players heading into the round, Haas rewarded his owners with a solid 79 points in basically pure base stats. Luckily for non-owners, he should still see a price drop given his break-even was 100.
SUPERCOACH LOSERS
1. Adam Reynolds (32pts) – Brisbane’s veteran halfback doesn’t typically score too well in SuperCoach but he was quitter than usual on Saturday. Reynolds battled through some obvious pain and discomfort throughout the game and a try assist on Taupau’s consolation try slightly salvaged his score.
2. Deine Mariner (13pts) – A quiet night for the young Bronco as the prolific tryscorer failed to hit the score sheet. Mariner was helped off the field with seven minutes to play in even worse news for Brisbane.
3. Selwyn Cobbo (28pts) – All of the Broncos backs suffered from their team’s floundering attack and Cobbo was no different, being starved of attacking opportunity and struggling to post a solid SuperCoach score as a result.
4. Reece Walsh (58pts) – 58 points would be a pass mark for most players, but any owners of Walsh need more from their marquee man. There are too many great fullbacks in the NRL and they need to be close to 100 more often than not.
5. Reed Mahoney (39pts) – Only three runs for the Bulldogs hooker as he took a pass-first mentality to the game and let his halves pull the strings. Mahoney collected two try assists despite the fact that most of the damage was done out wide.
6. Reuben Cotter (13pts) – On the end of a nasty headknock that left him on the ground seemingly unconscious, the highly owned forward finished the game on just 13 points.
7. Jason Saab (3pts) – Forced off the field before halftime with a headknock, Saab failed his HIA and finished the game on just 3 points.
8. Reuben Garrick (14pts) – Forced off the field early with what was deemed a category one headknock, he finished the game on just 14 points. But alarmingly, coach Anthony Seibold was adamant that Garrick was fine and should not have been brought from the field.
9. Jason Taumalolo (12pts) – Forced off the field early with a suspected cheekbone fracture, he could be out for sometime.
10. Tom Dearden (29pts) – The Cowboys five-eighth isn’t too highly owned in SuperCoaches given his inconsistency, and he showed why tonight, as he finished the game on just 29 points, with his only attacking stat of the night being a try contribution and a linebreak assist. He really needs to be setting up multiple tries for a respectable score, and at the moment he just isn’t.
11. Angus Crichton (44pts) – The fifth most purchased player of the week, owners would have wanted more from one of the games most in-form forwards, but still a somewhat respectable score given he didn’t really have any attacking stats.
12. Terrell May (33pts) – One of the most owned forwards in the game, his 28% of owners may need to reassess him going forward as he struggles to get minutes now that the Origin series is over.
13. Ben Trbojebic (22pts) – Still owned by 20% of SuperCoaches, owners would have been frustrated as he struggled to get involved in the centres.
14. Tom Trbojevic (45pts) – The third most purchased player of the week and the second most captained player of the round, SuperCoaches who brought him in and threw the C on him would have been disappointed, after he was well contained by the Roosters.
15. Samuel Hughes (26pts) – While the Bulldogs dominated the Broncos it didn’t translate to points for Samuel Hughes, who played just 25 minutes.
RELIVE OUR LIVE MATCH COVERAGE FROM A WILD SUPER SATURDAY BELOW
MATCH REPORT: HEARTBREAK AS ROOSTERS HOLD ON TO DENY MANLY A MIRACLE COMEBACK
The Sea Eagles have fallen short of one of the most remarkable comebacks of all time as the Roosters held on for a pulsating 34-30 win that will do little to silence their critics who remain unconvinced that they can match it with the elite teams.
The Roosters desperately needed to bounce back after their poor showing in Melbourne last week where their record against the top sides was exposed, and they looked set to shut everyone up as they piled on four tries in the opening 20 minutes.
But they fell asleep in the second half with the Sea Eagles scoring three intercept tries – including two in three minutes off Luke Keary passes – to cut the gap to four points with five minutes to play.
It was another brave performance from the visitors who lost a couple of key men to head knocks in the first half but still almost stole a win that would have put them in the top four, only to fall agonisingly short.
BATTLE OF THE FULLBACKS
Having lost his Blues jersey to Dylan Edwards earlier in the year, James Tedesco reminded everyone that he’s still one of the best fullbacks in the world with his most dominant 40 minutes of the season.
The five-time Jack Gibson Medal winner was untouchable in the first half, making two breaks in his first three carries to set up Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for the opener before he backed up a Sam Walker bust to make it 12-0.
The superstar fullback then turned provider again as his deflected grubber popped up for Victor Radley to score, with Tedesco adding 165 metres to his two assists in the first 40 minutes.
While he filled up the stats sheet, teammate Dom Young produced the highlight play of the night when he managed to flick a misdirected pass with his heel without breaking stride as the hosts threatened to put on a cricket score.
HIA CONCERNS
The Sea Eagles will have to monitor Reuben Garrick’s health over the bye week after the centre failed his third HIA of the season.
The club’s medical reports have shown that he suffered concussion against the Panthers and Dragons earlier this season which forced him to miss games, with Garrick forced from the field in the first half on Saturday after he stumbled following a tackle on Daniel Tupou.
Speedster Jason Saab also came for an HIA moments later after he was whacked high by Michael Jennings who was placed on report but avoided a stint in the sin bin.
The Sea Eagles were able to activate 18th man Clayton Faulalo in the second half who thought he’d scored to make it 28-22, only for the final pass to be ruled forward when Manly players were adamant it had been touched.
CRUEL FINISH
The Sea Eagles had done an incredible job to bravely cut the margin to 10 despite being without a couple of key outside backs, but the no try ruling killed their spirit with the Roosters putting them out of their misery a few minutes later.
And to rub salt into the wound, it was Jennings who iced the result when Daniel Tupou caught a Walker kick and passed it to the veteran centre who scored to send the Roosters up to third spot.
Daly Cherry-Evans and Faulalo both scored late but they couldn’t find the winner as the Roosters desperately held on.
—Martin Gabor
FULL-TIME: ROOSTERS 34-30 SEA EAGLES
After they came out firing in the first half and produced an early onslaught, the Roosters have held on to deny Manly a miracle comeback. Down on troops and down on the scoreboard, it looked over for the Sea Eagles after 20 minutes, but they fought bravely despite a number of injuries, only to fall agonisingly short at the death.
TOP SUPERCOACH PERFORMERS
1. James Tedesco – 126 points
2. Sam Walker – 108 points
3. Joseph Suaalii – 80 points
4. Daly Cherry-Evans – 73 points
5. Daniel Tupou – 66 points
76TH MINUTE – OH MY GOD
Manly are somehow still in this game, with yet another intercept try, this time with Daly Cherry-Evans running the length of the field. DCE converts and the Roosters lead by 4 points with less than 4 minutes left.
74TH MINUTE – HOLD UP
Just when all hope seemed lost for Manly, they have scored off an intercept yet again, with 18th man Clayton Faulalo scoring his first try in the NRL to keep his sides’ slim hopes alive. Manly are down by 10 points with just over five minutes left. Can they do it? I’m not confident, but I have hope.
68TH MINUTE – ROOSTERS EXTEND LEAD
After enduring wave after wave of Manly attack, the Roosters have been rewarded for their strong defence, with Michael Jennings scoring on the back of a sensational Sam Walker kick to Daniel Tupou, who passed back inside to his centre. It all started at the back thanks the James Tedesco, who put winger Dominic Young into space, but he didn't quite have the pace. But after some quick thinking from the Roosters to spread it left, the Roosters score their first try since the 33rd minute. The Roosters lead is out to 16 points again and it will take a miracle for Manly to comeback from here.
65TH MINUTE – MANLY DENIED AGAIN
The Sea Eagles have gone agonisingly close but been denied yet again, with 18th man Clayton Faulalo appearing to score in the corner, before being called a forward pass. Manly claimed it was touched by the Roosters but blew their challenge earlier in the second half so were out of luck. Its been over 20 minutes since our last points were scored and Manly have had a mountain of possession.
58TH MINUTE – DESPERATE CHOOKS HOLD OUT MANLY
The Roosters have produced some finals footy defence to hold out Manly, who came agonisingly close to scoring on several occasions after a mountain of possession. After a horrible start it seemed over for Manly after 20 minutes, but the Sea Eagles are miraculously still in this game, with just over 20 minutes left to go now.
47TH MINUTE: MANLY HIT BACK
They may be down on the scoreboard, but Manly have started to wrestle back control of the game, with Tommy Talau intercepting a wayward Roosters pass, running 90m to score. Manly have now scored three of the last four tries, but it would take a small miracle for the Sea Eagles to come back from here given their injury concerns.
GAME ON!
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 27, 2024
A huge interception and try from Tommy Talau keeps Manly's hopes alive 👀
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43RD MINUTE: HITS KEEP COMING FOR MANLY
We’re back underway at Allianz Stadium and the second half has started in disaster for the Sea Eagles, with confirmation Jason Saab has also failed his HIA. This sees 18th man Clayton Faulalo activated. Saab finishes the game on just 3 SuperCoach points.
HALF-TIME: ROOSTERS 28-12 SEA EAGLES
With a top-four spot on the line, the Roosters came out firing, dominating Manly in the opening half, as injuries threaten to make the task even harder for the Sea Eagles. Unsurprisingly it's the Roosters who have dominated the SuperCoach scoring so far, with James Tedesco already surprising 100 points in just one half of footy, courtesy of a try, two try assists, a try contribution, 3 tackle breaks, 2 linebreaks, a linebreak assist, two offloads and 21 points in base.
TOP 5 PERFORMERS SO FAR
1. James Tedesco – 100 points
2. Sam Walker – 77 points
3. Joseph Suaalii – 67 points
4. Daniel Tupou – 51 points
5. Luke Brooks – 38 points
38TH MINUTE: SEA EAGLES SCORE AN EASY ONE
Manly have scored a MUCH needed try on the eve of halftime, with front-rower Toafoa Sipley crashing over from dummy half to get his team’s second try of the night. A flicker of hope remains for the Sea Eagles, who trail by 16 points.
Toafofoa Sipley crashes over for a much needed Sea Eagles Try 💪
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 27, 2024
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34TH MINUTE: DISASTER FOR MANLY WITH CHOOKS IN AGAIN
While the Sea Eagles appeared to have weathered the early storm, the Roosters have once again taken this game by the throat, with Victor Radley over this time, catching the ball off a rebound and crashing over. And to make matters worse for the Sea Eagles and SuperCoaches, Reuben Garrick has been ruled out for the game, with his head-knock deemed a category one head knock. He finishes the game on just 14 SuperCoach points.
29TH MINUTE: INJURY BLOW FOR MANLY
The Sea Eagles have suffered a blow, with SuperCoach star Reuben Garrick forced off the field with a HIA, which sees Corey Waddell move into the centres. Danger signs for Manly with two backrowers filling in in the backline.
Just over a minute later, Jason Saab was forced off the field for a HIA after a high shot from Michael Jennings, but no sin bin despite foul play from the Roosters.
23RD MINUTE: MANLY ON THE BOARD
Down by 22 points, Manly have finally hit back, with Luke Brooks fooling Lindsay Collins with a dummy to get his side on the scoresheet. They have a long, long way to go to get back into this contest, but there is still life in the Sea Eagles.
20TH MINUTE: PLUCKY CHOOKS IN AGAIN
The Roosters are over for their fourth try of the night, with Dominic Young reaping the rewards of an ugly offload from Joseph Suaalii and an unfortunate error from Tom Trbojevic. Suaalii’s offload found the boot of Young instead of his hands, but in trying to clean up, Turbo knocked the ball on and it bounced straight into Young’s hands to score untouched.
15TH MINUTE: ONE WAY TRAFFIC CONTINUES
The Roosters dominance has continued, with Luke Keary stumbling over to get his sides’ third try of the night, after Michael Jennings put Daniel Tupou into space, who outgunned Jason Saab before passing back inside to his five-eighth who tripped over, but managed to slide over untouched. 18 points in 16 minutes for the Chooks … if Manly want to start the fightback now that’d be great!
9TH MINUTE: UH OH … CHOOKS IN AGAIN
Oh boy, this is bad news for my Sea Eagles … The Roosters have extended their lead with James Tedesco crossing over after halfback Sam Walker cut the Sea Eagles opened, cruising past Josh Aloiai, who is clearly not 100%. Tedesco is now on a whopping 63 SuperCoach points less than 10 minutes into this game. Things could get ugly for Manly here.
Sam Walker bursts through the Sea Eagles defence and sets up Tedesco 🔥
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 27, 2024
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5TH MINUTE: ROOSTERS RUN IT IN
And just minutes after blowing their first chance, James Tedesco has produced some more magic, cutting the Sea Eagles defence open again, running over Luke Brooks to break the line, before offloading to Joseph Suaalii who scored (despite a hint of a forward pass). Teddy is on fire so far, with 44 points already, while Suaalii is on 23.
"Absolutely magnificent from the Roosters" 🔥
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 27, 2024
A cheeky flick pass from Tedesco sets up Sua'ali'i for the first try of the game.
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3RD MINUTE: CHOOKS BLOW EARLY CHANCE
The Roosters have blown their first opportunity of the game, going close to scoring after James Tedesco cut through, before being shut down by the Manly defence, and they came up with a repeat set and as the pressure was building, threw a wayward pass which was intercepted by fill-in centre, Ben Trbojevic.
1ST MINUTE: KICK-OFF IN GAME OF THE ROUND CONTENDER
And we’re underway at Allianz Stadium, with the Sydney Roosters hosting my Manly Sea Eagles, which is somehow their first time playing at this new venue. With James Tedesco coming up against Tom Trbojevic, this has all the makings of the game of the round, with the winner set to secure a spot in the top four temporarily. I’ve tipped my team, but I’m far from confident. The Roosters are coming in off a poor performance against the Storm, while Manly have won three games in a row.
Josh Aloiai appears to have picked up an injury in the first set of the game and is struggling out there. Let’s see if he’s able to run it out.
LATE MAIL: ROOSTERS MAKE LATE CHANGE
The final teams are in for the third and final game of Super Saturday, with Michael Jennings a late inclusion for the Roosters, with Sitili Tupouniua moving back to the bench, and Sandon Smith dropping to the reserves.
Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 18. Michael Jennings 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 13. Connor Watson
Bench: 4. Sitili Tupouniua 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May
Reserves: 14. Sandon Smith
Sea Eagles
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Ben Trbojevic 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Corey Waddell 12. Karl Lawton 13. Jake Trbojevic
Bench: 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Ethan Bullemor 16. Toafofoa Sipley 17. Nathan Brown
Reserves: 19. Clayton Faulalo
MATCH REPORT: COWBOYS’ CLIMB CONTINUES
—Patrick Woods
The Cowboys overcame a horror injury toll to beat Cronulla 30-22 as the Sharks resumed their free fall down the ladder.
Middle forward enforcers Reuben Cotter and Jason Taumalolo were both ruled out within the first quarter of the match leaving North Queensland with a light interchange for the ensuing hour.
Rising Kiwis star Griffin Neame had to step up in their absence and he finished with a team-high 19 runs and 177m.
North Queensland played fast and clean, and a lack of errors helped the home side carry an eight-point lead into the sheds.
Braydon Trindall did his best to inspire a comeback when he did a Matildas impression by dribbling the ball over the tryline to score but the Cowboys were able to see out the result with Kyle Feldt completing his fifth career hat-trick.
SHARKS IN FREEFALL
Cronulla has now lost six of its last eight games and the team is in danger of dropping out of the top four.
Injuries have plagued the Sharks’ ability to consistently field the same line-up, but fans can take solace from their favourable run home which will see them take on just one other top eight side before finals.
HEAD INJURY WOES FOR COWBOYS
Milestone man Jason Taumalolo had to leave the field inside the first 10 minutes of his 271st NRL game after a head clash left him with a suspected fractured cheekbone.
Things went from bad to worse 10 minutes later when Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter came off second-best from a sickening head-clash with Jesse Ramien, leaving the field with category 1 symptoms.
Those two failed HIAs allowed North Queensland to activate 18th man Jake Granville, allowing the Cowboys to keep three interchange players.
The NRL’s rule changed this year to allow teams to activate their 18th player after just two failed HIAs instead of three.
DEBUT SHARKS SHOW GRIT
Cronulla blooded two debutants in Townsville and both stood tall to make the most of their opportunities.
Rookie fullback Liam Ison, still 19, replaced suspended William Kennedy and didn’t look out of place in first grade, finding his feet after a dropped bomb to put in a respectable shift at the back.
Ison showed maturity beyond his year to finish with nine tackle breaks, a try assist and a linebreak assist.
The second Sharks debutant, 29-year-old Queenslander Jayden Berrell, came onto the interchange for Royce Hunt and was thrown into the action late in the first when Blayke Brailey was sin-binned for a professional foul.
Berrell had limited opportunity on the field but made 17 tackles in as many minutes.
FULL-TIME: COWBOYS 30-22 SHARKS
The Cowboys have continued their climb up the NRL ladder, temporarily moving up to sixth, while the Sharks fall from grace continued. It was a rare win for the Cowboys at home, who have struggled against the Sharks in Townsville in recent years, with this marking their first win against this side there since 2018. The Cowboys were the first team to score, and after the Sharks hit back, held the lead for the rest of the game in what was a seesawing contest. In terms of SuperCoach, it was a very high scoring game, with two players cracking 100 points, while a handful of others could see themselves over 100 after updates come in.
TOP SUPERCOACH PERFORMERS
1. Kyle Feldt – 115 points
2. Scott Drinkwater – 100 points
3. Valentine Holmes – 98 points
4. Braydon Trindall – 89 points
5. Jeremiah Nanai – 88 points
79TH MINUTE: CONSOLATION TRY FOR CRONULLA
It's a case of too little too late for the Sharks, with Daniel Atkinson scoring a try with just over a minute left, after the halfback pounced on a Tom Dearden error. They trail by 8 with 1 minute and 12 seconds left.
76TH MINUTE: COWBOYS HAT-TRICK SURELY SEALS THE WIN
Kyle Feldt has scored what will surely be the match winner, with the Cowboys surging to a 14 point lead with just minutes remaining, after Tom Dearden and Jeremiah Nanai combining to put the winger over for his hat-trick.
There was a bit of a push and shove after Feldt lurched over rookie fullback Liam Ison as he lay on the ground after failing to stop the try.
Kyle Feldt finishes the job with a hat trick 🔥🔥🔥
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 27, 2024
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65TH MINUTE: COWBOYS IN AGAIN
Just when it seemed Cronulla were starting to get on top of the momentum battle, the back and forth battle has continued, with Cowboys scoring their fourth try of the night after Kyle Feldt went over in the corner again.
The Cowboys came up with possession in gold field position, after the Sharks were controversially denied by the bunker after challenging a knock-on from Tom Hazelton.
Valentine Holmes converts to put his side ahead by eight yet again.
Kyle Feldt has his SECOND Try of the match and the lead is extended to 8 after a brilliant conversion from Valentine Holmes ðŸ‘
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 27, 2024
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55TH MINUTE: SHARKS BITE BACK
Cronulla are closing in on the Cowboys lead, reducing their deficit to just two points, after Sharks star Braydon Trindall pounced on his own kick to score under the points. It’s been a seesawing contest so far, and we could be in for a frantic finish.
Braydon Trindall gets the Sharks back into it and hits the Macarena! 🔥 #TryJuly
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 27, 2024
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52ND MINUTE: DRINKY MAGIC FALLS SHORT
Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater almost came up with one of the most spectacular plays of the game so far, juggling a bomb and falling over, before getting back to his feet and running up the field, breaking tackles before eventually being brought down and knocking the ball on. The Cowboys still have an 8 point lead, but the momentum sure has evened out.
46TH MINUTE: COWBOYS BOMB ANOTHER
The Cowboys have gone close to their first try of the second half, but have been denied by some solid goal line defence from the Sharks. Jeremiah Nanai went close to pouncing on a Chad Townsend kick, while Braydon Trindall appears to have picked up a shoulder injury. The Cowboys went close again just minutes later, but Townsend appeared to knock on before successfully challenging.
40TH MINUTE: COWBOYS DENIED ON THE BUZZER
With just seconds left on the clock in the first half, the Cowboys have gone close to another try, with Kyle Feldt denied after holding back Sharks fullback Liam Ison. Ronaldo Mulitalo came up with an absolute brain explosion, trying to kick the ball dead but coming up with an air swing as the ball stopped on the line. After overrunning the ball, Feldt turned around to lay a hand on the ball, but did hold Ison back. The Cowboys lead by 8 at the break, but would be frustrated after scoring just once despite a one-man advantage.
TOP 5 PERFORMERS SO FAR
1. Kayal Iro – 65 points
2. Valentine Holmes – 61 points
3. Jeremiah Nanaai – 55 points
4. Braydon Trindall – 49 points
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo – 47 points
37TH MINUTE: COWBOYS EXTEND LEAD
The Sharks almost made it through the 10-minute sin bin period without conceding any points, but right before Blayke Brailey made it back onto the field, the Cowboys are in again, with Scott Drinkwater combining with Kyle Feldt to score in the right corner.
33RD MINUTE: SHARKS RETURN SERVE
It wasn’t all pretty, but the Sharks have somehow scored again, despite being down a man with Brailey in the sin bin. After a brilliant 40/20 from Braydon Trindall, and some good work from Braydon Hamlin-Uele, Kayal Iro has crossed for the Sharks’ second try of the night. We have a game on our hands here! The try sees Iro jump to the top of the SuperCoach scoring with 64.
"It wasn't pretty... but boy it worked out in the end" 🦈
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 27, 2024
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28TH MINUTE: BRAILEY BINNED AS SHARKS DENY COWBOYS
Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey has been sent to the sin bin for a professional foul, after taking out Scott Drinkwater as the Cowboys looked set to score their third try of the game. In his absence the Sharks have subbed on Jayden Berrell for his NRL debut. The Cowboys opt to take the two to extend their lead to 8 points. Holmes is on top of the SuperCoach scoring with 54 points, while Jeremiah Nanai (52) and Ronaldo Mulitalo (48) not far behind.
22ND MINUTE: INJURY NEWS
Confirmation Reuben Cotter’s night is over after a nasty head knock, while Jason Taumalolo is also done, with a suspected cheekbone fracture.
A brutal collision between Jesse Ramien and Reuben Cotter 😬
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 27, 2024
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20th MINUTE: POPULAR SUPERCOACH STAR OFF
One of the most popular forwards in SuperCoach, Reuben Cotter’s night appears to be over, with the 26% owned star forced from the field after a nasty headknock after collecting the shoulder of Jesse Ramien, who was also forced off the field for a HIA. Ramien could still return but I’m fully expecting Cotter to be deemed a category one and for his night to be over. He likely finishes the game on just 13 points.
15TH MINUTE: COWBOYS BACK IN FRONT
Yep, I think we’re in for a high scoring game of footy here! The Cowboys have retaken the lead, with Jeremian Nanai strolling over untouched for his 12th try of the season. The try sees Nanai jump to the top of the SuperCoach scoring so far with 46 points, while fellow try scorers Taualagi (35) and Mulitalo (34) not far behind.
12TH MINUTE: SHARKS HIT BACK
And just six minutes after the Cowboys drew first blood, the Sharks have hit back, with rookie fullback Liam Ison putting his winger Ronaldo Mulitalo over in the left corner. We could be in for a high scoring game here tonight! Meanwhile, Oregon Kaufusi has come from the field with a HIA after some advice from the independent doctor.
Ronaldo Mulitalo with the Jeff Hardy inspired #TryJuly celebration 🔥😂
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10TH MINUTE: LOLO HIA
Cowboys star Jason Taumalolo has been forced off the field for a HIA, after a head clash with Kayal Iro, after he was pushed into the front rower by Jeremiah Nanai … bit of friendly fire!
6TH MINUTE: RETURNING COWBOY CROSSES FIRST
It didn’t take long for the Cowboys to get their first points of the night, with Tom Dearden, Scott Drinkwater and Valentine Holmes combining to put Murray Taulagi over in the corner in his return from a hamstring injury that saw him miss Origin III.
The Cowboys open up the left and Murray Taulagi scores on return from injury 💥
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1ST MINUTE: KICK-OFF
And we’re underway in Townsville, with the Cowboys kicking off to the Sharks. Who will come out on top here? Personally I have tipped the Cows given the Sharks struggles against top eight teams and the fact that Nicho Hynes is out.
Sharks rookie Liam Ison looked solid with his first touch, while the Cowboys were controversially denied a 40/20 through Chad Townsend, but got the ball eventually with Cronulla quickly producing an error.
LATE MAIL: COWBOYS VS SHARKS
Good afternoon all, Wilson Smith here taking over the blogging duties from Patrick Woods. The finals teams are in for our second Super Saturday clash, and the Cowboys have made one late change, with Jaxon Purdue recalled to the interchange bench after dropping to the reserves in the 24-hour team update. Purdue replaces Tom Mikaele.
In some earlier team changes, Murray Taulagi returns from a hamstring injury on the wing, with Valentine Holmes shifting to centre, while Heilum Luki is out with a hamstring injury and replaced by Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.
For the Sharks, Royce Hunt was ruled out in the 24-hour team update, with Thomas Hazelton elevated to the starting side and Jayden Berrell joining the bench to make his NRL debut.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Valentine Holmes 21. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 12. Jeremiah Nanai 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Reuben Cotter
Bench: 3. Jaxon Purdue 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Harrison Edwards 17. Griffin Neame
Reserves: 18. Jake Granville
Sharks
1. Liam Ison 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 10. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 15. Thomas Hazelton 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes
Bench: 14. Siosifa Talakai 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 21. Jayden Berrell
Reserves: 19. Samuel Stonestreet
FULL TIME: BULLDOGS STAY IN THE EIGHT
It’s hard to say that was anything but embarrassing for the Broncos.
With their season on the line and playing in front of a sold-out Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane served up poor defensive efforts, a lack of polish and directionless attack as the visitors executed a perfect game to claim the two points.
Canterbury-Bankstown are really looking like a finals team and today they proved they can do it without talismanic captain Stephen Crichton.
76TH MINUTE: MILESTONE MAN SCORES
Milestone man Martin Taupau crossed for a rare try in his 250th NRL appearance, but it wouldn’t be as sweet for the veteran forward as a victory.
71ST MINUTE: TRACEY HAT-TRICK SEALS WIN
If it wasn’t over before, Connor Tracey’s third try of the afternoon has put this result beyond doubt.
It all came too easy for the Bulldogs with the shambolic Broncos defence offering nothing short of a tissue paper barrier.
Is this the Bulldogs or the Harlem Globetrotters?
62ND MINUTE: BRISBANE DOWN AND OUT
The Broncos made two fatal mistakes, kicking the ball out on the full from consecutive restarts, and the Bulldogs are in again through Jacob Kiraz to take a 34-10 lead.
Even though there’s more than a quarter of an hour to go, that should be lights out for Brisbane.
59TH MINUTE: BULLDOGS EARLY SPREADS KILLING BRISBANE
The Bulldogs continue to spread the ball wide early in their sets and they keep cashing in with linebreaks and easy metres.
This time fullback Connor Tracey latches onto an inside pass to score under the posts.
In an unusual twist, the referee accidentally clipped Ezra Mam’s ankles as the Bronco was sprinting to make a cover tackle. The officials deemed the interference would not have stopped the try.
Brisbane compound their bad luck by kicking the ball out on the full from the ensuing kick-off, inviting trouble back into their half.
51ST MINUTE: REYNOLDS PLAYS ON
Brisbane fans held their collective breath as Adam Reynolds stayed down on the ground in visible discomfort but the veteran playmaker is going to tough it out.
The Broncos need their conductor if they want to keep their season alive.
42ND MINUTE: PRESTON BREAKS GAME OPEN
A huge run by Bulldogs backrower Jacob Preston put Canterbury-Bankstown in great field position on the last tackle and a quick spread to the left created the space for Viliame Kikau to crash over from close range.
A beautiful conversion from Matt Burton near the sideline will allow Cameron Ciraldo to take a deep breath after Brisbane mounted a late first-half comeback.
HALFTIME: GAME ON!
An incredible try by Kotoni Staggs on the stroke of halftime has the Broncos well and truly back in the game, leading 16-10 at the break.
It was tough going early but asn fatigue came into the game, Brisbane’s x-factor players Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam took control and steered their side to the line twice.
Adam Reynolds is on negative SuperCoach points while Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey leads all players through the first 40 minutes.
30TH MINUTE: WALSH HITS BACK
What a hit back by Broncos fullback Reece Walsh.
Brisbane’s excitement machine was unstoppable from close range to stop the bleed and get his team back in the fight.
The Broncos still look rattled but they’re starting to stabilise.
17TH MINUTE: DOGGIES IN AGAIN
Have the Broncos forgotten how to play during the day? It’s one way traffic all of a sudden at Suncorp Stadium, with the Bulldogs scoring their second try of the game in the opening quarter of game, with fullback Connor Tracey sliding over untouched after a crisp dab through from halfback Toby Sexton. The Broncos injury woes have continued, with Jesse Arthars appearing to have picked up an ankle injury, but he is playing on for now.
The early shift to the edge appears to be working wonders for the Bulldogs, with the Broncos kick-chase somewhat lacking.
11TH MINUTE: BULLDOGS ON THE BOARD
No more than 10 seconds after my previous post, the Bulldogs crashed over for the first try of the game, with Bronson Xerri crossing after a crisp pass from Matt Burton. Burton converts to put his side in front by 6. Meanwhile, Selywn Cobbo seems to have picked up a hand or wrist injury and has some serious strapping on it, but has stayed out there for now.
8TH MINUTE: STILL NO SCORE
We’re almost 10 minutes into this contest and it certainly has a semi-final kind of vibe about it so far, with some solid defence from both sides. Neither side has been afraid to throw the ball around, with a few small breaks from both teams, but no one has been able to get points on the board. Payne Haas was a popular purchase this week, and he has certainly been involved early, with 15 points in under 10 minutes.
1ST MINUTE: KICK-OFF
And we’re underway at Suncorp Stadium, with the Brisbane Broncos kicking off to the Canterbury Bulldogs. And Reed Mahoney has come out guns blazing, shooting out early in one tackle, before giving away a penalty for holding on to Adam Reynolds after he kicked the ball … we could have a spicy contest on our hands here.
BRONCOS AND BULLDOGS FINALISE TEAMS
The Brisbane Broncos host the Canterbury Bulldogs in our first game of the day and teams have been finalised.
BRONCOS
1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kobe Hetherington 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan
Bench: 14. Blake Mozer 16. Xavier Willison 17. Martin Taupau 18. Corey Oates
Reserves: 15. Tyson Smoothy
BULLDOGS
1. Connor Tracey 5. Blake Wilson 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 22. Jeral Skelton 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Josh Curran 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann
Bench: 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Lipoi Hopoi 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Harry Hayes
Reserves: 21. Hayze Perham
SUPERCOACH STUDS TO COLLIDE IN HEAVYWEIGHT BATTLE
It truly is a Super Saturday to savour this week, with three blockbuster games of immense importance in the race for finals.
Not to mention, plenty of SuperCoach studs in action.
It all kicks off at 3pm with the Brisbane Broncos hosting the Canterbury Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium, in what is a must-win fixture for the Broncos.
The home side snapped a six-game losing streak last week against the Knights under the influence of the returning Adam Reynolds ($566,900).
Deine Mariner ($548,700) and Reece Walsh ($814,100) both cracked SuperCoach centuries last week, with Walsh among the top 10 most transferred-in players this week as a result.
Among this list as well is Payne Haas ($700,000), who was a doubt to play during the week after sitting out in training, but has been cleared to take to the field.
The Bulldogs will be looking to bounce back from a slender two-point loss last round against the Cowboys to maintain their cushion inside the top eight.
Popular 2RF/FRF Joshua Curran ($545,400) scored a solid 77 points in that fixture, averaging 74.3 across his last three to please his 22.4% ownership.
Following this, the Cowboys host the Sharks in another juicy matchup.
The Sharks are fresh off a bye and sitting in third, while the Cowboys are eighth and desperate to get away from the teams breathing down their neck for a finals spot.
Despite picking up two important points last week, the Cowboys didn’t score highly for SuperCoaches, with popular assets Valentine Holmes ($624,200) and Scott Drinkwater ($650,000) performing well-below average.
Helium Luki ($541,500) was the exception to this, hitting 108 points in his best stint of the season.
43.8% of players will be stoked to see Kayal Iro ($509,700) back in action, as well as Ronaldo Mulitalo ($495,500) who also holds a solid 21.7% ownership.
Capping off Saturday’s action is the game of the round, with the fourth-placed Roosters hosting the fifth-placed Sea Eagles.
Lots and lots of popular SuperCoach players in this one.
Among the top 10 most transferred-in players this week is Tom Trbojevic ($815,600), shooting up in ownership on the back of his whopping 174 points last week, holding an appetising -30 break-even.
Angus Crichton ($756,700) is also among this list, with SuperCoaches expecting him to return to his high-scoring best following the Origin period.
Luke Brooks ($471,600) is another player backing up from a SuperCoach century, a treat for his 13.5% ownership.
Eyes will also be on the likes of Reuben Garrick, James Tedesco, Ben Trbojevic, Dominic Young, the list goes on.
Phew, lots going on. It’s set to be a blinder, who you got from these matches SuperCoaches?
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