NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 3
THE Sea Eagles shocked the Cowboys to revitalise and reinvigorate their premiership campaign. Check out how every team fared in the NRL Lowdown.
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WHO starred, who struggled, who’s on the fringe, who’s on the outer, who passed and who failed?
Get the very best analysis from our team of experts in the Round 3 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
STORM
HOW THEY FARED
After weeks on the roads, Storm returned home and secured another gritty win to keep their perfect season intact. The Broncos threw everything at Storm, but the home side just found a way to win 14-12.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Jordan McLean and Felise Kaufusi were massive for Storm. The pair crashed into Broncos at every opportunity. Ryley Jacks was creative early at pivot and again when forced to replace injured five-eighth Cameron Munster (broken jaw).
Josh Addo-Carr threatened throughout the game with daring runs, before driving the dagger through Brisbane heart with three minutes to play. Suliasi Vunivalu (displaced shoulder) will miss 3-4 weeks.
CASUALTY WARD
Cameron Munster (Broken jaw, Round 8), Suliasi Vunivalu (Dislocated shoulder, Round 8), Tohu Harris (Foot, Round 9)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Young Tonumaipea is set to get his chance on the wing — replacing Vunivalu — while Joe Stimson, Vincent Leuluai and Mark Nicholls remain in contention. Versatile big man Tohu Harris is another 3-4 weeks away. Feeder teams Sunshine Coast Falcons and East Tigers were both victorious in Round 3.
REPORT CARD
A: Can’t do more than find ways to win close games.
— Gilbert Gardiner
ROOSTERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Roosters came away with a gritty 14-12 win over the Panthers in a match marred by controversy. It was a performance littered by mistakes but the Roosters eventually registered their best unbeaten start to a season since their 2004 run to the grand final.
A blatant forward pass leading to the winning try should have been called back but what the referees missed was enough to send the Panthers out empty-handed.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Michael Gordon bagged a double — including the bizarre winning try (forward pass aside) that saw him dribble the ball around Matty Moylan before regathering to score. An Eel last year, Gordon is fast proving his move to Bondi was a well-made purchase by the Roosters. Meanwhile, hooker Jake Friend had a night to forget. The Roosters No. 9 missed five tackles and came up with some uncharacteristic errors.
CASUALTY WARD
Sio Siua Taukeiaho (ACL, indefinite), Kane Evans (calf, round 4), Blake Ferguson (rib cartilage, round 4).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
No-one. An ugly 32-12 NYC loss against the Panthers saw the Roosters fail to get on the board until after the 60th minute.
REPORT CARD
B: They might be unbeaten to start the season but ball-handling errors and poor discipline continue to hand possession back to opposing teams. The Tricolours have the makings of a tough side that will go deep into September but they need to tidy up their ball security. Relinquishing possession as much as they did on Saturday evening would be brutally punished by better teams in the competition.
— David Campbell
DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
Brilliantly. Serious questions were being asked after the Dragons reverted back to their old habits in a big loss to Parramatta in Round 2. But Paul McGregor’s men responded in style with a hard fought victory over premiers Cronulla. The Dragons rediscovered the effort they displayed in the opening round against Penrith to outclass the Sharks in the Shire.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The Dragons’ big men excelled, especially against the class of Cronulla stars like Andrew Fifita, Paul Gallen and Wade Graham. New recruit Paul Vaughan was outstanding upfront, running a team-high 204 metres to set a powerful precedent for the Red V.
Vaughan was well supported by fellow forwards Jack de Belin (149 metres) and Joel Thompson (137 metres).
Centre Euan Aitken also produced a strong performance for the Dragons with two important tries. Overall it was a strong team performance from the Dragons, who responded to the critics in style.
CASUALTY WARD
Yaw Kiti Glymin (Shoulder, Indefinite), Will Matthews (Dislocated hip, Indefinite), Drew Hutchison (ACL, Season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Gun youngster Jai Field hurt his hamstring while playing for Illawarra in the NSW Intrust Super Premiership on Sunday.
Field scored a 80-metre solo try to help Illawarra beat Newtown, but left the field with what looks like a serious injury.
It’s a blow for the Dragons, who have been playing Kurt Mann off the bench in recent weeks.
The Dragons also have Will Matthews (hip) and Kiti Glymin (shoulder) working hard to return in the coming weeks.
REPORT CARD
A: The Dragons proved their impressive opening-round win over Penrith was no fluke.
McGregor’s men were outstanding against Cronulla in all facets of the game.
And while the Dragons aren’t the most brilliant attacking side, they have the forward power and aggression to compete with the NRL’s best teams.
This will ensure the Red V enjoy a more successful season than their 11th-placed finish in 2016.
— Matt Logue
EELS
HOW THEY FARED
Losing Corey Norman was always going to be a huge setback. Even so, Parramatta’s performance against Gold Coast was bitterly disappointing.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
It just wasn’t the type of effort we have become accustomed to under Brad Arthur.
The Eels have built their game around the fact they give nothing for nothing on the back of high energy and quality execution.
That wasn’t the case on Friday night where they appeared in the frame of mind they only had to turn up to take home the competition points.
They squandered an early 12-0 lead before going down 24-16. Parramatta simply made too many mistakes and were out-enthused by a Titans side that had to also overcome more than their share of problems before and during the match.
CASUALTY WARD
John Folau (Wrist, Round 6), Matt Woods (Shoulder, Round 8), Peni Terepo (Disciplinary, Round 4), Greg Leleisiuao (ACL, Round 12), Will Smith (Knee, Round 6), Isaac De Gois (Concussion, Indefinite), Kenny Edwards (Disciplinary, Round 8), Corey Norman (Hamstring, Round 4), Cameron King (Sternum, Indefinite), Kaysa Pritchard (Ankle, Indefinite), Tepai Moeroa (Facing suspension, TBC).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Eels reckon Norman (hamstring) would probably have played if the match against the Titans had been played on Sunday. Thankfully, that means the classy playmaker should be a certainty for the showdown with Cronulla this Saturday at ANZ Stadium. Fingers crossed, there are no ongoing issues.
The injury to Kaysa Pritchard (ankle) has also left the Eels’ struggling to find a dummy half for the match against the Sharks. Pritchard’s absence is made worse by the fact Isaac De Gois is still
out indefinitely (concussion). That leaves the talented but injury hampered Cameron King, himself battling a sternum problem, the last man standing to fill the dummy half role against the Sharks. Tepai Moeroa is also likely to miss the match after being hit with a grade one shoulder charge for his crunching shot on Ash Taylor.
REPORT CARD
C-: Following their blazing start to the season with wins over Manly and St George Illawarra, most thought the Eels looked top-eight certainties this year.
The loss to the Titans was definitely a reality check, and also highlights the crucial importance of Norman to their hopes. The Eels have a difficult month coming up. Following Cronulla, the
play Canberra (away), Warriors (away), Wests Tigers and Panthers.
— Paul Crawley
RABBITOHS
HOW THEY FARED
The Rabbitohs outlasted Newcastle 24-18 in a spiteful encounter to notch their second win on the trot.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Adam Reynolds was again sharp for the Rabbitohs and his cut-out pass to Braidon Burns was one of the best of the season so far. The Rabbitohs rely a great deal on his kicking game to build and maintain pressure and while Sam Burgess is still the best player on the team, Reynolds is just as important.
George Burgess is in a deep hole and it’s difficult to see a way out. In his return to the starting side Burgess dropped everything and was lucky to stay on the field after his foolish elbow on Mitch Barnett. Considering his hefty pay packet and playing pedigree, his performances have just not been good enough.
CASUALTY WARD
Aaron Gray (Medial, Round 10), Jake Goisweski (Knee, Round 12), Connor Tracey (ACL, Indefinite), Greg Inglis (ACL, Season), George Burgess (Possible suspension, TBC), Hymel Hunt (Possible suspension, TBC), Braidon Burns (Possible suspension, TBC).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
It will be all hands on deck for the Rabbitohs backs this weekend, which could put Fijian flyer Sitiveni Moceidreke in the frame for his NRL debut. Moceidreke scored four tries in North Sydney’s 30-6 win over Newcastle and with Burns and Hunt already on the sidelines he could be the answer for Michael McGuire.
REPORT CARD
C: The Rabbitohs won the match but lost admirers. They were dirty from start to finish, Burgess was lucky to stay on the field and were it not for a couple of lucky breaks in the final 10 minutes the Knights could have levelled. With a mounting injury toll, the next few weeks shapes as a real battle for Souths.
— Nick Campton
COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
Terribly, in more ways than one. Not only were they ambushed 30-8 at home by a Manly side reeling from back-to-back defeats to start the year and poor off field headlines, but backs Kyle Feldt (knee, ankle) and Justin O’Neill (hamstring) could miss games. Both will have scans today but Queensland Origin centre O’Neill already looks set to be a definite scratching from Saturday’s road trip to Gold Coast. Manly was tackled in the opposition 20 just 18 times to North Queensland’s 51, highlighting how strong their defensive effort was.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The automatic inclusions in the Cowboys pack were all strong, with Scott Bolton (154 metres), Ethan Lowe (131) and Coen Hess (114) lifting in the absence of Matt Scott (knee) and Jason Taumalolo (suspension). But by their own admission the younger forwards like Sam Hoare and Pat Kaufusi need to do more to help fill the huge void left by the absence of their marquee forwards against the Titans on the Gold Coast this Saturday.
CASUALTY WARD
Lachlan Coote (Calf, Round 4), Justin O’Neill (Hamstring, Indefinite), Kyle Feldt (Ankle, Indefinite), Antonio Winterstein (Broken forearm, Round 7), Josh Chudleigh (ACL, Season), Matt Scott (ACL, Season), Jason Taumalolo (Suspension, Round 5).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Cowboys were heavily stocked for outside backs to start the year but with Coote, O’Neill and possibly Feldt out, it could open the door for Torres Strait Islander flyer Gideon Gela-Mosby to make his NRL debut. The 20-year-old winger was a try-scoring machine in the under-20s and is one of the fastest men in the NRL. Despite his smallish frame, his strong carries have also become a hallmark of his game.
REPORT CARD
D: To their credit the Cowboys refused to used injuries as an excuse for a sub-par performance, despite having arguably the longest injury list in the NRL. Their attack is yet to click this year despite winning their first two games in golden point.
They made 11 errors and their defence was brittle. It could be put down to fatigue generated over the opening fortnight, but they’ll be determined to bounce back immediately. Cowboys coach Paul Green branded the display “un-Cowboys like” and it’s hard to argue.
— Jon Tuxworth
SHARKS
HOW THEY FARED
Ordinary. Executed poorly, missed tackles, played undisciplined, kicked out on the full ... and all before we get to that penalty star forward Andrew Fifita gave away in possession.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Few Sharkies played well although, as far as the numbers go, centre Ricky Leutele did run for 223m while rookie No. 9 Jayden Brailey made 50 tackles — while missing only one. Fifita, as mentioned above, summed up the night when he was penalised in attack after twice pushing Dragons No. 7 Josh McCrone in the face. NSW Origin forward Wade Graham also had one of his worse performances, although reports afterwards suggested he was suffering the effects of a head knock.
CASUALTY WARD
Daniel Mortimer (Knee, Round 8), Wade Graham (Concussion, TBC).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
James Segeyaro. The controversial NRL hooker has finally started training with the Sharks after having come to terms with former employer Leeds. While Brailey has been solid in his opening three games, Segeyaro would add some undeniable spark to the Sharkies attack.
REPORT CARD
C-: Sharks coach Shane Flanagan described the effort as his side’s worst performance since Round 3 last year, against Manly. “We gave them five seven tackle sets, kicked out on the full, gave penalties away in possession, poor execution ... not good enough”.
— Nick Walshaw
RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
Last-placed heading into the round, the Raiders produced a brutal second-half display to blow away the Tigers 46-6 in the nation’s capital.
The Raiders have now recorded 158 points to the Tigers 22 in the last three meetings between the clubs.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Jordan Rapana was sensational for the Green Machine, scoring a double and setting up a further two tries.
The return of inspirational skipper Jarrod Croker forced a change in team dynamic and proved immediate dividends, most notably for the Raiders’ right edge.
With Elliott Whitehead reverting back to his preferred side and position, the competition’s most potent attacking quartet were at their frightening best.
Continuing on the theme of Canberra’s right edge, Joey Leilua’s picture was officially placed next to the definition of “rocks and diamonds” in the dictionary after the game.
BJ produced moments of brilliance in the win, but his error count was high even for his lofty standards. Highlighted by his wayward intercept pass to David Nofoaluma, the strike centre dished up a mixed bag at home.
CASUALTY WARD
Kato Ottio (ACL, Indefinite), Kurt Baptiste (Achilles, Indefinite), Joseph Tapine (Broken finger, Round 6).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The NYC team bounced back from a 72-12 hiding last week to record a 54-10 win over the young Tigers. It may have been one of the greatest week-to-week turnarounds in sport, with man-of-the-match Harry Van Dartel at the forefront of the win kicking 9/9 with the boot.
REPORT CARD
Canberra were back to their best against the Tigers, but don’t be fooled by the one-sided score line. The brittle edge defence of Canberra wasn’t tested by the Tigers. If it’s not up to scratch against Brisbane on Friday night, Darius Boyd could have a field day. Nonetheless, the impressive win has the Green Machine back on track in 2017.
— Tim Williams
BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
Brisbane put in a thrilling performance against Melbourne but ended up going down 14-12 to the Storm.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Ben Hunt again impressed for the Broncos while Matt Gillett, Herman Ese’ese and Josh McGuire led the forward pack strongly. As a whole though Brisbane made a few too many errors which led to their last minute loss.
CASUALTY WARD
Tevita Pangai Jr (Ankle, Round 4).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Kodi Nikorima (Norths) is hopeful of making his way back into the 17 at some stage in the next few weeks. Otherwise, the Broncos are pretty set for their line-up.
REPORT CARD
A-: It was a very strong performance from the Broncos on Thursday night, especially after a golden-point match the week before. They just need to tidy up their discipline and execution before Friday night’s meeting with the Raiders.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
The Dogs notched their first win of the season, but against a stronger opposition it could have been a different story. Regardless, they were able to find their way through the Warriors’ defence a number of times and are improving slightly with each week’s effort.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Brett Morris was ever reliable on his wing and the two debutants — Brad Abbey and Marcelo Montoya — held their own, Montoya even getting across the stripe. David Klemmer ran a massive 185 metres and both prop forwards cracked the 100-metre mark, but their second-rowers, Josh Jackson and Greg Eastwood, usually workhorses, had little impact but have the skills to wreak havoc on a defence like the Warriors’.
CASUALTY WARD
Kerrod Holland (Shoulder, Round 7), Will Hopoate (Fractured cheekbone, Round 9), Richie Kennar (Foot, Round 6), Asipeli Fine (Lung, Round 6), Chase Stanley (Knee, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The NSW Cup team are yet to record a win in 2017 and injuries took a toll during last week’s game against Wyong. Rhyse Martin continues to be a reliable kicker
REPORT CARD
B-: There was improvement again, but if the Dogs were to come up against one of the strongest sides in the comp they’d be found out if they play how they are at the moment. Facing Manly this week is another chance to make more steps forward and the Dogs do love to play at Brookvale, so expect them to be on for that one.
They’ve developed into a team that scraps its way through over recent seasons, but their attack needs more direction if they’re to be a real threat.
— Fiona Bollen
PANTHERS
HOW THEY FARED
A couple of cruel refereeing decisions denied the Panthers a decent chance at victory, including a late high shot on Tyrone Peachey that could have levelled the scores on the buzzer.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Tyrone Peachey backed up his brilliant game against the Wests Tigers with another dominant display at left centre. He posed a threat every time he touched the ball and had no issues racking up big metres.
Trent Merrin was also a workhorse, chalking up big metres and getting through a mountain of work up front, especially once backrower James Fisher-Harris exited early with injury.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was solid in his first hitout for the season.
The Panthers right edge is still a concern in defence, with Te Maire Martin missing three tackles, and the Roosters targeting plenty of traffic down that side of the field.
CASUALTY WARD
Josh Mansour (ACL, Round 12), Sam McKendry (ACL, Season), James Fisher-Harris (Fractured cheekbone, Indefinite), Bryce Cartwright (Ankle, Round 4).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The injury to Fisher-Harris is cruel, with Bryce Cartwright (ankle) an outside chance to return this week. Peta Hiku also made a surprise return from a fractured eye socket and provides extra options out wide.
REPORT CARD
The same as last week, even though they lost. The Roosters are genuine premiership contenders, and the Panthers were entitled to think they deserved to win it.
— Christian Nicolussi
KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
The Knights fought right to the final siren against a side that has smashed them every time they have met over the past five seasons. The performance was another sure sign the team is headed in the right direction but coach Nathan Brown still has some rough edges to round off. Schoolboy errors and concentration lapses are proving costly with Brown admitting Souths were “too professional” for his team.
Not allowing the second half kick-off to go dead on the full before being trapped in the in-goal was the biggest momentum swinging play of the game with losing a scrum against the feed in the second half not far behind.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The Knights had decent contributors across the board but none better than their three backrowers Jamie Buhrer, Sione Mata’utia and Mitch Barnett while young five-eighth Brock Lamb was very good again.
Barnett will take on anyone, no matter how big the reputation and it was no surprise he was involved in the altercation with George Burgess and collected the stray elbow that saw the Bunnies prop banished to the sin bin.
Buhrer got through a stack of work and made a couple of busts on the right edge, one of which probably should have led to a try.
Brown would no doubt like to see star centre Dane Gagai with his hands on the ball more with some space around him. That should be a priority for the Knights attack.
CASUALTY WARD
Pauli Pauli (Hip, Round 8), Rory Kostjasyn (Throat, Round 6), Jarrod Mullen (Drugs ban, Indefinite), Dylan Phythian (ACL, Season), Sam Mataora (Knee, Indefinite), Chanel Mata’utia (Knee, Round 4), Jack Cogger (Pelvis, Round 16), Jaelen Feeney (Knee, Indefinite), Brendan Elliott (Concussion, Indefinite), Sione Mata’utia (Concussion, Indefinite), Nathan Ross (Ankle, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
With some injury concerns, Brown may be forced to call on some reinforcements this week and it would be a surprise if Anthony Tupou is not in the 17 somewhere.
There will be doubts over the fitness of winger Nathan Ross (ankle), fullback Brendan Elliot (concussion), Sione Mata’utia (concussion) and Jacob Saifiti (leg) leading into Friday night’s clash against Penrith at the foot of the mountains.
REPORT CARD
B: They didn’t come away with a win but the Knights lost no admirers for their effort against the Bunnies.
— Barry Toohey
SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY FARED
Boy, wasn’t this an upset of epic proportions.
Horrible against Souths in round two, Manly travelled to North Queensland as heavy underdogs. No-one, not even staunch Sea Eagles fans, could have predicted what unfolded.
Manly crushed North Queensland 30-8 to revitalise and reinvigorate their premiership campaign. It was a stunning turnaround against a Cowboys side, to be fair, that played without injured stars Jason Taumalolo, Lachlan Coote and Matt Scott.
After a 20-point Souths loss, some were tipping Manly to finish last. Not so.
In one giant 80-minute effort, Manly roared back as a competitor in this year’s competition.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic ran for 162 metres — another starring performance. He has now clocked up 517 running metres in his first three games this year.
New buys Jackson Hastings and Shaun Lane were strong, both putting pressure on coach Trent Barrett to retain their bench spots.
CASUALTY WARD
Brad Parker (Knee, Round 5), Brett Stewart (Knee, Season), Steve Matai (Neck, Season), Darcy Lussick (Wrist, Round 6), Addin Fonua-Blake (Suspension, Round 4), Martin Taupau (Suspension, Round 4), Lloyd Perrett (Eye socket, Round 6).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Manly will welcome back big boppers, Marty Taupau and Addin Fonua-Blake, from suspension for Saturday afternoon’s game against Canterbury at Brookvale.
And Manly will desperately need their size and power against a giant and intimidating Bulldogs pack.
It is always fascinating when former Manly coach Des Hasler returns to the ground where he won two premierships.
REPORT CARD
A+: Yet again Manly has shown how they thrive on adversity. Players had to endure damaging headlines last week through an internal war between Manly strategic football consultant Bob Fulton and new CEO Tim Cleary.
“We have had a bit of a horror down there,” Barrett said after the game. “It doesn’t help, put it that way, the off-field stuff.”
Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans added: “Just relief ... get the monkey off our back.”
The Sea Eagles are back.
— Dean Ritchie
TITANS
HOW THEY FARED
The Titans notched their first win of the season with a 26-14 victory against Parramatta on Friday night. They trailed 12-0 early in the game but fought back.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Halfback Ashley Taylor was the chief instigator in the Titans mounting a comeback. Chris McQueen was also solid in his cameo at left centre. Ryan James and Jarrod Wallace led well in the middle.
CASUALTY WARD
David Shillington (Shoulder, Season), Nathan Peats (Shoulder, Round 9), Pat Politoni (Broken arm, Round 4), John Olive (Pectoral, Indefinite), Daniel Vidot (Groin, Indefinite), Anthony Don (Dislocated shoulder, Indefinite), Karl Lawton (Dislocated shoulder, Indefinite), Jarryd Hayne (Ankle, Round 7), Will Zillman (Calf, Indefinite), Daniel Sarginson (Knee, Round 6), Tyrone Roberts (Hamstring, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Roosters recruit Dale Copley will make his debut for the Titans against the Cowboys on Saturday. Copley will mostly likely come into the team for William Zillman, who is injured again. That means McQueen could stay at centre.
REPORT CARD
B-: The Titans showed a lot of heart to beat Parramatta but there are still some fundamental flaws in their game. They need to start better and have more impact in the middle of the field. The Cowboys will be without Jason Taumalolo again but expect them to produce a better performance.
— Travis Meyn
WARRIORS
HOW THEY FARED
The Warriors fell to their second straight loss in their third straight game on New Zealand soil, a disappointing 24-12 loss “away” to the Bulldogs in Dunedin.
With an attack more sideways than the 2004 cult classic film, Stephen Kearney’s side couldn’t take advantage of multiple scoring opportunities in a performance that was flatter than a week-old sparkling Shiraz.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
There were few players who stood out in such a listless display, with veteran lock Simon Mannering (101 metres from 13 runs and 42 tackles) probably the pick of the bunch.
As for the strugglers, where do you start? Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s withdrawal gave Tuimaola Lolohea, dropped from the starting side earlier in the week, a reprieve but he failed to make any kind of meaningful impact from fullback.
Issac Luke and Shaun Johnson were arguably the most disappointing players however, the side’s two key playmakers struggling to spark the spluttering attack.
CASUALTY WARD
Kieran Foran (Shoulder, Round 4), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Concussion, Round 4), Ben Matulino (Knee, Round 10), Manu Vatuvei (Knee, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The good news for coach Stephen Kearney is there are two big names waiting in the wings. Captain Tuivasa-Sheck could return, while Kieran Foran is in line to make his Warriors debut. The former Sea Eagles and Eels star was cleared to return by the NRL last round, but remains hampered by a shoulder injury. All eyes will be on Tuesday’s team announcement.
REPORT CARD
D: for disappointing, not the first time that term has been used to describe a team packed with talent that can’t seem to find any kind of consistency.
— Dominic Burke
WESTS TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Jason Taylor sacking news has overtaken a shocking weekend for the Tigers, who were thrashed 46-6 by the Raiders in Canberra. They were competitive in patches during the opening 30 minutes but once the Raiders ran in two quick tries to finish the first half the Tigers failed to recover. It’s also very hard to compete when you can’t complete your sets and apply pressure. The Tigers finished with a low completion rate of just 59 per cent and have only scored one try in their past 160 minutes of footy.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
There is talent all across this roster but their most potent weapon fullback James Tedesco has been shut down two weeks running. They need to find a way to inject his brilliance more but it almost becomes impossible when your forwards are being dominated and your halves are struggling. Losing their backrowers to concussion didn’t help their cause either.
CASUALTY WARD
Tim Simona (Disciplinary, Indefinite), Jacob Liddle (Shoulder, Round 4), Jamal Idris (Foot, Round 4), Elijah Taylor (Family reasons, TBC), Chris Lawrence (Concussion, TBC), Sauaso Sue (Concussion, TBC), Kevin Naiqama (Concussion, TBC).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Tigers were pretty much toothless across all grades on the weekend. The under-20s received a 54-10 towelling against the Raiders and in NSW Cup things weren’t any better with the reserve side going down 36-0 to the Warriors. Jamal Idris missed round three with a foot injury and is expected to be available for round four. The return of Elijah Taylor will be hugely welcomed after he was granted leave for personal reasons.
REPORT CARD
D: Errors are hurting the Tigers but as is the lack of resilience in defending their line and an inability to dominate the middle. It remains to be seen what impact the sacking of Jason Taylor will have on the team.
— Fatima Kdouh
Originally published as NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 3
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