NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 5
WHO starred, who struggled and who’s the next player up? Find out how your team is faring in the Round 5 edition of 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 5 edition of the NRL Lowdown.
MONDAY BUZZ: Why NRL needs two more teams
MORE MONDAY BUZZ: Weekend highlights, lowlights
CASUALTY WARD: Every injury at every NRL club
STORM
HOW THEY FARED
Storm kept their unbeaten run alive, belting aspiring premiership contenders Penrith Panthers 28-6 at AAMI Park. The runaway victory was built off the back of a fast start, with both Suliasi Vunivalu and Will Chambers scoring inside the first 20 minutes. Storm did not relent in the second half, holding the Panthers scoreless while adding three tries of their own.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Fijian flyer Vunivalu returned in startling fashion, running for 172m and scoring two tries. Will Chambers, Jesse Bromwich and Dale Finucane were brilliant at the coalface, while Josh Addo-Carr extended his try-scoring streak to three consecutive games. Joe Stimson and Tui Kamikamica were starved of opportunity, while Mark Nicholls could also make way with a couple of big names to come in.
INJURY WARD
Cameron Munster (Broken jaw, Round 8), Christian Welch (Concussion, Round 6), Jordan McLean (Calf, Round 6), Tohu Harris (Foot, Round 9)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Jordan McLean (calf) and Christian Welch (concussion) must get through training this week to be up for selection. Young Tonumaipea was stiff to miss out on Saturday night after a brilliant Round 4 performance. Is a spot on the bench up for grabs for the back-up flyer? Q-Cup teams Sunshine Coast Falcons and East Tigers also enjoyed wins.
REPORT CARD
A: The perfect Storm. A bulletproof defence and electric attack will continue cause a lot of teams headaches.
— Gilbert Gardiner
DRAGONS
HOW THEY FARED
The Dragons continue to defy the doubters with their brilliant early season form. Paul McGregor’s men proved far too good for the toothless Tigers. The forward pack, led by Paul Vaughan and Jack de Belin, laid a potent platform for the backs to run riot.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Veteran winger Jason Nightingale was outstanding. Nightingale scored a hat-trick, but he quite easily could have crossed for four or five tries.
Five-eighth and skipper Gareth Widdop steered the ship with a strong kicking and passing game.
It’s the Dragons forwards, though, who set up the victory with a powerful precedent upfront.
Former Raider Paul Vaughan continues to shine, while bearded lock Jack de Belin has been barnstorming to start 2017.
INJURY WARD
Yaw Kiti Glymin (Shoulder, Indefinite), Will Matthews (Dislocated hip, Indefinite), Drew Hutchison (ACL, Season), Euan Aitken (Hamstring, Indefinite), Josh Dugan (Hamstring, TBC)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Will Matthews (dislocated hip) continues to recover, as does Kiti Glymin (shoulder).
REPORT CARD
A: There’s no denying the Dragons have been sensational in the opening five rounds. The famous Red V have rediscovered their fire and it’s showing on the scoreboard. For all their success, the Dragons face a tough road ahead in the coming five weeks.
They face matches against Manly, North Queensland, the Roosters, Melbourne and Cronulla.
It’s a testing run that won’t be made any easier with star fullback Josh Dugan to miss the next month with a hamstring injury.
— Matt Logue
ROOSTERS
HOW THEY FARED
It was back to reality for the Roosters as their unbeaten start to the season came crashing down in a 18-12 loss to the Sea Eagles.
The seesawing affair saw the Roosters bag the first try before Manly hit back twice either side of half time.
The Roosters managed to claw back the deficit only for a late Manly try to break Tricoloured hearts around Allianz Stadium.
To add to the Roosters’ pain, gun forward Dylan Napa injured his ankle and could be sidelined for a month.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
We’ve seen a lot of star quality from the Roosters in recent weeks so given this was their first loss for the season let’s talk about the struggle. Manly pushed the Roosters all the way and the hosts just couldn’t maintain their composure in the second half.
A litany of errors invited Manly to run away with the match, many coming early in the Roosters’ tackle counts thus giving the Sea Eagles great field position. Isaac Liu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Daniel Tupou and Latrell Mitchell all turned the ball over in the second half as well as Connor Watson who had a pass intercepted.
The talent is there but when the pressure is on the Roosters need to find that composure.
INJURY WARD
Sio Siua Taukeiaho (ACL, Indefinite), Kane Evans (Calf, Round 6), Dylan Napa (Ankle, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Napa’s absence at the Roosters could be offset by Kane Evans’ likely return from a calf injury. Further down the pecking order, Nat Butcher was earmarked as a possible chance to make his debut for the Roosters at the beginning of the season but it didn’t happen.
On Friday night he made his comeback from a shoulder injury for the NYC Roosters where he had a hand in helping the home side thrash the young Sea Eagles 66-14. The lock forward crossed for a try of his own in the rout to show Trent Robinson what is just a phone call away.
REPORT CARD
B: The Roosters registered their first loss of the season but there’s still a lot to like about them. Robinson’s men have set themselves up well with four wins to open the season and just need to regroup and make sure that early form counts come September.
The Roosters are still a force to be reckoned with if they can keep their heads screwed on during high-pressure matches.
— David Campbell
COWBOYS
HOW THEY FARED
The Cowboys would readily admit they have played nowhere near their best over the first five rounds, but still boast a 4-1 record after Friday’s 20-6 home defeat of Souths.
That in itself in a promising sign for a team which has dealt with some major injury issues thus far.
Although Souths are struggling in attack, their defence was a vast improvement on that which leaked 92 points the first four games.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The Cowboys’ young back five were enormous, taking a lot of pressure off their forward pack by running for nearly 700 metres combined. Ethan Lowe and Jason Taumalolo continued their strong starts to the year, and speedsters Javid Bowen and Gideon Gela-Mosby showed how valuable strong depth is in this competition when injuries strike.
INJURY WARD
Matt Scott (ACL, season), Lachlan Coote (calf, indefinite), Antonio Winterstein (forearm, three weeks), Justin O’Neill (hamstring, 2-3 weeks), Josh Chudleigh (ACL, season), Shane Wright (jaw, season), Shaun Hudson (ACL, season)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Prop Sam Hoare had a big game for the Townsville Blackhawks against a very big Easts Tigers pack on Sunday. Fellow front rower Corey Jensen continues his aggressive approach and may get a start during the Origin period, or if more injuries strike.
REPORT CARD
B-: Not their best effort in attack or defence, which the players themselves concede. But that’s a great positive when they already have a 4-1 launch pad to build off. They should beat the Tigers at home this week and put themselves in an even better position before the tough Origin period arrives.
— Jon Tuxworth
SEA EAGLES
HOW THEY FARED
The Sea Eagles are flying. Manly played tough on Friday night to secure a third successive win over the previously unbeaten Sydney Roosters.
A late try to form centre Dylan Walker sealed another first-class victory. No-one is getting over the top of Manly’s forwards, who have now dominated the Cowboys, Bulldogs and Roosters in the past three weeks. Centre Brian Kelly has been strong while Daly Cherry-Evans has taken ownership of the side.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
There wasn’t a bad performer in a side that is playing for their coach, Trent Barrett, and each other.
Walker was a standout against the Roosters while rampaging forward Marty Taupau was strong with the ball.
After two losses to start the season, Manly is full of confidence. And any side playing with confidence is a dangerous proposition.
INJURY WARD
Brett Stewart (Knee, Season), Steve Matai (Neck, Season), Darcy Lussick (Wrist, Round 6), Apisai Koroisau (Shoulder, Round 6), Lloyd Perrett (Eye socket, Round 6)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Big Darcy Lussick is ready for a return from a wrist injury. He could struggle to come straight back into a Manly pack thriving at the moment.
Lussick is big and strong and will make an impact. But will he have to wait a week?
REPORT CARD
A: This Saturday will offer-up another bold test for Manly. The Dragons, like Manly, have won three consecutive games and will head to Lottoland ready and pumped.
This will be a cracking game in front of a parochial Brookie crowd.
And a 3pm Saturday timeslot has an old fashioned feel to it.
— Dean Ritchie
SHARKS
HOW THEY FARED
Terrible. Up against a side almost everyone has tipped for the wooden spoon, Cronulla scrapped home 19-18. Against any other team in the NRL, they lose this one.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
James Maloney, as usual, proved himself one of the code’s great clutch players — kicking a field goal with less than three minutes to play. Elsewhere, Paul Gallen made over 200m and Chris Heighington celebrated 300 games. Otherwise, this effort was best summed up by a terrible Valentine Holmes bungle which, with less than 10 minutes remaining, saw him fail to pick up a Knights kick and allow the visitors an embarrassing try.
INJURY WARD
Daniel Mortimer (knee, round 8).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Cronulla have no players of note in the casualty ward. Potential interchange forwards Tony ‘T-Rex’ Williams and Sam Tagataese are in reserves however it’s hard for either to get a crack given the Sharkies are playing two hookers — Jayden Brailey and James Segeyaro.
REPORT CARD
C-: What else can we say after a side with consecutive wooden spooners almost brought down the reigning premiers? As captain Paul Gal put it afterwards: “That’s ordinary by us. We’ll get smacked if we play like that next week.”
— Nick Walshaw
RAIDERS
HOW THEY FARED
Canberra produced a blistering four try opening half to set up a 30-18 win over Parramatta in front of their visiting club legends at GIO Stadium.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Jordan Rapana was again the Raiders’ best, but to avoid constant repetition the spotlight will shine elsewhere.
The staggering number of game-breakers in the Raiders line-up is frightening. Nick Cotric is officially added to that list after a brilliant solo effort to secure the Raiders’ win, and he’s 18 for another eight months!
Blake Austin is pressing his claim as the best support player in the game, with Rapana turning provider for the livewire almost on a weekly basis this season.
Joey Leilua’s concerning defensive issues continue, he was found out on two occasions on his own line.
INJURY WARD
Kato Ottio (ACL, Indefinite), Kurt Baptiste (Achilles, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Koroibete, Vunivalu, Radradra, Ravalawa!
Raiders’ guru recruitment boss Peter Mulholland brought Nehe Milner-Skudder to Canterbury, now he’s trying to emulate the move in Canberra with Fijian born-New Zealand schooled youngster Mikaele Ravalawa.
The fleet-footed outside back starred in the NYC team’s 42-22 win over the Eels, scoring one and setting up another.
REPORT CARD
B-: Canberra completed their horror draw to begin the season with two from three wins, including marginal losses to the Cowboys and Broncos.
Their upcoming fixtures are far more favourable with clashes against the Titans, Warriors, Sea Eagles, Bulldogs and Knights in the next five rounds.
Expect the Green Machine to rack up a few big victories over the next month and reassert their genuine credentials as premiership contenders.
— Tim Williams
PANTHERS
HOW THEY FARED
Don’t be fooled by the blowout scoreline.
Penrith threw everything at Melbourne and simply couldn’t crack the best defensive unit in the NRL.
They did well to survive an early Storm onslaught and get themselves back into the game.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard led the way upfront — his personal duel with Dale Finucane early on was awesome — Nathan Cleary’s floating bombs and Te Maire Martin’s running game were effective, while the outside backs charged the ball back with plenty of aggression.
A mountain of possession and field position in the second half would have featured plenty of points against any other team than Melbourne.
The Storm should have had at least one player binned for slowing down the play the ball, but they were still too good.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Te Maire Martin and Dallin Warner-Zelezniak all had solid games, as did Leilani Latu off the bench.
Tyrone Peachey has been in red-hot form, but his opposite Will Chambers had more toe and beat Peach a few times.
The Storm also pounced on skipper Matty Moylan every time he collected the ball.
INJURY WARD
Bryce Cartwright (Ankle, Indefinite), Josh Mansour (ACL, Round 12), Sam McKendry (ACL, Season), James Fisher-Harris (Fractured cheekbone, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
The Panthers will be boosted by the possible returns of James Fisher-Harris (eye socket) and Bryce Cartwright (ankle).
REPORT CARD
B: the Panthers really had a dig and were actually good in attack, they just ran into a defence that was better.
— Christian Nicolussi
BRONCOS
HOW THEY FARED
The Broncos let go of a 7-0 halftime lead to go down 10-7 to an under-siege Bulldogs outfit at a waterlogged ANZ Stadium.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Jordan Kahu had a mixed night, kicking a brilliant field goal right before halftime before giving away a crucial penalty in the second half which led to Canterbury’s first try. Five-eighth Anthony Milford also suffered another quiet night and let Josh Jackson through to set Brad Abbey up for the Bulldogs’ second try.
INJURY WARD
James Roberts (Hamstring, Round 6), Tom Opacic (Shoulder, Indefinite), Mitchell Dodds (Leg, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Kodi Nikorima is close to cracking the first grade side after a great performance for Norths on Saturday. He scored a double and played at five-eighth, hooker, centre and fullback. Benji Marshall was also brilliant for Redcliffe on Sunday but suffered a wrist injury which could rule him out for a few weeks.
REPORT CARD
B: The Broncos fought well in terrible conditions in Sydney but should have not let the Bulldogs back into the game to win it. They have had trouble closing out tight contests so far this year and this was evident again last Thursday.
— Rikki-Lee Arnold
EELS
HOW THEY FARED
It is becoming the familiar post-match analysis for Brad Arthur. The Eels at their best can compete with the best.
But they can’t do it for 60 minutes and expect to match teams like Canberra. That was the story again on Saturday when they went from 6-all to trailing 22-6 at halftime on the back of three Raiders tries in seven minutes.
To their credit, the Eels fought back in the second half on a swing in possession.
Tries to Michael Jennings (47th minute) and Kaysa Pritchard (52nd minute) reduced to margin to four points, before teenage sensation Nick Cotric capitalised on another defensive lapse in the 69th minute to end any hope of a Parramatta comeback.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Semi Radradra scored four tries against St George Illawarra in round two, but hasn’t crossed since.
In that game against the Dragons, Semi went hunting the ball on both sides of the field and left a trail of destruction in his wake. So where did that go?
Against the Raiders, Radradra’s energy levels were no match for what Jordan Rapana and young Cotric produced.
Radradra ran for 117m, and made two tackle busts. In comparison, Rapana ran for 166m, made eight tackle busts, and also came up with a try assist. Cotric ran for 147m, had 10 tackle busts and scored the match-clinching try.
INJURY WARD
John Folau (Wrist, Round 6), Matt Woods (Shoulder, Round 8), Greg Leleisiuao (ACL, Round 12), Will Smith (Knee, Round 6), Isaac De Gois (Concussion, Indefinite), Kenny Edwards (Disciplinary, Round 8), Tepai Moeroa (Back, Indefinite).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
George Jennings starred for Wentworthville in their loss to Mounties, scoring two tries to nearly snatch victory for the Magpies. Jennings has struggled with injury since making his NRL debut in 2015 but could be in the frame for an NRL return over the Origin period if his older brother Michael earns selection for New South Wales.
REPORT CARD
C-: Arthur summed it up perfectly when he said the Eels had only themselves to blame for turning over too much possession and not showing enough urgency at crucial moments.
While in the end it was 54-46 per cent possession split to Canberra, for most of the first half it was more like a 70-30 in the Raiders’ favour. Ultimately, Parramatta were forced to defend an extra 50 tackles.
After three straight defeats to Gold Coast, Cronulla and Canberra, Kieran Foran’s return clash against the club he walked out on last year couldn’t come soon enough.
It surely has to be enough motivation to get the Eels up for next Sunday’s clash against the Warriors in Auckland.
— Paul Crawley
RABBITOHS
HOW THEY FARED
The Rabbitohs battled hard but lacked the class to trouble the Cowboys and crashed to a 20-6 defeat.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Damien Cook was injected into the starting side by Michael Maguire and acquitted himself well, controlling the middle of the field and providing Souths with some much needed spark out of dummy half. Cook wasn’t able to showcase his full attacking game but it seems clear that he is the way forward for the club.
Adam Reynolds had one of the worst games of his NRL career. Nothing seemed to go right for the halfback — his normally metronomic kicking game deserted him, a series of passes failed to find the mark and he failed to help build pressure or capitalise on field position. Reynolds is a quality player but he did not have a game to remember by any means.
INJURY WARD
Aaron Gray (Medial, Round 10), Robbie Farah (Back, Indefinite), Jake Goisweski (Knee, Round 12), Connor Tracey (ACL, Indefinite), Greg Inglis (ACL, Season), George Burgess (Suspension, Round 6), Hymel Hunt (Suspension, Round 8)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Robbie Rochow was dropped to reserve grade late in the week and the former Newcastle forward made the most of his demotion, starring for North Sydney in their 18-16 loss to the Tigers. A talented off-loader who is capable of providing Souths with a little more starch in the middle, a first grade recall should be on the cards.
REPORT CARD
D. Souths didn’t bring their best but the lack of intensity will be of concern to Maguire. Sam Burgess lacks support in the middle of the field and outside of Cody Walker and Damien Cook the backline and playmakers just aren’t firing the way they need to for Souths to compete with the best teams in the competition.
— Nick Campton
BULLDOGS
HOW THEY FARED
It was a gutsy 10-7 win in very trying wet conditions. After their 36-0 thumping by the Sea Eagles the week, few gave the Bulldogs any hope of defeating the Broncos, but they showed there was still spirit and resolve in the team, which enjoyed a rejuvenation with the inclusion of Matt Frawley at halfback.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Josh Reynolds had a game that shows the type of player he is and can be. He was tenacious in seeking out the ball and putting pressure on the Broncos in attack and defence. Meanwhile, Matt Frawley did the job a halfback should. He directed play and for the first time in a long time the Bulldogs were earning repeat sets. Tough choice for Des Hasler with Mbye returning from suspension this week.
INJURY 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), Moses Mbye (Suspension, Round 6).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Well, Frawley’s the lurker. His performance was enough to warrant retaining the position considering the lack of the direction the Dogs’ attack has had until his inclusion last week. He’d been performing well in the NSW Cup side — who won their second game of the season at the weekend — but Des Hasler may be looking at how he can work his backline to have him there for Friday.
REPORT CARD
B+: What an improvement on what Canterbury had produced the first four weeks. The torrential rain definitely worked in their favour but the team were enthused again. They ran more than 500 metres more than they did against Manly, were breaking the line and had a kicking game that found space and created pressure. Consistency has been a huge problem in recent seasons so they now must produce similar efforts each week.
— Fiona Bollen
WARRIORS
HOW THEY FARED
The Warriors looked in danger of slumping to their fourth-straight loss as they trailed a plucky Titans outfit 22-12 at the break.
But aided by the Titans losing in-form Tyrone Roberts to injury, and sparked by club debutant Kieran Foran, the home side rallied to overrun the Gold Coast 28-22.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Foran’s return to NRL action was always going to be the focal point and the former Sea Eagles and Eels star didn’t disappoint.
As predicted sharpened up the Warriors’ attack, and his presence seemed to lift the players around him. Halves partner Shaun Johnson was back to his scheming best, scoring a try and having a hand in several more including putting Ryan Hoffman over for the matchwinner. Hooker Issac Luke had his best game in what seems an age, while fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had his best game of the season.
Upfront, veteran prop Jacob Lillyman continued his solid start to the season with 158 run metres, the most by any player bar Tuivasa-Sheck.
Second-rower Bodene Thompson’s afternoon was cut short by injury.
INJURY WARD
Ben Matulino (Knee, Round 10), Manu Vatuvei (Knee, Indefinite), Bodene Thompson (Achilles, TBC)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
If Thompson (Achilles) misses any time, Bunty Afoa looms as the most likely replacement after starting the season in the second-row. Afoa scored two tries as the Warriors beat the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles 26-14 in NSW Cup. Prop Ben Matulino is still a couple of weeks away from returning.
REPORT CARD
B: For better, but there’s still room for improvement. Foran’s return looked to be just the boost they needed to get back into the winner’s circle, but coach Stephen Kearney will be looking for a more consistent 80-minute performance when they host the Eels on Sunday.
— Dominic Burke
TITANS
HOW THEY FARED
The Titans fell to their fourth defeat in the opening five rounds of the season with a 28-22 loss to the Warriors in New Zealand on Sunday.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
Five-eighth Kane Elgey played his best game since returning from a knee reconstruction. Elgey scored two tries and was ably supported by halfback Ashley Taylor. Fullback Tyrone Roberts was fantastic until he suffered a knee injury in the second half which will see him sidelined for at least a few weeks.
Winger Daniel Vidot battled in defence and hooker Ryan Simpkins suffered back spasms.
INJURY WARD
David Shillington (Shoulder, Season), Nathan Peats (Shoulder, Round 7), Pat Politoni (Broken arm, Round 6), John Olive (Pectoral, Indefinite), Agnatius Paasi (Shoulder, Round 10), Anthony Don (Dislocated shoulder, Round 6), Jarryd Hayne (Ankle, Round 7), Will Zillman (Calf, Round 6), Daniel Sarginson (Knee, Round 6), Tyrone Roberts (Ankle, TBC), Ryan Simpkins (Back, TBC), Joe Greenwood (Concussion, TBC), Konrad Hurrell (Ankle, TBC).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Hooker Nathan Peats is on the verge of playing his first NRL match of the season. Peats should be available to return from a shoulder problem against Canberra on Saturday. Winger Anthony Don is also in line to return and could start at fullback. Tyler Cornish is also another fullback option. Jarryd Hayne is still a couple of weeks away.
REPORT CARD
C: Like usual, the Titans showed a lot of spirit to lead the Warriors 22-12 at halftime, but the loss of Roberts proved crucial. They couldn’t gain any momentum in the second half and struggled to secure any decent field position. Injuries have cruelled them this season and if they want to make back-to-back finals appearances they need to start winning soon.
— Travis Meyn
KNIGHTS
HOW THEY FARED
It was another defeat for the Knights but the contrast from the 40-0 hiding to Penrith in the previous round to this one point loss to the Sharks was immense.
In the space of a week, they redeemed themselves defensively and showed plenty of courage to stay in the fight until the death against the defending premiers despite a lopsided possession count that included the Sharks enjoying 10 consecutive sets in the first half and more than 60 per cent of the ball overall.
In the end, it took a late James Maloney field goal to get the Sharks home.
Encouraging for coach Nathan Brown and his players but at the end of the day, still another defeat.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
He was only out there for just over 30 minutes because of two concussions but edge backrower Sione Mata’utia was outstanding with the football, making a series of tackle busts and the Knights had plenty of defensive heroes with hooker Jamie Buhrer and replacement number nine Danny Levi both racking up big tackle tallies.
Backrower Mitch Barnett was another played heavily involved and was a tireless contributor. The Knights strike weapon out wide Nathan Ross was a late withdrawal through injury and his replacement Jacob Gagan should have done a whole lot better to prevent the Sharks opening try early in the game.
INJURY WARD
Mickey Paea (Knee Round 7), Pauli Pauli (Hip, Round 8), Rory Kostjasyn (Throat, Round 6), Jarrod Mullen (Drugs ban, Indefinite), Dylan Phythian (ACL, Season), Sam Mataora (Knee, Indefinite), Jack Cogger (Pelvis, Round 16), Jaelen Feeney (Knee, Indefinite), Brendan Elliott (Concussion, Indefinite)
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Ross should be ready to return against the Bulldogs on Friday night but there will be doubts about the fitness of Sione Mata’utia after he suffered two head knocks in the game and didn’t come back on after the second incident. It is the second game this season the young backrower has been forced off through concussion and he had a couple of similar incidents last season.
REPORT CARD
B: Not the win the Knights needed but there were signs their second of the season may not be far off if they can reproduce the same sort of intensity in defence every week and improve their execution with the footy.
— Barry Toohey
TIGERS
HOW THEY FARED
The Tigers couldn’t repeat last week’s performance against the Storm, thrashed by the Dragons 28-6 in an abysmal display at ANZ Stadium.
WHO STARRED, WHO STRUGGLED?
The right edge defence of Littlejohn, Naiqama and Nofoaluma was torn apart by Widdop and co. Four tries were conceded through a very brittle, disoriented unit that can expect loads of traffic in coming weeks.
James Tedesco looked dispirited for the first time in his career. The Blues number one tried everything, running 25 times, busting nine tackles along with a highly uncharacteristic string of errors. Teddy and skipper Aaron Woods looked like broken men after the loss, could a club switch be imminent?
INJURY WARD
Luke Brooks (hamstring, TBC), Matt Ballin (Knee, TBC), Jamal Idris (Concussion, Round 6).
WHO’S LURKING ON THE EDGE?
Fringe first-graders Jordan Rankin, Justin Hunt and Jacob Liddle all impressed in the last-placed Newtown’s win over the undefeated North Sydney Bears. Liddle will likely replace the injured Matt Ballin in round 6, while Moses Suli’s wing spot may come under scrutiny by new coach Ivan Cleary.
REPORT CARD
D- The only factor saving the Tigers from a dreaded F is last week’s showing against the unbeaten Storm.
Ivan Cleary has arguably the biggest job ahead of him in the game, which is a huge call for the NRL.
Success starts with go forward, and the Tigers pack isn’t up to NRL standard at the present. That’s only scratching the surface of the woes embroiling the men from Concord.
— Tim Williams
Originally published as NRL Lowdown: How is your team faring after Round 5
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