NRL Editorials

NRL News Rd 8 Stats Breakdown: Storm v Warriors

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Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith

The second ANZAC Day clash, this one between the Melbourne Storm and the New Zealand Warriors. 

It is the Storm who have the running based on history but the Warriors have form.

With so many players, staffers, coaches and fans appreciating the historic significance, the game will be lively.

Enjoy the stats, take them in and bring on the footy:

Melbourne Storm v New Zealand Warriors

The Melbourne Storm and the New Zealand Warriors have played in 42 games; the Storm have won 22, the Warriors have won 16 and there have been four draws.

The Storm need just 29 points to score 900 total points against the Warriors, just the fifth side the Storm will have scored 900 pts against.

The Warriors need just 1 point to score 600 total points against the Storm.

The first game between the two sides was on April 10, 1988, in round 5, a game the Warriors won 16-12.

The Storm have won five of the last eight ANZAC Day clashes between the two sides at 62.5% winning percentage. The last time the Warriors won an ANZAC Day clash was in 2014.

The Storm are also aiming for five straight wins against the Warriors.

Biggest Wins

The Melbourne Storm’s biggest win over the New Zealand Warriors was a comprehensive 56-10 win in round 20 of the 2000 NRL season.

The New Zealand Warriors biggest win over the Melbourne Storm was a 28-12 success in round 11 of the 2002 NRL season.

Players to have been sent-off/sin-binned in this clash.

  1. Matt Orford (MEL) (sin-binned) in round 25, 2001.
  2. William Leyshon (MEL) (sin-binned) in round 11, 2002.
  3. Blake Ayshford (WAR) (sin-binned) in round 8, 2016.

Players that have scored three or more tries in one game in this clash.

  1. Matt Geyer scored four tries in round 20, 2000.
  2. Matt King scored three tries in round 16, 2004.
  3. Billy Slater scored three tries in round 1, 2008.

Players to have played for both sides in this clash.

  1. Stephen Kearney (WAR: 1995-1998 & MEL: 1999-2004).
  2. John Carlaw (MEL: 1998 & WAR: 2002-2003).
  3. Tony Martin (MEL: 1998-2000 & WAR: 2004-2007).
  4. Wairangi Koopu (WAR: 1999, 2001-2008 & MEL: 2009).
  5. Henry Perenara (WAR: 2000 & MEL: 2001-2002).
  6. Ryan Hoffman (MEL: 2003-2010, 2012-2014, 2018 & WAR: 2015-2017).
  7. Adam Blair (MEL: 2006-2011 & WAR: 2018).
  8. Dane Nielsen (MEL: 2008-2012 & WAR 2013-2014).
  9. James Maloney (MEL: 2009 & WAR: 2010-2012).
  10. Todd Lowrie (MEL: 2010-2012 & WAR: 2013).
  11. Tohu Harris (MEL: 2013-2017 & WAR: 2018).
  12. Blake Green (MEL: 2015-2016 & WAR: 2018).
  13. Nathan Friend (MEL: 2003-2006 & WAR: 2012-2015).

Head coaching records

Frank Endacott (WAR) – 2/2 at 100%.
Craig Bellamy (MEL) – 18/30 at 60%
Chris Anderson (MEL) – 3/6 at 50%.
Daniel Anderson (WAR) – 3/6 at 50%.
Matthew Elliott (WAR) – 1/1 at 50%.
Ivan Cleary (WAR) – 6/14 at 42.9%.
Andrew McFadden (WAR) – 2/5 at 40%.
Tony Kemp (WAR) – 1/3 at 33.3%.
Mark Murray (MEL) – 1/4 at 25%.
Mark Graham (WAR) – 1/4 at 25%.
Stephen Kearney (WAR) – 0/2 at 0%.
Brian McLennan (WAR) 0/2 at 0%.

Most prolific point-scorers in this clash

  1. Cameron Smith (MEL) – 3 tries & 70 goals (152 pts)
  2. Matt Geyer (MEL) – 13 tries & 5 goals (62 pts)
  3. Billy Slater (MEL) – 15 tries (60 pts)
  4. Matt Orford (MEL) – 4 tries & 21 goals (56 pts)
  5. Shaun Johnson (WAR) – 3 tries & 18 goals (50 pts)
  6. Manu Vatuvei (WAR) – 10 tries (40 pts)
  7. Will Chambers (MEL) – 9 tries (36 pts)
  8. Ivan Cleary (WAR) – 17 goals (32 pts)
  9. James Maloney (MEL/WAR) – 1 try, 13 goals & 1 field goal (31 pts)
  10. Lance Hohaia (WAR) – 2 tries & 9 goals (26 pts)
  11. Steve Bell (MEL) – 6 tries (24 pts)
  12. Matt King (MEL) – 6 tries (24 pts)
  13. Stacey Jones (WAR) – 1 try & 8 goals (20 pts)
  14. Aaron Moule (MEL) – 5 tries (20 pts)
  15. Marcus Bai (MEL) – 5 tries (20 pts)
  16. Scott Hill (MEL) – 5 tries (20 pts)

Disclaimer: As always, the players above are the most prolific point-scorers in clashes between the two sides. 

Yet again, any errors or any further stats you want to see introduced or incorporated, let us know.

We will gladly add them in or change/alter any errors that may exist.

NRL Editorials

Rd 8 NRL News Stats Breakdown: Dragons v Roosters

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Former Sydney Roosters Craig Fitzgibbon

Early game this week due to ANZAC Day, kickstarting with the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters. 

The ANZAC tradition means so much to many and is entrenched in the very culture of this clash.

It is fiery, it means so much and it will be a tremendous contest.

So, as always, here are the stats for this clash:

St George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters

The St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters have played a total of 39 games against each other; the Dragons winning 19, the Roosters winning 17 and three draws.

The Sydney Roosters will be aiming for three straight wins against the Dragons.

On ANZAC Day clashes, the Dragons have won 10 and the Roosters have won five.

The first game played between the two sides was a 20-16 win for the Dragons in round 9 of the 1999 NRL premiership season.

The Sydney Roosters first win against the St George Illawarra Dragons came on May 20, 2000, having lost the opening four against them.

Biggest Wins

The St George Illawarra Dragons biggest win over the Roosters was a comfortable 46-6 win in round 21 of the 2005 NRL premiership season.

The Sydney Roosters biggest win was a 42-6 romp in round 24 of the 2016 NRL premiership season.

Players to have been sent-off/sin-binned in this clash

  1. Ryan Cross (SYD) (sin-bin) & Clint Greenshields (SGI) (sin-bin) in round 19, 2004.
  2. Brett Finch (SYD) (sin-bin) & Justin Poore (SGI) (sin-bin) in round 7, 2005.
  3. Anthony Minichiello (SYD) (sin-bin) in round 23, 2011.

Players to have scored three or more tries in one game in this clash

  1. Mark Gasnier (SGI) scored three tries in round 21, 2005.
  2. Mitchell Pearce (SYD) scored three tries in round 22, 2012.

Players to have played for both sides in this clash

  1. Craig Fitzgibbon (SGI: 1999 & SYD: 2000-2009)
  2. Quentin Pongia (SYD: 1999-2001 & SGI: 2003)
  3. Amos Roberts (SGI: 2000-2003 & SYD: 2005-2008)
  4. Jason Ryles (SGI: 2000-2008 & SYD: 2010-2011)
  5. Nathan Tutt (SYD: 2001 & SGI: 2002-2003)
  6. Brett Firman (SGI: 2003-2004 & SYD: 2005)
  7. Heath L’Estrange (SYD: 2004-2007, 2014 & SGI: 2015)
  8. Stuart Webb (SYD: 2003-2005 & SGI: 2008)
  9. Willie Manu (SGI: 2005 & SYD: 2015)
  10. Jamie Soward (SYD: 2005-2007 & SGI: 2007-2013)
  11. Lagi Setu (SGI: 2007-2008 & SYD: 2015)
  12. Jack Bosden (SGI: 2011 & SYD: 2012)
  13. Peni Tagive (SGI: 2011 & SYD: 2012)

Head coaching records (percentage of wins) in this clash

Chris Anderson (SYD) – 1/1 at 100%.
Wayne Bennett (SGI) – 6/7 at 85.7%.
Trent Robinson (SYD) – 7/9 at 77.8%.
Davie Waite (SGI) – 4/5 at 80%.
Nathan Brown (SGI) – 6/10 at 60%.
Graham Murray (SYD) – 2/4 at 50%.
Ricky Stuart (SYD) – 4/9 at 44.4%.
Paul McGregor (SGI) – 2/6 at 33.3%.
Brian Smith (SYD) – 2/7 at 28.6%.
Brad Fittler (SYD) – 1/4 at 25%.
Steve Price (SGI) – 1/5 at 20%.
Andrew Farrar (SGI) – 0/4 at 0%.

Most prolific point-scorers in this clash

  1. Craig Fitzgibbon (SGI/SYD) – 4 tries & 41 goals (98 pts)
  2. Jamie Soward (SGI) – 4 tries, 31 goals & 2 field goals (92 pts)
  3. James Maloney (SYD) – 1 try & 26 goals (56 pts)
  4. Wayne Bartrim (SGI) – 3 tries & 16 goals (44 pts)
  5. Gareth Widdop (SGI) – 3 tries & 16 goals (44 pts)
  6. Trent Barrett (SGI) – 9 tries (36 pts)
  7. Anthony Minichello (SYD) – 9 tries (36 pts)
  8. Braith Anasta (SYD) – 3 tries & 12 goals (36 pts)
  9. Brad Fittler (SYD) – 7 tries, 2 goals & 1 field goal (33 pts)
  10. Mark Gasnier (SGI) –  7 tries (28 pts)
  11. Matt Cooper (SGI) – 7 tries (28 pts)
  12. Brett Morris (SGI) – 7 tries (28 pts)
  13. Jason Nightingale (SGI) – 7 tries (28 pts)
  14. Mathew Head (SGI) – 13 goals (26 pts)
  15. Amos Roberts (SGI/SYD) – 5 tries & 2 goals (24 pts)

Disclaimer: As always, the above 15 players are those that have scored the most points between the two sides. 

Also, if you want to see any more/other stats or if there are any errors, let us know and we can change them and/or add them in.

NRL Club News

NRL Teams Rd 8

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A duck was broken, the top eight change and plenty more as we look ahead to NRL Teams for round 8.

With teams wanting to continue momentum or get back in the winners’ circle, no game is an easy game in 2018.

So sit back, as we take you for a ride for the ups and downs of teamlist Tuesday.

Here are the teams for round eight of the NRL Telstra Premiership:

St George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters (#NRLsgisyd); Allianz Stadium, Moore Park; Wednesday, April 25. Kick-off: 4:10 pm. 

Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Euan Aitken 4. Tim Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop (C) 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Cameron McInnes 10. James Graham 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jack de Belin.

Interchange: 14. Jeremy Latimore 15. Kurt Mann 16. Leeson Ah Mau 17. Jacob Host.

Reserves: 18. Hame Sele 19. Zac Loma 20. Mitch Allgood 21. Reece Robson.

Coach: Paul McGregor

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Joseph Manu 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Mitchell Aubusson 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Luke Keary 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Zane Tetevano 9. Jake Friend (C) 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Isaac Liu.

Interchange: 14. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 15. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 16. Nat Butcher 17. Victor Radley.

Reserves: 18. Frank-Paul Nuuausala 20. Kurt Baptiste 21. Sitili Tupouniua 22. Reece Robinson.

Coach: Trent Robinson.

Ricky’s View: It was bound to happen eventually and the Dragons lost their first game at the hands of the Warriors. No Shaun Johnson, yet they still stood up. For the Dragons, perhaps it was a reality check. Although they were not poor, it sends alarm bells that no game or team is a cakewalk.
As the Roosters build some momentum, it makes tipping this one tough. The clash means so much to so many players, fans, coaches and staff and there is always added meaning.
Dragons by 2

Melbourne Storm v New Zealand Warriors (#NRLmelwar); AAMI Park, Melbourne; Wednesday, April 25. Kick-off: 7 pm.

Storm: 1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Curtis Scott 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Ryley Jacks 8. Tim Glasby 9. Cameron Smith (C) 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Kenny Bromwich.

Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Christian Welch 16. Sam Kasiano 17. Joe Stimson.

Reserves: 18. Patrick Kaufusi 19. Tui Kamikamica 20. Brodie Croft 21. Young Tonumaipea.

Coach: Craig Bellamy.

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C) 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Peta Hiku 4. Anthony Gelling 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Blake Green 7. Mason Lino 8. Bunty Afoa 9. Issac Luke 10. Agnatius Paasi 11. Simon Mannering 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Adam Blair.

Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Sam Lisone 16. Albert Vete 17. Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad.

Reserves: 18. Ligi Sao 19. Joseph Vuna 20. Tevita Satae 21. Sam Cook.

Coach: Stephen Kearney.

Ricky’s View: Another traditional ANZAC Day clash, and one that the Storm enjoy immensely with the rub of the green. The Johnson-less Warriors proved they can still beat top sides. With depth in Lino and others, is this the year the Warriors put away late season flops for good?
The Storm are also building momentum on the back of the return of Ryley Jacks. The steady, no-nonsense half gives Munster a chance to play his natural running style.
The Warriors have been good but the Storm just look like they are yet to reach peak form.
Storm by 6.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Brisbane Broncos (#NRLsoubri); ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park; Thursday, April 26. Kick-off: 7:50 pm. 

Rabbitohs: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Richie Kennar 3. Greg Inglis (C) 4. Dane Gagai 5. Robert Jennings 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. George Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Angus Crichton 13. Cameron Murray.

Interchange: 14. Adam Doueihi 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Jason Clark 17. Tevita Tatola.

Reserves: 18. Robbie Farah 19. Hymel Hunt 20. Campbell Graham 21. Kyle Turner.

Coach: Anthony Seibold.

Broncos: 1. Darius Boyd (C) 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 18. Tom Opacic 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Anthony Milford 7. Jack Bird 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Josh McGuire 10. Sam Thaiday 11. Alex Glenn 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tevita Pangai Jr.

Interchange: 14. Sam Tagataese 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Kodi Nikorima 17. Korbin Sims.

Reserves: 18. Jonus Pearson 19. Todd Murphy 20. Patrick Mago 21. Payne Haas.

Coach: Wayne Bennett.

Ricky’s View: Another interesting contest at ANZ on Thursday. The loss of Sam Burgess will impact the Bunnies go forward. Although, the Broncos forced changes of their own may derail their recent momentum.
The halves battle looms as the key as the revamped Milford/Bird combo seek to gain rhythm. Up against Walker/Reynolds, the key battle is there as well as the forwards.
Both sides have been good and bad but where it matters, the Broncos might just have too much firepower. Broncos by 4. 

Manly Sea Eagles v Newcastle Knights (#NRLmannew); Lottoland, Brookvale; Friday, April 27. Kick-off: 6 pm. 

Manly: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Matt Wright 3. Dylan Walker 4. Brian Kelly 5. Akuila Uate 6. Lachlan Croker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Marty Taupau 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jake Trbojevic.

Interchange: 14. Lewis Brown 15. Shaun Lane 16. Lloyd Perrett 17. Taniela Paseka.

Reserves: 18. Frank Winterstein 19. Jonathan Wright 20. Thomas Wright 21. Toafofoa Sipley.

Coach: Trent Barrett.

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Ken Sio 3. Sione Mata’utia 4. Nathan Ross 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Connor Watson 7. Jack Cogger 8. Herman Ese’ese 9. Slade Griffin 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Aidan Guerra (C) 13. Mitchell Barnett.

Interchange: 14. Jamie Buhrer (C) 15. Chris Heighington 16. Luke Yates 17. Jacob Saifiti.

Reserves: 18. Cory Denniss 19. Josh King 20. Brock Lamb 21. Jacob Lillyman.

Coach: Nathan Brown.

Ricky’s View: After some heavy recent defeats, it is do-or-die for Manly. Buck the trend and your losing streak or continue to lose momentum and confidence. The firepower is there, it just, quite simply, needs to fire.
Pearce is a huge loss for the Knights with the structure and guidance he provided. Though Watson’s return is timely and a boost for the club. Given their relative consistency and strong attack, it’s hard not to pick the Knights in this one. Knights by 10. 

Penrith Panthers v Canterbury Bulldogs (#NRLpencby); Penrith Stadium; Friday, April 27. Kick-off: 7:55 pm. 

Penrith: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Christian Crichton 3. Corey Harawira-Naera 4. Dean Whare 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Tyrone Peachey 7. James Maloney 8. Trent Merrin 9. Peter Wallace (C) 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Isaah Yeo 12. Viliame Kikau 13. James Fisher-Harris.

Interchange: 14. Sione Katoa 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Moses Leota 17. James Tamou.

Reserves: 18. Wayde Egan 19. Nick Lui-Toso 20. Thomas Eisenhuth 21. Kaide Ellis.

Coach: Anthony Griffin.

Canterbury: 1. Moses Mbye 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Will Hopoate 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Jeremy Marshall-King 7. Kieran Foran 8. Aaron Woods 9. Michael Lichaa 10. David Klemmer 11. Josh Jackson (C) 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Adam Elliott.

Interchange: 14. Asipeli Fine 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Greg Eastwood 17. Kerrod Holland.

Reserves: 18. John Olive 19. Rhyse Martin 20. Renouf Toomaga 21. Matthew Frawley.

Coach: Dean Pay.

Ricky’s View: Although there was a mild improvement in the Dogs attack, in recent weeks, it seems to have disappeared. Struggling for points and cohesion, they need a change and fast. Although, they come up against a Penrith side with their own issues.
Inconsistency for one is a major issue, as well as giving up leads.
Rarely do Penrith set the tone, forcing themselves into a corner with nowhere to go. That said, their attack is more fluid.
Penrith by 6.

Gold Coast Titans v Cronulla Sharks (#NRLgldcro); Cbus Super Stadium, Robina; Saturday, April 28. Kick-off: 5:30 pm. 

Titans: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Anthony Don 3. Brendan Elliott 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Philip Sami 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Mitch Rein 10. Ryan James (C) 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Will Matthews 13. Jai Arrow.

Interchange: 14. Max King 15. Jack Stockwell 16. Keegan Hipgrave 17. Morgan Boyle.

Reserves: 18. Brenko Lee 19. Ryan Simpkins 20. AJ Brimson 21. Kane Elgey.

Coach: Garth Brennan.

Sharks: 1. Josh Dugan 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Matt Moylan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Scott Sorenson 12. Wade Graham (C) 13. Joseph Paulo.

Interchange: 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. James Segeyaro 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Kurt Dillon.

Reserves: 18. Kurt Capewell 19. Jack Williams 20. Braden Uele 21. Trent Hodkinson.

Coach: Shane Flanagan.

Ricky’s View: The Sharks enjoyed a good win, the Titans, not so much. The axe has been thrown by Brennan, wielding it mightily to reverse their fortunes. With Cartwright to start at 5/8, is that the x-factor the Titans need?
The Sharks have craved consistency all season but injuries have stifled their progress. The return of Wade Graham is a boost and the energy of Scott Sorenson is promising.
Compared to the last couple of weeks of play, it has to be the Sharks. Sharks by 8.

North Queensland Cowboys v Canberra Raiders (#NRLnqlcan); 1300 Smiles Stadium, Townsville; Saturday, April 28. Kick-off: 7:30 pm. 

Cowboys: 1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O’Neill 4. Ben Hampton 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston (C) 8. Matt Scott (C) 9. Jake Granville 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo.

Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Shaun Fensom 16. Corey Jensen 17. Ethan Lowe.

Interchange: 18. Francis Molo 19. Jake Clifford 20. Enari Tuala 21. Sam Hoare.

Coach: Paul Green.

Raiders: 1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker (C) 4. Joey Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Iosia Soliola 9. Siliva Havili 10. Junior Paulo 11. Joseph Tapine 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Josh Papalii.

Interchange: 14. Ata Hingano 15. Shannon Boyd 16. Luke Bateman 17. Dunamis Lui

Reserves: 18. Liam Knight 19. Michael Oldfield 20. Bradley Abbey 21. Jack Murchie.

Coach: Ricky Stuart.

Ricky’s View: It may well be close to do-or-die connotations for both sides. They need wins and they need consistency. Thurston and Morgan need to rediscover their mojo if the Cowboys are to gain consistency. The form of Coen Hess is promising.
For the Raiders, they can score the points, they just cannot defend the line to win. Defence is the key and they really need to shore that up against a Cowboys side nearing breaking point.
Cowboys by 1.

Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers (#NRLparwst); ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park; Sunday, April 29. Kick-off: 4:10 pm. 

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson (C) 2. Bevan French 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. George Jennings 6. Corey Norman 7. Mitch Moses 8. Daniel Alvaro 9. Kaysa Pritchard 10. Suaia Matagi 11. Manu Ma’u 12. Tony Williams 13. Peni Terepo.

Interchange: 14. Will Smith 15. Kenny Edwards 16. David Gower 17. Tim Mannah (C).

Reserves: 18. Tepai Moeroa 19. Kane Evans 20. Josh Hoffman 21. Cameron King.

Coach: Brad Arthur.

Tigers: 1. Corey Thompson 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Esan Marsters 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak 6. Benji Marshall (C) 7. Luke Brooks 8. Matthew Eisenhuth 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Ben Matulino 11. Chris Lawrence 12. Robbie Rochow 13. Elijah Taylor (C).

Interchange: 14. Pita Godinet 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Michael Chee-Kam 17. Sauaso Sue.

Reserves: 18. Tim Grant 19. Chris McQueen 20. Tyson Gamble 21. Mahe Fonua.

Coach: Ivan Cleary.

Ricky’s View: The Eels broke their 2018 winless duck with a big win over Manly. Is it the start of a revival, though? The Tigers are no slouches, however, and will want to do the double over the Eels. With the form the Eels showed last week, they will have to dig deep.
The Eels need wins to climb up the ladder, the Tigers need wins to cement their current position. Plenty to play for but momentum and confidence is everything in the NRL. Eels by 8. 

 

ESL/International RL

Sean Rutgerson appointed as new USA Hawks coach

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Former American rugby league player Sean Rutgerson

Following the sudden departure of Brian McDermott, the USA Hawks have appointed Sean Rutgerson as their new head coach.

With American rugby league on the rise and their desire to make the next World Cup, a local like Rutgerson could prove to be a masterstroke.

With qualifiers looming, it shapes as a crucial time for Rutgerson and his Hawks side.

“I’m really happy and excited to take over and am looking forward to a big year for the USARL,” said Rutgerson.

“First thing on my list is to get my staff on board and organized.”

Rutgerson is no stranger to the system, having worked as a domestic assistant under McDermott.

Rutgerson will retain some elements used by McDermott and incorporate some of his own.

“As far as strategies, we will not be doing too much different from what Mac put in place, but I will be adding some ideas as we go,” he added.

“I definitely will be sticking with the Facebook page. There will be a few changes to it and am currently working on those.

There will be some standards that will need to be met.”

Also coach of the Jacksonville Axemen, it was his rugby league pedigree and nous that got him the job.

“Sean was an accomplished NRL player at Canberra Raiders and English Super League player at Salford City Reds,” USARL Inc Chairman Peter Illfield said.

“He’s an accredited Level 2 NRL coach and sports trainer, Level 2 ASCA strength and conditioning coach and has a diploma in personal training.”

Fans may remember Rutgerson during his playing and coaching days with NRL teams.

“He had six years as assistant coach with NRL club Wests Tigers’ NSW Cup team,” Illfield continued.

“He’s coached at Jacksonville Axemen (2009, 2016, 2017) and again for 2018.

“He was also assistant coach to Brian McDermott for USA Hawks RLWC2017 Qualifiers campaign in 2015, going on to RLWC2017 as strength and conditioning coach for USA.”

Should he have success with the Hawks at the qualifiers level, a long-term deal is on the table for Rutgerson.

“Immediate expectation for Sean is to recruit his management and support staff for international fixtures,” said Illfield.

“Long-term expectations are to develop a suitable player selection process inclusive of domestic and heritage players, and development of an elite player program to raise the skills and fitness worthy of USARL representation.”

NRL Club News

Eels break 2018 duck after dismantling poor Manly side

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Parramatta Eels halfback Mitchell Moses

‘Finally’, the Parramatta Eels fans will be crying out. Their opening win of 2018 was a big one over arch rivals, the Manly Sea Eagles.

After eight straight losses dating back to September, the Eels are off and running in season 2018.

Although, it was not all good news, as key utility Jarryd Hayne suffered a hip flexor injury.

It was a criticised man in Mitch Moses who made the difference, notching three try assists, two forced drop-outs and 16 points with the boot.

It was a very different story for Manly’s Daly Cherry-Evans.

After being fined $10,000, his week went from bad to worse. He conceded four penalties and made three errors.

In a week where the Eels used fiery training sessions to pump themselves up, it was Moses who benefited most.

“(Moses) has been trying very hard and it worked for him today,” Eels coach Brad Arthur said.

“He showed a good level of composure and patience, as both halves did. They’ve been trying hard, it just hasn’t been working.”

It was the Eels who started as the aggressors, camping themselves in Manly’s half but only coming away with a penalty goal.

In the end, some hot-potato, razzle-dazzle footy produced the first points, as back-rower Manu Ma’u got the Eels first try.

It was then George Jennings’ turn to score, finishing off the play after a great cut-out pass from Moses.

The scoring did not stop there; Kaysa Pritchard capitalised on an offside Jake Trbojevic and glided over to score.

Corey Norman then glided through Manly’s defensive line before Moses chipped ahead for Michael Jennings.

It was all one-way traffic for the Eels, although they answered back with two tries either side of Eels tries.

Brad Parker scored first in the corner, Kenny Edwards then ran a great line for the Eels before Manly winger Akuila Uate powered over.

The last laugh would go to the Eels, however,

Mitch Moses produced a tremendous darting run before finding Clint Gutherson inside to score in his first game as captain.

Despite much talk about the incident in Gladstone, Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans played the whole thing down.

“Not at all, considering how quickly we moved on from the situation,” Cherry-Evans said.

“There was no lingering awkwardness and it certainly didn’t leave it as an excuse to play poorly today. No way.”

After five years away from the Eels, Jarryd Hayne admits that he forgot the team song.

“I was a bit confused there when I was singing [the victory song], but I’ll get the hang of it,” he laughed.

“It’s taken us a while to get that first win, but right now it’s a big relief. That’s the word for it and obviously now we’ve got to back it up next week.”

Player of the Game:

3. Mitch Moses

2. Corey Norman

  1. Tim Mannah
NRL Editorials

Rd 7 NRL News Stats Breakdown: Eels v Manly

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Manly legend Graham Eadie

Parramatta Eels v Manly Sea Eagles Stats

Here we are, another stats breakdown. This one pits fierece rivals Parramatta Eels and the Manly Sea Eagles against each other.

The Parramatta Eels and Manly Sea Eagles have played 150 games against each other; the Eels have won just 55, Manly have won 90 and there have been five draws. This is the fourth most draws for the Eels against one side in their history.

The Manly Sea Eagles need three points to score 3000 pts against the Parramatta Eels. They will be the first team to score 3000 pts against the Eels.

The first clash between the two sides was in round eight, 1947, a game Manly won 15-7.

The Eels have won six of the last seven clashes between the two sides, although Manly won the clash between the two sides earlier this season.

Biggest Wins

The Parramatta Eels biggest win over the Manly Sea Eagles was in round 14, 2004, in a 52-12 thumping.

The Manly Sea Eagles biggest win over the Parramatta Eels was in round round 2, 2018, in a 54-0 demolition.

Players sent-off/sin-binned in this clash

  1. John Gray (MAN) (sent-off) & Ray Price (PAR) (sent-off) in 1978 Minor Semi Repeat Final.
  2. Ray Price (PAR) (sin-binned) in the 1982 NSWFRL Major Semi Final.
  3. Matt Petersen (PAR) (sin-binned) in round 17, 2003.
  4. John Hopoate (MAN) (sin-binned) & Craig Stapleton (PAR) (sin-binned) in round 14, 2004.
  5. Fuifui Moimoi (PAR) (sent-off) in round 26, 2001.

Players that have scored three or more tries in one game this clash

  1. Ray Ritchie (MAN) scored four tries in round 3, 1958.
  2. David Williams (MAN scored four tries in round 18, 2012.
  3. John McDonald (MAN) scored four tries in round 4, 1970.
  4. Rees Duncan (MAN) scored three tries in round 3, 1956.
  5. Peter Burke (MAN) scored three tries in round 12, 1956.
  6. Ray Ritchie (MAN) scored three tries in round 13, 1957.
  7. Len Wadling (MAN) scored three tries in round 15, 1959.
  8. Bob Batty (MAN) scored three tries in round 16, 1961.
  9. Ron Murray (MAN) scored three tries in round 7, 1967.
  10. Ken Irvine (MAN) scored three tries in round 1, 1971.
  11. Ken Irvine (MAN) scored three tries in round 17, 1973.
  12. Kevin Junee (MAN) scored three tries in round 2, 1974.
  13. Cliff Lyons (MAN) & Dale Shearer (MAN) both scored three tries in round 3, 1988.
  14. Michael O’Connor (MAN) scored three tries in round 18, 1988.
  15. Frank Stokes (MAN) scored three tries in round 22, 1991.

Players to have played for both sides from this clash

  1. Ron Willey (MAN: 1956-1962 & PAR: 1963-1964).
  2. Len Wadling (PAR: 1957 & MAN: 1959, 1962-1963).
  3. Paul Gibson (MAN: 1966 & PAR: 1967-1968).
  4. Fred Pickup (MAN: 1964-1965 & PAR: 1966-1968).
  5. Alec Tennant (MAN: 1964-1970 & PAR: 1972).
  6. Peter Peters (PAR: 1968 & MAN: 1969, 1971-1974).
  7. Geoff Gerard (PAR: 1974-1980 & MAN: 1981-1984).
  8. Ray Higgs (PAR: 1975-1977 & MAN: 1978).
  9. Tony Melrose (PAR: 1980-1981 & MAN: 1984-1985).
  10. Mike Eden (MAN: 1981-1982 & PAR: 1985-1987).
  11. David Liddiard (PAR: 1983-1985, 1988-1989 & MAN: 1990-1992).
  12. Brett Atkins (MAN: 1983-1984 & PAR: 1988-1989).
  13. Jeremy Ticehurst (MAN: 1987-1988 & PAR: 1989).
  14. Darrell Williams (MAN: 1987-1993 & PAR: 1994).
  15. Ian Gateley (MAN:1987-1989 & PAR: 1990-1991).
  16. Andrew Frew (PAR: 1997-1998 & MAN: 1999).
  17. Steve Crouch (PAR: 1996, 2003 & MAN: 1999).
  18. Scott Donald (PAR: 2001-2002 & MAN: 2003-2005).
  19. Anthony Watmough (MAN: 2003-2014 & PAR: 2015).
  20. Aaron Cannings (MAN: 2003 & PAR: 2004-2007).
  21. Jamie Lyon (PAR: 2000-2004 & MAN: 2007-2016).
  22. Michael Witt (PAR: 2003-2004 & MAN: 2005-2006).
  23. Shayne Dunley (PAR: 2003 & MAN: 2004-2007).
  24. David Vaealiki (PAR: 1999-2004 & MAN: 2008).
  25. Daniel Heckenberg (PAR: 2002-2003 & MAN: 2004-2005).
  26. Chris Hicks (MAN: 2004-2007 & PAR: 2011)
  27. Kylie Leuluai (PAR: 2003 & MAN: 2004-2006).
  28. Jack Afamasaga (PAR: 2004-2005 & MAN: 2007-2008).
  29. Nathan Hollingsworth (PAR: 2002 & MAN: 2004)
  30. Feleti Mateo (PAR: 2004, 2007-2010 & MAN: 2015-2016).
  31. Kieran Foran (MAN: 2009-2015 & PAR: 2016).
  32. Tony Williams (PAR: 2008, 2018 & MAN: 2009-2012).
  33. Joe Galuvao (PAR: 2008-2009 & MAN: 2009-2013).
  34. Justin Horo (PAR: 2010-2012 & MAN: 2013-2015).
  35. Darcy Lussick (MAN: 2011-2012, 2016-2017 & PAR: 2013-2015).
  36. William Hopoate (MAN: 2010-2011 & PAR: 2014-2015).
  37. Daniel Harrison (MAN: 2011-2012, 2014 & PAR: 2013).
  38. Cheyse Blair (PAR: 2012-2013 & MAN: 2014-2015).
  39. Clint Gutherson (MAN: 2013-2015 & PAR: 2016-2018).
  40. Blake Green (PAR: 2007 & MAN: 2017)

Most prolific point-scorer in this clash

  1. Graham Eadie (MAN) – 8 tries & 90 goals (212 pts)*
  2. Michael Cronin (PAR) – 5 tries, 69 goals & 1 field goal (151 pts)*
  3. Ron Willey (MAN/PAR) – 2 tries & 71 goals (148 pts)*
  4. Jamie Lyon (PAR/MAN) – 9 tries & 51 goals (138 pts)
  5. Luke Burt (PAR) – 8 tries, 51 goals & 1 field goal (135 pts)
  6. Bob Batty (MAN) – 4 tries, 51 goals & 2 field goals (118 pts)*
  7. Ron Rowles (MAN) – 7 tries & 38 goals (97 pts)*
  8. Michael O’Connor (MAN) – 7 tries & 29 goals (86 pts)
  9. Matthew Ridge (MAN) – 2 tries & 33 goals (74 pts)
  10. Arch Brown (PAR) – 3 tries & 24 goals (55 pts)*
  11. Brett Kenny (PAR) – 13 tries (48 pts)*
  12. Cliff Lyons (PAR) – 12 tries (48 pts)
  13. David Williams (MAN) – 11 tries & 2 goals (48 pts)
  14. Brett Stewart (MAN) – 11 tries (44 pts)
  15. Bob Fulton (MAN) – 10 tries & 6 field goals (41 pts)*

Disclaimer: Just another reminder, the top 15 players here are those that are the most prolific point-scorers across all clashes between the two sides. 

Also note; any player with an asterisk near their points total played during an era whereby tries were three points and field goals two points (these rules were changed in 1971 and 1983 respectively).

If there are any other stats you want to see, let us know and we can add them in.

NRL Editorials

Rd 7 NRL News Stats Breakdown: Wests Tigers v Newcastle Knights

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Former Newcastle Knights captain Kurt Gidley

Neither the Wests Tigers or the Newcastle Knights have any long-term momentum against the other.

Though this win will split the two sides who both have 12 wins against each other at present.

Wests Tigers v Newcastle Knights

The Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights have played against each other 26 times; both sides have won 12 times and there have been two draws.

The Newcastle Knights need 14 points to score 600 points against the Tigers.

The Wests Tigers have won the last two games between the sides.

This is the first game between the two sides in a city/town other than Sydney or Newcastle.

The first clash between the two sides was in round 3, 2000, when the Knights trounced the Tigers 46-8. Darren Albert scored four tries on the day.

Biggest Wins

The Newcastle Knights biggest win over the Wests Tigers was in round 10, 2001, when they obliterated the Tigers 56-6.

The Wests Tigers biggest win over the Newcastle Knights was in round 20, 2003, when they destroyed the Knights 52-12.

Players to have been sin-binned/sent-off

  1. Kurt Gidley (NEW) (sin-bin) in round 13, 2014.

Players to have played for both sides

  1. Owen Craigie (NEW: 1995-1999 & WST: 2000-2001).
  2. John Morris (NEW: 2001-2002 & WST: 2007-2009).
  3. Cory Paterson (NEW: 2007-2011 & WST: 2014).
  4. Chris Heighington (WST: 2003-2012 & NEW: 2018)
  5. Jason Moodie (NEW: 1997-1999 & WST: 2004 & 2007)
  6. Shannon McDonnell (WST: 2005-2009 & NEW: 2009-2011).
  7. Keith Lulia (NEW: 2008-2011 & WST: 2014).
  8. Issac De Gois (WST: 2006 & NEW: 2009-2011).
  9. Joel Edwards (NEW: 2010-2012 & WST: 2016-2017).
  10. Kevin Naiqama (NEW: 2010, 2012-13 & WST: 2015-2018).

Most prolific point-scorers in this clash

  1. Kurt Gidley (NEW) – 2 tries & 24 goals (56 pts)
  2. Benji Marshall (WST) – 5 tries, 17 goals & 1 field goal (54 pts)
  3. Andrew Johns (NEW) – 26 goals (52 pts)
  4. Tyrone Roberts (NEW) – 3 tries & 15 goals (42 pts)
  5. Joel Caine (WST) – 2 tries & 16 goals (36 pts)
  6. Akuila Uate (NEW) – 9 tries (36 pts)
  7. Brett Hodgson (WST) – 2 tries & 13 goals (34 pts)
  8. Pat Richards (WST) – 2 tries, 10 goals & 1 field goal (29 pts)
  9. Dean Collis (WST) – 4 tries & 6 goals (28 pts)
  10. Timana Tahu (NEW) – 5 tries (20 pts)
  11. Ben Kennedy (NEW) – 5 tries (20 pts)
  12. Darren Albert (NEW) – 5 tries (20 pts)
  13. Jordan Rankin (WST) – 2 tries & 6 goals (20 pts)
  14. Luke Covell (WST) – 9 goals (18 pts)
  15. Sean Rudder (NEW) – 4 tries (16 pts)
  16. John Wilson (WST) – 4 tries (16 pts)
  17. John Morris (NEW/WST) – 4 tries (16 pts)
  18. Daniel Fitzhenry (WST) – 4 tries (16 pts)
  19. Liam Fulton (WST) – 4 tries (16 pts)
  20. James McManus (NEW) – 4 tries (16 pts
  21. Chris Lawrence (WST) – 4 tries (16 pts)

Disclaimer: The above players are those that accrued the most points in clashes between these two sides in their history. 

Also note that players with an asterisk after their points tally played prior to 1983 when tries were 3 points and/or when field goals were two points.

If there are any more details or stats you wish to see, just let us know and we can add them.

We are always thinking and working on new stats to include in our breakdown but always welcome suggestions.

NRL Editorials

Rd 7 NRL News Stats Breakdown: Cowboys v Titans

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North Queensland Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston

These tough QLD rivals relish the chance to play against each other and things are fiery. 

Who has the rub of the green historically speaking, though, and can the trend continue?

North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans

The North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans have played each other on 21 occasions; the Cowboys have won 12 games, the Titans have won eight games and there have been two draws.

The Cowboys have won five straight games against the Titans. The last time the Titans defeated the Cowboys was in round 4, 2014.

The Titans have won just three times in ten games played in Townsville (30%).

The first game between the two sides was in round 8, 2007, a game that the Cowboys won 24-10.

Biggest Wins

The North Queensland Cowboys biggest win against the Gold Coast Titans was in round 26, 2015, when they trounced them 42-12.

The Gold Coast Titans biggest win against the North Queensland Cowboys was in round 23, 2010, with an easy 37-18 win.

Players to have played for both sides

  1. Matt Petersen (NQL: 2002 & GLD: 2007-2008).
  2. Scott Prince (NQL: 1998-2000 & GLD: 2007-2012).
  3. Clint Amos (NQL: 2006, 2009-11 & GLD: 2007-2008).
  4. Brenton Bowen (NQL: 2003-2007 & GLD: 2008).
  5. Gavin Cooper (NQL: 2006, 2011-2018 & GLD: 2007-2008).
  6. Kalifa Fai Fai Loa (NQL: 2011-2013 & GLD: 2014-2015)

Players who have scored three or more tries in one game in this clash

  1. Jordan Atkins scored four tries in round 1, 2008.
  2. Willie Tonga scored three tries in round 4, 2010.

Head-to-head coaching records in this clash

Paul Green (NQL) v Gold Coast Titans (5 wins & 1 loss at 83.3%).
John Cartwright (GLD) v North Queensland Cowboys (8 wins & 7 losses at 53.3%).
Neil Henry (NQL) v Gold Coast Titans (5 wins & 5 losses at 50%).
Graham Murray (NQL) v Gold Coast Titans (1 win & 1 loss at 50%).
Ian Millward (NQL) v Gold Coast Titans (0 wins & 1 loss at 0%).
Neil Henry (GLD) v North Queensland Cowboys (0 wins & 4 losses at 0%).

Most prolific point-scorers in this clash

  1. Johnathan Thurston (NQL) – 8 tries & 49 goals (130 pts)
  2. Scott Prince (GLD) – 1 try, 31 goals & 1 field goal (67 pts)
  3. Gavin Cooper (NQL) – 7 tries (28 pts)
  4. Willie Tonga (NQL) – 6 tries (24 pts)
  5. Matthew Bowen (NQL) – 4 tries & 4 goals (24 pts)
  6. Kyle Feldt (NQL) – 3 tries & 5 goals (22 pts)
  7. Mat Rogers (GLD) – 3 tries & 4 goals (20 pts)
  8. Steve Michaels (GLD) – 5 tries (20 pts)
  9. John Williams (NQL) – 2 tries & 5 goals (18 pts)
  10. Jordan Atkins (GLD) – 4 tries (16 pts)
  11. William Zillman (GLD) – 4 tries (16 pts)
  12. Mark Minichiello (GLD) – 4 tries (16 pts)
  13. Aidan Sezer (GLD) – 7 goals & 2 field goals (16 pts)
  14. Anthony Laffranchi (GLD) – 3 tries (12 pts)
  15. Nathan Friend (GLD) – 3 tries (12 pts)
  16. Ty Williams (NQL) – 3 tries (12 pts)
  17. Esikeli Tonga (GLD) – 3 tries (12 pts)
  18. Ashley Graham (NQL) – 3 tries (12 pts)

Disclaimer: The above seventeen players are those that accrued the most points in clashes between these two sides in their history. 

Also note that players with an asterisk after their points tally played prior to 1983 when tries were 3 points and/or when field goals were two points.

If there are any more details or stats you wish to see, just let us know and we can add them.

We are always thinking and working on new stats to include in our breakdown but always welcome suggestions.

NRL Editorials

R7 NRL News Stats Breakdown: Rabbitohs v Raiders

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Canberra Raiders captain Jarrod Croker

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders

The South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Canberra Raiders have played against each other on 55 occasions; the Rabbitohs have won 22 games, the Raiders have won 31 games and there have been two draws.

The first game between the two sides was an easy win for the Rabbitohs, taking it out 37-7 in round 1 of the 1982 NSWRFL season on Saturday, February 27.

The Raiders are seeking four straight wins against the Rabbitohs.

Biggest Wins

The Canberra Raiders biggest win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs came in round 21 of the 2016 NSWRFL season with a comfortable 54-4 victory.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs biggest win over the Canberra Raiders came in round 23 of the 2011 NRL season with an easy 47-18 victory.

Players sin-binned or sent/off

  1. Terry Regan (CAN) (sent off) in round 4, 1985.
  2. Mario Fenech (SOU) (sin-bin) & Neil Baker (SOU) (sent off) in round 17, 1985.
  3. Sean Garlick & Darrell Trindall (both SOU) (sin-bin) & Simon Woolford (CAN) (sin-bin).
  4. Alan Tongue (CAN) (sin-bin) in round 8, 2003.

Players to play for both sides

  1. Bill Walker (SOU: 1983 & CAN: 1984-1985)
  2. David Grant (SOU: 1976 & CAN: 1982-1985)
  3. Terry Fahey (SOU: 1976-1980 & CAN: 1983-1987).
  4. Mark Blake (CAN: 1985-1986 & SOU: 1987-1988).
  5. Phil Blake (SOU: 1987-1990 & CAN: 1992).
  6. Rod Maybon (SOU: 1988-1993 & CAN: 1999).
  7. Tyran Smith (SOU: 1993-1996 & CAN: 2002-2005).
  8. Andrew Dunemann (SOU: 1999 & CAN: 2007).
  9. Brandon Costin (SOU: 1993: & CAN: 1998-2000).
  10. Jason Death (CAN: 1991-1995 & SOU: 2002-2004).
  11. Scott Logan (SOU: 2004-2005 & CAN: 2007-2010).
  12. Dave Taylor (SOU: 2010-2012 & CAN: 2017).
  13. Joe Picker (CAN: 2007-2013 & SOU: 2014).
  14. Mark Nicholls (CAN: 2012-13, 2015 & SOU: 2018).
  15. Michael Oldfield (SOU: 2016 & CAN: 2017-2018).

Most prolific point-scorers in this clash

  1. Jarrod Croker (CAN) – 6 tries & 29 goals (82 pts)
  2. Gary Belcher (CAN) – 9 tries & 18 goals (72 pts)
  3. Mal Meninga (CAN) – 3 tries & 25 goals (62 pts)
  4. Clinton Schifcofske (CAN) – 3 tries, 22 goals & 1 field goal (57 pts)
  5. Adam Reynolds (SOU) – 3 tries & 20 goals (52 pts)
  6. Ron Giteau (CAN) – 19 goals & 1 field goal (39 pts)
  7. David Furner (CAN) – 3 tries & 12 goals (36 pts)
  8. Mark Ellison (SOU) – 2 tries, 12 goals & 3 field goals (35 pts)
  9. Issac Luke (SOU) – 3 tries & 11 goals (34 pts)
  10. Joe Williams (SOU) – 1 try & 14 goals (32 pts)
  11. Neil Baker (SOU) – 13 goals & 5 field goals (31 pts)
  12. Chris Sandow (SOU) – 1 try, 11 goals & 2 field goals (28 pts)
  13. Chris O’Sullivan (CAN) – 6 tries, 1 goal & 2 field goals (27 pts)*
  14. Jason Croker (CAN) – 6 tries & 1 goal (26 pts)
  15. Steve Walters (CAN) – 6 tries (24 pts)
  16. Nathan Merritt (SOU) – 6 tries (24 pts)
  17. Terry Campese (CAN) – 1 try & 10 goals (24 pts)

Disclaimer: The above seventeen players are those that accrued the most points in clashes between these two sides in their history. 

Also note that players with an asterisk after their points tally played prior to 1983 when tries were 3 points and/or when field goals were two points.

If there are any more details or stats you wish to see, just let us know and we can add them.

We are always thinking and working on new stats to include in our breakdown but always welcome suggestions.

NRL Club News

Storm record back-to-back wins after dismantling Broncos

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Melbourne Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster

The Melbourne Storm have found their mojo, going back-to-back for the first time this season. 

Putting themselves back on the map, it was a masterclass by Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster.

Doing his Origin credentials no harm, he was involved in everything in the Storm attack.

As the saying in Top Gun goes, ‘I feel the need…the need, for speed!’

It was all about the blistering speed of Josh Addo-Carr who was also involved in everything.

As the game went back and forth, the Brisbane Broncos looked to be in the hunt.

Although a late flurry from the Storm put any hopes of a win to bed.

The loss was exacerbated by an elbow ligament injury to hooker Andrew McCullough.

The Broncos refused to throw in the towel and found their inner resolve.

Tevita Pangai Jr. summoned his inner halfback to set up tries for both Alex Glenn and Jamayne Isaako.

Anthony Milford quickly turned from hero to villain for the Broncos fans.

First, he scored a brilliant solo effort, chipping, regathering and scoring under the posts.

Before he had a brain explosion, failed to clear a Will Chambers grubber and allowing winger Suliasi Vunivalu to score.

The Storm do have an injury concern of their own, though, with Kiwi international Jesse Bromwich injuring ligaments in his knee.

In the end, defensive lapses cost the Broncos. The Storm, though, look to have found their attacking spark once more.

It could be an ominous sign for the remainder of the season.

An interesting ruling was made concerning a Storm try and whether it was kicked, not kicked or a drop kick.

The rule baffled Broncos coach Wayne Bennett but he admits he does not know enough about it.

“That is a tough one. I’m not sure. I don’t know the rule well enough,” Bennett said.

“But that is a game changer if that is to be the standard going forward. It was never intended to be a drop-kick and the ball hit the ground.

“So what are we saying now – if we knock the ball on and it hits the ground and we still kick at it, it’s a drop-kick?”

“He definitely lost the ball. He went to kick it. He missed it. It hit the ground.”

There was nothing but praise for Munster, as Storm captain Cameron Smith praised his form.

”With the limited preparation that he had, being in that World Cup squad, he didn’t have a full preseason,” Smith said.

”He’s certainly found a fair bit of form in the last couple of weeks, and was very good in the opening round when he played fullback.

”The inclusion of Ryley Jacks has helped Cameron settle in to that [five-eighth] position.

He plays with a really level head and not many things fluster him. It’s allowed him to go out and play his natural game.”

Player of the Game:

3. Cameron Munster

2. Josh Addo-Carr

  1. Tevita Pangai Jr.

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