NRL Editorials

NRL News Rd 12 Stats Breakdown: Cowboys v Storm

Leave a comment
Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith

These clashes have not been kind to the North Queensland Cowboys as the Melbourne Storm dominate the games between the sides in our stats breakdown.

Can the Cowboys buck the trend or is it more of the same; the Storm dominance over them?

North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm Stats Breakdown

The North Queensland Cowboys and Melbourne Storm have played each other on 38 occasions; the Cowboys have won 10, the Storm have won 27 and there has been 1 draw.

The Cowboys won just two of the opening eleven games against the Storm but did win three in a row immediately afterwards.

The first game played between the two sides was a low-scoring affair, a 10-8 win to Melbourne in round 15, 1998.

The Cowboys have won just one of the last nine games against the Storm.

The Cowboys have won just six games from a total of twenty against the Storm at 1300 Smiles Stadium.

Biggest Wins

The North Queensland Cowboys biggest win over the Melbourne Storm was an easy 40-8 win in round 3, 2006.

The Melbourne Storm’s biggest wins over the North Queensland Cowboys were two 58-12 thumpings in round 14, 2007 & round 15, 2010.

Players sin-binned/sent-off in this clash

  1. Glenn Morrison (NQL) (sin-binned) in round 3, 2002.

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

  1. Matt Sing (NQL) scored three tries in round 7, 2003.
  2. Greg Inglis (MEL) scored three tries in round 15, 2008.
  3. Justin O’Neill (MEL) scored three tries in round 15, 2010.

Players to have played for both sides in this clash

  1. John Lomax (NQL: 1997-1999 & MEL: 2000)
  2. Jamie McDonald (NQL: 2000-2004 & MEL: 2005)
  3. Mitchell Sargent (MEL: 2002-2003 & NQL: 2004-2006)
  4. Jaiman Lowe (NQL: 2002-2005 & MEL: 2011-2012)
  5. Dallas Johnson (MEL: 2003-2009 & NQL: 2011-2013)
  6. Robert Tanielu (MEL: 2003-2004 & NQL: 2005)
  7. Antonio Kaufusi (MEL: 2003-2008 & NQL: 2009-2010)
  8. Matthew Bartlett (MEL: 2006-2007 & NQL: 2007-2008)
  9. Dayne Weston (NQL: 2008-2009 & MEL: 2014-2015)
  10. Rory Kostjaysn (MEL: 2010-2012 & NQL: 2013-2016)

Head coaching records

Mark Murray (MEL) – 3/3 at 100%.
Chris Anderson (MEL) 4/5 at 80%.
Craig Bellamy (MEL) – 20/29 at 69%.
Graham Murray (NQL) – 4/10 at 40%.
Neil Henry (NQL) – 2/8 at 25%.
Tim Sheens (NQL) – 1/5 at 20%.
Paul Green (NQL) – 2/11 at 18.1%.
Ian Millward (NQL) – 0/1 at 0%.
Murray Hurst (NQL) – 0/2 at 0%.

Most prolific point-scorers in this clash

  1. Cameron Smith (MEL) – 1 try, 84 goals & 1 field goal (173 pts)
  2. Johnathan Thurston (NQL) – 3 tries, 53 goals & 1 field goal (119 pts)
  3. Matt Orford (MEL) – 3 tries & 22 goals (56 pts)
  4. Greg Inglis (MEL) – 10 tries & 3 goals (46 pts)
  5. Matt Geyer (MEL) – 9 tries & 3 goals (42 pts)
  6. Matthew Bowen (NQL) – 9 tries & 3 goals (42 pts)
  7. Steve Bell (MEL) – 9 tries (36 pts)
  8. Josh Hannay (NQL) – 3 tries & 12 goals (36 pts)Julian O’Neill
  9. (NQL) – 4 tries & 8 goals (32 pts)
  10. Aaron Moule (MEL) – 6 tries (24 pts)
  11. Matt Sing (NQL) – 6 tries (24 pts)T
  12. Ty Williams (NQL) – 6 tries (24 pts)
  13. Matthew Duffie (MEL) – 6 tries (24 pts)
  14. Tasesa Lavea (MEL) – 11 goals (22 pts)
  15. Steve Turner (MEL) – 5 tries (20 pts)

Disclaimer: The above players are simply the most prolific point-scorers across all games between the two sides. 

If there are any issues or amendments needed or if you just want to see more stats, give us a buzz and we will alter the article.

NRL Editorials

Rd 12 NRL News Stats Breakdown: Raiders v Manly

Leave a comment
Former Manly Sea Eagles centre Jamie Lyon

The first of the two Friday stats breakdowns; the Canberra Raiders v the Manly Sea Eagles. 

An interesting clash as Manly look to build momentum and Canberra look to retain it.

Both will want wins and both need wins and with the quality each side possesses, a win is tough to predict.

Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles Stats Breakdown

The Canberra Raiders and Manly Sea Eagles have played each other on 55 occasions; the Raiders have won 20, Manly has won 33 & there have been two draws.

Canberra lost twelve of their opening fourteen games against Manly (1 win, 1 draw & 12 losses).

Canberra failed to defeat Manly in their opening five games; their first win was in the sixth clash between the two sides.

Canberra have lost the last three games against Manly.

Manly have a decent record at GIO Stadium, winning nine of the sixteen games they played there.

The first clash between the two sides was a 23-13 win to Manly in round 6, 1982.

Biggest Wins

The Manly Sea Eagles biggest win over the Canberra Raiders was a 61-20 drubbing in round 20, 1982.

The Canberra Raiders biggest win over the Manly Sea Eagles was a comfortable 51-16 win in round 22, 2003.

Players sin-binned/sent-off in this clash

  1. Rick Chisholm (MAN) & Chris O’Sullivan (CAN) (both sin-binned) in round 20, 1982.
  2. Des Hasler (MAN) & Chris O’Sullivan (CAN) (both sin-binned) in round 1, 1986.
  3. Ron Gibbs (MAN) (sin-binned) in round 14, 1986.
  4. Dean Lance (CAN) (sent-off) in round 23, 1987.
  5. Simon Woolford (CAN) (sent-off) in round 22, 2003.
  6. Clinton Schifcofske (CAN) (sin-binned) in round 6, 2005
  7. Ben Cross (CAN) (sin-binned) in round 26, 2005.
  8. Adam Cuthbertson (MAN) (sent-off) in round 12, 2008.

Players to have scored three or more tries in this clash

  1. Gary Coyne (CAN) scored four tries in the 1991 NSWRL minor semi-final.
  2. Joel Monaghan (CAN) scored four tries in round 22, 2003.
  3. Peta Hiku (MAN) scored four tries in round 8, 2014.
  4. Cliff Lyons (MAN) scored three tries in round 13, 1988.
  5. John Hopoate (MAN) scored three tries in round 10, 1995.
  6. Joel Monaghan (CAN) scored three tries in round 12, 2004.
  7. Michael Robertson (MAN) scored three tries in round 8, 2007.
  8. Tom Trbojevic (MAN) & Jordan Rapana (CAN) both scored three tries in round 25, 2016.

Players to have played for both sides in this clash

  1. Michael Blake (MAN: 1979, 1981-1984 & CAN: 1985-1986).
  2. Phil Carey (MAN: 1982-1984 & CAN: 1985-1991)
  3. Glenn Ryan (MAN: 1983-1985, 1987-1990 & CAN: 1991)
  4. Brett Atkins (MAN: 1983-1984 & CAN: 1985-1986, 1991)
  5. Ben Kennedy (CAN: 1996-1999 & MAN: 2005-2006)
  6. Luke Phillips (CAN: 1996 & MAN: 1998)
  7. Adam Peters (CAN: 1996, 2000-2001 & MAN: 1998-1999)
  8. Anthony Collella (MAN: 1995, 1997-1999 & CAN: 2000-2001)
  9. Luke Williamson (CAN: 1999-2001 & MAN: 2003-2008)
  10. Michael Monaghan (CAN: 2001-2003 & 2004-2007)
  11. Matt Orford (MAN: 2006-2009 & CAN: 2011)
  12. Michael Robertson (CAN: 2001-2005 & MAN: 2006-2011)
  13. Joel Thompson (CAN: 2008-2013 & MAN: 2018)
  14. Dunamis Lui (MAN: 2014-2015 & CAN: 2017-2018)

Head coaching records

Mal Meninga (CAN) – 5/5 at 100%.
Ray Ritchie (MAN) 2/2 at 100%.
Geoff Toovey (MAN) – 5/6 at 83.3%.
Des Hasler (MAN) – 8/11 at 72.7%.
Trent Barrett (MAN) – 3/5 at 60%.
Bob Fulton (MAN) – 12/21 at 57.1% (1 draw)
Tim Sheens (CAN) – 7/13 at 53.8%.
Graham Lowe (MAN) – 3/6 at 50%.
Matthew Elliott (CAN) – 3/6 at 50%.
Ricky Stuart (CAN) – 3/8 at 37.5%.
David Furner (CAN) – 1/4 at 25%.
Don Furner (CAN) – 1/13 at 7.8% (1 draw)
Alan Thompson (MAN) – 0/1 at 0%.
Andrew Dunemann (CAN) – 0/1 at 0%.
Peter Sharp (MAN) – 0/2 at 0%.
Wayne Bennett (CAN) – 0/3 at 0%
Neil Henry (CAN) – 0/3 at 0%.

Most prolific point-scorers in this clash

  1. Jamie Lyon (MAN) – 9 tries & 30 goals (98 pts)
  2. Matthew Ridge (MAN) – 3 tries, 39 goals & 1 field goal (91 pts)
  3. Jarrod Croker (CAN) – 3 tries & 39 goals (90 pts)
  4. Mal Cochrane (MAN) – 1 try & 23 goals (50 pts)
  5. Mal Meninga (CAN) – 5 tries & 13 goals (46 pts)
  6. David Furner (CAN) – 1 try & 21 goals (46 pts)
  7. Brett Stewart (MAN) – 11 tries (44 pts)
  8. Clinton Schifcofske (CAN) – 1 try & 20 goals (44 pts)
  9. Steve Menzies (MAN) – 9 tries (36 pts)
  10. Ron Giteau (CAN) – 17 goals (34 pts)
  11. Gary Belcher (CAN) – 4 tries & 9 goals (34 pts)
  12. Cliff Lyons (MAN) – 8 tries & 2 field goals (34 pts)
  13. Mike Eden (MAN) – 15 goals (30 pts)
  14. Joel Monaghan (CAN) – 7 tries (28 pts)
  15. Michael Robertson (CAN) – 7 tries (28 pts)
  16. Luke Williamson (CAN) – 1 try & 12 goals (28 pts)

Disclaimer: As always, a quick reminder that the above 16 players are simply the most prolific point-scorers between the two sides in their history. 

If there are any issues, errors or just any further stats you want to see, let us know and we can change it or add them in.

NRL Club News

Wests Tigers forward Matt Eisenhuth signs new deal with the club

Leave a comment
Wests Tigers forward Matt Eisenhuth

A surprise packet for the Wests Tigers both at the back end of 2017 and this season, Matt Eisenhuth has re-signed with the club.

The new deal will see the young forward remain at the Tigers for at least a further two seasons until the end of 2020.

With 22 NRL games to his name, Eisenhuth is just pleased to have signed the new deal.

“I’m really happy to be able to put pen to paper on this deal,” said Eisenhuth.

“I wasn’t looking to go anywhere else, Wests Tigers and Ivan Cleary have been really good to me and I wanted to stick around and repay the faith.

“The direction that this club is going in is really exciting, you can see from the start of the year the culture that we’ve created and the way we’re playing our footy is exciting and I’m loving being a part of that.”

Keen to watch his development as he plays more often, Tigers coach Ivan Cleary is pleased to retained the promising forward.

“Since making his debut last year, Matt has become a key member of our team,” said Cleary.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with him as he develops both on and off the field.”

NRL Club News

Bennett records 800th game as a coach despite Roberts’ injury scare

Leave a comment
Brisbane Broncos prop Matt Lodge

In his 800th game as an NRL coach, Wayne Bennett has come away with victory after his side defeated the Parramatta Eels 18-10.

It should have been all about the jubilation but instead, has been marred by a potential Achilles injury to centre James Roberts.

Scoring a try earlier in the game, it was a run down the right touchline that saw Roberts sustain the injury and thus leave the field.

Despite that concern, Roberts has said that it is all just precautionary as he undergoes scans.

“It is just precautionary tonight. It got a bit swollen when I took off and I told the trainers I was struggling,” he said.

“I have got scans tomorrow morning and it should be all good.

“I had been struggling with it all pre-season. Hopefully it gets better by next week.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Bennett.

“It flares up every day,” he said.

“I am sure that he’ll play Origin if he gets picked. Any pain that he has got today will go away very quickly.”

The win is the fourth in five games for the Broncos and for the time being, they are in the top eight.

It was Jamayne Isaako who got the ball rolling; outjumping Eels winger Bevan French to score a try.

The Broncos then made the most of an extra man with Michael Jennings in the sin-bin.

A left-to-right sweep play eventually found Corey Oates who had an open passage to score.

Upon Jennings’ return, he had a chance to score but saw the ball knocked out by Broncos forward Joe Ofahengaue.

Leading 12-2 at the break, it was then the Eels who scored; George Jennings racing away for a 90m intercept.

The two sides then slotted penalty goals and try as they might, the Eels just could not crack the Broncos line once more.

Despite the loss, Eels coach Brad Arthur was pleased with how his players reacted to the positional changes.

“They were busy and they were in the game. I thought they were both good,” Arthur said.

“Normie put a pass on for Tep [Tepai Moeroa] there early when Tep got held up over the line, and we dropped two over the line.

“With 15 minutes to go [Norman], probably should have come off. He was carrying a foot injury but he wanted to stay out there.”

Eels captain Clint Gutherson also praised the move.

“I got my hands on the ball a bit more which I liked,” he said.

“I had to make a few more tackles and my body will be sore tomorrow but I liked it. It was physical and I found I could get in the game a bit more and stamp my authority.

“Norman is a footy player and will play well wherever he is but I thought he was excellent at the back. He got the ball on the full and he brought it back. He’s got a silky touch and it almost paid off at the end.”

Bennett praised his side’s defence throughout the contest.

“It was probably the best we’d defended tonight actually,” Bennett said.

“Someone just kept turning up. Twice they (Parramatta) were over the tryline and somebody forced the ball loose.”

Player of the Game:

3. Matt Lodge

2. Tevita Pangai Jr.

  1. Manu Ma’u
NRL Editorials

NRL News Rd 12 Stats Breakdown and Preview: Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels

Leave a comment
Former Parramatta Eels utility back Luke Burt

They are back and with a vengeance; the stats breakdown and preview as we look over the Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels clash.

Why the Broncos will win

Sitting just outside the eight, the Broncos need a win to stay in touch with it. With the emergence of some of the best young forwards, the Broncos strengths lie in the willpower and determination of their forward pack. They dig deep, work hard and take every opportunity they can get to shine.

Why the Eels will win

They sort of have to at this point to keep any slim, slim chance of finals alive, don’t they? A confirmed reshuffle of the side will provide different attacking dimensions.
The way for the Eels to win is simple; hold onto the ball and cut out silly, persistent errors and to find their inner mojo.
The players will need to stand together as one and come out all guns blazing to give Eels fans something to cheer about.

The result

Desperation is everything and when you need a win to boost spirits or get your season back on track, you take it; or at least try to take it.
That reason and that reason alone, is why we are backing the Eels. Not convincingly but enough to get the win.
One win can be all it takes for fortunes to change.

Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels Stats Breakdown

The Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels have played each other 55 times; the Broncos have won 32, the Eels have won 22 and there have been two draws.

The Eels have won the last two games against the Broncos. Prior to that, they had lost the last three.

The Broncos won thirteen of the opening sixteen games between the two sides (13 wins, 2 losses & 1 draw).

The first clash between the two sides was a 24-18 win for the Broncos in round five of the 1988 NSWRL season.

Wayne Bennett will take charge of his 800th game as an NRL coach in this game, 618 of which have been with Brisbane.

Biggest Wins

The Brisbane Broncos biggest win over the Parramatta Eels was a 60-14 thumping in round 13, 1995.

The Parramatta Eels biggest win over the Brisbane Broncos was an easy 68-22 win in round 25, 2007.

Players sin-binned/sent-off in this clash

  1. David Solomona (PAR) & Andrew Gee (BRI) (both sin-binned) in round 20, 2002.

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

  1. Denan Kemp (BRI) scored four tries in round 12, 2008.
  2. Semi Radradra (PAR) scored four tries in round 25, 2017.
  3. Michael Hancock (BRI) scored three tries in round 19, 1991.
  4. Krisnan Inu (PAR) scored three tries in round 25, 2007.
  5. Karmicahel Hunt (BRI) scored three tries in round 7, 2009.
  6. Bureta Faraimo (PAR) scored three tries in round 8, 2015.
  7. Corey Oates (BRI) scored three tries in round 23, 2016.

Players to have played for both sides

  1. Brett Plowman (BRI: 1988-1993 & PAR: 1994-1995)
  2. Stuart Kelly (PAR: 1996-2000 & BRI: 2001-2005)
  3. PJ Marsh (PAR: 2000-2001, 2005-2007 & BRI: 2008-2009)
  4. Chris Walker (BRI: 1999-2002 & PAR: 2011)
  5. Carl Webb (BRI: 2000-2004 & PAR: 2011)
  6. Paul Green (PAR: 2003 & BRI: 2004)
  7. Casey McGuire (PAR: 1998, 2011-2012 & BRI: 2001-2006)
  8. Reece Robinson (BRI: 2008 & PAR: 2015)
  9. Todd Lowrie (PAR: 2007-2009 & BRI: 2014)
  10. Corey Norman (BRI: 2010-2013 & PAR: 2014-2018)
  11. Josh Hoffman (BRI: 2008-2014 & PAR: 2017-2018)

Head coaching records

Ricky Stuart (PAR) – 1/1 at 100%.
Michael Hagan (PAR) – 2/3 at 66.7%.
Brian Smith (PAR) – 10/16 at 62.5%.
Wayne Bennett (BRI) – 26/43 at 60.5% (1 draw)
Brad Arthur (PAR) – 4/7 at 57.1%.
Anthony Griffin (BRI) – 3/6 at 50%.
Daniel Anderson (PAR) – 2/4 at 50%.
Ivan Henjak (BRI) – 2/4 at 50%.
Stephen Kearney (PAR) – 1/2 at 50%.
John Monie (PAR) – 1/4 at 25%.
Michael Cronin (PAR) – 1/7 at 14.3%.
Jason Taylor (PAR) – 0/1 at 0%.
Ron Hilditch (PAR) – 0/4 at 0%. (1 draw)

Most prolific point-scorers in this clash

  1. Luke Burt (PAR) – 11 tries, 45 goals & 1 field goal (135 pts)
  2. Michael De Vere (PAR) – 3 tries & 33 goals (84 pts)
  3. Corey Parker (BRI) – 1 try & 30 goals (64 pts)
  4. Darren Lockyer (BRI) – 6 tries, 17 goals & 1 field goal (59 pts)
  5. Terry Matterson (BRI) – 3 tries & 22 goals (56 pts)
  6. Krisnan Inu (PAR) – 8 tries & 11 goals (54 pts)
  7. Michael Hancock (BRI) – 12 tries (48 pts)
  8. Julian O’Neill (BRI) – 4 tries, 15 goals & 1 field goal (47 pts)
  9. Allan Langer (BRI) – 10 tries & 1 goal (42 pts)
  10. Anthony Milford (BRI) – 4 tries, 7 goals & 1 field goal (31 pts)
  11. Jason Moodie (PAR) – 7 tries & 1 goal (30 pts)
  12. Steve Renouf (BRI) – 7 tries (28 pts)
  13. Shaun Berrigan (BRI) – 7 tries (28 pts)
  14. Justin Hodges (BRI) – 7 tries (28 pts)
  15. Mitchell Moses (PAR) – 13 goals (26 pts)

 

NRL Club News

Naiqama to depart Tigers at season’s end

Leave a comment
Wests Tigers utility back Kevin Naiqama

With the emergence of Esan Marsters and return of Mahe Fonua, Wests Tigers utility back Kevin Naiqama will leave to link up with St Helens.

The Super Leauge side will sign the versatile Naiqama on a 3-year deal that starts for the 2019 season.

Naiqama has played in 102 NRL games to date, 79 of which have come with the Tigers.

Also a Fijian international, Naiqama was praised by club CEO Justin Pascoe for his time at the club.

“Kevin has been a key part of our team since the day he joined Wests Tigers and I thank him for everything he has done both on and off the field,” said Pascoe.

“This new multi-year deal is a great opportunity for Kevin to extend his playing career, and we wish him the best of luck in the English Super League.”

Just as pleased is St Helens coach Justin Holbrook who praised several of Naiqama’s attributes.

“Kevin is a great coup for the club and we’re really looking forward to having him on board next season,” said Holbrook.

“He has a wealth of experience in the NRL and, as current captain of Fiji, will bring leadership to our side.

“He’s lightning quick too, with great hands, and can finish from all over the park.”

A family-oriented club, a successful club and one that can win trophies convince Naiqama to join.

“I am really looking forward to getting over to St Helens for the next three years,” said the utility back.

“I love the fact the club is family orientated and the fact they are successful. They are one of the top teams who are always competing and that is appealing to me.

“The thought of winning a Super League Grand Final or Challenge Cup would be unreal and I feel I can do that with the Saints and the squad they have.”

Naiqama believes that his best footy is yet to come and he wants to achieve that at St Helens.

“I have a lot to offer; I am a versatile player who can play on the left or right and I still feel I am learning too,” the Fijian international continued.

“I don’t feel I have reached the pinnacle of my football yet and St Helens can help me do that. I feel they can bring more football out of me defensively and with the ball in hand.”

NRL Club News

NRL Teams Rd 12

Leave a comment

Rd 12 already, can you believe it? It’s NRL Teams time again and Teamlist Tuesday. 

Some teams continue to fly high as others languish at the bottom, almost destined to miss out on finals.

Can we see more upsets in round 12 or will it be much of the same?

Here are the teams for round 12 of the NRL Telstra Premiership:

Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels (#NRLbripar); Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane; Thursday, May 24. Kick-off: 7:50 pm. 

Broncos: 1. Darius Boyd  (C) 2. Corey Oates James Roberts 4. Jordan Kahu 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Anthony Milford 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Sam Thaiday 11. Tevita Pangai Jr. 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Joe Ofahengaue.

Interchange: 14. Sam Tagataese 15. George Fai 16. Kotoni Staggs 17. Patrick Mago.

Reserves: 18. Tom Opacic 19. Troy Dargan 20. Josh McGuire 21. David Fifita.

Coach: Wayne Bennett.

Eels: 1. Corey Norman 2. Bevan French 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5. George Jennings 6. Clinton Gutherson (C) 7. Mitch Moses 8. Daniel Alvaro 9. Cameron King 10. Siosaia Vave 11. Manu Ma’u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Peni Terepo.

Interchange: 14. Will Smith 15. Suaia Matagi 16. David Gower 17. Marata Niukore.

Reserves: 18. Raymond Stone 19. Jaeman Salmon 20. Kane Evans 21. Josh Hoffman.

Coach: Brad Arthur.

Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles (#NRLcanman); GIO Stadium, Canberra; Friday, May 22. Kick-off: 6 pm. 

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

Interchange: 14. Ata Hingano 15. Luke Bateman 16. Charlie Gubb 17. Liam Knight.

Reserves: 18. Emre Guler 19. Michael Oldfield 20. Sam Williams 21. Craig Garvey.

Coach: Ricky Stuart.

Manly: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Moses Suli 4. Brian Kelly 5. Akuila Uate 6. Trent Hodkinson 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (C) 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Lewis Brown 10. Martin Taupau 11. Joel Thompson 12. Shaun Lane 13. Jake Trbojevic.

Interchange: 14. Matthew Wright 15. Frank Winterstein 16. Lloyd Perrett 17. Toafofoa Sipley.

Reserves: 18. Thomas Wright 19. Bradley Parker 20. Jack Gosiewski 21. Tevita Funa.

Coach: Trent Barrett.

North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm (#NRLnqlmel); 1300 Smiles Stadium, Townsville; Friday, May 25. Kick-off: 7:55 pm.

Cowboys: 1. Michael Morgan 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O’Neill 4. Ben Hampton 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Te Maire Martin 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. Enari Tuala 15. Shaun Fensom 16. Corey Jensen 17. Francis Molo.

Reserves: 18. Ethan Lowe 19. Lachlan Coote 20. Sam Hoare 21. Javid Bowen.

Coach: Paul Green.

Storm: 1. Billy Slater (C) 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Joe Stimson 13. Dale Finucane.

Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tim Glasby 16. Kenny Bromwich 17. Sam Kasiano.

Reserves: 18. Jahrome Hughes 19. Christian Welch 20. Patrick Kaufusi 21. Justin Olam.

Coach: Craig Bellamy.

Sydney Roosters v Gold Coast Titans (#NRLsydgld); Central Coast Stadium, Gosford; Saturday, May 26. Kick-off: 3 pm.

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

Interchange: 14. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Kurt Baptiste 17. Victor Radley.

Reserves: 18. Nat Butcher 19. Sitili Tupouniua 20. Eloni Vunakece 21. Mitchell Cornish.

Coach: Trent Robinson.

Titans: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Anthony Don 3. Dale Copley 4. Brenko Lee 5. Philip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James (C) 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Keegan Hipgrave 13. Jai Arrow.

Interchange: 14. Mitch Rein 15. Max King 16. Jack Stockwell 17. Bryce Cartwright.

Reserves: 18. Moeaki Fotuaika 19. Konrad Hurrell 20. Kane Elgey 21. Morgan Boyle.

Coach: Garth Brennan.

New Zealand Warriors v South Sydney Rabbitohs (#NRLwarsou); Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland; Saturday May 26. Kick-off: 5:30 pm.

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Peta Hiku 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Blake Green 7. Mason Lino 16. James Gavet 9. Issac Luke 10. Agnatius Paasi 11. Simon Mannering 12. Tohu Harris 13. Adam Blair.

Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Chris Satae 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Isaiah Papali’i.

Reserves: 18. Gerard Beale 20. Karl Lawton 21. Albert Vete 22. Anthony Gelling.

Coach: Stephen Kearney

Rabbitohs: 1. Greg Inglis (C) 2. Campbell Graham 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Dane Gagai 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. George Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Angus Crichton 13. Sam Burgess.

Interchange: 14. Cameron Murray 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Jason Clark 17. Tevita Tatola.

Reserves: 18. Robbie Farah 19. Robert Jennings 20. Braidon Burns 21. Kyle Turner.

Coach: Anthony Seibold.

Penrith Panthers v St George Illawarra Dragons (#NRLpensgi); Penrith Stadium; Saturday, May 26. Kick-off: 7:30 pm. 

Panthers: 1. Dallin Watene-Zelenziak 2. Christian Crichton 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Dean Whare 5. Tyrone Phillips 6. James Maloney (C) 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Trent Merrin 9. Sione Katoa 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Corey Harawira-Naera 12. Isaah Yeo 13. James Fisher-Harris.

Interchange: 14. Wayde Egan 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Viliame Kikau 17. James Tamou.

Reserves: 18. Jarome Luai 19. Kaide Ellis 20. Tyrone May 21. Thomas Eisenhuth.

Coach: Anthony Griffin

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. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jack de Belin.

Interchange: 14. Jeremy Latimore 15. Kurt Mann 16. Leeson Ah Mau 17. Blake Lawrie.

Reserves: 18. Reece Robosn 19. Zac Lomax 20. Luciano Leilua 21. Hame Sele.

Coach: Paul McGregor.

Newcastle Knights v Cronulla Sharks (#NRLnewcro); McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle; Sunday, May 27. Kick-off: 2 pm. 

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. Mitch Barnett 13. Aidan Guerra (C).

Interchange: 14. Danny Levi 15. Chris Heighington 16. Jamie Buhrer (C) 17. Josh King.

Reserves: 18. Jacob Lillyman 19. Luke Yates 20. Cory Denniss 21. Brent Naden.

Coach: Nathan Brown

Sharks: 1. Josh Dugan 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Val Holmes 6. Matt Moylan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham (C) 13. Paul Gallen (C).

Interchange: 14. Joseph Paulo 15. James Segeyaro 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Jayson Bukuya.

Reserves: 18. Kurt Capewell 19. Jack Williams 20. Sosaia Feki 21. Braden Uele.

Coach: Shane Flanagan.

Wests Tigers v Canterbury Bulldogs (#NRLwstcby); ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park; Sunday, May 27. Kick-off: 4:10 pm. 

Tigers: 1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Esan Marsters 4. Mahe Fonua 5. Corey Thompson 6. Benji Marshall 7. Luke Brooks 8. Russell Packer 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Ben Matulino 11. Chris Lawrence (C) 12. Michael Chee-Kam 13. Elijah Taylor.

Interchange: 14. Alex Twal 15. Josh Reynolds 16. Matthew Eisenhuth 17. Sauaso Sue.

Reserves: 18. Josh Aloiai 19. Chris McQueen 20. Tim Grant 21. Kevin Naiqama.

Coach: Ivan Cleary.

Bulldogs: 1. Moses Mbye 2. Brett Morris 3. John Olive 4. Will Hopoate 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Frawley 7. Kieran Foran 8. Aaron Woods 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. David Klemmer 11. Josh Jackson (C) 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Rhyse Martin.

Interchange: 14. Adam Elliott 15. Clay Priest 16. Renouf To’omaga 17. Kerrod Holland.

Reserves: 18. Greg Eastwood 19. Reimis Smith 20. Asipeli Fine 21. Michael Lichaa.

Coach: Dean Pay

 

NRL Club News

Representative back-rower Kaufusi re-signs with Storm

Leave a comment
Melbourne Storm back-rower Felise Kaufusi

Since making his debut, Melbourne Storm back-rower Felise Kaufusi has come a long way.

Establishing himself as an elite back-rower, Kaufusi has a premiership to his name as well as Kangaroos appearances.

Kaufusi’s new deal will see him stay at the club until at least the end of the 2020 season.

There is an option available to extend that once the 2 years is up.

Debuting in 2015 for the Storm, Kaufusi has played in 73 NRL games to date.

The club are evidently pleased to retain him given how important he is to the club.

We are very happy to have re-signed Felise for a further two seasons, he is an important part of our retention strategy,” said the Storm’s Director of Football, Frank Ponissi.

“Felise has worked very hard to cement himself in the starting side, the challenge now for Felise and our next generation group of players is to continue to apply the same work ethic to help the Club strive for continued success.

“We are excited to have Felise, his wife Bek and daughter Atarah remain in Melbourne.”

 

NRL Club News

Hulking prop Paulo returns to the Eels

Leave a comment
Canberra Raiders prop Junior Paulo

Junior Paulo will return to where it all began, rejoining the Parramatta Eels from the 2019 season. 

Paulo, who has been at the Canberra Raiders the past few seasons, rejoins the Eels and bolsters their ailing forward pack.

The local junior will provide force and grunt up front, something the Eels side has lacked in recent times.

Making his debut for the Eels in 2013, Paulo played in 53 games for the club before moving to the nation’s capital.

The signing of Paulo is enough to make anyone happy, including Eels coach Brad Arthur.

“I’m looking forward to having Junior back at Parramatta,” said Arthur.

“It is always great to have a local Parramatta Eels junior return to our Club and I know Junior will be an asset to our team next year.”

Junior is coming off some good form in 2018 and won the 2017 Mal Meninga Medal.

He also represented Samoa at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

NRL Club News

Newcastle Knights strengthen forward pack with signing of Tim Glasby

Leave a comment
Melbourne Storm prop Tim Glasby

The Melbourne Storm will need to go forward hunting after rival NRL club the Newcastle Knights today confirmed the signing of prop Tim Glasby.

A key player in the Storm’s front-row rotation over the last few years, Glasby won a premiership with the club and also featured for Queensland in their Origin series win.

Leadership is a crucial reason behind the Knights signing him and coach Nathan Brown believes he will add that in spades.

“He is with the leadership group in Melbourne now and will also provide valuable leadership here at the Knights,” said Brown.

“His form is consistent in the small parts of the game and he’s very efficient in both his defensive and attacking areas.”

Glasby, who is somewhat underrated, has received glowing endorsements from Cameron Smith in regards to his playing Origin regularly.

“Probably the best compliment we can give him is that teammate Cameron Smith pushes him to not only be in the Melbourne team, but also pushes him to be in the Queensland team and you probably can’t get any bigger endorsement than that from the Australian captain and one of our games greatest ever players,” the Knights coach continued.

“Tim being an Origin player and grand final winner is important for our squad, with his quality and experience set to add a lot to our forward pack.”

Glasby will join the Knights in 2019 on a three-year deal.

Your one stop shop for rugby league news