• Home
• NRL Table
• NRL Draw
• Power Rankings
• Forum
• About
• Email Us

NRL Teams Round 11

NRL Rugby League Teams and Squad Lineups for round 11, 2008 of the NRL starting Friday night (all times local): Interesting to see that out of form referee Ben Cummins still gets a spot in first grade, even on a week when there are less games due to several Byes.

FRIDAY

MANLY SEA EAGLES v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS at Brookvale Oval, 7.45pm
SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Steve Matai, Jamie Lyon, David Williams, Steve Menzies, Matt Orford (capt), Brent Kite, Matt Ballin, Josh Perry, Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart, Luke Williamson. Interchange: Heath L’Estrange, Glenn Hall, Adam Cuthbertson, Mark Bryant, Nick Bradley-Qalilawa

DRAGONS: Brett Morris, Jason Nightingale, Mark Gasnier (capt), Matt Cooper, Josh Morris, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby, Justin Poore, Dean Young, Jason Ryles, Beau Scott, Lagi Setu, Ben Creagh. Interchange: Kirk Reynoldson, Dan Hunt, Simon Woolford, Stuart Webb, Rangi Chase, Michael Lett, Chase Stanley (three to be omitted)
Referee: Jason Robinson

SATURDAY

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v MELBOURNE STORM at Bluetongue Stadium, 7.30pm
RABBITOHS: Nathan Merritt, Fetuli Talanoa, Nigel Vagana, Beau Champion, Shannon Hegarty, Dean Widders, Issac Luke, Manase Manuokafoa, George Ndaira, Roy Asotasi (capt), David Kidwell, David Faalogo, John Sutton. Interchange: Beau Falloon, Shannan McPherson, Luke Stuart, Eddy Pettybourne, Michael Greenfield (one to be omitted)

STORM: Billy Slater, Steve Turner, Will Chambers, Israel Folau, Anthony Quinn, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk, Jeff Lima, Cameron Smith (capt), Brett White, Michael Crocker, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Matt Geyer, Antonio Kaufusi, Jeremy Smith, Aiden Tolman.
Referee: Jared Maxwell

SUNDAY

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS at Mt Smart Stadium, 4pm
WARRIORS: Lance Hohaia, Aidan Kirk, Brent Tate, Jerome Ropati, Patrick Ah Van, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli, Sam Rapira, Nathan Fien, Evarn Tuimavave, Simon Mannering, Epalahame Lauaki, Micheal Luck (capt). Interchange: Ian Henderson, Ruben Wiki, Logan Swann, Sonny Fai, Russell Packer, Ben Matulino, Malo Solomona (three to be omitted)

ROOSTERS: Amos Roberts, Sam Perrett, Mitchell Aubusson, Sia Soliola, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Braith Anasta, Mitchell Pearce, Mark O’Meley, Riley Brown, Nate Myles, Willie Mason, Setaimata Sa, Craig Fitzgibbon. Interchange: Lopini Paea, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Anthony Tupou, James Aubusson, David Shillington, Anthony Cherrington (two to be omitted)
Referee: Ben Cummins

WESTS TIGERS v GOLD COAST TITANS at Leichhardt Oval, 3pm
TIGERS: Brett Hodgson (capt), Taniela Tuiaki, Dean Collis, Chris Lawrence, Shannon McDonnell, Benji Marshall, Mathew Head, Bryce Gibbs, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Ben Te’o, Chris Heighington, Dene Halatau. Interchange: John Morris, Liam Fulton, Corey Payne, Danny Galea, Bronson Harrison (one to be omitted)

TITANS: Preston Campbell, Ben Jeffery, Luke O’Dwyer, Brett Delaney, Brenton Bowen, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (capt), Luke Bailey (capt), Nathan Friend, Brad Meyers, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Aaron Cannings, Michael Hodgson, Josh Graham, Gavin Cooper.
Referee: Shayne Hayne

MONDAY

BULLDOGS v CRONULLA SHARKS at ANZ Stadium, 7pm
BULLDOGS: Cameron Phelps, Hazem El Masri, Daryl Millard, Tim Winitana, Matt Utai, Daniel Holdsworth, Ben Roberts, Jarrad Hickey, Corey Hughes, Chris Armit, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Ryan (capt), Reni Maitua. Interchange: Lee Te Maari, Nick Kouparitsas, Michael Sullivan, Bradley Morrin.

SHARKS: Brett Kearney, Misi Taulapapa, Ben Pomeroy, David Simmons, Luke Covell, Brett Seymour, Brett Kimmorley, Adam Peek, Isaac De Gois, Luke Douglas, Paul Gallen, Fraser Anderson, Greg Bird. Interchange: Danny Nutley, Bryan Norrie, Kade Snowden, Terence Seu Seu, Dustin Cooper, Ben Ross (two to be omitted)
Referee: Tony Archer

Grubber: NRL Power Rankings Round 10

The Grubber returns this week with his Power Rankings for Round 10 of the 2008 NRL. See how your team is faring below:

(1.) Sydney Roosters: Came together well and proved they are still a formidable opponent even without their State of Origin stars. Roosters look to have their attack and creativity flowing well and their squad depth is continuing to impress. Halves combination continues to blossom.

Grubber’s Comment: Odds of Nick Politas adopting Brad Fittler as his long lost son, after Freddy continues to take the Roosters to new heights. 5/1

(2.) Gold Coast Titans: Another win. This time the Titans won ugly but they are proving to have all the qualities of a top 4 team. They can now be considered genuine contenders and look to be a well oiled unit. They needed to have a tough, grinding win like this - it will put them in good stead for tight games in the back end of the year. Will continue to travel well in the next few weeks with little if any State of Origin affect on them.

Grubber’s Comment: Odds that coach John Cartwright bribed Queensland selectors into not picking Scott Prince. 2/1

(3.) Manly Sea Eagles: The quiet achievers so far in 2008. The Eagles look to be improving nicely each week and managed not only to beat the Cowboys but put on a lot of points in doing so. Their forwards and halves are performing well and the team has enviable depth. Coach Des Hasler looks to be at the top of his game.

Grubber’s Comment: Chances that the continued rise of Adam “The Hat” Cuthbertson will help the Manly supporters forget Michael Monaghan. 5/1

(4.) Canberra Raiders: An A+ performance by an undermanned Raiders outfit. Everyone must take their hats off to coach Neil Henry and the Raiders players for turning on the afterburners in a tough home game. Todd Carney is in blistering form and the kicking game from Canberra remains top shelf. Raiders possess a good balance of speed, passion and creativity.

Grubber’s Comment: Likelihood of Terry Campese having to call on the services of ‘Advanced Hair’ at the tender age of 24 as his devon patch continues to spread. Strong to Certain ‘Yeah Yeah’

(5.) St George Illawara Dragons: Dragons are to be commended for a good all round attacking display. The team fired on all cylinders and every player played their part. Many people forget that Saints were without Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper and Ben Hornby. While they have lost several games in 2008 they are only being beaten by small amounts. The Saints still posses a good points differential and should gain a lot of confidence from this win. We should expect to see continued improvement over the next month. Jamie Soward well suited to the pivot role and looks to be relishing the 2nd receiver role.
Grubber’s Comment: Odds that Mark Gasnier will stay in the NRL and prove this latest talk is just a push for more cash? 5/1

(6.) Penrith Panthers: Put on an impressive performance at home after showing glimpses of potential in recent weeks. They rediscovered their 2003 attacking prowess and blew the NZ Warriors away. Reports from inside the Panthers camp suggest that coach Matt Elliott and his players are all on the same page now and working together. Panthers could prove difficult to beat at home should their confidence and attacking cohesion continue for the remainder of the year.

Grubber’s Comment: Odds that Panthers players were sent back to school so that they could understand Matt Elliot’s game plans (judging by their recent win they all got an A+). 10/1

(7.) Cronulla Sharks: Continue to surprise everyone with their gritty in your face style. They managed to grind out yet another ugly win in terrible conditions at Toyota Park and look to have the physical and mental edge to be a dark horse challenger this year. Half back Brett Kimmorley should continue to play his best football with the finalisation of his contract now achieved. Playing a finals brand of football week in / week out.

Grubber’s Comment: Chances of Ricky Stuart committing suicide should Brett Kimmorley take the Bulldogs to Premiership Glory in 2009? 2/1

(8.) Wests Tigers: Welcomed back Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah, the two stars immediately injecting confidence and belief through-out their ranks but poor defence was also evident at times. On their day, the Tigers are the best attacking side in the NRL; their quick hands and freaky plays are breath-taking to watch. Injury and defence remain their only question marks for 2008, otherwise they could sneak into a 7th or 8th spot.

Grubber’s Comment: Truth in the rumour that Benji Marshall’s mum called Tim Sheens directly to express her anger at the coach after he gave Benji a pasting in the media? Strong to Certain

(9.) Brisbane Broncos: Can be excused for their loss as they were effected heavily by the absence of several Origin players. It was always going to be a tough assignment facing Cronulla at Shark Park with limited squad experience. This week was merely a speed bump for the Broncos. They will reap the benefits of a bye this week and will happily face an out of sorts Parramatta the week after at Suncorp Stadium.

Grubber’s Comment: Odds that injured pivot Darren Lockyer will have make his return from injury through the Queensland Cup after his side continues to bristle with quality? 10/1

(10.) Newcastle Knights: Performed well at home considering they had several players out. Five-Eighth Chris Bailey looks to be a real find and is playing a great brand of football in the halves. At times the team lacked concentration but the Knights should be ready for next week and this loss wasn’t a major concern. While they did have defensive lapses this Round, they do look to have a good nucleus of talent in both defence and attack - won’t be embarrassed again this year.

Grubber’s Comment: Odds that John Singleton will make a public apology to Brian Smith should the Knights miraculously win the NRL Premiership? 500/1

(11.) Melbourne Storm: This week was always going to be a tough ask with so many players missing, the young Stormers were brave but to green to compete with the hot Dragons. Hard to be critical of this spare parts Melbourne team. Barring any origin injuries, we should expect to see the normal Melbourne Storm squad back next week to crush the Bunnies.

Grubber’s Comment: Chances of Melbourne and NSW Coach Craig Bellamy instructing Blues players to ‘bash’ any of his Storm players wearing Maroon colours? 250/1

(12.) Canterbury Bulldogs: The Doggies put up an impressive fight but are still in an almighty hole. With injury and morale problems - their lack of cohesion and consistency is really hurting them. Showing snippets of grit against the Titans, but look to have too many talented players that are simply playing for themselves. Will almost certainly continue to be a long year.

Grubber’s Comments: When Kevin Moore takes the helm in 2009 it looks like he’ll be inheriting a 1985 Falcon (Ex-Taxi) as opposed to a 2004 model Lexus judging by the Bulldogs current busted state.

(13.) NZ Warriors: Away form remains disgraceful. They need to secure back to back wins to take the pressure off their players and their coach. Would benefit from veteran Steve Price returning to the field. The experienced Ruben Wicki looks to be playing injured and a yard short on grunt. In saying this, the Warriors have rarely lose at home - so all is not lost. The next month should determine their 2008 season outcome.

Grubber’s Comment: Odds that Air New Zealand will step in and sponsor the Warriors, helping them fly family and friends to each away venue to try and ‘take a little bit of home with them’ in the hope of improved away results. 25/1

(14.) Parramatta Eels: Still in woeful form and there doesn’t seem to be too much light at the end of the tunnel. The new halves combination is not being helped by lack of go forward from the pack. The Eels are probably lucky to be on 10 points. Definitely not a good time to have the bye next week. Parramatta need more football to tweak and improve combinations; will benefit from the return of Kris Inu and Josh Cordoba in the weeks ahead.

Grubber’s Comment: Odds of Parramatta boss Denis Fitzgerald coming out in the media and making some ridiculous statement to try and boost the Eels chances of winning, only to find it inspires the opponents? 2/1

(15.) North Queensland Cowboys: Threw their coach a hospital pass as their heavy loss virtually sealed his fate. Don’t expect a strong turnaround in form with Graham Murray leaving, there is trouble in paradise and it extends beyond the coach. Too much in fighting and players performing like millionaires is hurting their cause. Cowboys will continue to win the odd game but consistency should prove a problem this season.Grubber’s Comment: Odds that Graham Murray could take on a ‘consultant’ role with other clubs and plot the downfall of his former team after being backstabbed by the senior playing group? 20/1

(16.) South Sydney Rabbitohs: Had the worst possible start conceding a try inside 60 seconds and never recovered. The Bunnies turned in a disappointing performance and were never really in the game. Minor set backs on the field are having an enormous effect on their confidence (Early try, Asotasi injury). Coach Jason Taylor simply needs to keep the faith in 17 players week in / week out and cannot afford to keep changing players and their positions. Dean Withers is not a 5/8 and his form of late has only marginally justified his selection in first grade. Luck looks to be deserting them by the bucket-load at the moment.Grubber’s Comment: Fellas, just remember ‘All you need is love!’ Just ask Russell.

Raiders roll Bunnies 38-10, more Souths pain

An undermanned Canberra Raiders outfit poured more pressure on the struggling South Sydney Rabbitohs last night with a comprehensive 38-10 in the ACT. The loss leaving Souths with just a single victory for 2008 and pretty much ending any miracles of them sneaking into the Top 8 this season.

The Raiders were led well by their big men upfront, especially in the opening stanza to lay a strong platform and give their backs plenty of time and space to move.

Their was a bit of physical stuff in this match, Souths Roy Asotasi being hit high early on by Scott Logan in a tackle that was missed by all officials. The hit stung Asotasi and the Souths forward was immediately on the back foot with claret everywhere after the tackle.

Asotasi could also find himself in hot water, with some believing he tried a few chicken wing tackles at various stages - Raiders boss Don Furner confirming he thought as much.

“I thought it was pretty clear,” Furner said.

“I’m sure (coach) Neil (Henry) will look at it.”

Souths were dealt a body blow when the Raiders scored inside the first minute on their final tackle play of set 1. Getting a horror bounce, Souths spewed the kick catch and allowed Joel Monaghan to run around and score under the posts. The play would have hurt any NRL team, let alone one struggling for confidence.

Coach Jason Taylor remained composed after the loss, he was a little bewildered that their preparation had been strong but they pretty much were beaten by lack of possession.

“We found it hard to get it down our end,” Taylor said.

“It was just weight of possession. In the end the score board ticked over. It won’t get any easier in this competition.”

Skipper Asotasi offered a more serious assessment.

“It seems like we come out there and just don’t want to win. Canberra came out there and wanted to win this game.”

The win was ideal for Canberra, lacking up to 8 first grade players - they now skip into a bye next week and remain in touch with the Top 8 teams.

Henry, back home from Queensland Origin camp, praised his side which had nine first graders out through injury including hooker Lincoln Withers who was last weekend ruled out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

“The depth is still there,” Henry said.

“We started on the right foot (with our forwards).”

Workhorse captain Alan Tongue, who came off with 10 minutes to go after having his head driven into the turf by Souths five-eighth Dean Widders, was delighted with the team effort.

“We started well (and) put a lot of pressure on them early,” he said.

For the Raiders the spoils were shared with Joel Monaghan scoring two tries and the rest going to a mixture of forwards and backs.

Monaghan claimed the first four pointer inside the first minute of the game and the Raiders never gave up the lead with forwards Turner and Neville Costigan helping themselves to tries to give Canberra a 24-4 lead at half-time.

Taylor’s half-time spray failed to ignite the Rabbitohs’ lacklustre defence and unimaginative attack and things don’t get any easier this weekend with a match against defending premiers Melbourne.

Graham Murray Quits Cowboys

Under siege Cowboys mentor Graham Murray has just hours ago quit his post as head coach of the struggling NRL club. Given the tap on the shoulder in the past 24 hours, Murray has fallen on his sword and made things easier for the club and his close friends within the organisation.

Under the pump for much of 2008, the Cowboys hit rock bottom with last Saturday’s loss to Manly being the club’s 4th in a row keeping them anchored to the bottom of the NRL Table.

Assistant trainer Ian Millward, who only recently agreed to terms with Canberra to take over in 2009, will shortly be confirmed as the caretaker coach for the remainder of this NRL season.

The Cowboys are reportedly looking tol pay out the owing porting of Murray’s coaching contract, estimated at around the $150,000 mark.

North Queensland will breathe easier now, ending the uncomfortable situation with Murray resigning and saving them from the tough task of walking the clubs best ever coach. It seems the situation bears some similarities to the coup in North Sydney, when Jason Taylor and the senior playing group schemed to oust out of favour coach Peter Louis.

Murray, who should go on living in Townsville, has been a highly successful Rugby League coach throughout his career.

He steered Illawarra to clinch their first ever finals slot, brought hope a Challenge Cup with UK Super Leage big guns Leeds, worked with the Roosters and took them into a grand final and then took the reigns at North Queensland and turned them into a true NRL powerhouse.

North Queensland reached the grand final for the first time ever under Graham Murray in 2005, losing to the Wests Tigers joint venture.

Sooky Bill Williams?

It certainly seems like a case of ‘Sooky Bill Williams‘ at the moment as the Bulldogs forward continues to air his feelings of restlessness at Belmore after only 12 months ago signing a 5 year deal to extend his stay with the club for the long haul.

Recently changing management, Sonny Bill Williams was previously managed by Gavin Orr but is now aligned with Khoder Nasser the man who pulls the strings for boxer Anthony Mundine. Ever since the new association it has virtually been a different Sonny Bill Williams. Previously quietly spoken, SBW suddenly was in the headlines and was vocal about various aspects of the game. He also broke up with his long time girlfriend and childhood sweetheart Genna Shaw. Rumours also swept NRL circles that Sonny Bill was even about to change his religion.

From citing a lack of loyalty from his departing team mates Willie Mason, Mark O’Meley and Brent Sherwin to his comments that the Polynesian community within the game are being exploited - SBW was becoming more and more vocal and a totally different man to the one we knew just a few short months before.

What’s the go?

Is Sonny Bill not happy at the Bulldogs only because of their recent poor form? When your NRL club is in a hole, you simply can’t pack up your stuff and walk away! Maybe he is missing Willie Mason, or is he unhappy that Mason is getting big dollars at Bondi? Sure, the departure of Willie Mason a close mate and someone who urged Sonny to stay for less money must hurt - but lets be realistic here, here is a young man on big dollars and playing top level Rugby League. The Bulldogs have been extremely patient as SBW experienced constant injuries and long periods on the sidelines, they paid the bills and were always there to pick up the pieces.

So regardless of results, player departures or coaching changes - Sonny Bill Williams has been well looked after by his employer and ultimately he just needs to do his part. Forget chasing more money only 12 months into a long term deal, do your job and stop making waves for your club.

Admittedly things do not look good for the Bulldogs in the future. While they made a smart choice in snaring Brett Kimmorley, they are without a top line coach and it will take several years for Kevin Moore to develop into a competitive prospect - just look at the time it has taken for Nathan Brown to become competitive at the Dragons after taking his first senior coaching position.

The Bulldogs continue to lose quality players, Willie Tonga the most recent to leave the club and now they have SBW and Reni Maitua also wanting to exit stage left. The Dogs might have new state of the art training facilities at Homebush, but they are a club without a spiritual home and have faced that daunting prospect ever since the Oasis Project fell into a heap.

With so many problems and a bleak looking future, the Bulldogs need the help of Sonny Bill Williams more than ever. Not just on the field with strong performances, but they need respect from SBW in the media and in the eyes of the public. On-going bickering will impact sponsors, members and fans through the gate.

The Bulldogs have put so much money into Sonny Bill Williams and waited patiently as the star forward has played not much over 60 NRL games in 4 years. A sad state of affairs in terms of attendance, regardless of whether SBW could have earned more money elsewhere - he signed a 5 year agreement with the Bulldogs and it’s time to put in.

So Sonny, whether its you or your new manager stirring up this hornets nest - it might be time to have a good hard look at yourself. You say you want a better deal for Polynesian players? Well at the moment, you aren’t setting such a good example yourself.

Murray: Jump or be Pushed

NORTH Queensland Cowboys officials have reportedly asked coach Graham Murray to walk away now, to save everyone involved the uncomfortable situation of a mid-season sacking. It’s simply a case of jump or be pushed from the sinking Cowboys ship, as the club continues to dwell in the NRL cellar after years of being a consistent powerhouse.

The latest chapter in the NRL coaching merry-go-round saga comes as Graham Murray has confirmed he does not wish to coach past this year. The veteran Murray is ready to hang up the clipboard after 16 years of top level Rugby League coaching.

Regardless of whether Murray walks or is pushed, it is confirmed the Cowboys are willing to pay out his remaining contract value of $150,000.

While many have suggested that the big loss to Manly was the catalyst for the sacking, it seems the writing was on the wall long ago. Apparently told before a ball was kicked in 2008 that this would be his last year, it was always going to be difficult for Murray to have a strong relationship with both his management and playing group.

It is believed that Cowboys boss Lawrence Lancini met Graham Murray one-on-one late last week, to urge the long time coach to walk away and keep things civil. Regardless, it seems Murray really only has a week before something happens either way.

When Murray is gone, current assistant Ian Millward takes control for rest of 2008 before he, too, leaves in 2009 to be David Furner’s partner in Canberra. Current Raiders head Neil Henry will not quit mid-season to start his deal early with North Queensland. Its believe Canberra are sticking to this line of thought no matter what, they want maximum value from their coach and still remain angry that Henry used a ‘get-out’ clause in his contract to walk away mid-agreement.

Cowboys CEO Peter Parr would not comment on developments, obviously a close mate of Murrays - he is only saying: “Anyone associated with the club isn’t happy with where we’re sitting (2nd last). We will continue to review and monitor the situation.”

Graham Murray also added: “I don’t feel comfortable talking about it.” (the situation)

“I can’t say too much. We’ll see what happens.”

Murray did confirm this would be his final season of coaching.

“I won’t be coaching after this year,” he said. “I have had a real good innings - 16 years of coaching in first grade.

“It has been a great, enjoyable journey.

“I have never taken things for granted and it has always been a job I have loved. The day was always coming when it was going to end. I’ve had my time.

“Obviously we are feeling the pressure at the moment.”

Murray, who will continue to live in Townsville, has experienced a wonderful coaching career.

He took Illawarra to their first finals appearance, won a Challenge Cup with English giants Leeds, guided the Roosters to a grand final and then took North Queensland to the finals for the first time in 2004.

The following year, North Queensland reached the grand final only to be beaten by the Wests Tigers.

Vintage Panthers burn Warriors 46-22

It was the Penrith Panthers of yester-year as the mountain men turned on the after burners to waste the Warriors 46-22 in Penrith today, leaving the NZ Warriors in a deep hole - their away form continuing to slip as 2008 goes by.

Penrith were near perfect in front of a quiet gathering of near 9450 fans, led by back rower Frank Pritchard, new no.7 Luke Lewis and the speedy Michael Jennings - they virtually put on a clinic and drove the knife deeper into the hapless Warriors outfit.

Pritchard, Jennings and winger Michael Gordon all snared a try, with Luke Rooney and Trent Waterhouse also going over for tries and Gordon accurate with the kicking boot - nailing 7 from 9.

The Warriors, who have now lost every single away game in 2008 and are conceding an average of 42 points per game, could only manage 4 tries, with Simon Mannering bagging a brace and Ian Henderson and Russell Packer scoring one apiece. Lance Hohaia kicked three goals.

Warriors captain Micheal Luck, exasperated by his side’s inability to win on the road, said the away-day blues now represented a mental issue for the players.

“Well, I suppose we’ve got to (think about it) now,” he said.

“We’ve got to approach it as a game of footy. It’s a game of footy on a rectangle field exactly as we play in New Zealand.”

Panthers coach Matt Elliott, whose relationship with his players has had its ups and downs since his arrival last year, said he had taken his leadership group’s advice about how to get the best from his side.

“Sometimes it’s just reminding each other that it’s just footy,” Elliott said.

“It’s professional footy and it’s an elite pursuit and you need to make sure that you do the little things right. But the day you don’t take the opportunity to enjoy training … maybe we should get a job on the stock exchange.”

The Panthers led 22-6 at half-time, with Pritchard freakishly snapping up a grubber from Grant Rovelli metres from his own line and sending Jennings on a scintillating 80m for the pick of their tries, but they put the match to bed in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, extending their advantage to 40-6 when Lewis sent Waterhouse crashing over.

Lewis, the centre turned second-rower turned No.7, also had a hand in Gordon’s tries and Pritchard’s first.

He laid on deft grubbers for Gordon in the 16th and 50th minutes, the first bamboozling Warriors full-back Hohaia and the second grabbed superbly by the flying winger.

He also put Pritchard through a hole in the 19th minute for the Panthers’ second try of the afternoon.

The Warriors mounted a forlorn comeback in the second half, as the Panthers’ defensive intensity dropped, with Mannering put through a hole by Rovelli in the 57th minute.

Henderson then forced his way over from dummy-half in the 66th minute, and Packer crossed in the 78th minutes.

The NRL Table remains quite crowded, and prior to the completion of tomorrow nights Canberra vs Souths match, the table stands as follows:

1	Titans	7	2	1	59	16
2	Sea Eagles	6	3	1	97	14
3	Roosters	6	3	1	68	14
4	Storm	6	3	1	50	14
5	Sharks	6	3	1	5	14
6	Broncos	6	4	0	67	12
7	Panthers	5	4	1	13	12
8	Tigers	5	4	1	4	12
9	Knights	4	5	1	-13	10
10	Eels	4	5	1	-52	10
11	Warriors	4	5	1	-76	10
12	Dragons	3	6	1	28	8
13	Bulldogs	3	6	1	-49	8
14	Raiders	3	5	1	-60	8
15	Cowboys	3	7	0	-60	6
16	Rabbitohs	1	7	1	-81	4

Wests Tigers turn in on in Newcastle 38-26

It was a try-a-thon today in Newcastle, with the Wests Tigers and Knights going try for try - the Tigers eventually getting the late jump to stitch up the away win 38-26 at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

The Tigers had the luxury of throwing Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah and Matt Head into the same side and it was coach Tim Sheens who was trying to determine the best makeup to lead his team through to the end of 2008. Benji was solid without being brilliant, the returning pivot scoring points but at times letting his side down with his scratchy defence.

With Round 10 of the NRL almost finished, you would have to agree that realistically 5 teams are shooting it out in general premiership contention. Storm, Manly, Roosters, Titans and Brisbane are the genuine heavy-weights but looking at the remaining teams; Wests Tigers and the Cronulla Sharks are two dark horses that could put up an almighty fight.

Keith Galloway was easily the best for the Wests Tigers today, the ever improving forward continues to punch out the metres and has incorporated a quality off-load into his game that helped the Tigers gain the upper hand.

The returning Marshall did his bit, nabbed 2 tries, nailed a 40-20 kick leading to a try, and was confident and only lacking a bit of timing in his passing and defence as he returned to the scene in front of 20,154 local fans.

Newcastle did hold a narrow lead 22-16 only minutes after 1/2 time, but Marshall then had a dazzling period - putting on 4 touchdowns for Wests in a 15 minute period to allow his side to skip away to a match-winning lead.

Newcastle to their credit hung in and put on a breath-taking 70-metre try finished by Cooper Vuna in the 70th minute, but with a missed conversion and time running out - it was always going to be a tough ask. Cooper Vuna remains a stand-out for the Knights, the improving winger continues to bulk up and has cut the simple errors from his game. Still possessing blinding speed, yet filling in as a forward when times are tough - this guy looks to have really grown under Brian Smith and would easily make the Kiwi side on current form.

UK Super League bound Brett Hodgson did his bit in the first half, recovering from a sickening blow after Cooper Vuna smashed him into next week twice in the space of 5 minutes and braving a dislocated finger to score 2 crafty tries early on.

Newcastle pivot Chris Bailey also matched Hodgson try for try in the early minutes, the talented Knights five-eight scoring 3 tries as the half-time scored was locked at 16-all.

Marshall, who was playing just his third game of the season, produced an individual highlight reel when he scored a 50-metre solo try in the 57th minute to give the Tigers a lead they never surrendered.

The New Zealand international darted into a massive gap and then casually ran around Newcastle full-back Wes Naiqama even though he clearly lacked his usual pace following his recent knee injury.

The Tigers were also boosted by the return of Robbie Farah, after the hooker had missed seven weeks with a back injury.

Can Marshall, Farah break the Knights defence?

Wests Tigers boss Tim Sheens has tried to keep them out of the media spotlight this week, but Sheens is looking for more attacking creativity from marquee players Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah. Obviously it’s no secret that Marshall and Farah are the keys to sparking up the Tigers attack and the timing is perfect with their opponents today - Newcastle having impressive defence which has kept the NRL’s top two sides tryless in the first period of their last 2 games.

Sheens has worked hard this week to downplay the returns of Marshall and Farah from injury for the Newcastle home game.

But Sheens knows that the Tigers do need more spark than in recent weeks, with their young opponents the Knights keeping 2007 premiers Melbourne and premiership front runners the Gold Coast Titans scoreless the first periods of their last 2 games.

Sheens commented on the improved defence from the Knights so far in the 2008 NRL Premiership. “That’s (Knights coach) Brian Smith all over,” Sheens added.

“He’s got a lot of big boys in that squad so they make their one-on-one tackles, they don’t need too many players to help them out.

“They’ve stuck to a strong pattern and they’re consistently motivated after a lot of crap that went down in Newcastle last year.

“Brian Smith has them heading in the right direction. And everyone’s talking about the Knights as a tough opponent in 08, so in that regard they’re showing heaps of courage”.

Marshall returns from his troublesome knee injury and hooker Farah returns from his on-going back problem - which will see him playing only his first game in six weeks.

“I think I’ll be a little underdone” Farah said.

“I’ve trained hard but, no matter how much training you do, that first game back’s the toughest and I’ll be blowing out there.

“I’ll be happy to get 80 minutes safely.”

It’s matter of “together at last” for the Tigers’ group.

The 2005 premiers are so much more potent when the terrific trio of Marshall, Farah and fullback Brett Hodgson are in the picture, while fans salivate at the thought of the entertainment the trio could provide with some time on the park together.

“We haven’t played together in a long time but hopefully we can string a few games together … and I’m sure that the more games we get under our belt together we’re going to be tough to beat,” Farah said.

“We won’t put too much pressure on ourselves this week. It’s the first game back for me and Benji and we’re both going to struggling at times with our fitness and I guess our timing in the game.”

Sheens, too, is cautious.

“The biggest mistake you make is counting on certain players to win you games,” he said.

“These guys certainly add some direction to our game and some class but it could be another two or three weeks before they’re really playing to where we’d want them to play.”

For Newcastle, they are missing representative NSW State of Origin stars Danny Buderus and Ben Cross, while custodian Kurt Gidley has been brought down by a broken cheekbone.

Michael Young is set to play no.9 after Buderus’ replacement Matt Hilder was suspended.

Former Test big man Steve Simpson will return for his first game for the Knights since round 1 after getting over a knee injury.

Cool Sharks hold out Broncos 13-6

It was cool hand Brett tonight, as star halfback Brett Kimmorley guided his Cronulla Sharks team to a gutsy 13-6 NRL victory over the Broncos at Toyota Stadium

In typical Cronulla style, the Sharks dug deep and fought their way to a small lead at a cold, wet Shark Park in Sydney tonight. Kimmorley could have been forgiven for having his mind on his new contract with the Bulldogs, but led the way and spoke of the dangers of this game through-out the week with his fellow players.

Sharks boss Ricky Stuart confirmed his captain had made a speech during a recent team camp in Kiama to make sure his side’s attitude was right coming into a clash against a Broncos outfit missing eight regular first-graders.

“He came forward, which takes a little bit of courage,” Stuart said.

“He came forward and said that deep down he was thinking we should get this game because they’re going to have so many out, but when he read the team he saw they were a good footy team still.”

Kimmorley backed it up at Toyota Park with two crucial plays but on a mixed night he also blew a try with the line wide open.

The halfback laid on a first-half try for winger Misi Taulapapa and put the result beyond doubt with a late field goal to lead a far from polished Sharks side to victory.

Stuart lauded his side’s courage after they repelled a first half Broncos onslaught aided by a stiff breeze.

“Everyone knows we’re a tough mob,” he said. “We’ve got a real spirit within. The last three weeks have probably been our best football.

“(This) was probably mentally our toughest game, to endure that pressure in the first half it basically set up the win for us.

“I said (at halftime), ‘You’ve just won your game of football if you can sustain your energy for 80 minutes.’”

While the Broncos were minus six State of Origin reps and injured skipper Darren Lockyer, the Sharks were without “bruise brothers” Paul Gallen and Greg Bird who will play for NSW on Wednesday night.

Cronulla’s points came through tries to Taulapapa and Brett Kearney while Luke Covell booted two goals and Kimmorley his one-pointer in front of 13, 431 brave fans on a cold and sometime wet night.

For Brisbane, Tonie Carroll scored a first-half try and Michael Ennis kicked a goal.

Brisbane led 6-4 at halftime, but the Sharks turned the tide after the break.

Kimmorley blew a golden opportunity just two minutes into the second half when he spilled a pass with the line wide open after Brett Seymour had made a bust.

But the Sharks levelled it up with a 48th minute penalty goal from Covell before Seymour superbly turned a ball inside from a scrum and sent outstanding fullback Kearney through a hole to the line for a 12-6 lead.

But Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett wasn’t convinced referee Jared Maxwell’s knock-on call which led to the scrum had been correct.

“It was a tough call of the ref’s about the knock-on there and they got the scrum to score off that,” he said.

Kimmorley missed an opportunity to make the margin seven when he missed a field goal attempt at point blank range in the 69th minute. But he made no mistake in the 76th to ensure the win.

In the first half, the halfback sent a superb cut-out ball to Taulapapa who received just reward for a powerhouse game by crashing over.

“That 10 minutes after halftime we made a lot of little errors we haven’t been making,” Bennett said.

“Our lack of discipline cost us, it really boils down to that. Maybe (we were) a bit anxious, a bit of anxiety thinking that we’ve got to compensate for players that aren’t there.”

« Previous Page — Next Page »

Email Us: NRLFeedback@gmail.com NRL News - Rugby League · · Login - NRL Results - NRL Rugby League - Sitemap