NRL Club News

Penrith Panthers veteran hooker Peter Wallace opts to retire immediately

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Penrith Panthers hooker Peter Wallace

After a lengthy rugby league career, injury has forced Penrith Panthers hooker Peter Wallace to retire. 

In a statement released by the Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould this morning, Wallace’s retirement was confirmed.

The statement reads as follows:

“Peter Wallace has informed the club and his teammates of his decision to retire, effective immediately.

“It’s an incredibly selfless act from Peter.

He always had great faith in the young players coming through our system here at Panthers and has played a huge part in their development as both footballers and people.

“Peter has been battling with injury for several years and has repeatedly played for the club with injuries that would keep the normal man home in bed.

“It can now be revealed that Peter has played the last two years with no ACL in his knee after his last knee reconstruction actually failed.

Management and coaches knew of his condition, but he didn’t want anyone else to know.

I can also remember him staying on the field for 50 minutes in a game where he had completely torn his ACL. He is a tremendously tough individual and his leadership has been wonderful for our club.

“Peter will immediately take up a position on the coaching staff in our club.

His experience and relationship with our players will be a wonderful asset for our program at Panthers. I can see Peter enjoying a long-term future in coaching at Panthers.

“He has enjoyed an outstanding playing career. He now moves into the next stage of his life and Panthers will always be here for him.”

NRL Editorials

Ricky’s NRL Interviews Pt 10: Mike Eden

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Mike Eden playing rugby league for Eastern Suburbs

It is back again! NRL Interviews, this time with Mike Eden, the former Manly, Roosters, Eels and Gold Coast utility back.

We had a chat with him about footy, his greatest memories, life after footy and his current involvement in the game.

Here are our questions (red) and his answers (blue):

  1. What are your earliest memories of rugby league?
    Around 1966/7, my uncle Harry lived at our 2 bed fibro joint in Rockdale. My brother & I had bunks and Harry a small single bed in our room. Harry played with Jack Gibson’s Roosters so we went to training with him often and watched every game (he played mainly 3rd Grade then) at the Sports Ground.
    Kevin Junee, Johnny Mayes, Alan McKean, Larpa Stewart, Ronny Saddler and Johnny Walker were our heroes early.
    When he went to the Dragons, it was Chang & Billy Smith. I was lucky to go to test matches and grand finals as a kid.
    We were Rugby League people and it is in our blood. Although, I played soccer from the age of 4 until 16.
  2. You were a Manly junior and went on to play for the club in the 1981 and 1982 seasons; what did it mean to you to represent a club you had a long association with?
    I played soccer at Beacon Hill after we moved in 1968 to the Northern Beaches. I filled in when the Rugby League team was short and played my first game at Brookie in 1969, a game we won 3-0; see attached photo.
    I was captain of Manly Sea Eagles SG Ball & Jersey Flegg teams before being graded in 1979 from Presidents Cup. Even though I supported the Rabbits, Roosters and Dragons while Harry played, I was convinced I would play as many grade games for Manly as Maxy Krilich when I went to grade.
    I told Ken Arthurson that I would be at the club long enough to be in his chair (after I finished my Law degree). It was very sad to be told I wasn’t wanted after the 82 season. I love the club and it would have been enough for me to play one u23 game.
    It was a privilege and an honour to play grade football for the Eagles.
  3. You moved to the Eastern Suburbs side in 1983 in what was perhaps your best season in the top grade, winning the Rothman’s Medal; how would you rate that season and your success in it? I turned up to training at Centennial Park in the off season on crutches after a white water rafting acccident and was booked into get an operation in mid-march.
    Luckily, the Roosters Doctor Neil Halpin sorted that out and I was able to get fit for the first game of the season against the Magpies. I played well in a basically new team after Bozo took a heap of good players to Manly.
    It was a great thrill to win the medal. On the night, I sat next to Jack Gibson and Ron Coote which was very exciting. We went ok until the last few weeks when the players stopped playing for the coach I think. It was a tough year getting beat in the playoff against the Dragons.
    I played most of the season with an AC injury requiring needles most games and an operation at the end of the season.
  4. In 1988, you signed for the Gold Coast Giants side and scored the team’s first try; just briefly describe the reception of a Gold Coast team in the competition at that time and your time there.
    Bob McCarthy  and John Sattler were good mates of my uncle and asked me to come and play for their team. We had some great players and characters in that first year or two. Hollywood Halliwell, Choppy Close, Rambo Gibbs, Neil Hunt, Truck Simpkins and Billy Johnston were good for the franchise.
    I enjoyed my time on the coast but retired after headbutting Mal’s knee and arm guard in a game against the Raiders. Concussion is going to be an ongoing issue for our game.
  5. Your uncle Harry Eden also played rugby league; did you attend any of his games growing up and did his time in the sport inspire you in any way to play rugby league?
    We watched most of Harry’s games including when he played in Wollongong for Collies and West down there. The 71 GF is still the saddest day of my childhood when St George lost all 3 grades.
  6. You’re currently a solicitor; was law always something you saw yourself getting into post-footy?
    I went to Sydney Uni in 78 to do law. I didn’t look at doing anything else after football except maybe as an administrator in the game.
  7. Talk us through your time (still active) as a committee member of the Albury Thunder rugby league club in Group 9.
    I was the waterboy until my knee gave way. I am a very passionate supporter of bush footy and am currently negotiating with the Melbourne Storm to host their feeder club to play in the NSW Cup competition.
    David Trodden, CEO of NSWRL & Brian Canavan, the NRL’s Head of Football have been very supportive and will help fund the project.
    I am also Vice Chairman of the Professional Rugby League Match Officials Inc (PRLMO) and am assisting with the negotiations with the NRL on behalf of the referees and touch judges.
  8. Finally, if you could give any advice to budding rugby league players, what would it be? 
    You are retired a very long time. Enjoy our great game and look at doing some training to assist grass roots when you finish, maybe as a ref, water boy, coach or something else. It is very rewarding. Get your referees ticket while you are a player. Pick up a whistle or a flag and do a junior game. You will understand how hard it is and how rewarding it is to be part of the greatest game of all.
Mike Eden playing rugby league in 1969.
NRL Club News

A Smith masterclass gives Storm the win over Broncos

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Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith

Retiring from representative footy has helped Cam Smith and it shows, guiding his Melbourne Storm side to a win over the Brisbane Broncos.

The 32-16 win at AAMI Park was a game that Smith controlled for the most part, particularly with his kicking game.

It started with the sides trading penalty goals before Darius Boyd reminded QLD selectors that he is available.

He cut back inside past Storm five-eighth Cam Munster and scored the opening try of the game.

It was then an error from Storm winger Suliasi Vunivalu that gifted the Broncos a second try.

Jamayne Isaako gladly accepted the invitation, scoring off a Broncos scrum play.

The Storm would hit back through the departing Young Tonumaipea who is embarking on a Mormon mission from July.

The Storm utility back beat four defenders to work his way over the line and get his side back in the contest.

The momentum stayed with Melbourne, as QLD Origin debutante Felise Kaufusi powered his way over the try-line.

The Storm’s third try in a row went to Cam Munster who stopped, shimmied and then sidestepped his way over.

The Broncos were not down and out, though, targeting an injured Josh Addo-Carr to score.

Jordan Kahu was the scorer on that occasion.

There would be no late flurry, though; two further Storm tries to Vunivalu and Jahrome Hughes sealed the win.

It was all smiles and praise from Storm coach Craig Bellamy who lauded the performance of his captain.

“He always steps up every week, but to go out and perform like he did is a real credit to him,” he said.

“If he hadn’t played today, we would have been in a little bit of trouble. He was outstanding.”

The Broncos are left to rue missed opportunities following the loss.

After proving dominant in the first half, they were the opposite in the second half.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett made his feelings known about the tale of two halves.

“The second half, the Broncos didn’t come out – I don’t know where their jerseys were at,” he said.

“In our first five sets, we got one set away. That’s just not good. That’s the last thing you need. Our intensity dropped a lot.

We weren’t getting off our line very well.

“Tackles weren’t hitting and sticking. Everything you can name in the game, we stopped doing.

I don’t know what I said to them at half-time to put them in that place, but that’s how they came out second half.”

Player of the Game:

3. Cam Smith

2. Cameron Munster

  1. Tevita Pangai Jr.
NRL Club News

Power and speed combine as the Sharks defeat the Tigers

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Cronulla Sharks captain Paul Gallen.

Their momentum and form continue as the Cronulla Sharks combined speed and power to defeat the Wests Tigers 24-16.

It was the Tigers who came out of the blocks quickest and raced to a 10-2 lead but a three try flurry in the second half saw the Sharks come-from-behind.

With wind and rain affecting the clash, conditions were by no means easy for points.

Opting to take two penalty goals when on the attack to start, the Tigers led 4-2.

With an option for a third, they declined and the gamble paid off with a try.

It was Elijah Taylor who scored from dummy half, throwing a huge dummy pass, before burrowing between Sharks defenders to score.

From there, the game went into a defensive lockdown.

Luke Lewis was forced to leave the field due to concussion before Tigers back-rower Michael Chee-Kam was binned for repeated infringements.

The second half started and it was Val Holmes who put his side in a good position.

Keen to bounce back from a poor first half, a 40m kick return put the Sharks on the attack.

Making the most of the field position a short time later, Paul Gallen carried three defenders over the line to score.

Soon after, Gallen turned provider and Holmes was the scorer.

Running towards the line, Gallen found a steaming Holmes who sliced through a meek Tigers defence and went 90m to score.

The Sharks were not finished, though, as their third try in nine minutes saw Matt Moylan loop a pass over to Edrick Lee.

The winger did the rest and the Sharks had the lead and all the momentum as the game winded down.

The Tigers refused to give in, however, as Brooks and Lawrence combined for the veteran to make the initial break.

Tuimoala Lolohea was then on hand to finish the play off and score a try of his own.

The Sharks would have the final say, though; a try to talented young gun Jesse Ramien who was too big and strong.

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan admits that his side’s performance was rocks and diamonds.

“It was a bit frustrating, in the first half we didn’t have any blocks of possession and couldn’t mount any goal-line pressure,” Flanagan said.

Then we went down there and dropped the ball.”

“In the second half, we played with a bit more composure and put them under pressure to come up with some decent tries.

We needed to respond and did it accordingly. It was always going to be one of those games we needed to just get home.”

With Benji Marshall ruled out pre-game, Josh Reynolds was thrust into the pivot role.

Tigers coach Ivan Cleary admits that he and Brooks will still need to find their feet but backed Reynolds and his halfback to do so.

“[It was their] first go together apart from a few trial games.

“Our ends of sets could definitely improve but give these guys some more time together it’s going to improve.

I’m looking forward to seeing how they go together and what they do together will give a big bearing on how we go against Canberra next week.”

Player of the Game:

3. Paul Gallen

2. Val Holmes

  1. Matt Prior
NRL Editorials

NRL News Rd 14 Stats Breakdown: Storm v Broncos

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Melbourne Storm captain and hooker Cameron Smith

Stats breakdown part 2 for Sunday; the Melbourne Storm v the Brisbane Broncos.

The Storm love a good clash against Brisbane; they’ve won five in a row and have a good record against them at AAMI Park.

Is it time for the Broncos to get back in the winners circle or will Melbourne’s momentum continue?

Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos Stats Breakdown

The Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos have played 45 games; he Storm have won 30, the Broncos have won 13 and there have been 3 draws.

The Melbourne Storm need three points to score 1100 total points against the Broncos, the first team they will have scored 1100 points against in their history.

The Melbourne Storm are looking for five straight wins over the Brisbane Broncos.

Melbourne have won the past two meetings between the sides at AAMI Park and seven of ten overall.

Wayne Bennett has only won four times as Broncos coach in the last twenty games played against the Storm.

The first game between the two sides was played on Friday, July 3, 1998, in round 17. The Broncos won this game 32-16.

Biggest Wins

The Brisbane Broncos biggest win over Melbourne was a 48-20 success on Saturday, August 3, 2002, in round 21.

The Melbourne Storm’s biggest win over Brisbane was a 50-4 hiding on Saturday, April 2, 2005, in round 4.

Players to play for both sides

  1. Israel Folau (MEL: 2007-08 & BRI: 2009-10).
  2. Russell Bawden (BRI: 1994 & MEL: 1998-2001).
  3. Richard Swain (MEL: 1998-2002 & BRI: 2003).
  4. Glenn Lazarus (BRI: 1992-1997 & MEL: 1998-1999).
  5. Robbie Ross (BRI: 1996 & 1998-2003).
  6. Chris Walker (BRI: 1999-2002 & MEL: 2006).
  7. Nathan Friend (BRI: 2002 & MEL: 2003-2006).
  8. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (BRI: 2004-2005 & MEL: 2015).
  9. Adam Blair (MEL: 2006-2011 & BRI: 2015-2017).
  10. Sam Tagataese (MEL: 2007-2008 & BRI: 2018).
  11. Clifford Manua (BRI: 2007 & MEL: 2008).
  12. Lagi Setu (BRI: 2009-2010 & MEL: 2013)
  13. Scott Anderson (MEL: 2007-2009 & BRI: 2010-2013).
  14. Todd Lowrie (MEL: 2010-2012 & BRI: 2014).

Head coaching records

Craig Bellamy (MEL) – 26/35 at 74.3%.
Chris Anderson (MEL) – 3/6 at 50% (1 draw).
Ivan Henjak (BRI) – 2/4 at 50%.
Wayne Bennett (BRI) – 11/32 at 34.4%.
Mark Murray (MEL) – 1/3 at 33.3%.
Anthony Griffin (BRI) – 0/8 at 0%.

Most prolific point-scorers in this clash

  1. Cameron Smith (MEL) – 3 tries & 93 goals (200 pts)
  2. Billy Slater (MEL) – 25 tries (100 pts)
  3. Michael De Vere (BRI) – 5 tries & 39 goals (98 pts)
  4. Darren Lockyer (BRI) – 7 tries, 22 goals & 1 field goal (73 pts)
  5. Matt Orford (MEL) – 4 tries, 24 goals & 2 field goals (66 pts)
  6. Matt Geyer (MEL) – 8 tries & 12 goals (56 pts)
  7. Corey Parker (BRI) – 1 try & 24 goals (52 pts)
  8. Matt King (MEL) – 9 tries (36 pts)
  9. Ryan Hoffman (MEL) – 9 tries (36 pts)
  10. Cooper Cronk (MEL) – 8 tries & 3 field goals (35 pts)
  11. Israel Folau (MEL/BRI) – 8 tries & 1 goal (34 pts)
  12. Greg Inglis (MEL) – 7 tries & 1 goal (30 pts)
  13. Robbie Ross (MEL) – 7 tries (28 pts)
  14. Steve Turner (MEL) – 7 tries (28 pts)
  15. Joseph Tomane (MEL) – 3 tries & 6 goals (24 pts)

Disclaimer: Just note, the above 15 players are merely the most prolific scorers among the two teams in their history. 

Any issues or errors, or to just see more stats, let us know and we can make things happen.

NRL Editorials

NRL News Rd 14 Stats Breakdown: Cronulla Sharks v Wests Tigers

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Former Cronulla Sharks winger Luke Covell

The first stats breakdown for Sunday gives us the Cronulla Sharks and the Wests Tigers. 

It is the Tigers with the recent good record against the Sharks overall; can that continue?

The Sharks, however, are in some good form this year and will want to continue their streak.

Cronulla Sharks v Wests Tigers Stats Breakdown

The Cronulla Sharks and Wests Tigers have played each other on 30 occasions; the Tigers have won 11, the Sharks have won 17 and there have been two draws.

The Sharks need just four points to score 700 total points against the Tigers.

The Tigers have won six of the last eight games between the two sides.

The first game between the two sides was a 16-12 win for the Cronulla Sharks in round 9, 2000.

Biggest Wins

The Cronulla Sharks biggest win over the Wests Tigers was a comfortable 46-6 thrashing in round 21, 2005.

The Wests Tigers biggest win over the Cronulla Sharks was an easy 56-10 win in round round 23, 2009.

Players sin-binned/sent-off in this clash

  1. Shannon Donato (CRO) (sin-binned) in round 26, 2001.
  2. Colin Best (CRO) (sin-binned) in round 5, 2002.
  3. Corey Pearson (WST) (sent-off) in round 23, 2002.

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

  1. Troy Wozniak (WST) scored three tries in round 5, 2002.
  2. Scott Prince (WST) scored three tries in round 21, 2005.
  3. Taniela Tuiaki (WST) scored three tries in round 23, 2009.
  4. Robbie Farah (WST) scored three tries in round 26, 2011.

Players to have played for both sides

  1. Nick Graham (CRO: 1992-1993, 1997-2003 & WST: 2004)
  2. Richard Villsanti (WST: 2000 & CRO: 2006)
  3. Hassan Saleh (WST: 2001-2002 & CRO: 2004)
  4. Matthew Rieck (CRO: 2002-2004 & WST: 2005)
  5. Laloa Milford (WST: 2000 & CRO: 2003)
  6. Luke Covell (WST: 2003-2004 & CRO: 2005-2010)
  7. Chris Heighington (WST: 2003-2012 & CRO: 2013-2017)
  8. Bryce Gibbs (WST: 2003-2011 & CRO: 2012-2014)
  9. Keith Galloway (CRO: 2003-2005 & WST: 2006-2015)
  10. Dean Collis (WST: 2003-2009 & CRO: 2010-2011)
  11. Issac De Gois (WST: 2006 & CRO: 2007-2008 & 2012-2014)
  12. Beau Ryan (WST: 2007-2012 & CRO: 2013-2014)
  13. John Morris (WST: 2007-2009 & CRO: 2010-2014)
  14. Stuart Flanagan (WST: 2006-2008 & CRO: 2010-2011)
  15. Ava Seumanufagai (WST: 2013-2017 & CRO: 2018)

Head coaching records

Wayne Pearce (WST) – 2/2 at 100%.
Tim Sheens (WST) – 13/15 at 86.7%.
Chris Anderson (CRO) – 3/4 at 75%.
Shane Flanagan (CRO) – 6/9 at 66.7%.
Michael Potter (WST) – 2/4 at 50%.
John Lang (CRO) – 1/4 at 25% (1 draw)
Ricky Stuart (CRO) – 1/5 at 20%.
Peter Sharp (CRO) – 0/1 at 0%.
Jamie Shepherd (CRO) – 0/1 at 0%.
Jason Taylor (WST) – 0/2 at 0%.
Ivan Cleary (WST) – 0/2 at 0%.
Terry Lamb (WST) – 0/4 at 0% (1 draw).
Stuart Raper (CRO) – 0/5 at 0%.

Most prolific point-scorers in this clash

  1. Luke Covell (WST/CRO) – 3 tries & 37 goals (86 pts)
  2. Benji Marshall (WST) – 8 tries, 24 goals & 1 field goal (81 pts)
  3. Brett Hodgson (WST) – 5 tries & 24 goals (68 pts)
  4. Michael Gordon (CRO) – 2 tries & 16 goals (40 pts)
  5. Joel Caine (WST) – 1 try & 16 goals (36 pts)
  6. Brett Kimmorley (CRO) – 2 tries & 12 goals (32 pts)
  7. Mat Rogers (CRO) – 2 tries & 10 goals (26 pts)
  8. Chris Lawrence (WST) – 6 tries & 1 goal (26 pts)
  9. Mitchell Moses (WST) – 2 tries & 7 goals (22 pts)
  10. Todd Carney (CRO) – 1 try & 8 goals (20 pts)
  11. James Maloney (CRO) – 1 try & 7 goals (18 pts)
  12. Troy Wozniak (WST) – 4 tries (16 pts)
  13. Darren Senter (WST) – 4 tries (16 pts)
  14. Valentine Holmes (CRO) – 4 tries (16 pts)

Disclaimer: As always, these are just the most prolific scorers in the history between these two sides. 

If there are errors or issues or if you just want to see a bigger depth of stats, let us know and we can make the changes.

NRL Club News

Hayne double guides Eels to win over Cowboys in Darwin

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Parramatta Eels utility back Jarryd Hayne

In his first game back from injury, a Jarryd Hayne double was enough to give the Parramatta Eels a win over the North Queensland Cowboys. 

Playing their annual game in Darwin, the Eels record at TIO Stadium has been good in recent years.

That record continued, with the Eels winning 20-14 to get back in the winners’ circle.

The double was Hayne’s first for the Eels since round 26, 2014, although the Eels still have work to do in order to avoid the spoon.

Still two points adrift of the Cowboys, the Eels will be pleased with the general fluidity in their attack, however.

It was Hayne who troubled the scorers first; catching the Cowboys defence napping off a quick tap.

Several tries were then missed on or called back; Te Maire Martin’s passes twice went awry before Michael Jennings bobbled the ball near the line.

Feldt would not be denied a second time, though, as he coasted over with an acrobatic finish that the bunker deemed a try.

Tip-toeing down the sideline, Feldt only just maintained control and downward pressure to score.

The second half started with a bang, as Lachlan Coote failed to take a bomb resulting in a second Eels try.

In the end, it was Clint Gutherson with a cut-out pass for George Jennings to score on his birthday.

Hayne then scored his second, taking a perfectly weighted cross-field kick from Eels half Corey Norman.

Although two late tries to Matt Scott and Enari Tuala gave the score some respectability, they failed to lift the Cowboys mood.

With the club keen to move on from Norman’s breach notice, he drew praise from Eels coach Brad Arthur for his performance.

“We’ve moved on from (the breach notice) and he showed in his performance tonight how important it is to play for his teammates,” Arthur said.

“He was blowing early there tonight because he wasn’t able to get on the training paddock much with that foot injury, but he’s worked extremely hard to make sure he could get on the field.

“It will likely be the same this week (ahead of Thursday’s clash with South Sydney), we probably won’t get a lot of training out of him.

But we’re going into a bye so he just needs to get on the field, give us another 80 minutes and we can rest him up a bit.”

The message was simple from Cowboys captain Thurston; just do the basics and the fundamentals.

“We need to get to the bottom of it,” Thurston lamented.

“They’re the answers we need to find out. Just basic footy.

“Catch pass, catch the ball first before you pass, that would be nice. Play-the-ball, it’s stuff you’re taught as a kid and we were very ordinary in that aspect tonight.”

Player of the Game:

3. Jarryd Hayne

2. Nathan Brown

  1. Matt Scott
NRL Club News

Late Knights fightback not enough as Roosters win thriller

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Sydney Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell

The Newcastle Knights almost did it but fell agonisingly short as the Sydney Roosters won 18-16 on the back of a Blake Ferguson double.

With all but Boyd Cordner backing up from Origin, their quartet performed strongly and showed no ill-effect from the Wednesday encounter.

It was Latrell Mitchell who broke the game open, breaking down the left before finding Luke Keary inside to score.

The Knights would hit back, however, as a hard-running Sione Mata’utia produced a great solo effort to score.

The Knights then hit the lead after a Kalyn Ponga penalty goal and good defence maintained their lead moving forward.

There was a downside for the Knights in the first-half with veteran utility Jamie Buhrer suffering a suspected ACL injury.

The Roosters then took their chance when it mattered and Ferguson took a pass from Keary to get his first.

Ferguson was at the thick of it again, confusing everyone and going himself down the shortside to nab a second try.

A further penalty goal to Ponga made the score 16-10, before the Knights sustained pressure saw Roosters prop Dylan Napa sin-binned.

Despite being a man down, the Roosters defence held firm as they took the lead out to eight points with a penalty goal of their own.

The Knights dug deep, however, and Mata’utia turned provider this time as he found Ponga for a late try.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson praised his side for the way they responded after Napa was sin-binned.

“There is two reactions when that [sin bin] happens – there’s either ‘poor me’, or ‘let’s do something about it’,” Robinson said.

“You can see that the boys worked really hard, they had a great defensive set – they made some really good tackles and our attacking game on the back of that was strong.

“We practice that defending for fitness and attitude, as it is a good way to practice defending a man down.”

Despite the injury sustained by Buhrer, Knights coach Nathan Brown believes the veteran can bounce back.

“Obviously he is getting into the latter part of his career, so he is not a young bloke – but he’ll be right and bounce back in rehab.

“I’m sure he will get back on the field next year and play some good footy – he has seemed to get over it every other time, so I am sure he’ll bounce back again.”

Although they lost, competing is the key and Brown praised his side for going toe-to-toe with an all-star team.

“The key thing was our effort tonight and we competed hard against a side that has a roster with very talented players in it,” Brown said.

Player of the Game:

3. Latrell Mitchell

2. Blake Ferguson

  1. Kalyn Ponga
NRL Club News

Johnson celebrates 150 in style as Warriors dispose of Manly

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New Zealand Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson

The New Zealand Warriors season is back on track after Shaun Johnson and David Fusitu’a starred to guide them to victory over the Manly Sea Eagles.

Johnson, playing in game 150 of his career, started slowly but produced a second half display to be proud of.

It was Manly who took a game to Christchurch’s AMI Stadium, although the 34-14 loss meant it was not a good trip for them.

Their loss was compounded by a possible broken foot for Apisai Koroisau, as well as a leg injury to Matt Wright.

It was Manly who went up 8-0 after Koroisau burrowed over from dummy half before Daly Cherry-Evans slotted a penalty goal.

From there, the Warriors took control of the match and scored 34 unanswered points.

The Warriors first try came after young back-rower Isaiah Papali’i strolled over to score.

This was soon followed by a score to fellow back-rower Tohu Harris in similar fashion.

The Warriors went into the break leading before the onslaught in the second half only got worse.

Johnson got on the scoresheet in game 150, backing up David Fusitu’a who streaked past the Manly defence and finding Johnson inside.

From there, Fusitu’a then scored a hat-trick in nine minutes, as the Warriors quickly put the game to bed.

Barrett was honest post-match, stating that his side was not good enough to win with errors and lapses costing them.

“Losing Api was a big blow for us but fundamental mistakes and concentration lapses at crucial times hurt us in the end and they (Warriors) played well,” Barrett said.

“Api is one of our best players, not only from an attacking point of view but defensively. He holds our line speed pretty well.

“I thought Matty Wright to play 65 minutes at hooker did a good job for us but we obviously missed Api.”

A lot of the plaudits went to David Fusitu’a for his hat-trick but Warriors coach Stephen Kearney was quick to praise Ken Maumalo.

“A lot of those finishes that Dave is the recipient of, Ken starts them down the other end, the middles do a job through the middle and then obviously David gets the praise,” Kearney said.

“He is a good finisher but I think that David would be the first to admit that without the work of Ken he doesn’t get those opportunities.

“I think both of those guys have done a tremendous job for us all season, I know the opposition come with a plan to try and stop them because they are real momentum builders.”

Player of the Game:

3. Shaun Johnson

2. David Fusitu’a

  1. Blake Green
NRL Editorials

NRL News Rd 14 Stats Breakdown: Eels v Cowboys

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North Queensland Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston

The third and final stats breakdown; the Parramatta Eels v the North Queensland Cowboys. 

The Eels record in Darwin is good but their record against the Cowboys is not.

Can they also buck the trend and get back into the winners’ circle?

Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys Stats Breakdown

The Parramatta Eels and North Queensland Cowboys have played each other on 40 occasions; the Eels have 19 wins, the Cowboys have 18 wins and there have been three draws.

The Eels need 28 points to score 800 total points against the Cowboys and the Cowboys need 7 points to score 800 total points against the Eels.

The Eels won five of the first six games between the two sides.

The Cowboys have won nine of the last twelve games between the two sides.

This is the second time the two sides have played in Darwin; their first clash was last year which the Cowboys won. The Eels have won three of their four games at the venue.

The first clash was a 20-4 win to the Eels in round 9 of the 1995 ARL season.

Biggest Wins

The Parramatta Eels biggest win over the North Queensland Cowboys was a 62-0 whitewash in round 21, 2001. This is the equal biggest loss for the Cowboys and the Eels 2nd biggest ever win in their history.

The North Queensland Cowboys biggest win over the Parramatta Eels was a comfortable 46-4 win in round 20, 2015.

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

  1. PJ Marsh (PAR) (sent-off) in round 21, 2001.
  2. Shane Muspratt (NQL) (sin-binned) in round 26, 2002.
  3. Craig Stapleton (PAR) & Paul Rauhihi (NQL) (both sin-binned) in round 8, 2004.
  4. Chad Robinson (PAR) & Justin Smith (NQL) (both sin-binned) in round 4, 2006.
  5. Kenny Edwards (PAR) (sin-binned) in round 9, 2017.

Players to have scored three or more tries in this clash

  1. Scott Donald (PAR) scored three tries in round 21, 2001.
  2. Jarryd Hayne (PAR) scored three tries in round 18, 2010.
  3. Ashley Graham (NQL) scored three tries in round 3, 2012.
  4. Gavin Cooper (NQL) scored three tries in round 13, 2015.

Players to have played for both sides in this clash

  1. George Bartlett (PAR: 1988-1991 & NQL: 1995-1996)
  2. Dean Schifilliti (NQL: 1995-1996 & PAR: 1999-2000)
  3. Scott Mahon (PAR: 1988-1994, 1996 & NQL: 1997-1998)
  4. Jason Smith (PAR: 1996-2000 & NQL: 2007)
  5. Ray Marcy (PAR: 1995 & NQL: 1997-1998)
  6. Paul Green (NQL: 1999-2000 & PAR: 2003)
  7. Glenn Morrison (NQL: 2000-2004 & PAR: 2005-2006)
  8. Shane Muspratt (NQL: 1999-2003, 2006-2007 & PAR: 2004)
  9. Chris Muckert (NQL: 2001-2003 & PAR: 2004)
  10. Scott Donald (NQL: 1998-2000 & PAR: 2001-2002)
  11. Matt Petersen (NQL: 2002 & PAR: 2002-2006)
  12. Carl Webb (NQL: 2005-2010 & PAR: 2011)
  13. Ashley Graham (PAR: 2002-2006 & NQL: 2006-2013)
  14. John Williams (PAR: 2005-2006 & NQL: 2008-2010)
  15. Willie Tonga (PAR: 2002-2003, 2012-2014 & NQL: 2009-2011)

Head coaching records

Daniel Anderson (PAR) – 3/3 at 100%.
Ron Hilditch (PAR) – 2/2 at 100%.
Paul Green (NQL) – 6/9 at 66.7%.
Michael Hagan (PAR) – 2/3 at 66.7%.
Graham Murray (NQL) – 7/11 at 63.6%.
Brian Smith (PAR) – 8/16 at 50% (1 draw).
Neil Henry (NQL) – 3/7 at 42.9%.
Stephen Kearney (PAR) – 1/3 at 33.3%.
Brad Arthur (PAR) – 3/9 at 33.3%.
Tim Sheens (NQL) – 2/7 at 28.6% (1 draw).
Jason Taylor (PAR) – 0/1 at 0%.
Ricky Stuart (PAR) – 0/1 at 0%.
Grant Bell (NQL) – 0/1 at 0%.
Graham Lowe (NQL) – 0/1 at 0%.
Murray Hurst (NQL) 0/1 at 0%.
Ian Millward (NQL) – 0/1 at 0%.

Most prolific point-scorers in this clash

  1. Johnathan Thurston (NQL) – 4 tries, 75 goals & 1 field goal (167 pts)
  2. Luke Burt (PAR) – 10 tries & 45 goals (130 pts)
  3. Josh Hannay (NQL) – 3 tries & 26 goals (64 pts)
  4. Brett Hodgson (PAR) – 3 tries & 16 goals (44 pts)
  5. Jarryd Hayne (PAR) – 8 tries (32 pts)
  6. Clinton Schifcofske (PAR) – 1 try & 13 goals (30 pts)
  7. Ashley Graham (PAR/NQL) – 7 tries & 1 goal (30 pts)
  8. Willie Tonga (PAR/NQL) – 6 tries (24 pts)
  9. Semi Radradra (PAR) – 6 tries (24 pts)
  10. Chris Sandow (PAR) – 11 goals (22 pts)
  11. Nathan Barnes (PAR) – 5 tries (20 pts)
  12. Clint Gutherson (PAR) – 2 tries & 6 goals (20 pts)
  13. Ty Williams (NQL) – 5 tries (20 pts)
  14. Kyle Warren (NQL) – 4 tries (16 pts)
  15. Matt Sing (NQL) – 4 tries (16 pts)
  16. Matt Bowen (NQL) – 4 tries (16 pts)

Disclaimer: Just a recap, the above players are the most prolific point-scorers across all games between the sides. 

If you want any more stats or if you notice any errors, let us know and we’ll make the changes.

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