The struggles continued for some teams, whilst others pushed on and got their seasons back on track. Some teams have a wealth of experience running throughout, whilst others rely on the work of budding, young players. Either way, all teams have something to play, some more than others.
Here is the wrap-up of Rd 10 of the VB NSW Cup:
New Zealand Warriors 36 (D Fusitua 2, N Peteru 2, M Niukore, J Tua, M Lino tries; Lino 3, Pewhairangi goals) bt Manly Sea Eagles 22 (D Reardon, D Berryman, B Fritz, J Hasson tries; K Aldridge 3 goals).
Ricky’s View: Despite trailing at half-time, a strong second-half showing got the New Zealand Warriors over the line. They were resilient and tireless in their work, as Manly could not stop the second-half onslaught. Mason Lino was the standout for the Warriors in attack.
Newtown Jets 26 (J Gagan 2, N Mataitonga, B Ayshford, D Abou-Sleiman tries; T Murphy 3 goals) bt Illawarra Cutters 10 (J Hunt, K Glymin tries; S Crook goal).
Ricky’s View: It was all about defence in this one, as the defensive prowess of the Jets proved too much to handle for the Dragons. Try as they might, they could not breach the Jets line. As a result, the Jets recorded another solid win and yet again, Todd Murphy was one of the influential figures.
Mounties 58 (J Hawkins 2, S Duggan 2, B Tupou, J Lynch, M Cronin, G Aiga, M Cornish, M Barnett, R Kennedy, D Shillington tries; Cornish 4, L Page goal) bt Canterbury Bulldogs 18 (J Graham, J McInally, B Clark tries; L Dodd 3 goals).
Ricky’s View: One-way traffic in this one, as Mounties half Mitch Cornish had the ball on a string. Involved in a multitude of Raiders attacking opportunities, the win makes amends for the first loss last week, as they overpowered the Dogs side with ease and sheer attacking brilliance.
Penrith Panthers 16 (E Aiona, J Tangitau, N Akeripa tries; W Smith 2 goals) bt Wentworthville Magpies 4 (J Folau try)
Ricky’s View: Not the most exciting game to watch but the Penrith Panthers will take the win, overpowering a poor Magpies side. In blustery conditions, the Panthers made the most of the opportunity and won five games on the trot to maintain second position on the ladder.
Wests Tigers 28 (J Sila, J Grant, L Liolevave, K Lulia, D Nofoaluma, tries; J Drinkwater 4 goals) bt Wyong Roos 24 (O Slaimankhel, L Setu, A Papalii, B Elliot, S Langi tries; T Cornish 2 goals).
Ricky’s View: An absolute thriller! A quality last-minute try to the Tigers’ David Nofoaluma gave the club the win, as they effectively stole the game from the Roos. The halfback battle was the talking point all-game, as Josh Drinkwater and Tyler Cornish led their sides around the park with some great touches.