2014 NRL Discussion

Sea Eagles trounce Tigers 40-8

By Dan Walsh
NRL.com
10:10pm Fri 11th July, 2014

A near-perfect first half from the Sea Eagles, a woeful opening period from the Tigers and several controversial decisions from the officials has seen Manly run out 40-8 victors for their ninth consecutive win at Brookvale Oval.

By the half hour mark Manly had recorded but a single error, while the Tigers had six to their name to complement the four penalties they conceded in the opening eight minutes.

Manly took full advantage of a whopping 56 per cent of possession to post four first half tries to zip.

Manly's rapid-fire assault on the visitors’ line continued over the course of the second stanza as they cut a patched-up Tigers backline to ribbon.

The black and gold's struggled to overcome the loss of Pat Richards due to a groin injury, with Daly Cherry-Evans and Brett Stewart running in impressive long range tries on the back of first half doubles from Peta Hiku and Kieran Foran.

Already missing almost 800 games worth of top grade experience through the loss of regular first graders Braith Anasta, Liam Fulton, Tim Moltzen, Tim Simona, Corey Paterson, Bodene Thompson and James Tedesco, the Tigers’ woes were compounded by the sight of Richards departing up the tunnel in the 18th minute, as well as the citing of skipper Robbie Farah for a lifting tackle on Sea Eagles prop Josh Starling.

With the opening stages set to redefine the term frantic, Tigers winger David Nofoaluma dragged himself across the line from a set piece move from an early scrum in just the second minute, only for on-field referee Shayne Hayne to rule he lost the ball in the process of planting it down despite subsequent replays suggesting otherwise and the Tigers' calls for the decision to be referred upstairs falling on deaf ears.

And in just sixty seconds the decision proved the catalyst for a 12-point turnaround, as Manly earned a penalty coming out of trouble before Stewart sliced through the Tigers' left edge via a contentious decoy play, then linking with Hiku to open the home side's account in the fifth minute.

A second four-pointer to Hiku, the beneficiary of some slick Sea Eagles hands close to the line, came after Robbie Farah was placed on report for a lifting tackle on Josh Starling, and pushed the Manly lead into double figures as members of the 13,432 crowd were still finding their seats.
The scorers finally were finally given a chance to catch their breath as the Tigers went about working their way back into the contest only for a series of knock-ons in Manly territory to cruel their chances, as breaks by first Martin Tapau and then Nofoaluma went unrewarded as what at one-stage was a 6-0 penalty count was returned to level pegging.

But the second two-try haul of Foran's 128-game career, the first in the 25th minute courtesy of a long break from youngster Clinton Gutherson and the second the result of a yet another blink-and-you'll-miss-it combination with Stewart poured salt onto the Tigers’ self inflicted wounds and pushed the Sea Eagles out to a 22-0 lead when oranges were taken.

Picking up where they left off after the break the Sea Eagles again hammered the visitors’ line, with only a contender for try-saving tackle of the season from Blake Austin denying Jamie Buhrer his fifth touchdown of the season. There were to be no heroics on the next play however, as Foran put Gutherson over in the right corner to put the Tigers to bed with just under half an hour still to play.

Some classic ad-lib footy from the Tigers saw centre-cum-winger Keith Lulia break their duck in the 57th minute, while Nofoaluma crashed over on the opposite flank with his customary flamboyant finish in a bid to add a further modicum of respectability to the final scoreline.

However home ground favourite Stewart, and returning Maroons halfback Cherry-Evans ensured the Tigers’ efforts were in vain as they ran in late tries in the final four minutes of play to inflict their heaviest defeat of the Tigers, trumping their previous best effort, a 34-4 drubbing back in 2007.


Manly Warringah Sea Eagles - 40 (P Hiku 2, K Foran 2, C Gutherson, B Stewart, D Cherry-Evans tries; J Lyon 6 goals)

Defeated

Wests Tigers - 8 (K Lulia, D Nofoaluma tries)


Crowd: 13,432


http://www.nrl.com/sea-eagles-trounce-tigers-40-8/tabid/10874/newsid/80168/default.aspx
 
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Warriors crush woeful Eels

By Corey Rosser, NZ Correspondent
NRL.com
7:40pm Sat 12th July, 2014


The Warriors’ late-season charge towards the finals continued to gain velocity following a 48-0 crushing of the Parramatta Eels on Saturday night.

In recording their biggest victory of the season, the Warriors firmed their position in the congested competition top eight, and gave themselves a healthy confidence boost ahead of tough clashes against the Broncos and Manly over the next two weeks.

Fluid in attack and relentless in defence, it is the latter which will be most pleasing for the New Zealanders, given they had conceded an average of 21 points per match prior to round 18.

The game also saw 2014 star recruit Sam Tomkins play his best game in a Warriors jersey, running for over 100 metres, breaking the line on three occasions and adding an assist to his personal brace of tries.

At Mount Smart Stadium for a third consecutive game, the Warriors produced an opening 40 minutes straight out of coach Andrew McFadden’s dreams, scoring 36 unanswered points and completing at 91 per cent as they ran the Eels ragged.

Rookie winger David Fusitua got the scoring underway after just three minutes and two sets with the ball, before Shaun Johnson and Tomkins added their own contributions to make it 18-0 before the match was even a quarter old.

In the last two weeks the final 20 minutes of the first period had been where the Warriors slacked off and allowed their opponents back into the contest, but what followed was something very different.

Johnson was at the forefront again just before the half hour mark, spotting a slight gap and accelerating through before finding Konrad Hurrell, who celebrated his 50th NRL game with a try.

A fourth conversion from Johnson had the Warriors scoring nearly a point a minute at 24-0.

What followed was a blast from the past, the Warriors overpowering the Parramatta pack to win a scrum against the feed, with Tomkins scooping the pill and going over for his second from close range.

Three minutes from oranges the English international turned provider, breaking through a Corey Norman tackle and passing inside for captain Simon Mannering to go over.

At 36-0 the Warriors had hardly put a foot wrong and all but had a third-straight win in the bag.

A 15 minute break in scoring gave Parramatta a small reprieve to start the second half, before Ben Henry, who was a late call up to the starting side for the injured Jayson Bukuya, resumed normal service to score the Warriors’ seventh.

A Chad Townsend four-pointer with 17 remaining finished off the scoring, as the Warriors showed discipline to repel a final 15 minute period of pressure from the Eels to win 48-0.


New Zealand Warriors - 48 (Fusitua, Johnson, Tomkins x2, Hurrell, Mannering, Henry, Townsend tries; Johnson 8 goals)

Defeated

Parramatta Eels - 0


Crowd: 14,087


http://www.nrl.com/warriors-crush-woeful-eels/tabid/10874/newsid/80179/default.aspx
 
Bulldogs tackle their way to 6-4 win over Storm

By Will Botoulas, Melbourne Correspondent
NRL.com
9:15pm Sat 12th July, 2014

An undermanned Canterbury has recorded its first win in Melbourne since 2005, running out a 6-4 winners over Melbourne in front of 13,169 fans at AAMI Park.

Storm captain Cameron Smith had a penalty kick on the touch line with 2 minutes left to draw level but sprayed it wide.

The win was just reward for the travelling Bulldogs fans who watched their side break a seven-game losing streak in Melbourne.

It was that characteristic Bulldogs defence that did the business, helping to weather the pressure in the first half before driving the hosts back in the second.

James Graham further cemented his credentials as the in-form forward in the competition, leading all comers with 158 metres, while Trent Hodkinson, just three days after Origin duty, had that brilliant boot working to perfection.

For Melbourne it was a case of missed opportunities in the first half that saw it simply unable to break a stubborn Bulldogs defence.

The opening 15 minutes of this one was nothing worthy of the rugby league vault.

Both teams appeared to dance around the issue like prizefighters exchanging early round jabs.

The stalemate would have been broken on 12 minutes if not for an unshakable Mitch Brown tackle on Mahe Fonua as the Victorian dove head first for the line.

It was only fitting that the game’s first highlight would come on 16 minutes from a man playing his first game in purple for nearly two months.

Cooper Cronk produced his 14th try assist of the season in sending Kevin Proctor over, the Kiwi forward breaking through the Bulldogs line for a 4-nil advantage.

After standing toe-to-toe in the early stages, the Bulldogs appeared to lose their way to concede four penalties in the space of six minutes.

In the middle of the park the Storm were finding their way through the Bulldogs line with relative ease but it was in the final 20 of the half where the hosts could not capitalise.

As poor as the Doggies were with ball in hand, their stubborn goal line defence was the only reason just four points separated the sides at halftime.

Canterbury put in the work defensively in the first half and early in the second had their hard work rewarded.

Sam Kasiano gathered five metres from the line and proved too much for three Storm tacklers as he piggy-backed them into their own in-goal.

Trent Hodkinson slotted the conversion and it was the visitors who led 6-4 after 45 minutes.

Seven minutes later the Bulldogs looked likely to go further ahead as Brown broke clean through and appeared try-bound, only to be thwarted by a lunging tackle by Billy Slater.

Melbourne simply could not generate any metres in the early stages of the second half.

The Bulldogs defence that had performed so well on the back foot was beginning to peg its opponent deep in their own territory.

It took 15 minutes for the Storm to wrestle back any semblance of decent possession.

Their persistence almost paid off on 63 minutes as a Slater-Fonua one-two on the right wing had the home crowd on their feet.

A clever Cronk kick off the ensuing play had club debutant Marika Koroibete within inches of putting his new club in front only for the ball to be knocked out of reach by a quick-thinking Mitch Brown.

Brown would again prove the savour 11 minutes from time when Slater broke clear in the open field only to be mowed down by his opposing number.

A knock on by Dale Finucane 25 metres out from his own line would have Canterbury back on their heels in the dying moments.

Another penalty was awarded to Storm again of the repeat set of six with skipper Cameron Smith opting to take the penalty kick from the touchline.

However the Storm skipper saw his kick not only miss to the right of the posts but fail to go dead, allowing the Bulldogs a full set to push into Melbourne's end and wind down the clock, leaving them only a handful of plays to try and get a miracle win which was not forthcoming.


Canterbury Bulldogs - 6 (Kasiano try; Hodkinson goal)

Defeated

Melbourne Storm - 4 (Kevin Proctor try)


Crowd: 13,149


http://www.nrl.com/bulldogs-tackle-...r-storm/tabid/10874/newsid/80183/default.aspx
 
Milford masterclass sinks Titans

By Tony Webeck, Chief Queensland Correspondent
NRL.com
4:10pm Sun 13th July, 2014


A special talent just two days out of his teens has single-handedly dismantled the Gold Coast Titans' finals hopes as Anthony Milford engineered a 36-20 Canberra Raiders victory at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

From the eighth minute right through until the 76th the Titans had no answer for Milford's vast array of skills that included two tries, two try assists and numerous line-break assists that continually exposed a Titans defence supposedly fighting to save their season.

Although the Titans remain just two points outside the top eight heading into Round 19 their inferior for-and-against takes any chance of squeezing into the top eight out of their hands, needing to win six of their remaining eight games to be any hope.

Any thought of finals footy evaporated a number of weeks ago for the Raiders and a win that elevated them from the bottom rung of the ladder can't even point to a bright future with their main talisman committed to a move to the Broncos at the end of the year.

Having created the first try of the game for Brenko Lee and then scoring the second himself, Milford took a second half arm-wrestle by the scruff of the neck with the score delicately poised at 20-14 with less than 15 minutes remaining.

Although referees halted any momentum after a Milford line-break from a kick-return, three tackles later they extended their buffer to 12 points when hooker Glen Buttriss hit Shaun Fensom short 10m out from the Titans’ line and the lock forward powered through tackles of Beau Falloon and Dave Taylor to score under the posts.

Five minutes later Josh McCrone sparked a right-side raid through Jarrad Kennedy substituting in the centres for an injured Brenko Lee and then backed up an inside pass from Reece Robinson to score and Milford then fittingly had the final say.

Taking the ball around the ruck mid-field on the Raiders' side of halfway, Milford drifted left across field before putting Jarrod Croker into a hole and then when Croker was corralled in the corner by the Titans’ defence, Milford was on hand in support when the ball was flung in-field to score his second of the day.

The Milford’s display will have served as a dagger to the hearts of loyal Raiders fans who have just eight more games with the diminutive superstar at their club.

Following a conservative opening by both teams the Raiders got a shot in Titans territory on the back of a penalty and Milford came into his own.

Sweeping across the right-hand side of the field Milford got on the outside of Maurice Blair and attracted Brad Takairangi before popping a flat flick-pass to Brenko Lee who charged back on the angle to score beside the posts and give the visitors the early advantage.

But perhaps befitting of a team trying to stay off the bottom of the ladder, Canberra back-rower Jarrad Kennedy could only watch on as the kick-off bounced over his head and into touch and then four minutes later spilt the ball 32m out under the weight of a heavy Paul Carter tackle.

Having squandered an earlier chance, the Titans finally found a way to create space for right centre James Roberts, a sweeping William Zillman putting him just on the outside of Croker which was more than enough to open the scoring for Gold Coast in the 15th minute.

Seven minutes later the Titans hit the lead with lead-up play that would have been in the running for try of the year had Kalifa Faifai Loa not been dragged down 10m short of the line.

Attacking the Titans' line, Raiders skipper Terry Campese smashed a cross-field grubber kick behind the Titans' defence only to see Dave Taylor pick it up off his toes and set sail.

He ran 80m before Campese reeled him in who the peeled off to tackle Faifai Loa.

A penalty and restarted tackle count later, Taylor ran at a retreating Raiders defensive line and attracted both Croker and Sauiluma before flick-passing to an unmarked Faifai Loa who scored his first try as a Titan in characteristically flamboyant fashion.

But just as it appeared the Titans would take a narrow lead into the break, Milford struck twice in the space of six minutes with two brilliant pieces of play, the second sure to be shown on 2014 season highlight reels for years to come.

In the 32nd minute and on the back of another Titans penalty, Milford put Dane Tilse through a hole 10m out but rather than stretching out his 200-centimetre frame he instead looked for support, and found Milford who scored to the right of the posts.
But the best was yet to come.

The Raiders spun the ball across the Titans' 20m line in the 38th minute and with no time to react, Milford came up with a no-look tap-on that drew comparisons in commentary with the legendary Michael Jordan to send Croker on a scything run back through the Titans defence and under the posts for his 13th try of the year and a handy 20-10 lead at half-time.


Canberra Raiders - 36 (Anthony Milford 2, Brenko Lee, Jarrod Croker, Shaun Fensom, Josh McCrone tries; Croker 6 goals)

Defeated

Gold Coast Titans - 20 (Kalifa Faifai Loa 2, James Roberts, Kevin Gordon tries; Gordon 2 goals)


Crowd:10,574


http://www.nrl.com/milford-masterclass-sinks-titans/tabid/10874/newsid/80196/default.aspx
 
Cronulla Captain Paul Gallen could miss the rest of the season with a bicep injury

Also Wade Graham suffered a collarbone injury, Just gets worse for the Sharks

Cronulla Sharks could lose skipper Paul Gallen for rest of season with biceps injury

July 13, 2014 - 9:31PM

Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen could face an extended stint on the sidelines following fears he seriously injured his biceps in the Sharks’ loss to Newcastle.

Gallen came from the field midway through the second half but returned to finish the game despite the injury.

The Blues captain had an immediate ultrascan after the game that showed there was some damage to his right biceps.

It was expected that Gallen would undergo further scans at hospital on Sunday night.

‘‘He got a whack on his biceps,’’ Cronulla coach James Shepherd said.

‘‘We’ll see what the MRIs say.’’

Injuries to Gallen and Wade Graham plagued Cronulla’s bench rotation.

Like Gallen, Graham returned to the field after fearing he had damaged his collarbone.
Click to expand...


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...ceps-injury-20140713-zt68p.html#ixzz37Lh8AA8W
 
Anthony Milford Put in the best individual performance by a single player that I seen in years, maybe as far back as joeys 2005 origin return. This kid is gonna be great
 
Moylan seals dramatic Panthers win

By Matt Encarnacion, Western Sydney Correspondent
NRL.com
9:10pm Mon 14th July, 2014

A 79th minute field goal from Penrith fullback Matt Moylan has handed his side a remarkable 35-34 victory over Brisbane at Sportingbet Stadium on Monday night.

The Panthers looked well in control with a 34-18 lead in the 60th minute, but the Broncos scored three late tries to level the game with just one minute remaining.

However a Josh Maguire drop ball on the first tackle paved the way for Moylan's heroics, completing a stunning win that looked unlikely after they were left with 15 fit bodies at halftime.

Not even the halftime break could halt the casualties at the foot of the mountains, with a patron stretched off the field after a mishap during halftime entertainment.

But the Panthers broke open the game with three straight tries to start the second half, before Brisbane's furious late rally almost resulted in a golden point finish.

Penrith crossed first when centre Jamal Idris batted back a Jamie Soward 4th minute cross-field kick to Elijah Taylor for the first points of the game.

Brisbane compounded their poor start when Corey Parker's restart went out on the full, resulting in Moylan doubling his side's lead with a fleeting run that evaded four defenders.

However when the visitors finally got their second touch of the ball in the ninth minute – and their first penalty to go with it – five-eighth Josh Hoffman busted through the right flank and put his wingman Dale Copley over.

The hitback hurt the home side, who also lost winger Josh Mansour to an ankle injury in the lead-up, a pain that was magnified when a Ben Hunt show-and-go in the 32nd minute ended in centre Justin Hodges finishing off a 45-metre effort to level the scores.

Things only got worse for the Panthers when stand-in five-eighth Tyrone Peachey came off with a right arm problem not long after, and then Brisbane's impact hooker Jake Granville dived over from dummy half allowing the Broncos to take the lead for the first time in the contest.

In the space of just 20 minutes, Penrith had gone from a commanding 12-0 lead to an 18-12 deficit and down to just a two-man for the rest of the match.

But in what became the biggest moment in the night, a Moylan offload put Soward into the clear before the former Dragon produced a Benji-esque flick pass for Naiqama to score in the 39th minute and again tie the game 18-all at halftime, but more importantly, halt the Broncos' momentum.

This was no more evident than in the 47th minute, when Penrith got the all-important first try of the second half.

And it was Soward's pinpoint bomb that was caught by a flying Segeyaro, whose offload to emergency five-eighth Bryce Cartwright as he was falling ended in Dean Whare going over in the corner.

The effort lifted the home side, who made it back-to-back tries when their quick hands on a 53rd minute left side shift paved the way for Naiqama to complete his brace.

Penrith created more breathing space in the 60th minute off another Soward kick, a cross field bomb that again fell into the arms of Cartwright, who offloaded to Brown to score.

Hopes of a Brisbane comeback were sparked when centre Jack Reed dragged two defenders over in the 66th minute and then winger Daniel Vidot pounced on a Hunt grubber in the 70th, before a Hunt short ball for Oates levelled the scores with just one minute remaining.

But it was not to be for the Broncos, with Moylan sealing a memorable win for Penrith.


Penrith Panthers - 35 (Naiqama 2, Taylor, Moylan, Cartwright, Brown tries; Soward 5 goals, Moylan field goal)

Defeated

Brisbane Brisbane - 34 (Copley, Hodges, Granville, Reed, Vidot, Oates tries; Parker 5 goals)


Crowd: 12,439


http://www.nrl.com/moylan-seals-dramatic-panthers-win/tabid/10874/newsid/80227/default.aspx
 
Halftime entertainment in Penrith on Monday night sends two people to hospital


  • JOSH MASSOUD
  • THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • JULY 15, 2014 10:00AM

IT was supposed to be a bit of harmless half-time fun during Monday night’s NRL clash between Penrith and Brisbane. But for Panthers fan “Shunter” it ended in the back of an ambulance with a broken ankle.

The Faulconbridge resident, who goes by Shunter on Twitter, was competing with another fan in a game called the ‘Big Ball Bash’, where two teams of fans sprint from either goal line to a giant ball, which then must be pushed over the opposition stripe to ensure victory.

Only this time they didn’t get that far.

The two men went flying as bodies clashed, with Shunter stretchered off with a suspected broken ankle.

The other suffered a suspected broken shoulder.

The pair were then carted off to hospital in the same ambulance.

After the incident Shunter tweeted “Shunter #In #Crisis which led to a host of messages wishing him a speedy recovery.

Jennifer Short posted:

“So it was your leg that snapped. Andy Raymond mentioned the injuries but not the names. Hoping you get better real fast.”

Courtney Vlot tweeted:

“Dude I didn't know that was you but u caused us field staff a heart attack lol hope your OK”.

Others used the hastag #PrayforShunter to offer support.

Only a day before the fateful event Shunter had posted his excitement for his attempt at the Big Ball Bash with a photo of previous contest.

A similar incident several years ago saw Canberra officials sued, but Panthers Group CEO Warren Wilson on Monday night confirmed that all participants in the halftime entertainment had signed waiver forms.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ople-to-hospital/story-fni3fbgz-1226988997185
 
Official Team Lists: Round 19

NRL.com
3:00pm Tue 15th July, 2014


SHARKS V COWBOYS - FRI 18 JULY, 7:40PM (LOCAL), REMONDIS STADIUM

Sharks

1. Michael Gordon
2. Sosaia Feki
3. Jonathan Wright
4. Ricky Leutele
5. Jacob Gagan
6. Fa'amanu Brown
7. Jeff Robson
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Michael Lichaa
10. Bryce Gibbs
11. Luke Lewis
12. Wade Graham (c)
13. Anthony Tupou

14. Pat Politoni
15. Siosaia Vave
17. Tinirau Arona
18. Sam Tagataese
19. Tim Robinson
20. Tupou Sopoaga

Coach: James Shepherd

Cowboys

1. Michael Morgan
2. Matthew Wright
3. Tautau Moga
4. Kane Linnett
5. Antonio Winterstein
6. Robert Lui
16. Johnathan Thurston (c)
8. Ashton Sims
9. Rory Kostjasyn
10. James Tamou
11. Tariq Sims
12. Jason Taumalolo
13. Glenn Hall

14. Ray Thompson
15. Scott Bolton
17. Sam Hoare
18. John Asiata

Coach: Paul Green

EELS V RABBITOHS - FRI 18 JULY, 7:40PM (LOCAL), PIRTEK STADIUM

Eels

1. Jarryd Hayne (c)
2. Semi Radradra
3. Ryan Morgan
4. Willie Tonga
5. Vai Toutai
6. Corey Norman
7. Chris Sandow
8. Junior Paulo
9. Issac De Gois
10. Fuifui Moimoi
11. Kenny Edwards
12. Tepai Moeroa
13. David Gower

14. Joseph Paulo
15. Peni Terepo
16. Pauli Pauli
17. Mitch Allgood
18. Ben Smith

Coach: Brad Arthur

Rabbitohs

1. Greg Inglis
2. Alex Johnston
3. Dylan Walker
4. Kirisome Auva'a
5. Lote Tuqiri
6. John Sutton (c)
7. Adam Reynolds
8. George Burgess
9. Issac Luke
10. Dave Tyrrell
11. Kyle Turner
12. Sam Burgess
13. Ben Lowe

14. Luke Keary
15. Joe Picker
16. Jason Clark
17. Thomas Burgess
18. Joel Reddy
19. Luke Burgess
20. Apisai Koroisau

Coach: Michael Maguire

ROOSTERS V PANTHERS - SAT 19 JULY, 3:00PM (LOCAL), ALLIANZ STADIUM

Roosters

1. Anthony Minichiello (c)
2. Brendan Elliot
3. Mitchell Aubusson
4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
5. Nene MacDonald
6. James Maloney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Jake Friend
10. Sam Moa
11. Boyd Cordner
12. Sonny Bill williams
13. Aidan Guerra

14. Frank Paul-Nuuausala
15. Isaac Liu
16. Dylan Napa
17. Rémi Casty
18. Heath L'Estrange

Coach: Trent Robinson

Panthers

1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
2. Josh Mansour
3. Dean Whare
4. Jamal Idris
5. Kevin Naiqama
6. Matt Moylan
7. Jamie Soward
8. Sam McKendry
9. James Segeyaro
10. Brent Kite
11. Sika Manu
12. Elijah Taylor
13. Adam Docker

14. Lewis Brown
15. Jeremy Latimore
16. Nigel Plum
17. Bryce Cartwright
18. Isaah Yeo

Coach: Ivan Cleary

STORM V RAIDERS - SAT 19 JULY, 5:30PM (LOCAL), WESTPAC STADIUM

Storm

1. Billy Slater
2. Marika Koroibete
3. William Chambers
4. Kurt Mann
5. Mahe Fonua
6. Ben Roberts
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Cameron Smith (c)
10. Bryan Norrie
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Ryan Hinchcliffe

14. Tim Glasby
15. Tohu Harris
16. Junior Moors
17. Jordan McLean

Coach: Craig Bellamy

Raiders

1. Anthony Milford
2. Reece Robinson
3. Jarrod Croker
4. Jarrad Kennedy
5. Sami Sauiluma
6. Terry Campese (c)
7. Josh McCrone
8. David Shillington
9. Glen Buttriss
10. Brett White
11. Josh Papalii
12. Joel Edwards
13. Shaun Fensom

14. Kurt Baptiste
15. Paul Vaughan
16. Dane Tilse
17. Shannon Boyd
18. Matt Allwood

Coach: Ricky Stuart

BRONCOS V WARRIORS - SAT 19 JULY, 7:30PM (LOCAL), PIRTEK STADIUM

Broncos

1. Ben Barba
2. Daniel Vidot
3. Jack Reed
4. Justin Hodges (c)
5. Dale Copley
6. Josh Hoffman
7. Ben Hunt
8. Josh McGuire
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Corey Parker (c)
11. Alex Glenn
12. Corey Oates
13. Sam Thaiday

14. Ben Hannant
15. David Hala
16. Todd Lowrie
17. Jake Granville
18. David Stagg

Coach: Anthony Griffin

Warriors

1. Sam Tomkins
2. David Fusitu'a
3. Konrad Hurrell
4. Dane Nielsen
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Chad Townsend
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Jacob Lillyman
9. Nathan Friend
10. Suaia Matagi
11. Ben Henry
12. Simon Mannering (c)
13. Sebastine Ikahihifo

14. Feleti Mateo
15. Ben Matulino
16. Agnatius Paasi
17. Thomas Leuluai
18. Jayson Bukuya

Coach: Andrew McFadden

WESTS TIGERS V BULLDOGS - SUN 20 JULY, 3:00PM, ANZ STADIUM

Wests Tigers

1. Mitchell Moses
2. Keith Lulia
3. Tim Simona
4. Chris Lawrence
5. Pat Richards
6. Blake Austin
7. Luke Brooks
8. Aaron Woods
9. Robbie Farah (c)
10. Keith Galloway
11. Curtis Sironen
12. Bodene Thompson
13. Adam Blair

14. Ava Seumanufagai
15. Martin Taupau
16. Dene Halatau
17. James Gavet
18. Sauaso Sue

Coach: Mick Potter

Bulldogs

1. Mitch Brown
2. Corey Thompson
3. Josh Morris
4. Tim Lafai
5. Krisnan Inu
6. Josh Jackson
7. Trent Hodkinson
8. Sam Kasiano
9. Michael Ennis (c)
10. James Graham
11. Dale Finucane
12. Tony Williams
13. Greg Eastwood

14. Reni Maitua
15. Pat O'Hanlon
16. Tim Browne
17. Lloyd Perrett
19. Drury Low
20. Damien Cook

Coach: Des Hasler

DRAGONS V SEA EAGLES - MON 21 JULY, 7PM (LOCAL), WIN JUBILEE OVAL

Dragons

1. Adam Quinlan
2. Charly Runciman
3. Josh Dugan
4. Gerard Beale
5. Jason Nightingale
6. Gareth Widdop
7. Benji Marshall
8. Ben Creagh (c)
9. Mitch Rein
10. Mike Cooper
11. Leeson Ah Mau
12. Joel Thompson
13. Jack de Belin

14. Bronson Harrison
15. Shane Pumpipi
16. Will Matthews
17. Jack Stockwell

Coach: Paul McGregor

Sea Eagles

1. Brett Stewart
2. Jorge Taufua
3. Jamie Lyon
4. Steve Matai
5. Peta Hiku
6. Kieran Foran
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Josh Starling
9. Matt Ballin
10. Brenton Lawrence
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Jamie Buhrer
13. Tom Symonds

14. Jesse Sene-Lefao
15. Dunamis Lui
16. James Hasson
17. Jason King

Coach: Geoff Toovey


http://www.nrl.com/News/WeeklyFeatures/OfficialTeamLists/tabid/10998/Default.aspx



 
Wests Tigers name their Team of 15 Years

By Wests Tigers
NRL.com
10:18am Wed 16th July, 2014

Wests Tigers have announced the club's Team of 15 Years at a Gala Dinner at Doltone House, Pyrmont.

More than 350 guests joined the club for the event with past and present players featuring in the Team of 15 Years.

The team consists of the best players in each position from the history of the joint venture, with the winners decided by a public vote.

More than 10,000 votes were cast over the past couple of months on the Wests Tigers website with the team featuring in a one-of-a-kind artwork which was auctioned off on the night.

Wests Tigers Team of 15 years

1. Brett Hodgson
2. Pat Richards
3. Paul Whatuira
4. Chris Lawrence
5. Taniela Tuiaki
6. Benji Marshall
7. Scott Prince
8. Aaron Woods
9. Robbie Farah
10. John Skandalis
11. Gareth Ellis
12. Mark O'Neill
13. Liam Fulton

14. Todd Payten
15. Ben Galea
16. Anthony Laffranchi
17. Chris Heighington


http://www.nrl.com/wests-tigers-name-their-team-of-15-years/tabid/10874/newsid/80266/default.aspx
 
Tigers didn't invite premiership winning coach Tim Sheens to the club’s 15-year celebration


  • PHIL ROTHFIELD
  • THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • JULY 17, 2014 12:00AM

THE Wests Tigers have obliterated their only premiership-winning coach Tim Sheens from club history.

The highly respected Kangaroos coach was inexplicably not invited to the club’s 15-year celebration and naming of their greatest team at a function on Tuesday night at Doltone House.

The Tigers named 13 players and four reserves — but no coach.Sheens is embroiled in legal action with the Tigers after being sacked at the end of 2012.

The case is due in court in December.

Sheen told the Daily Telegraph on Wednesday night he had phone calls on the evening inquiring about his whereabouts.

“I didn’t know anything about it,” Sheens said on Wednesday night.

“No-one told me the function was even on until I had a couple of calls on the night asking where was I.

“A couple of players rang and expressed their disappointment.

“If they didn’t pick a coach, that’s what they’ll use to justify me not being there.

“I’d have gone had I been asked.

"I’d have gone for the players but there’s not much I can do when I don’t even know it’s on.”

Wests Tigers CEO Grant Mayer confirmed Sheens’ invitation had not gone missing in the mail.

“The function was about celebrating 17 players,” Mayer said.

“No-one’s hiding from it.

“I can guarantee that many players who went on stage acknowledged what Tim had done for them and the club.

“There are obviously other issues (court action) that are ongoing that separate Tim from an event like last night.”

Sheens is still close to a number of his former players and many of the biggest names in rugby league who he coaches at an international level.

He recently knocked back the opportunity to make a short-term comeback for the remainder of the year with the Cronulla Sharks to concentrate on his preparations for the Four Nations tournament in October.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...year-celebration/story-fni3gpz1-1226991477896

- - - Updated - - -

Famous bloodlines keep young gun Bryce Cartwright at the Penrith Panther


  • DEAN RITCHIE
  • THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • JULY 17, 2014 12:00AM

PROUD of his famous surname and heritage in Penrith, rising Panthers star Bryce Cartwright has revealed he rejected a chance to play with the NRL premiers, and alongside superstar Sonny Bill Williams.

Cartwright, 19, is a star of the future. No doubt.

A robust back-rower who can also play five-eighth, Cartwright is the grandson of Penrith icon Merv Carwright and the nephew of former Panthers premiership-winning forward and current Gold Coast coach John Cartwright.

Bryce’s father, David, also played for Penrith in the early 1980s.

It is Bryce’s bloodlines in western Sydney which prevented him shifting to Bondi Junction at the start of last year.

“It’s a privilege to have it as a last name,” Cartwright said.

“There is a lot of heritage from the Cartwright family, especially out here.

“It is a massive honour.

“I am really excited about my future out here at Penrith, especially with all the young boys coming through.

“With the senior players and the coaching staff, I think Penrith is really going places.”

And Cartwright wanted to be part of that Panthers’ revival.

So much so he knocked back interest from Roosters and their star-studded line-up.

“I had a bit of a look at the Roosters,” Cartwright said.

“But I didn’t really want to leave Penrith. It is home for me.

“Gus (Gould) has a five-year plan going here and I can see big things happening out here through the roster we have and the depth.

“I didn’t want to leave - I love it out here. I’m enjoying my footy out in Penrith.

“I have always wanted to play for the club. It is a dream come true for me.

"It’s such a good team and coaching staff. I am really happy.”

Bryce has become a regular in the Panthers’ NRL squad.

No doubt uncle John would love to entice his nephew to the struggling Titans.

Asked did he stay in touch with John, Bryce said:

“Sometimes but he is pretty busy up there, especially with the way things are going.

“I just hope he is going good.”

Ironically, the Roosters confront Penrith this Saturday afternoon at Allianz Stadium.

The Panthers will start firm underdogs, despite being co-competition leaders after 18 rounds.

“They are the defending premiers so it will be a big task for us,” he said.

“They are coming off the bye and a loss to the Sharks so it will be a real tough game for us.

“Ivan (Cleary, coach) is pretty happy with the way we are going.

"We are just trying to keep it calm and take it game by game.

“We need to improve each week and focus on our performances each week.

“We have been unlucky with some injuries but we have a lot of depth here and Ivan is really good in the way he selects the team.

"We should be going alright.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-penrith-panther/story-fni3gfvk-1226991275384

- - - Updated - - -

Change to fixtures hurt Dragons as lack of local games upsets St George-Illawarra balance


  • JOSH MASSOUD
  • THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • JULY 17, 2014 12:00AM

TWO fewer games in Wollongong this season has created a funding hole for the Dragons, with Illawarra now struggling to make further financial contributions to the joint venture.

In a knock-on effect of their controversial call to host only four games at Wollongong’s WIN Stadium, the Dragons have triggered a sizeable default interest payment on a $6.85 million from WIN Corporation to Illawarra.

The Steelers have a 50 per cent stake in the merged entity, along with St George, and granted the NRL entity about $300,000 last season.

That money was valuable for St George Illawarra, which has also needed to draw a $1.5 million loan from League Central to meet costs this year.

But all future funding from Illawarra will be threatened should WIN Stadium continue to be allocated just four games.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the loan agreement between Illawarra and WIN carries a condition that Wollongong host a minimum of six games.

That condition was breached late last year when the Dragons announced a total of four games would be moved to Olympic Park and Moore Park as part of the NRL’s centralised stadiums strategy.

WIN owner Bruce Gordon was furious upon learning suburban venues at Wollongong and Kogarah, over which his television company also holds naming rights, would lose two games each.

There have been suggestions that Gordon decided to call-in the $6.85 million loan, which was given to Illawarra between 2006 and 2007.

The money was advanced so the cash-strapped Steelers could repay St George Leagues Club for meeting their financial obligations during the joint venture’s early years. It was done so on an interest-free basis, with no fixed repayment date.

In exchange, WIN was given a representative on the Dragons board and also a mortgage over land and buildings owned by the Steelers.

Gordon’s son Andrew currently sits on the Dragons board.

A WIN spokeswoman was unable to provide a response on Wednesday night.

Gordon is entitled to call in the loan at any time, but Illawarra chairman Peter Newell denied this had occurred.

Newell did, however, confirm that Illawarra was now compelled to pay WIN interest on the loan for the first time since it was drawn eight years ago.

Newell would not disclose the amount of interest payable this year, but did confirm it would continue to bite until WIN Stadium hosts six games again.

The upshot for the Dragons is that Illawarra is unlikely to provide joint venture funding in the meantime.

“We’ve recognised it as a priority that we’ve had to direct money towards WIN,” Newell said.

“At the same time we are doing our best to channel whatever we can into the Dragons, because that’s part of our joint venture agreement with St George.”

Newell was confident there would be no boardroom recriminations should the Steelers be unable to contribute, citing a healthy relationship with St George.

That’s no consolation for the joint venture balance sheet, which has been severely tested in recent years thanks to a huge decrease in funding from St George Leagues.

It was that drop that forced Dragons CEO Peter Doust to approach the NRL for assistance last year.

ronically, it’s understood the $1.5 million loan from head office came on the proviso that St George Illawarra would move games away from Wollongong and Kogarah.

Doust said on Wednesday that no further approach had been made to the NRL and the club has talked down any personal fallout between him and Gordon.

“The details of the Steelers financials are not a Dragons matter, but the Dragons are aware that they are working through this situation and there is not a meeting planned with the NRL,” Doust said.

“The St George Illawarra Dragons is not under any threat arising from this Steelers matter.

"The Dragons Business Plan and Financials for the next four years in particular, have been provided to NRL, in accordance with one of the conditions of the NRL Club Agreement.”



http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...llawarra-balance/story-fni3g9a3-1226991445326
 
NRL Late Mail for Round 19


  • TOM SANGSTER
  • NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA NETWORK
  • JULY 17, 2014 4:58PM

STAR Rooster Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is set for a shock comeback from a hamstring injury this weekend.

The New Zealand international returned to training this week, despite not being named by coach Trent Robinson on Tuesday.

He is expected to be a late inclusion in place of young gun Brendan Elliot for Saturday night’s match against the Panthers.

Friday, Jul 18, Sharks v Cowboys, Remondis Stadium, NINE, 7:40pm

The Sharks have no injury concerns within the squad named, with Wade Graham (collarbone) and Michael Lichaa (shoulder) cleared.

Cronulla say Paul Gallen (bicep) is “no chance” of an early return and is at least two weeks away.

However, Johnathan Thurston says the Cowboys are preparing for the NSW captain to take the field.

Chris Heighington (calf) tried to train on Thursday, but was no good and will sit out another week.

Tupou Sopoaga will drop out of the 19-man squad, with a final 17 to be confirmed on Friday.

The Cowboys rested up over the bye and have no injury concerns, with Rory Kostjasyn (ribs) and Ray Thompson (hamstring) cleared to return.

Thompson was forced to train over the week off to get himself ready for the match. Curtis Rona travelled as 18th man on Thursday.

Friday, Jul 18, Eels v Rabbitohs, Pirtek Stadium, NINE, 7:40pm

The Eels expect no changes, with Jarryd Hayne (leg) overcoming a minor injury.

The decision to rest Hayne last week was made prior to Origin, but coach Brad Arthur said the star fullback would not have been fit anyway.

The Rabbitohs report no injury concerns. Adam Reynolds (knee) is a definite starter.

He hasn’t missed a single session despite hobbling through South Sydney’s last match.

George Burgess and Kyle Turner (both ankle) also trained this week and will play.

Bryson Goodwin has run with the top side this week despite not being named in NSW Cup or NRL.

Saturday, Jul 19, Roosters v Panthers, Allianz Stadium, FOX, 3.00pm

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring) returned to full training this week and is likely to be a late inclusion at the expense of young gun Brendan Elliot.

The Roosters will decide on a final 17 after Friday’s captain’s run, but report no other changes.

Josh Mansour (ankle) received positive scan results and is “touch and go” to play, despite the five-day turnaround.

The Panthers have their final training session on Friday morning, and Mansour will be given until game day to prove his fitness.

Adam Docker (concussion) has been cleared by the club doctor despite repeated head knocks.

David Simmons (knee) started light running this week and is getting close to a return, but is more likely for next week.

Saturday, Jul 19, Storm v Raiders, AAMI Park, FOX, 5:30pm

The Storm report no injury concerns. Justin O’Neill returned from serious injury in NSW Cup last week and has been named there again this week, with Marika Koroibete selected on the wing for first grade.

The Storm say O’Neill will be given another run in reserves this round.

The Raiders expect to be 1-17, with Jarrad Kennedy training at centre this week in place of Brenko Lee (hamstring, round 21).

Jack Wighton (broken thumb) is no chance of an early return, with his cast to come off on Monday.

Saturday, Jul 19, Broncos v Warriors, Suncorp Stadium, FOX, 7:30pm

The Broncos have no injury concerns, although Matt Gillett (ankle) is considered a chance of being a late inclusion.

Sam Tomkins (hip flexor) is in doubt for the Warriors after going down at training this week.

He has travelled with the side, although Solomone Kata has been added to the squad as cover.

Kata would play wing, with David Fusitua to replace Tomkins at fullback.

“We’re hopeful Sam will be able to play,” said coach Andrew McFadden.

“He’s receiving treatment and he’ll be given every opportunity to prove his fitness.”

Sunday, Jul 20, Tigers v Bulldogs, ANZ Stadium, NINE, 3:00pm

Pat Richards (groin) is the only doubt for the Tigers, with a final decision to be made after Saturday’s captain’s run.

Tim Simona (teeth) has been cleared and will play with a new mouthguard.Josh Morris (knee) is “50-50” for the Bulldogs and will be given until game day.

Young gun Moses Mbye (foot) is unlikely to be a late inclusion despite Canterbury’s halves crisis.

He will aim for next week.

Monday, Jul 21, Dragons v Sea Eagles, WIN Jubilee Oval, FOX, 7:00pm

The Dragons have only completed two sessions so far, with another two to come.

They report no injury concerns, but have a number of players pushing for late inclusions.

Brett Morris (shoulder) has completed some training with the squad this week and will return over the next few weeks.

Dan Hunt (groin) also did some running this week, although Trent Merrin (shoulder) won’t return early.

Jorge Taufua (ankle) will return for the Sea Eagles after two false starts, having trained this week.

Jason King (hip) and Anthony Watmough (suspension/bicep) will also return, with Manly set to be unchanged.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...hamstring-injury/story-fni3fs14-1226992509332
 
Cowboys break long away duck

By Chris Kennedy, National Correspondent
NRL.com
10:05pm Fri 18th July, 2014

The North Queensland Cowboys have finally earned their first NRL win outside Townsville for more than 10 months with Cronulla again their happy hunting ground, earning a dominant 36-18 win in front of 9,366 very chilly fans at Remondis Stadium.

The Cowboys exploded out of the blocks and despite the home side threatening another remarkable comeback, they pulled away in the second half as the Sharks blew a series of chances.

The Cowboys launched an opening blitz with the help of some uncharacteristic blunders from Sharks fullback Michael Gordon, racing to a 10-0 lead before the Sharks had even touched the ball.

Tariq Sims was first to score at the end of the first set of the game when Gordon spilled a Robert Lui bomb into the Newcastle-bound forward's arms in front of the posts.

At the end of the next set Gordon made a mess of a tricky Rory Kostjasyn grubber and as he looked to regather, he batted the ball back infield which almost led immediately to a try but Kostjasyn was ruled to have touched the sideline just before he grounded the ball.

It mattered little as some Johnathan Thurston magic - wearing No.16 in honour of Alex McKinnon in Rise For Alex Round - from the ensuing set at the Cronulla line made the Sharks pay.

After almost sending Sims over for a double Thurston dummied and went himself, his tough sideline conversion hitting the post for a 10-0 advantage after four minutes.

A scrappy and penalty-laden 15 minutes followed, with the Sharks unable to capitalise on plenty of good field position, and Ashton Sims and Lui each finding themselves on report for high shots on Sharks winger Jacob Gagan and Andrew Fifita, respectively.

The former hit caused Gagan to come off for a concussion assessment, with the versatile Luke Lewis shifting to centre and Jono Wright moving to wing.

The Cowboys were next to score, however, when they found the Sharks short on the right and a quality Michael Morgan cut-out pass put Antonio Winterstein over inside the left hand corner post, Thurston nailing the sideline chance from his preferred side for a 16-0 lead.

The Cowboys continued to dominate field position and but for a couple of great efforts from Fifita in fielding grubbers in his own in-goal that averted two goal-line dropouts it could have been worse.

The Sharks eventually clawed some momentum back and finally got on the scoreboard five minutes before the break when Wright did well to mark a Nu Brown cross-field bomb.

With half-time looming and a 10-point deficit appearing likely, the Sharks charged downfield with the help of a penalty and some quick hands to the right found makeshift centre Lewis, who stepped off his right foot past a couple of defenders to earn a much needed try.

Michael Gordon's conversion brought up 1,000 career points in the NRL – 202 of those for the Sharks – and despite a frantic late flurry where they seemed every chance of scoring a third try in five minutes the play broke down when a Jeff Robson pass after the siren headed into touch.

The second half started almost like the first in reverse, with the Cowboys fumbling their first kick reception but the Sharks were unable to make them pay.

The home side then had to absorb several repeat sets on their own line and in a credit to their defence, Thurston eventually opted to take twp points from a penalty and an 18-12 lead after 50 minutes.

A lost ball from acting Sharks skipper Wade Graham after the side had defused yet another Cowboys raid proved costly as Morgan first earned his side a repeat set with a clever grubber then cashed in by pushing through a tackle, showing remarkable strength to shrug through four defenders while keeping the ball off the ground to reach out and score.

With Gagan already gone for the game Cronulla then lost Siosaia Vave with shoulder and knee injuries with 20 still to play.

The home side's best chance at another miracle comeback came undone after Anthony Tupou found himself in space and one-on-one with Morgan, but looked to pass too late and lost it in the Ashton Sims tackle.

More dominant field position soon told on the luckless Sharks when Cowboys lock Glenn Hall ran onto a short ball at the line for a 30-12 lead, before a controversial try to Thurston then put the match out of Cronulla's reach.

After grubbering to Gordon, he stripped the ball from the Sharks fullback after the previous defender had bounced off. He raced away to score and despite the on-field officials sending it up as a 'no try', the video referee deemed the tackle a one-on-one strip because only one player was in contact with Gordon at any time.

A late consolation try to Gordon narrowed the gap to 36-18 but it was the Cowboys who were left celebrating their first away win since their Round 25 trip to the venue in September last year.


NQ Cowboys - 36 (Johnathan Thurston 2, Tariq Sims, Antonio Winterstein, Glenn Hall, Michael Morgan tries; Thurston 6 goals)

Defeated

Cronulla Sharks - 18 (Jonathan Wright, Luke Lewis, Michael Gordon tries; Gordon 3 goals)


Crowd 9,366


http://www.nrl.com/cowboys-break-long-away-duck/tabid/10874/newsid/80349/default.aspx


- - - Updated - - -

Maguire masterminds win over Eels

By Matt Encarnacion, Western Sydney Correspondent
NRL.com
10:00pm Fri 18th July, 2014

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire's stunning decision to replace halfback Adam Reynolds has proved a masterstroke after young gun Luke Keary set up the match-turning play in their 32-12 win over Parramatta on Friday night.

South Sydney were clinging onto a 16-12 lead when Reynolds was substituted for Keary in the 64th minute, and with his first touch of the football the rookie playmaker put up a perfectly-placed bomb for second-rower Kyle Turner to take the lead out to ten.

From there the Rabbitohs closed the match with another two tries, and snapping a worrying two-game slide to entrench their spot in the top eight.

For Parramatta, the loss was their fourth straight and leaves them in danger of falling as low as 13th by the end of the weekend.

The Eels got the early jump on the visitors courtesy of an advancing defensive line that stunned the slow-starting Rabbitohs pack.

Coach Brad Arthur's mid-week call for physicality seemed to have been heeded when South Sydney big men Sam Burgess, Ben Lowe and Jason Clark all showed signs of discomfort in opening exchanges.

For all of Parramatta's domination however, a ninth minute try to rookie second-rower Tepai Moeroa from a Corey Norman short ball was all the home side could come up with after 20 minutes.

Eventually South Sydney began to turn the wheels, and crossed for their first points through a well-rehearsed right-side shift that ended in wingman Lote Tuqiri over for his first try in Rabbitohs colours.

Eels halfback Chris Sandow thought he had stolen momentum when he produced a 40-20 in the 37th minute, but his third play cut-out was intercepted by a Dylan Walker who was eventually brought down by Jarryd Hayne.

Sandow exacerbated his mistake by being put on report for a shoulder charge on Walker as he was on the ground and in the ensuing set, Sam Burgess cut through a shortened Eels left edge for an unlikely 10-6 lead at the break.

In a week where Parramatta coach Brad Arthur wanted his men to show no respect for their bodies, the Eels’ middle certainly showed a hardened edge against arguably the best pack of big men in the NRL.

But the first-year mentor would've been furious with a lazy putdown by winger Vai Toutai that bombed a certain four-pointer to open the second half.

And again the visitors made them pay, rampaging their way up the field and catching the home side short on their right flank by an Inglis long ball to Johnston to extend their lead to ten.

It would've been more had George Burgess not stood in the Eels defensive line when Joe Picker went through untouched five minutes later.

Having not tasted defeat to the foundational club on their home turf in 17 years however, Parramatta hit back when Norman placed a cross-field kick beside the posts for utility Joseph Paulo.

But the match was turned on its head when Maguire called on his supersub, who instantly set up the win with a try for Turner, before Johnston and Burgess completed their doubles in the closing minutes.

Both Hayne and Inglis wore No. 16 in a show of support for injured Knight Alex McKinnon.


South Sydney Rabbitohs - 32 (Johnston 2, S. Burgess 2, Tuqiri, Turner tries; Reynolds 2, Luke 2 goals)

Defeated

Parramatta Eels - 12 (Moeroa, Paulo tries; Sandow 2 goals)


Crowd: 16,125


http://www.nrl.com/maguire-masterminds-win-over-eels/tabid/10874/newsid/80344/default.aspx
 
Roosters blow Panthers away late

By Dan Walsh
NRL.com
5:10pm Sat 19th July, 2014

The Roosters have simultaneously pumped up the tires of their flagging premiership defence and let just a smidge of air out of the Panthers' own premiership credentials with a solid 32-12 victory at Allianz Stadium.

With a gale-force wind at their backs and the sun only fleetingly falling on the 13,993 crowd, the Roosters dominated the first 40 minute with three tries before holding out, and eventually dusting a persistent Penrith outfit that at stages threatened to make the Tricolours' last start nightmare capitulation to the Sharks a recurring one.

Despite rolling out the welcome mat for the visitors with five consecutive penalties after the break and spending the majority of the second stanza under siege on their own line, a brace of tries from back-rower Boyd Cordner in the 71st and 77th minutes blew the score line out beyond an accurate reflection of the visitors' competitiveness.

The win snaps a two-game losing streak for the premiers, and delivers a third consecutive win over the patched-up mountain men, who entered the match without destructive wingman Josh Mansour, and with 19-year-old lock forward Bryce Cartwright as a fourth-string five-eighth, while the Roosters themselves went in with a reshuffled backline that featured regular back-rowers Aidan Guerra and Mitch Aubusson in the three-quarter line.

In the space of just five days the Panthers went from hardly missing a beat without a recognised five-eighth in their Monday night thriller against the Broncos, to looking every bit like a side short a playmaker throughout the first half as they struggled gamely but ultimately unsuccessfully for fluency and timing in attack. Similarly their short kicking game was found exactly that, short of what was required, as the Roosters back three repeatedly picked off the limp offerings from the Panthers' boots.

Jake Friend literally kicked things off for the Roosters with a pin point fourth minute 40/20 that delivered the home side prime attacking real estate, and from the ensuing quick tap Panthers back-rower Elijah Taylor was given 10 minutes on the pine for a professional foul as he held on too long in the tackle of Guerra trying to slow up play for his side to set their scrambling goal line defence.

It mattered for nought within 90 seconds, as the Roosters crossed the stripe through that man Guerra, on the end of some slick hands from late inclusion Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as the premiers attacked the Panthers left-edge defence that Taylor typically occupies, with James Maloney's conversion giving the home side a 6-0 advantage after as many minutes.

Having enjoyed the lion's share of field position across the opening exchanges, a 17th minute hit-and-spin out of dummy-half from fellow makeshift centre Aubusson ensured the Roosters made the most of their 55 per cent possession advantage, while another nail was added to the coffin the Panthers were fast making themselves comfortable in when big Frenchman Remi Casty barged over from close range late in the half to ensure the Chooks took an 18-0 lead into the break.

After occupying enemy territory as though it were the own backyard upon the resumption of play, the Panthers finally got themselves on the board through Cartwright, who stepped and slipped through some waning Roosters defence from 15 metres out to score the first of what will no doubt be many NRL tries in the 58th minute.

A penalty goal from Maloney with 16 minutes to play stretched the Chooks' lead back out beyond two converted tries before the much-maligned pivot rolled a grubber into the Panthers in-goal for a flying Cordner, whose seventh try of the year proved a fitting reward for his 202 metres and 37 tackles.

Penrith hooker James Segeyaro dummied and jinked his way through the line with six minutes to go for a consolation four-pointer, though Cordner's second for the afternoon, a reproduction of the short-ball play from halfback Mitch Pearce that has proved so successful over the past 18 months, reinforced the Roosters ascendency as the Panthers slumped to their fifth defeat in their last six visits to Allianz Stadium.


Sydney Roosters - 32 (B Cordner 2, A Guerra, M Aubusson, R Casty, tries; J Maloney 6 goals)

Defeated

Penrith Panthers - 12 (B Cartwright, J Segeyaro tries; J Soward 2 goals)


Crowd: 13, 993


http://www.nrl.com/roosters-blow-panthers-away-late/tabid/10874/newsid/80360/default.aspx
 
Storm into top eight with Raiders win

By Will Botoulas, Melbourne Correspondent
NRL.com
7:46pm Sat 19th July, 2014

Melbourne has propelled itself back into the top eight after dispatching Canberra 28-14 at AAMI Park.

In what was the Storm's first home win over the Raiders in four games, the hosts weathered a first-half fight from the Green Machine to claim the points in front of 11,479 fans.

It was another strong performance by in-form centre Mahe Fonua (2 tries, 132 metres) while a new-look, all-Fijian wing pairing of Sisa Waqa and Marika Koroibete looks to have some potential with both players combining for 324 metres and a try apiece.

It was a different looking home team who were sporting red socks, raising awareness for the AIDS conference currently taking place in Melbourne.

The Storm were granted a dose of early fortune as it opened the scoring four minutes in.

A deflected Cronk kick was recovered by Storm veteran Bryan Norrie and a wayward pass further upfield looked to have killed the sloppy attacking foray.

But the Raiders defence was unable to recover the loose ball, with Kevin Proctor blitzing through what was left of the visitors' line to bulldoze over.

Cameron Smith, wearing No.16 in support of Alex McKinnon, fluffed his kick though as he side took an early 4-0 lead.

Proctor's try was a cruel moment for Canberra fans who less than two months ago thought their club had secured the Kiwi's signature beyond this season.

It was a dream start for the hosts continued as they had their second three minutes later.

A string of passes from the left wing again left the Raiders defence nowhere to be found as Jordan McLean capped off the move to justify his late switch from the bench at the expense of Ryan Hinchcliffe.

It was a nightmare start for the visitors who missed eight tackles in the opening 15 minutes as Melbourne enjoyed 60 per cent of possession and 100 more metres.

But in the 17th minute the game took an unlikely turn in momentum.

A wayward Billy Slater pass into the hands of Reece Robinson and a penalty to follow saw the Raiders enjoying their first notable field position of the game – and they made it count.

A zipping Terry Campese pass to the right gave Sami Sauiluma acres of space and the winger didn't let his captain down to bring the margin back to six.

But as has been the case in 2014, the Raiders proved the masters of their own undoing a minute later as Anthony Milford knocked on the ensuing kick off.

It would prove to be a costly error.

Mahe Fonua was shifted to the centres prior to kickoff and the move proved a masterstroke as his clever off load to Marika Koroibete set the Fijian up for his first try in purple colours.

Despite a strong start to the game it was far from a perfect opening 40 minutes from the home side with three errors and an unfavorable 5-1 penalty count.

The Raiders were in need of a spark and it came via a likely source in Anthony Milford on 31 minutes.

The Brisbane-bound fullback blew past Ben Roberts 15 metres from the line like he was standing still for his third try in two weeks.

A 14-10 halftime score line had the visitors headed for the sheds with every chance of making it four straight wins in Melbourne.

Canberra emerged from the sheds looking to push the ascendancy in the first 10 minutes.

Repeat sets had the hosts on the back foot but it would be a dropped ball by Campese that would prove the turning point.

Provider in the first half Fonua would turn producer in the second.

On 53 minutes the 21-year-old Victorian cut inside from a pass from his captain to break the Raiders line and ground the ball despite the flailing effort by Milford to tackle.

Fonua had the opportunity to fill his coffers two more times but a knock on with a clear path to the line and a botched pass when it looked as though he could score himself saw both chances go begging.

Milford and Sauliuma obliged with two drop balls of their own to all but relinquish any chance of the Green Machine resurgence.

In the 64th minute winger Waqa would provide some much needed polish to a scrappy five minute period, going on a barnstorming run down the touch line for his 11th try of the season.

Fonua again chimed in with his second of the game, this time the beneficiary of a powerful Koroibete run to make it a 28-10 score line and place the result beyond doubt.

Cronk has a late pass intercepted by Croker who at least finished off a disappointing night with a long-range try but it was Robinson's fumble in the final minute as the try-line beckoned that summed up the Raiders night.

The Storm take on the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium next Friday night while the Raiders will host the Rabbitohs on Monday night football.


Melbourne Storm- 28 (Fonua 2, Proctor, McLean, Koroibete, Waqa tries; Smith 2 goals)

defeated

Canberra Raiders - 14 (Sauiluma, Milford, Croker tries; Croker 1 goal) at AAMI Park


Crowd: 11,479


http://www.nrl.com/storm-into-top-eight-with-raiders-win/tabid/10874/newsid/80364/default.aspx
 
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