Despite the State of Origin disruption, there is still an interesting round of NRL matches this weekend with some clutch games for a number of clubs.
The Sharks and Storm will remain at the top of the table, which is a fair reflection of their consistency, but below them, a number of finals contenders go head to head which is sure to make for a captivating weekend.
Titans backflip, now September certainties?
The Sea Eagles were a doddle for the Titans, but after the Raiders at home this Sunday we’ll know if Neil Henry’s surprise packet is a serious finals contender.
Following a disastrous off-season and five consecutive losses leading into Round 10, the revitalised Gold Coast have flown far and wide winning four of their last five to land in eighth place.
But if the Titans are going to genuinely take the next step towards a finals berth, then this week’s game is exactly the type they have to win. All those teams around the Titans on the table – the Raiders, Panthers, Warriors and Dragons – are the teams the Gold Coast need to regularly beat.
They snuck under the Panthers’ guard in Round 11 and the golden-point win over the Rabbitohs in Perth was important as it allowed the Titans to move clear of the competition’s cellar dwellers.
A win this week will see them leapfrog the Raiders fuelling their finals run with away games to the Warriors and Dragons separated by a bye to follow.
Playing largely with an unchanged side for the last five outings, Tyrone Roberts and Ashley Taylor’s confidence has grown in combination with an energetic pack strengthened by the addition of Nathan Peats.
On the flipside, this week’s outcome is equally critical for Ricky Stuart. In what shapes as the clash of the round, the Raiders will be eager to reverse their surprise Round 4 loss.
Bulldogs poised to oust Brisbane from the top four
Questioning one of the premiership favourites during the Origin period might seem strange, but there’s a real chance the Broncos could slip from the top four.
A loss to the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night will draw both sides level in fourth place (assuming the Eels are penalised) on 20 points.
Regardless of the result, expect Des Hasler’s side to appear from under the radar over the subsequent seven rounds. With games against five sides currently outside the top eight plus the Cowboys and the bye, it’s possible Canterbury will be entrenched inside the top four after Round 23.
A late surge is nothing new for the Bulldogs. In three of the four seasons completed under Hasler’s guidance, they’ve finished higher on the ladder than their Round 15 position.
Broncos fans could also make a decent case for why their side will remain inside the four until the sides meet again in Round 24. Brisbane face four sides outside the top-eight, as well as Melbourne, Parramatta plus the bye.
This time last year Brisbane topped the table with two extra wins, now with six stars backing up from Origin, the standard question remains. Will the Broncos have enough points in the bank prior to regaining top speed?
Come the end of the home-and-away season, the result of this weekend’s match could prove decisive as both the Broncos and Bulldogs fight for two bites of the September cherry.
Munster Storm surge
The experts weren’t the only ones to rule a line through the Storm’s title prospects when Billy Slater’s season ended, even club diehards acknowledged Melbourne’s long haul just to make the eight.
But fill-in Cameron Munster hasn’t missed a beat for the second-placed Storm, whose spot in the top four appears safe even if they drop half their remaining ten games.
Munster’s contribution is reflected by his stats; second for most runs, third for line breaks and fifth for tackle breaks. But for Craig Bellamy – who admitted Munster has developed quicker than expected – stats are only part of the story.
Munster’s importance was magnified by his absence last week in Wollongong where the Dragons defence was never seriously threatened.
Named to play alongside the returning Origin stars this week at AAMI Park, the Tigers will have their hands full. Munster’s snoops around the ruck and angled runs will ensure Fijian flyers Marika Koroibete and Suliasi Vunivalu’s hands are also full – converting the space he creates.
End of an era: Rabbitohs, Roosters, Sea Eagles
Leicester City’s title odds were considered long, but only the vindictive would have placed their hard earned on the Rabbitohs, Roosters and Manly being slumped together in the bottom four after 15 rounds.
I’m not sure which is more breathtaking, the depth of the drop or the fact all three are in simultaneous freefall.
The Roosters’ hat-trick of minor premierships is a distant memory as is Manly’s ten consecutive finals appearances prior to 2015. Last start losses officially downgraded both club’s finals prospects to first Mad Monday off the rank.
Souths’ resurgence since returning to finals football in 2012 has been a welcome adrenaline shot for Sydney rugby league. Now needing at least another seven wins to extend their playoff streak, should the Rabbitohs fall short, it will be the first series since 1992 where at least one of the three former high-flyers hasn’t featured.
The rebuilding strategy for each will be intriguing. All three are flushed with cash and despite losing big names in recent seasons, it’s fair to assume others will follow or even be hurried into retirement.
Who’s up for the June 30 deadline shuffle?
This is the final round before the June 30 deadline to register players and recent movements suggest it’ll be a busy week.
With Michael Gordon the latest dispatch, have the Eels delivered their last?
Tom Symonds has been shipped to Huddersfield and James Segeyaro will trade places with Leeds’ Zak Hardaker. So who else will join the Super League exodus?
Will Jarryd Hayne’s uncertain future stifle bidding and can part-time second graders like Tony Williams, Jeff Robson, Sam Williams and Feleti Mateo find love elsewhere?
Here’s to a thrilling week of NRL and may all your recruitment dreams come true.
Tripehound
Guest
I couldn't say with any certainty that he played for the Crushers Jas but suspect that you may be correct. When our seasons were opposite each, as you know, loads of players would have the off season in the other hemispheres competition. I know times have changed and things are more professional but some lads were playing 12 months a year, makes the constant call of too many games these days ring a bit hollow!!
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Cheers TH. I'm no union guru either, entertaining night though. Vague recollection now you mention 16 year old Any...cripes, understanding grandparents i guess. Mike Ford a slippery customer for the Lions in 80s-90s and firey from memory. He may have played for Sth Est Qld Crushers in their debut year??
Tripehound
Guest
Yes Owen is Andy Farrell's son. Andy sired him when he was 16. Owen was brought up in Wigan and played league as a young lad before moving south when his dad signed for RU club Saracens. I'm not a Union expert but I'm sure that both father and son played in the same Saracens side in the RU premiership. Andy was part of the England coaching set up that was in charge at the last world cup. For interest England half George Ford is the son of former Wigan, Castleford and GB scrum half Mike Ford who is now head coach of RU club Bath who famously signed Sam Burgess from Souths in 2014.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Rumour in Friday's Telegraph has Brett Stewart lining up a possible 3 year deal with Catalans. Makes sense with brother Glenn and other ex Sea Eagles on the list. Personally I'm not sure his body has that much footy left. Can't think of any others, bit jaded, on way home after your mob handed out another union lesson. Who runs second in a Test with 40 points...no need to answer :) Owen is Andy's son?
Tripehound
Guest
Yes the lad has been strutting round like a cockerel Jas haha. Frank Paul has indeed signed a 3.5 year deal at Wigan, their rather 'muscular' approach to the game under Shaun Wane would, I imagine, suit his style. Any word in your neck of the woods about potential moves to Super League mate? The mumblings over here is that Wigan back rower John Bateman may be on his way to Oz for next year, possibly the Raiders.
Tripehound
Guest
I see what you're saying about the hooker role mate, but I wouldn't call them a back, Hodgson has really come on leaps and bounds during his time at Canberra. As for Sam Tomkins, I appreciate that he was good at the Warriors but he headed over there as a marquee signing for them, that was going to set the world on fire, he'd proved a brilliantly exciting match winner in his first stint at Wigan, but I don't feel, for whatever reason, he reached those heights in NZ. I still stand by my comments that I'm waiting for a SL back to really cut it in the NRL in the same fashion as say James Graham or Sam Burgess, or to be fair someone like Mike Cooper even. Some of those backs that Jas mentioned from the 80's/90's were absolute quality, Gary Connolly defensively was as good as anyone you'd see, not the biggest bloke In the world but man- a - live he was strong.
Chris
Guest
crowds are a joke and SOO is boring. As a RL fan the NRL is has been mostly forgettable past few seasons.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't have minded seeing more from Tomkins but if he (and perhaps his other half) weren't happy in NZ and wanted to go home I don't mind seeing the Super League have some more talented players -- it's not good if all the top talent is in one competition, I don't think Wigan have lost a game with him starting this year either.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Fair call Alex, I was disappointed Tomkins didn't stay for another season. He was always knocked by injury after finding form. Although the current exodus appears from afar to be lowering Super Leagues' standard. I see Joe Burgess has transferred from the Roosters to Souths for the remainder of 2016 before returning to Wigan. There was a string of quality backs from the UK in the 80-90s. Andy Courier, Martin Offiah, Henderson Gill, Joe Lydon, Jonthan Davies and who can forget Ellery Hanley. Most didn't stay too long, Gary Connolly was one of my favourites. He only played half a season from memory with Canterbury but his defence stood out from the others.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Tripehound, Tomkins did pretty well for the Warriors (they rarely lost when he played), and depending on if you still count the Hooker as a forward (because apparently it's still the 1970s) Hodgson has done well here too.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Ha! Ha! Very true!
Joe
Roar Rookie
Thanks Jason. Had high hopes for Slade but unfortunately injuries have cruelled his career. I think he will stay as he would likely be on basic salary and Storm need someone as backup just in case. Hampton isn't really a 80 minutes hooker and better as utility. Storm have a history of carrying long term injury players e.g Matt Duffie and Jordan McLean early in his carreer. I think they will stick by Slade but whether he can reach the potential they need from him after 3 knee surgeries will determine future contacts. If he stays loyal on a low end contract they will stick with him a few more years.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Informative wrap TH. 'Rake', I can see Segeyaro asking for a definition, ha. 'Peevish' and 'boo boys' - cackling over my porridge, superb start to the day! Lee Briers, a fan indeed, especially the old school tattoos. I bet the u13s have asked a few questions about their origin. Great result for your nephew - a week of chest out for the young fella, as a kid nothing beats a trophy. I read Frank Paul off to Wigan (via BBC thanks to your tip), I expect more to follow. Big week.
Tripehound
Guest
Hardaker asked Leeds for a transfer earlier in the month and made no secret of his desire to play in the NRL, so although Leeds hold his registration he'll be after a full time contract down under. From what I've seen of Segeyaro in previous seasons he's a very good attacking rake and his style will suit the UK game for the remainder of the year, as you say I would imagine that he'll be back in Australia for next season. I suppose the current deal is a winner all round, Segeyaro gets to have a run out after injury and Hardaker puts himself in the shop window, if he can regain his form he's a really exciting, fast runner and decent defender. Sarginson is a decent centre, I think he spent his younger years in Perth but came through the London Broncos system before signing for Wigan a coupe of years back, where he has made steady progress and represented England, with some acclaim, in the 2014 four nations. He's not the biggest three quarter in the world but has a bit of style to him, I just hope he makes a decent fist of it at the Titans, an under the radar type of signing that could pay dividends. Last weeks match was a bit shaky to start with, we went twelve - nil down to an under strength Robins team who then proceeded to bomb a golden opportunity to make it eighteen with their bench hooker knocking on with an open run to the sticks. Had that score gone in it could have been a different kettle of fish, the crowd was getting somewhat peevish and the boo boys were starting to warm up, but Saints' got a grip and then pummelled Rovers in the second half. My sources tell me that scrum half Matty Smith will be heading back to us from Wigan next season, I get the feeling it will take more than his signature on the dotted to put things straight at Langtree Park though. Yes I love the challenge cup also, I'm gutted we got turfed out so ignominiously at the hands of Hull in the last round. Fifita was great for Trinity last night, we head to their place next weekend so they'll be buoyed by the Giants result. Just as a point of interest, I think you were a fan of Lee Briers? He coaches (outside of his Warrington commitments) the under 13's team my nephew plays for and they won the North West Counties knock out shield last weekend, happy days!
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
G'day TH. Yeah, I'll keep a keen eye on Zac. Sounds a difficult task with only 10 games left before the finals. Will be a waste if he's left running around in park footy. So is he playing for a 2017 Panthers contract or heading back to Leeds regardless? I think Segeyaro has a three year deal with an option to head home if the NRL come knocking, which seems a formality - sizzling behind a powerful pack. I'm not familiar with Sarginson, what's the goss? Hey, you must have enjoyed the Saints second half v KR last week. Challenge Cup my favourite, Fifita on debut outstanding for Wakefield.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Out of sorts is the understatement of the day. Leeds are running last! Last!! Who'd a thought? The Titans have a future. The naysayers who spent the first half of the season naying and saying will end up with their mouths shut tight. If not this year then soon. Bad management is a pox on any club and the Gold Coast have had their share, that's for sure. My motto for the day? Never judge a club's potential when it is run by incompetents.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Cheers mate,enjoy the weekend.
Tripehound
Guest
G'day, g'day, g'day Jas. I'll be very interested to see how Zak Hardaker performs if/once he gets a go. The current man of steel has been out of sorts this season in an out of sorts Leeds outfit. Both him and Segeyaro are on deals to the end of the season, so it's a case of sink or swim for Zak and his dream of a long term deal in the NRL, although its not been too big an issue with the forwards we're still waiting for a SL back to really cut the mustard down under. I'll be keeping tabs on the Titans v Raiders game, considering the hyperbole and doomsday scenarios that was predicted for Gold Coast preseason I've been impressed the way they have battled adversity in 2016. Dan Sarginson already on board for next year is another SL back with plenty to prove.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Yes mate, I rate him. Nothing flash but reliable and deceptively strong close to the line.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
U still got a soft spot for Hoppa Jas? Hope ur right mate.