We have another excellent weekend of action in the books with golden point and close games headlining the action. Welcome to The Roar‘s NRL talking points for Round 13.
If Cameron Smith is injured, Jake Friend is the man for Queensland
I’ll preface this one by saying that in the same way Anthony Milford isn’t Johnathan Thurston, Jake Friend isn’t the player Cameron Smith is.
In saying that, if the reported sternum injury to Smith is serious, or he is forced to miss the deciding Game 2 in Sydney for the Maroons, Friend is the best option the Maroons have.
He proved as much on Saturday against the Broncos as, not for the first time he managed to dig the Roosters out of a hole.
Granted, it wasn’t just Friend – New South Wales captain Boyd Cordner was superb in the victory, but Friend was the star of the show finishing with a try assist and a ridiculous 58 tackles.
The tackles, for those who follow Friend’s stats on a regular basis, are not all that much of a surprise. With Mitchell Pearce out though, he took the onus on himself to carry a workload in kicking, something Smith excels at.
Friend is the closest backup Queensland have to Smith, and it’s difficult to remember a time in the last few seasons’ when he has let someone down.
Regardless of whether Smith is injured for Game 2 or not, there’s going to come a time when Smith hands away his coveted Queensland No.9 jersey. Friend is 27 years old, in the prime of his career and at some point in the next few years, will become the Maroons’ hooker.
(AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Is there room at the Broncos for Benji Marshall when they return to full strength?
Unfortunately, Benji’s game against the Roosters might be remembered for the grubber kick that went dead in the dying stages.
Still, if Marshall wasn’t on the field, there is every chance Wayne Bennett’s men would never have been in the position where they could have pulled off a miraculous comeback victory. A try, a heavy hand in another and a running game that screamed dangerous were hallmarks of Marshall’s game on Saturday.
You have to remember that in 2015, playing for the Dragons, Marshall finished equal second on Dally M. He was taken out by Greg Eastwood in the ensuing finals match just as he looked to be bringing his side back into the contest and has never been the same player.
Yet, on Saturday we saw some of his best. It was almost vintage Marshall. The question stands though – is there room?
Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford seem to have the Broncos halves spots locked down, and given they guided the side to the top of the table, it would be difficult to deny either man a spot.
With Hunt off to the Dragons next year though, he will be under immense pressure from fans and coach Bennett to perform, which, since his return from injury last week against the Warriors he hasn’t done consistently.
At any rate, the Broncos have some time to work it out with Milford injured – although for how long we aren’t sure, but if Hunt’s form doesn’t remain strong, Marshall could partner Milford in the halves at the back end of 2017 – and we haven’t even taken in the chances of Kodi Nikorima yet.
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Gareth Widdop’s form dictates the Dragons season
Look, I’m not saying he had a fantastic performance against the Tigers or anything like that, but the difference was a notable one for the Dragons as he made his return to the side after three weeks out due to injury.
Before he was injured, Widdop had six tries and eight try assists from eight games, which are some seriously good numbers. The argument could have been made then that Widdop was the competition’s form player, and based on the way he ripped the Tigers in half during the first half on Saturday, not much can be done to change the general opinion.
For Dragons’ management, it’s probably lucky they have Widdop’s contract signed and sorted – his market value would be increasing with every passing week.
Gareth Widdop isn’t the only reason the Dragons are running third on the table, but he is a large chunk of it and his form could well control the Dragons destiny in 2017.
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The Cowboys attack is a concern, but the Titans defence is not
“Thurston was still out,” I can hear you all complaining, and I’m happy to acknowledge that as any fair and balanced person would.
But – and it’s a damn big but – Michael Morgan, Lachlan Coote and Jake Granville, who are the future of the Cowboys when Thurston moves on – should be able to get their team scoring more than three tries with 65 per cent possession for the game.
Try as they might, it was an impossible task to crack the Titans line. Plenty of teams have had the same problems, but few have had 100 tackles in the opposition 20 or as much possession.
It wasn’t a poor performance from the Cowboys – they dominated the game from the outset – but even without Thurston, they need to find ways of scoring more points in situations like that.
The Tigers will come good – give them some time though
This isn’t the year for the Tigers to win the premiership, but even with a number of noticeable faces there this year who won’t be next year – looking at you Aaron Woods and James Tedesco – it’s a year that can set the building blocks and foundations for a promising looking 2018 season.
Tuimoala Lolohea made a somewhat rusty debut for the club against the Dragons, while their forwards stood up for the most part, especially in goalline defence.
The Tigers really came to play, and while they are lacking polish, it’s a side who, with a vastly different looking side in 2018, plus the cornerstones of this year will be challenging.
Lolohea could hold the key, playing alongside Luke Brooks in the halves both later this year, and then combining from fullback next year. The former Warriors utility has great value for the club, and while it’s tough to see them making the eight this year, next year will be a very different story.
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The Raiders must find more attacking weapons
The lethal ‘Leipana’ combination just isn’t getting it done for the Raiders. I’ve talked about this before, but it needs more attention after the game against Manly on Sunday.
They might have got it to golden point, but it was a pretty ordinary first half from the Green Machine, with every attacking raid seemingly down the right edge of the park.
Teams have figured them out and with the halves Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin very rarely chancing their arm on anything else or giving them any other sort of direction, it’s a serious worry for them going forward.
Nick Cotric is almost a passenger on the left wing, yet, judging by some of his runs out of their own end, he could be just as dangerous playing outside Jarrod Croker, who has form that never seems to drop away.
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Billy Slater is a match-winner and he will be the reason Melbourne win the premiership
The big three still reign supreme in Melbourne. Behind a solid forward pack which is full of players who are realistically over performing – playing under Craig Bellamy seems to do that to you though – they are sitting at the top of the table.
I’m almost certain we would be sitting here calling the Storm reigning premiers if Slater plays in the 2016 grand final though. He is the match-winner in the big three – Cronk and Slater control things beautifully, but it’s Slater’s brilliance which has sparked the Storm time and time again.
He tore shreds off the Knights on Friday, scoring a double and proving dangerous with every run of the ball. This is a man who was out injured for a season, yet he looks like he hasn’t missed a beat.
His averages for the season are right up and the fact he was overlooked for Queensland is baffling.
As long as Slater stays healthy, don’t be shocked when Melbourne are standing with the trophy aloft on grand final day and sending their thanks to the ‘Billy the kid’.
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The Warriors are a basket case – how do they fix it in 2018?
I haven’t had much positive to say about the Warriors this season – and nor has anyone. And why would they? This is a side with the New Zealand international team’s spine who can’t produce performances on a week-to-week basis.
They lost to an Eels side who were down a few players on Friday – and I mean they finished the match with one on the bench. It was a gutsy effort from the Blue and Gold, but the Warriors are struggling.
They beat Brisbane last week and the sentiment was ‘here we go again. Origin period and the Warriors are winning.’ It lasted all of one week though.
Their defence was like a leaky ship against the Eels, and while they ran up some points, they still struggled at that end of the park.
So, is it a major clean out in 2018? The problem is, it wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened. Mass player turnover might be the option, as could a change of coach and management at the club. An attitude problem clearly exists, rather than a talent one, and it’s not an easy fix.
This is going to take a number of years, but 2017 is a writeoff, so the Warriors might as well start planning for the future.
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Manly are dangerous
Manlys first half against the Raiders was brilliant. They attacked, attacked and attacked again, grinding the Raiders into the dirt with constant pressure, before they struck brilliantly at the back end of the first half with three tries in 11 minutes.
The man with his name in lights was Daly Cherry-Evans. He scored one, set up others and played a hand in seemingly all of them.
If his first half wasn’t good enough, he then followed it up with a consistent second half, where he constantly bailed his team out of trouble with a long-range kicking game second to none. He was constantly able to have Canberra running out of their in goal area, forcing some dropouts and doing everything in his power.
It’s not just DCE though. Apisai Koroisau is dynamic out of dummy half, Blake Green is a good foil for Cherry Evans and Martin Taupau is one of the toughest props in the competition to tackle. With Jake Trbojevic weaving some magic through the middle and brother Tom injured, this is a Manly side who will cause headaches for opposition if they make it to September.
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Are the Panthers back?
Matt Moylan in the halves, Mitch Rein in at hooker, Dylan Edwards at the back and Nathan Cleary in the halves. All of a sudden, the Panthers team looked like a million dollars as they put the Bulldogs to the sword in the final game of Round 13.
Moylan was strong, their attack fired, their forwards won the battle against a big Bulldogs pack. It was as close to a perfect performance the Panthers have served up this season.
Now the battle will be making it consistent. That’s generally a difficult thing to do during Origin, but they didn’t have a single player in Game 1, with only Josh Mansour any real chance at playing Game 2, but even this was his first game – just quietly – how good was Mansour? 150 metres on return.
The next six weeks are hugely important for Panthers, and they have to make winning a habit. I’ve got a funny feeling they will.
Just one more note out of that game – not the best punch from Craig Garvey really, was it?
Roarers, what did you make of Round 13? Drop a comment below and let us know.
David Brown
Roar Rookie
This maybe weird to say but Leilua and Rapana are making it really hard for Sezer and especially Austin. It is difficult for Austin to set up plays he wants in the opposition half when on 3rd & 4th tackle he looks up to see Leilua in the ruck and Rapana hanging round the middle. They're both great getting out of their half with runs from dummy half but Hodgson should push them out the way if they try it in the oppo's half. The Raiders need more structure to help their halves.
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
Your first comment about Friend is interesting - A die hard QLD supporter at work thinks if Thurston is out for game 2 - Walters should put Smith into Half/Cronk as 5/8 and Friend as Hooker- the ground will be slippery and it's being re-turfed making it most likely a low scoring defensive game - defenders who can play 80 minutes and do enough in attack when needed
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
You must have watched an old episode of the Odd Couple I suggest StAdam- make an ass out of u and me -Tony Randall line - Eagle Jack yes I forgot the Cows as I mentioned them early - still in the top 5 and Panthers 6- not early just giving your beloved Eagles false hope I suggest - Storm vs Sharks GF- put your money on it
Swannies
Guest
Raiders appear to have used up all of their tricks to me and gone stale. Ricky keeps harping on about how tough the competition is and how his troops are blameless. Danger signs there for Canberra supporters and the second half of the season will be a good indication of whether Ricky has reached a plateau with this team.
Albo
Guest
1. Friend is as vital to the Chooks as Smith is to the Storm. He is a great player who is most unfortunate to be around at the same time as Smith otherwise he would be a SOO regular now. 2. Benji could possibly fill a spot in the centres ( at Moga's expense ? )at the Broncos if his form continues, but I couldn't see him beating Hunt & Milford for a halves spot. 3. Widdop's form is excellent on the back of a powerful pack of forwards who provide the go forward for him to work his magic. As long as the pack maintains its personnel and form, he should give the Dragons every chance in September. 4. I would not be too concerned about the Cowboys attack. They still have some great x factors in Hess & Taumololo and Morgan is gradually adapting to life without JT. Granville & Asiata offer plenty of variety and Coote is needed to do a bit more in place of JT. They will improve with time. As for the Titans, I would be more concerned about their defence particularly in the backline. Elgey is big problem defensively and as such impacts on Haynes defence on that left side, whilst Hurrell has his problems on the right side. Furthermore they need to settle on their pack personnel. I don't understand what they are doing with a guy like Pulu who plays 80 minutes one week and 30 the next ? As good defender and an offloader, he would be one of the first picked if I had that Titans side. 5. Tigers will come good ? I won't hold my breath if you don't mind. I don't see it unless there is a complete clean out. You surely can't expect Lolohea to be the answer. He has done nothing in two seasons but bung on the weight. Packer, Matulino with offer some starch and Reynolds some enthusiasm next season, but that still leaves them about 10 men short of good team. 6. The Raiders do need some variety in their game. They have the right side tango twins ( Rapana & Leilua) as their main attacking combo, with the occasional venture to the left side when Wighton chimes in to offer Croker a shot at the line. Very little happens in or about the ruck except for hit ups, and the halves are mainly their to kick on the 5th. Seems their forwards have lost their edge, and Taupau beat them on his own yesterday. Some new ideas needed here. 7. Billy Slater is key to the Storm's likely success in September. If the big 3 can stay fit , they are every chance of taking out another crown this year. On the other hand the other big 2 are suddenly showing signs of the decade of wear and tear on their bodies. Smith in particular looked tired and sore in the SOO for the first time I can recall. Slater might be even more important than ever this year to hold the Storm together end of season. 8. Warriors solution for 2018 ? Seems an impossible dream without a complete attitude transplant. 9. Manly are a chance if their top 13 stay on the field. Their key forwards led by Taupau and Jake T need to be on the field , DCE & Dylan Walker need to keep probing, and Tom T needs to get back fit and firing. Too many injuries to the these key players will limit their chances. Depth is their weakness. 10. The Panthers seem to have turned the corner on their poor start to the year. Key to their continued success will be the form of their forwards to keep giving Cleary & Moylan room to attack. With one of the best backrows of Merrin, Yeo & Haraweira-Naera really firing ( with Fisher-Harris & Cartwright to come back) , a solid front row and a couple of good 9's , with strong bench forwards and plenty of depth still to call on (Te Mare Martin & Co) , there is every reason to think the backs will get room to use their attacking skills and cause a lot a trouble to teams in the weeks ahead.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Fair enough - its probably last season that we remember when the Dragons attack was pretty dysfunctional - Benji is a legend in my eyes - has a fantastic record against the Raiders
Roberto
Guest
Correction, Rapana is the best winger in the comp.
KenW
Guest
As Scott noted though, it's commonly forgotten that Benji wasn't bad for the last couple of years. He had a terrible year last year, rarely stringing more than a few games together due to injury and playing ordinary when he was there. The year before though he was healthy & strong, 2nd in Dally Ms and try assists. That's his real problem in getting a decent deal with a club now, it's not so much the price as convincing them that his body is reliable and they can plan around him.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Your right about Boyd Joe - he has been ultra disappointing this season. Seems to make little metreage after impact. Just stands up in the tackle and gets forced back. Maybe the Raiders should have kept Vaughan and let Boyd go. Vaughan gets his head down and really drives with his legs. Boyd really needs to lift his game. Junior has been constently good but there has been little in the way of back up from Boyd, Priest and Lui. Junior seems to be doing it all on his own. I'd be giving Jeff Lima another crack at first grade for a start and maybe give Makatoa from the Mounties a go.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Albo - Taupau was awesome for Manly but the Raiders were down two props after ten minutes with Boyd and Lui injured which left Junior Paulo and Clay Priest with a lot more minutes to play than they normally would. I thought Junior was pretty good. Its the halves that are the constant source of frustration. I doubt if they got one repeat set on Sunday while DCE would have had half a dozen. If you look at the season stats so far DCE has 11 try assists and Keary and Ash Taylor have 10 each. They are doing what good halves should. For the Raiders Hodgson has 6, Sezer 5 and Austin 3.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I also think that the forwards aren't making as big an impact as last year...specifically Shannon Boyd whose form has dropped a lot, maybe playing injured. Paulo has been ok but they were both devastating last year and Hodgson just went off the back of that go forward.
Taree Raider
Guest
The Raiders just have to throw the ball around, create second phase play, that way the wrestle & illegal marker defence don't come into play. The defence can't get set & they will tire quicker, leaving nothing left for attack. Opposition teams will be looking to kick the ball out, this only plays into the Raiders hands, they get a rest at the scrum & do it all over again. When the Raiders are on song no other team can match them.
Albo
Guest
Spot on Agent ! I think the scoreline flattered the Raiders. Apart from Rapana they offered little to worry a just average Manly on the day. Taupau steamrolled the much vaunted Raiders pack all day and was the chief reason for Manly's dominance. Whitehead & Soliola worked overtime to try to keep the Raiders pack intact, and the Raiders halves still offer no creativity. Wighton needs to offer more in attack and hang onto the ball when he does. Seems that they are still just hoping Rapana can score enough points to give them a chance of winning. If he is contained , they have little else to worry most defences.
Jimmmy
Guest
The thing is EPI, even when he was FB he played like a 6. I think he is in his right spot now. With Mansour back the Panthers will move slowly north on the table.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Shifting Cotric to FB is not the answer. The back 5 have been pretty good. Its the halves that need to fire up.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Emcie - Benjie has looked pretty good in the opportunities he's been given with the Broncos this season but let's be honest he was awful at the Dragons in the past couple of years so he was hardly going to be sold as a marquee player.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
You're dead right about how crucial the Panthers vs Raiders game is this weekend. If the Raiders lose they are just about toast. One thing in their favour is the Panthers big win on the weekend will make them raging hot favourites against the Raiders. Plus the venue is fairly neutral at Bathurst. A game at Penrith would have been far more difficult. If the Raiders can't lift for this match they don't deserve to be playing finals.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Couldn't agree more Agent11 - Rapana is having a fantastic season. He does so much more than a normal winger. More a fullback playing on a wing. Easily my favourite player at the Raiders. He is singlehandedly dragging the Raiders back in to matches at the moment. And have to agree with you that the second half comeback is covering over some real deficiencies in the team at the moment. Blind Freddy knows the halves are just not doing enough to guide this team to wins when the pressure is on. You can't just keep relying on the individual brilliance of a Rapana, BJ or Cotric to win matches. And what you said about Sezer needing to produce a display similar to DCE is spot on. Is it ever going to happen? We are still waiting. Ricky is right to acknowledge that the players showed courage and dug deep to fight back on Sunday but how did they allow themselves to get so far behind in the first place? Sure Manly played well but some of the elementary mistakes made were awful. I wish Ricky would stop protecting his players and put them on notice. I certainly hope this is happening behind closed doors. And if Austin and Sezer don't lift their game in the next couple of months I think Ricky should be looking elsewhere for a decent halves combination.
Albo
Guest
Yep ! Looked like a cheekbone issue to me on Wednesday night too ! A nice bump was developing there immediately on leaving the field ?
Joe
Roar Rookie
Billy Slater makes a big difference to the Storm, especially in attack. Munster was outstanding last year in the fullback position but some of the combo tries that Slater put on with Cronk/Smith in the last three games have just been a joy to watch. If he stays fit and no major injuries I think they should make the GF. I also think the Sharks will be there again as they have just been finding ways to win even when playing badly...also they have Andrew Fifita who has taken his game to another level. I had Raiders pegged as Grand Finalists this year but they seem to have fallen off the map...still time to make a run but they just don't seem to have the same hunger as last year and Leipana and Hodgson are marked by defences. The Roosters and Broncos also have the talent and depth across the park to make it all the way if the get their games right on the day. Outsiders at the moment are Manly and also Titans/Eels if they can get all their players on the park.