Round 4 threw up a few surprises, with the Panthers, sans Nathan Cleary, knocking off a listless Cowboys 33-14 in Townsville.
The home side’s woes were further compounded with news that prop Jordan McLean will miss three months with a foot injury. North Queensland are really struggling and will be in a real battle to make the eight – even at this early stage.
James Maloney was good for Penrith, but they will still struggle during Cleary’s absence.
Friday saw two penalty-athons, with 24 blown as the Rabbitohs downed the Bulldogs 20-16, and a whopping 33 in the Sharks’ miserable 14-4 win over the Storm. That’s all I’ll say on those games, both were terrible.
The Warriors continued their impressive form with a 30-6 win over the Roosters on Saturday, despite missing Shaun Johnson. In Blake Green, the Kiwis have the missing ingredient – a calm influence, a steady player who isn’t too flashy – and it’s paying dividends. They are finally playing consistent footy and the competition is all the better for it. Meanwhile, I’m sure Roosters fans are anxiously waiting for the likes of Cooper Cronk and James Tedesco to start earning their paycheques.
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Ricky Stuart’s Raiders continued their horror start, going down 32-16 to Manly, their worst start to a season since the Super League year of 1997. Stuart seems determined to stick with his underperforming stars, the ones he has labelled “soft”. No axing, no mass changes, so how can he expect different results?
The Sea Eagles paid a heavy price for the win, with season-ending injuries to both Curtis Sironen and Kelepi Tanginoa, while Tom Trbojevic will miss a fortnight with an ankle injury.
On Sunday, 18,000 fans packed into WIN Stadium to see the Dragons juggernaut roll on, securing a comfortable 30-12 win over the Knights. The Red V have it all in 2018 – potent outside backs, brilliant halves, and a forward pack that simply powers through the opposition. The team is full of confidence at the moment and I can’t see them being beaten any time soon.
The Broncos looked like a deer in the headlights on Sunday night, perhaps not used to playing on the weekend, and they were soundly beaten by the Titans 26-14. Winger Phil Sami grabbed a hat-trick, including a world first (probably) try assist where a winger kicked for his fellow winger to score. Goes alright, The Don.
Monday saw the Tigers improve to 3-1 with an entertaining win over a hapless Eels side, whom many tipped to be top four. I looked at their paper-thin forward pack and laughed during pre-season – top four of what? Metres conceded maybe, or teams you’d love to play each week.
With Benji Marshall pulling the strings, the Tigers are entertaining and free-flowing. Will they be able to match it with the top teams, the Dragons and Warriors? probably not, but enjoy it Tigers fans, your team is a joy to watch.
Pilferer
Guest
In fairness the tigers have only lost to the Broncos in extra time away from home,
Fred
Guest
Yeah, I think we should. It should be held at Leichhardt Oval.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
That was last year, I was referring to the top teams of 2018, which will provide a big test for them. They are going ok, but it's clear to me that both Roosters and Storm aren't the same sides this year.
sean
Guest
"With Benji Marshall pulling the strings, the Tigers are entertaining and free-flowing. Will they be able to match it with the top teams, the Dragons and Warriors? probably not, but enjoy it Tigers fans, your team is a joy to watch" Um we have beaten 3 of the top 4 sides last year. Are they not the top teams? Dragons and Warriors winning 4 games doesn't make them a top team.
KenW
Guest
Might as well just play it now eh? 4 weeks in and it's all sorted.
Joe
Roar Rookie
There is a lot Green adds to the team but I think an attitude change and being much fitter has them where they are. I've said before Warriors have all the talent to be a major force but have lacked fitness and commitment shown by losing matches in the second half. Fitness fixed by Corvo and commitment by Kearney and the purchase of a ready made leadership group in Green, Harris and Blair.
Fred
Guest
The Grand Final will feature two of these three: Warriors, Tigers, Dragons. Melbourne, the Rorters, the Broncos, the Cowboys and Parramatta won't feature despite pre-season predictions.
Roberto
Guest
They will destroy the Cowboys this weekend, sit back and enjoy the carve up.
BBA
Guest
Agree, its the improved defense which is probably fitness related, and playing with more calm across the team which has really stood out. Blake Green has made a difference but without the above I doubt hey would have been 4 and 0.
DoubleD
Guest
Bunty Afoa is a pleasure to watch , he reminds me of 2002 Warrior Iafeta Paleaaesina aka The Rhino , the big wind up and go forward and through the line.
Stu
Guest
Regarding the warriors, no doubt Blake Green has been a calming influence on the team but the standout players have been RTS, Tohu Harris and Bunty Afoa. Everyone else is doing their job well and working for each other.