But the Dragons had broken the deadlock, and ten minutes later they were within striking distance. Kyle Stanley
and Brett Morris took advantage of some lax defending; and suddenly the score was back to 24-16, with still plenty
of time for the Dragons to pull off the comeback.
But with ten minutes to go, Matt Gillett chased down a grubber to score, and the game was safe for the Broncos.
The Dragons had pulled off a brave comeback attempt, but would fall short. Matt Prior scored a late consolation try
for the Dragons, but it wasn’t enough to snatch the game and the home side would take the game by eight
points.
Brisbane Broncos 28 def St George-Illawarra Dragons 20
Brisbane : Tries – M Gillett, P Wallace, A McCullough, A Glenn, C Norman. Goals – P Wallace 4/6.
Dragons : Tries – B Morris, J Nightingale, M Prior, K Stanley. Goals – J Soward 2/4.
Referees – B Cummins, B Suttor. Crowd – 38,012 at Suncorp Stadium.
For the first time in many years, Cronulla have gone to a three-game winning streak; moving into the top eight
with a 15-14 win over Penrith at Centrebet Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Sharks signalled their intentions early, as Dane Weston was flattened by a sensational hit from Paul Gallen in
the second minute, coughing up the ball and giving the Sharks a good attacking chance. And although the Sharks
were unable to capitalise on that chance, it was only a few minutes later that Jason Bukuya found the line to give
the Sharks a 6-0 lead.
Penrith had enjoyed a good win at their last start, but this time were struggling to get enough of the ball to make
an impact. And at the 25 minute mark, a silly penalty would give Todd Carney a chance to add two points to the
Cronulla scoreline.
On the half hour mark, Wade Graham made a break to score in the corner, putting the Sharks 12 points ahead.
But the Panthers fought back late in the half, as Blake Austin chased down a grubber and the Panthers were in
out wide. Luke Walsh missed the conversion, but the Panthers were on the board; trailing 12-4 at half time.
Penrith came out firing after half time, and Michael Jennings made a break to score out wide, the video referee
confirming he just managed to ground the ball before sliding into touch. On the hour, Lachlan Coote burst through
the Cronulla defensive line to crash over under the posts; and when Luke Walsh landed the conversion, suddenly
the Panthers were in front.
But the Sharks weren’t going to lie down and die, defending grimly as they waited again for the tide to turn their
way. And eventually it did, as a penalty enabled Todd Carney to add two points to level the scores, and then land
a field goal to five Cronulla an important win.
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 15 def Penrith Panthers 14
Sharks : Tries – W Graham, J Bukuya. Goals – T Carney 3/4. Field Goals – T Carney 1/1.
Panthers : Tries – M Jennings, L Coote, B Austin. Goals – L Walsh 1/3.
Referees – A Klein, H Perenara. Crowd – 13,920 at Centrebet Stadium.
The Sydney Roosters bounced back from their heavy loss to the Storm last week to pull off a stunning upset,
knocking over 2011 Grand Finallists New Zealand Warriors 26-8 at the SFS on Saturday night.
A match that was celebrated as a 10-year anniversary of the Roosters’ win over the Warriors in the 2002
premiership would show signs of going the same way as Shaun Kenny-Dowall went on a solo run, criss-crossing the
field to evade the Warrior chasers before grounding the ball under the posts. The video replay denied Kenny-
Dowall a double, but at the 20 minute mark Mitch Aubusson put on some fancy footwork and the Roosters were in
again for a 12-0 lead.
It wasn’t long before the Roosters were in again, with Anthony Mitchell chasing down a kick to score in the corner.
This time Anasta was unable to convert, but the Roosters were looking good.
The Warriors got one try back shortly before half time, Jerome Ropati finding the line near the corner to get the
New Zealand side on the board. But it was a rare first half highlight for the Warriors, who were out-tackled and out-
enthused by a Roosters side that found more creative attacking options to have the Warriors constantly under
pressure.
The Roosters had the bulk of possession as the second half got under way, but found the try-line elusive. After 15
scoreless minutes, the pressure was eased when a penalty was awarded, with Anasta taking the two points on
offer to extend the margin to 14 points.
On the hour, Glen Fisiiahi redeemed himself from some earlier errors with a solo effort to intercept and run 40
metres to score. James Maloney’s conversion attempt was a shocker, but the score was back to 18-8 and the
Warriors had a lifeline.
But although the Warriors may have had an opportunity, they were unable to make anything of it; and they could
get no closer. With five minutes to go, Braith Anasta kicked a penalty goal to extend the Rooster buffer; and in
the dying moments of the game Anthony Minichiello helped himself to another try to put the issue beyond doubt.
Sydney Roosters 26 def New Zealand Warriors 8
Roosters : Tries – A Minichiello, M Aubusson, S Kenny-Dowall, A Mitchell. Goals – B Anasta 5/6.
Warriors : Tries – J Ropati, G Fisiiahi. Goals – J Maloney 0/2.
Referees – T Archer, T De las Heras. Crowd – 13,021 at Allianz Stadium.
After heavy defeats in the first four rounds of the season, the knives were out at Parramatta Stadium, with reports
of a club in crisis. But Saturday night at Parramatta Stadium saw the Eels bounce back off the canvas to pull off a
stunning upset, defeating defending champions Manly 29-20.
The Eels had been under pressure, having been booed off the field after being belted by Penrith last week; but
the crowd had more positive noise to make in the fifth minute at Jarryd Hayne flew high to grab a bomb and score
in the corner.
The Sea Eagles fought back in the 13th minute, with Brett Stewart chasing a kick to score under the posts and
level the scores. But the Eels were back in front five minutes later. Electing to take a quick tap after receiving a
penalty, the Eels pressed the Manly line and were rewarded when Matt Keating dived forward from close range to
find the line. And to the delight of the Parramatta fans, they would go further ahead at the half hour mark after a
burst by Fuifui Moimoi set up Ken Sio for a try out wide. Chris Sandow made no mistake from the kicking tee, and
the Eels were 18-6 ahead.
Anthony Watmough took advantage of a Parramatta turnover to get a try back for the Sea Eagles shortly before
half time, but the Eels went into the sheds at half time with an 18-10 lead.
But the pressure was on the Eels as the second half got under way. The Sea Eagles went on the attack, pressing
the Parramatta line for ten minutes before Jorge Taufua found the line. And five minutes later, a flying run by
Jamie Buhrer resulted in a try in the corner. Although Daly Cherry-Evans was unable to convert, the Sea Eagles held
a 20-18 lead, had the momentum, and looked to be back on track for an inevitable win.
But against the run of play, Jarryd Hayne turned on some individual brilliance to score and put the Eels back in
front. With ten minutes to go, the Eels received a penalty, and this time elected to take the two points to go 26-
20 ahead. On the next play, Chris Sandow put up a drop goal to extend the Parramatta buffer beyond a converted
try.
A victory was scented, and a further penalty enabled the Eels to not only add two points but take up plenty of
the remaining time. The boos of a week ago had turned into cheers, as the Parramatta fans finally had something
to cheer about; and despite the troubles of the first month of the year, they have claimed the scalp of the
defending champions.
Parramatta Eels 29 def Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 20
Eels : Tries – J Hayne 2, M Keating, K Sio. Goals – C Sandow 6/6. Field Goals – C Sandow 0/1.
Sea Eagles : Tries – B Stewart, A Watmough, J Buhrer, J Taufua. Goals – D Cherry-Evans 2/4.
Referees – J Maxwell, G Reynolds. Crowd – 13,158 at Parramatta Stadium.
Gold Coast are a club under fire, with rumours abounding of the club’s dire financial position on the back of a
wooden spoon finish last year. And the outlook worsened for the Titans on Sunday afternoon when they slumped
to their fourth loss in a row, a 30-20 home defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs.
With the Gold Coast club under the spotlight, the Titan players were desperate for a win, and early signs were
encouraging. In the 5th minute, Scott Prince put up a bomb which was chased by Greg Bird for a try in the corner.
And in the 15th minute, Brenton Lawrence picked up the ball from a Bulldog knock-on and played it to advantage
to score; giving the Titans a 10-0 lead.
Shortly afterwards, the Titans defence was caught napping as fullback Ben Barba burst through a hole to score and
get the Bulldogs on the board. But in a bizarre passage of play, the Titans got an instant reply; with the kick-off
hitting the post and rebounding back for the Titans to get the ball. One tackle later, Kevin Gordon crossed the
line. Scott Prince’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful, the Titans leading 14-6.
The last five minutes of the half saw the momentum of the game change. Josh Reynolds shrugged an attempted
tackle by Luke Bailey to score under the posts, and then Barba set up Josh Morris; and with Steve Turner
converting both tries, the Bulldogs took the lead 18-14 at half time.
It took ten minutes after half time before the scoreboard would move, but it came when Nate Myles made a break
to score and put the Titans back in front. But their lead would be short-lived, as Frank Pritchard crashed over three
minutes later, and after considerable deliberation by the video referee, the try was awarded.
With 14 minutes to go, Steve Turner found the line, extending the Bulldog lead to 10 points. And that’s how it
stayed, as the Titans were unable to find the tries that would wrest back the lead, while the Bulldogs were happy
to run down the clock.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 30 def Gold Coast Titans 20
Bulldogs : Tries – F Pritchard, S Turner, B Barba, J Morris, J Reynolds. Goals – S Turner 5/5.
Titans : Tries – N Myles, G Bird, K Gordon, B Lawrence. Goals – S Prince 2/4.
Referees – G Sutton, G Badger. Crowd – 14,344 at Skilled Park.
Wests Tigers and South Sydney had both gone into the season with high expectations, but going into this Round
5 clash at the Sydney Football Stadium, the two clubs had only one win apiece. It was a big opportunity for one
club to get their season back on track; and the game was a cracker that would go into golden point.
The Tigers started strongly, with Tim Moltzen landing a 40-20 to complete the Tigers’ first set of the game,
putting them deep in attack. And from the ensuing scrum feed the Tigers pressed the line, Moltzen going over for
a try in the corner. Benji Marshall was unable to convert, but the Tigers were already 4-0 ahead.
But the Tigers soon found themselves under pressure, as a run of penalties put the Rabbitohs into attacking
position. The Rabbitohs forced multiple drop-outs, pressing the Tigers’ line with regularity; but were unable to get
on the scoreboard. Moltzen’s try would be the only score of the first half, as despite the possession flow becoming
more lopsided as the set progressed, the Rabbitohs were unable to complete their numerous opportunities.
Early in the second half, Isaac Luke finally got the Rabbitohs on the scoreboard, crashing over from dummy half. But
the Tigers were soon back in front, after a lightning pass by Benji Marshall sent Lote Tuqiri for a run to the line and
a 10-4 lead.
With ten minutes to go, Benji Marshall was again in the thick of the action as he sent Beau Ryan through a gap to
put the Tigers 12 points ahead; and were looking poised for victory. Ryan went close to making it a double two
minutes later, but was forced into touch before he could ground the ball.
Isaac Luke threw the Rabbitohs a lifeline with five minutes to go, after throwing a dummy and charging through to
score under the posts. And the Balmain defence was again caught out a few minutes later, as Andrew Everingham
burst through an attempted tackle and ran forward to score in the final seconds. A conversion after the siren to
Adam Reynolds forced the game into extra time.
And just a few minutes into golden point, Greg Inglis let fly with a field goal attempt from 40 metres; which made
its way between the posts to hand the Rabbitohs a remarkable win, one that just may get their season back on
track.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 17 def Wests Tigers 16 in golden point extra time
Rabbitohs : Tries – I Luke 2, A Everingham. Goals – A Reynolds 2/3. Field Goals – G Inglis 1/1.
Tigers : Tries – B Ryan, T Moltzen, L Tuqiri. Goals – B Marshall 2/3.
Referees – S Hayne, G Morris. Crowd – 25,608 at Allianz Stadium.
Canberra have enjoyed a good record on Monday nights in recent seasons; but the Raiders had a disappointing
night at Canberra Stadium on Monday night when they were well beaten 22-6 by the North Queensland Cowboys.
Rain earlier in the day had made conditions slippery, and both sides struggled to control the ball early, with several
knock-ons taking place in the first ten minutes. But Brent Tate found the line and had no trouble keeping the ball
as he dived over to score the opening try of the game for the Cowboys.
The knock-ons and skill errors continued in an appallingly low-standard and scrappy first half; but on the half hour
mark Ashley Graham managed to eke out a try, putting the Cowboys 12-0 ahead. The Raiders had struggled to get
a coherent attacking move going; finally getting close in the final minute before half time but Blake Ferguson’s
attempt was denied by the video referee.
Five minutes after the break, Johnathan Thurston threw a pass out wide, enabling Ashley Graham to go over and
score his second. Thurston was unable to convert; but was in the thick of the action again not long later, setting
up Ray Thompson for a strong try and a 22-0 lead.
Sam Mataora from dummy half got a late try back for the Raiders; but overall it had been a disappointing
performance by the home side, who struggled to exert any influence over the contest. It hadn’t been a game
that reached any great heights; but it was a game that delivered two valuable competition points for the Cowboys,
consolidating their position in the top half of the ladder.
North Queensland Cowboys 22 def Canberra Raiders 6
Cowboys : Tries – A Graham 2, B Tate, R Thompson. Goals – J Thurston 3/4.
Raiders : Tries – S Mataora. Goals – J Croker 1/1.
Referees – J Robinson, C James. Crowd – 12,135 at Canberra Stadium.
and Brett Morris took advantage of some lax defending; and suddenly the score was back to 24-16, with still plenty
of time for the Dragons to pull off the comeback.
But with ten minutes to go, Matt Gillett chased down a grubber to score, and the game was safe for the Broncos.
The Dragons had pulled off a brave comeback attempt, but would fall short. Matt Prior scored a late consolation try
for the Dragons, but it wasn’t enough to snatch the game and the home side would take the game by eight
points.
Brisbane Broncos 28 def St George-Illawarra Dragons 20
Brisbane : Tries – M Gillett, P Wallace, A McCullough, A Glenn, C Norman. Goals – P Wallace 4/6.
Dragons : Tries – B Morris, J Nightingale, M Prior, K Stanley. Goals – J Soward 2/4.
Referees – B Cummins, B Suttor. Crowd – 38,012 at Suncorp Stadium.
For the first time in many years, Cronulla have gone to a three-game winning streak; moving into the top eight
with a 15-14 win over Penrith at Centrebet Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Sharks signalled their intentions early, as Dane Weston was flattened by a sensational hit from Paul Gallen in
the second minute, coughing up the ball and giving the Sharks a good attacking chance. And although the Sharks
were unable to capitalise on that chance, it was only a few minutes later that Jason Bukuya found the line to give
the Sharks a 6-0 lead.
Penrith had enjoyed a good win at their last start, but this time were struggling to get enough of the ball to make
an impact. And at the 25 minute mark, a silly penalty would give Todd Carney a chance to add two points to the
Cronulla scoreline.
On the half hour mark, Wade Graham made a break to score in the corner, putting the Sharks 12 points ahead.
But the Panthers fought back late in the half, as Blake Austin chased down a grubber and the Panthers were in
out wide. Luke Walsh missed the conversion, but the Panthers were on the board; trailing 12-4 at half time.
Penrith came out firing after half time, and Michael Jennings made a break to score out wide, the video referee
confirming he just managed to ground the ball before sliding into touch. On the hour, Lachlan Coote burst through
the Cronulla defensive line to crash over under the posts; and when Luke Walsh landed the conversion, suddenly
the Panthers were in front.
But the Sharks weren’t going to lie down and die, defending grimly as they waited again for the tide to turn their
way. And eventually it did, as a penalty enabled Todd Carney to add two points to level the scores, and then land
a field goal to five Cronulla an important win.
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 15 def Penrith Panthers 14
Sharks : Tries – W Graham, J Bukuya. Goals – T Carney 3/4. Field Goals – T Carney 1/1.
Panthers : Tries – M Jennings, L Coote, B Austin. Goals – L Walsh 1/3.
Referees – A Klein, H Perenara. Crowd – 13,920 at Centrebet Stadium.
The Sydney Roosters bounced back from their heavy loss to the Storm last week to pull off a stunning upset,
knocking over 2011 Grand Finallists New Zealand Warriors 26-8 at the SFS on Saturday night.
A match that was celebrated as a 10-year anniversary of the Roosters’ win over the Warriors in the 2002
premiership would show signs of going the same way as Shaun Kenny-Dowall went on a solo run, criss-crossing the
field to evade the Warrior chasers before grounding the ball under the posts. The video replay denied Kenny-
Dowall a double, but at the 20 minute mark Mitch Aubusson put on some fancy footwork and the Roosters were in
again for a 12-0 lead.
It wasn’t long before the Roosters were in again, with Anthony Mitchell chasing down a kick to score in the corner.
This time Anasta was unable to convert, but the Roosters were looking good.
The Warriors got one try back shortly before half time, Jerome Ropati finding the line near the corner to get the
New Zealand side on the board. But it was a rare first half highlight for the Warriors, who were out-tackled and out-
enthused by a Roosters side that found more creative attacking options to have the Warriors constantly under
pressure.
The Roosters had the bulk of possession as the second half got under way, but found the try-line elusive. After 15
scoreless minutes, the pressure was eased when a penalty was awarded, with Anasta taking the two points on
offer to extend the margin to 14 points.
On the hour, Glen Fisiiahi redeemed himself from some earlier errors with a solo effort to intercept and run 40
metres to score. James Maloney’s conversion attempt was a shocker, but the score was back to 18-8 and the
Warriors had a lifeline.
But although the Warriors may have had an opportunity, they were unable to make anything of it; and they could
get no closer. With five minutes to go, Braith Anasta kicked a penalty goal to extend the Rooster buffer; and in
the dying moments of the game Anthony Minichiello helped himself to another try to put the issue beyond doubt.
Sydney Roosters 26 def New Zealand Warriors 8
Roosters : Tries – A Minichiello, M Aubusson, S Kenny-Dowall, A Mitchell. Goals – B Anasta 5/6.
Warriors : Tries – J Ropati, G Fisiiahi. Goals – J Maloney 0/2.
Referees – T Archer, T De las Heras. Crowd – 13,021 at Allianz Stadium.
After heavy defeats in the first four rounds of the season, the knives were out at Parramatta Stadium, with reports
of a club in crisis. But Saturday night at Parramatta Stadium saw the Eels bounce back off the canvas to pull off a
stunning upset, defeating defending champions Manly 29-20.
The Eels had been under pressure, having been booed off the field after being belted by Penrith last week; but
the crowd had more positive noise to make in the fifth minute at Jarryd Hayne flew high to grab a bomb and score
in the corner.
The Sea Eagles fought back in the 13th minute, with Brett Stewart chasing a kick to score under the posts and
level the scores. But the Eels were back in front five minutes later. Electing to take a quick tap after receiving a
penalty, the Eels pressed the Manly line and were rewarded when Matt Keating dived forward from close range to
find the line. And to the delight of the Parramatta fans, they would go further ahead at the half hour mark after a
burst by Fuifui Moimoi set up Ken Sio for a try out wide. Chris Sandow made no mistake from the kicking tee, and
the Eels were 18-6 ahead.
Anthony Watmough took advantage of a Parramatta turnover to get a try back for the Sea Eagles shortly before
half time, but the Eels went into the sheds at half time with an 18-10 lead.
But the pressure was on the Eels as the second half got under way. The Sea Eagles went on the attack, pressing
the Parramatta line for ten minutes before Jorge Taufua found the line. And five minutes later, a flying run by
Jamie Buhrer resulted in a try in the corner. Although Daly Cherry-Evans was unable to convert, the Sea Eagles held
a 20-18 lead, had the momentum, and looked to be back on track for an inevitable win.
But against the run of play, Jarryd Hayne turned on some individual brilliance to score and put the Eels back in
front. With ten minutes to go, the Eels received a penalty, and this time elected to take the two points to go 26-
20 ahead. On the next play, Chris Sandow put up a drop goal to extend the Parramatta buffer beyond a converted
try.
A victory was scented, and a further penalty enabled the Eels to not only add two points but take up plenty of
the remaining time. The boos of a week ago had turned into cheers, as the Parramatta fans finally had something
to cheer about; and despite the troubles of the first month of the year, they have claimed the scalp of the
defending champions.
Parramatta Eels 29 def Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 20
Eels : Tries – J Hayne 2, M Keating, K Sio. Goals – C Sandow 6/6. Field Goals – C Sandow 0/1.
Sea Eagles : Tries – B Stewart, A Watmough, J Buhrer, J Taufua. Goals – D Cherry-Evans 2/4.
Referees – J Maxwell, G Reynolds. Crowd – 13,158 at Parramatta Stadium.
Gold Coast are a club under fire, with rumours abounding of the club’s dire financial position on the back of a
wooden spoon finish last year. And the outlook worsened for the Titans on Sunday afternoon when they slumped
to their fourth loss in a row, a 30-20 home defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs.
With the Gold Coast club under the spotlight, the Titan players were desperate for a win, and early signs were
encouraging. In the 5th minute, Scott Prince put up a bomb which was chased by Greg Bird for a try in the corner.
And in the 15th minute, Brenton Lawrence picked up the ball from a Bulldog knock-on and played it to advantage
to score; giving the Titans a 10-0 lead.
Shortly afterwards, the Titans defence was caught napping as fullback Ben Barba burst through a hole to score and
get the Bulldogs on the board. But in a bizarre passage of play, the Titans got an instant reply; with the kick-off
hitting the post and rebounding back for the Titans to get the ball. One tackle later, Kevin Gordon crossed the
line. Scott Prince’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful, the Titans leading 14-6.
The last five minutes of the half saw the momentum of the game change. Josh Reynolds shrugged an attempted
tackle by Luke Bailey to score under the posts, and then Barba set up Josh Morris; and with Steve Turner
converting both tries, the Bulldogs took the lead 18-14 at half time.
It took ten minutes after half time before the scoreboard would move, but it came when Nate Myles made a break
to score and put the Titans back in front. But their lead would be short-lived, as Frank Pritchard crashed over three
minutes later, and after considerable deliberation by the video referee, the try was awarded.
With 14 minutes to go, Steve Turner found the line, extending the Bulldog lead to 10 points. And that’s how it
stayed, as the Titans were unable to find the tries that would wrest back the lead, while the Bulldogs were happy
to run down the clock.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 30 def Gold Coast Titans 20
Bulldogs : Tries – F Pritchard, S Turner, B Barba, J Morris, J Reynolds. Goals – S Turner 5/5.
Titans : Tries – N Myles, G Bird, K Gordon, B Lawrence. Goals – S Prince 2/4.
Referees – G Sutton, G Badger. Crowd – 14,344 at Skilled Park.
Wests Tigers and South Sydney had both gone into the season with high expectations, but going into this Round
5 clash at the Sydney Football Stadium, the two clubs had only one win apiece. It was a big opportunity for one
club to get their season back on track; and the game was a cracker that would go into golden point.
The Tigers started strongly, with Tim Moltzen landing a 40-20 to complete the Tigers’ first set of the game,
putting them deep in attack. And from the ensuing scrum feed the Tigers pressed the line, Moltzen going over for
a try in the corner. Benji Marshall was unable to convert, but the Tigers were already 4-0 ahead.
But the Tigers soon found themselves under pressure, as a run of penalties put the Rabbitohs into attacking
position. The Rabbitohs forced multiple drop-outs, pressing the Tigers’ line with regularity; but were unable to get
on the scoreboard. Moltzen’s try would be the only score of the first half, as despite the possession flow becoming
more lopsided as the set progressed, the Rabbitohs were unable to complete their numerous opportunities.
Early in the second half, Isaac Luke finally got the Rabbitohs on the scoreboard, crashing over from dummy half. But
the Tigers were soon back in front, after a lightning pass by Benji Marshall sent Lote Tuqiri for a run to the line and
a 10-4 lead.
With ten minutes to go, Benji Marshall was again in the thick of the action as he sent Beau Ryan through a gap to
put the Tigers 12 points ahead; and were looking poised for victory. Ryan went close to making it a double two
minutes later, but was forced into touch before he could ground the ball.
Isaac Luke threw the Rabbitohs a lifeline with five minutes to go, after throwing a dummy and charging through to
score under the posts. And the Balmain defence was again caught out a few minutes later, as Andrew Everingham
burst through an attempted tackle and ran forward to score in the final seconds. A conversion after the siren to
Adam Reynolds forced the game into extra time.
And just a few minutes into golden point, Greg Inglis let fly with a field goal attempt from 40 metres; which made
its way between the posts to hand the Rabbitohs a remarkable win, one that just may get their season back on
track.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 17 def Wests Tigers 16 in golden point extra time
Rabbitohs : Tries – I Luke 2, A Everingham. Goals – A Reynolds 2/3. Field Goals – G Inglis 1/1.
Tigers : Tries – B Ryan, T Moltzen, L Tuqiri. Goals – B Marshall 2/3.
Referees – S Hayne, G Morris. Crowd – 25,608 at Allianz Stadium.
Canberra have enjoyed a good record on Monday nights in recent seasons; but the Raiders had a disappointing
night at Canberra Stadium on Monday night when they were well beaten 22-6 by the North Queensland Cowboys.
Rain earlier in the day had made conditions slippery, and both sides struggled to control the ball early, with several
knock-ons taking place in the first ten minutes. But Brent Tate found the line and had no trouble keeping the ball
as he dived over to score the opening try of the game for the Cowboys.
The knock-ons and skill errors continued in an appallingly low-standard and scrappy first half; but on the half hour
mark Ashley Graham managed to eke out a try, putting the Cowboys 12-0 ahead. The Raiders had struggled to get
a coherent attacking move going; finally getting close in the final minute before half time but Blake Ferguson’s
attempt was denied by the video referee.
Five minutes after the break, Johnathan Thurston threw a pass out wide, enabling Ashley Graham to go over and
score his second. Thurston was unable to convert; but was in the thick of the action again not long later, setting
up Ray Thompson for a strong try and a 22-0 lead.
Sam Mataora from dummy half got a late try back for the Raiders; but overall it had been a disappointing
performance by the home side, who struggled to exert any influence over the contest. It hadn’t been a game
that reached any great heights; but it was a game that delivered two valuable competition points for the Cowboys,
consolidating their position in the top half of the ladder.
North Queensland Cowboys 22 def Canberra Raiders 6
Cowboys : Tries – A Graham 2, B Tate, R Thompson. Goals – J Thurston 3/4.
Raiders : Tries – S Mataora. Goals – J Croker 1/1.
Referees – J Robinson, C James. Crowd – 12,135 at Canberra Stadium.
| ROUND 6 FIXTURES: (All times shown are Sydney time) Friday 6th April South Sydney v Canterbury (4:00pm, ANZ Stadium) Wests Tigers v Brisbane (7:30pm, Allianz Stadium) Saturday 7th April Gold Coast v Sydney Roosters (5:30pm, Skilled Park) Cronulla v St George (7:30pm, Toyota Stadium) Sunday 8th April Canberra v NZ Warriors (2:00pm, Canberra Stadium) Newcastle v Parramatta (3:00pm, Hunter Stadium) North Queensland v Melbourne (7:00pm, Dairy Farmers Stadium) Monday 9th April Manly v Penrith (7:00pm, Brookvale Oval) |
|
Melbourne continued their unbeaten start to 2012, putting in an entertaining performance to over-run Newcastle 34-
22 at AAMI Park on Friday night.
In the 5th minute, Cooper Cronk made a break before off-loading for Garth Widdop to cross the line for the opening
try of the game. And it took less than 10 minutes before Matt Duffie gathered the ball in the Storm’s 20 and ran rings
around the Newcastle defenders as he streaked 80 metres to score under the posts and put the Storm 12-0 ahead.
The Storm continued to attack, but were denied when Billy Slater was held up in goal, unable to ground the ball.
Instead, it would be the Knights who would be next to score, shortly after the half hour mark. On the last tackle,
Jarrod Mullen put a bomb up, which was chased by James McManus, who leapt high in the air to grab the ball and put
it down in the corner. Kurt Gidley added the extras.
But in the last minute before half time, the Storm were in again. Ryan Hoffman crashed through a wall of Newcastle
defenders to score; and despite suggestions of obstruction, the video referee awarded the try that saw the Storm
hold a 16-6 lead at half time.
The ball travelled from end to end for the first ten minutes of the second half, but it was the Storm who would break
the deadlock. Billy Slater planted the ball down to score after what looked like a forward pass; but although the video
referee was called into action to check the grounding, the video referee was unable to rule on the forward pass and
the try was awarded.
Shortly after the hour, the home side was even further in front, after Will Chambers crashed through the line of
Knights defenders to score. Jarrod Mullen got a try back for the Knights, going himself from dummy half and catching
the Melbourne defence napping. But with eight minutes to go, the game was sealed after Todd Lowrie put in a slow
run but somehow managed to fend off the Newcastle defenders to find the line.
The game was safely won for the Storm. The Knights scored twice in the last five minutes to salvage some
respectability to the scoreline, but overall the evening was a solid effort by the Storm, undefeated after five round.
Melbourne Storm 34 def Newcastle Knights 22
Storm : Tries – T Lowrie, R Hoffman, B Slater, W Chambers, G Widdop, M Duffie. Goals – C Smith 5/6.
Knights : Tries – J McManus 2, J Mullen, N Costigan. Goals – K Gidley 3/3, J Sau 0/1.
Referees – M Cecchin, A Devcich. Crowd – 11,369 at AAMI Park.
Brisbane held a re-union of their 1992 premiership side on Friday night, celebrating 20 years since the Broncos
defeated St George to win their first rugby league title. And the modern-day Broncos got into the spirit of the
occasion, recording a 28-20 win over the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
An early knock-on 25 out gave the Broncos an early attacking opportunity, with a scrum feed deep in St George’s
half. And from the ensuing set, Corey Norman grounded the ball over the line, the video referee taking some time to
deliberate before awarding the try. And the Broncos would double their advantage at the 20 minute mark, with
Peter Wallace strolling over the line to put the Broncos 12-0 ahead.
The procession continued five minutes later, Andrew McCullough from dummy half encountering nothing more than
token opposition as he crashed over to score under the posts. Landing a 40-20 a few minutes later, McCullough kept
the pressure on; and although the Broncos were unable to score from that set, they continued to pile on the
pressure on the Dragons. Shortly before half time, Alex Glenn was at the end of a long pass to score in the corner;
and the Broncos would take a 24-0 lead to the half time break.
The Dragons had been on the ropes through the first half, and although they were getting more of the ball in the
second half, it took 13 minutes before they would trouble the scorers. But eventually Jason Nightingale found the
line, flying through for a try in the corner. Jamie Soward put in a good conversion attempt from a tight angle, but the
ball hit the upright and bounced the wrong way.
22 at AAMI Park on Friday night.
In the 5th minute, Cooper Cronk made a break before off-loading for Garth Widdop to cross the line for the opening
try of the game. And it took less than 10 minutes before Matt Duffie gathered the ball in the Storm’s 20 and ran rings
around the Newcastle defenders as he streaked 80 metres to score under the posts and put the Storm 12-0 ahead.
The Storm continued to attack, but were denied when Billy Slater was held up in goal, unable to ground the ball.
Instead, it would be the Knights who would be next to score, shortly after the half hour mark. On the last tackle,
Jarrod Mullen put a bomb up, which was chased by James McManus, who leapt high in the air to grab the ball and put
it down in the corner. Kurt Gidley added the extras.
But in the last minute before half time, the Storm were in again. Ryan Hoffman crashed through a wall of Newcastle
defenders to score; and despite suggestions of obstruction, the video referee awarded the try that saw the Storm
hold a 16-6 lead at half time.
The ball travelled from end to end for the first ten minutes of the second half, but it was the Storm who would break
the deadlock. Billy Slater planted the ball down to score after what looked like a forward pass; but although the video
referee was called into action to check the grounding, the video referee was unable to rule on the forward pass and
the try was awarded.
Shortly after the hour, the home side was even further in front, after Will Chambers crashed through the line of
Knights defenders to score. Jarrod Mullen got a try back for the Knights, going himself from dummy half and catching
the Melbourne defence napping. But with eight minutes to go, the game was sealed after Todd Lowrie put in a slow
run but somehow managed to fend off the Newcastle defenders to find the line.
The game was safely won for the Storm. The Knights scored twice in the last five minutes to salvage some
respectability to the scoreline, but overall the evening was a solid effort by the Storm, undefeated after five round.
Melbourne Storm 34 def Newcastle Knights 22
Storm : Tries – T Lowrie, R Hoffman, B Slater, W Chambers, G Widdop, M Duffie. Goals – C Smith 5/6.
Knights : Tries – J McManus 2, J Mullen, N Costigan. Goals – K Gidley 3/3, J Sau 0/1.
Referees – M Cecchin, A Devcich. Crowd – 11,369 at AAMI Park.
Brisbane held a re-union of their 1992 premiership side on Friday night, celebrating 20 years since the Broncos
defeated St George to win their first rugby league title. And the modern-day Broncos got into the spirit of the
occasion, recording a 28-20 win over the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
An early knock-on 25 out gave the Broncos an early attacking opportunity, with a scrum feed deep in St George’s
half. And from the ensuing set, Corey Norman grounded the ball over the line, the video referee taking some time to
deliberate before awarding the try. And the Broncos would double their advantage at the 20 minute mark, with
Peter Wallace strolling over the line to put the Broncos 12-0 ahead.
The procession continued five minutes later, Andrew McCullough from dummy half encountering nothing more than
token opposition as he crashed over to score under the posts. Landing a 40-20 a few minutes later, McCullough kept
the pressure on; and although the Broncos were unable to score from that set, they continued to pile on the
pressure on the Dragons. Shortly before half time, Alex Glenn was at the end of a long pass to score in the corner;
and the Broncos would take a 24-0 lead to the half time break.
The Dragons had been on the ropes through the first half, and although they were getting more of the ball in the
second half, it took 13 minutes before they would trouble the scorers. But eventually Jason Nightingale found the
line, flying through for a try in the corner. Jamie Soward put in a good conversion attempt from a tight angle, but the
ball hit the upright and bounced the wrong way.
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