The race for the minor premiership is properly and actually on and Ivan Cleary have an enormous choice to make concerning the make-up of his Panthers facet.
The Broncos at the moment are main the competitors with one hand on the J. J. Giltinan Shield, however league legends aren’t satisfied their fashion will stack up come finals soccer.
Elsewhere, Tyrell Sloan’s brainfade may have caught the ire of incoming coach Shane Flanagan whereas the Roosters welcomed the return of a younger gun halfback.
Read on for the Talking Points out of Round 26.
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HUGE QUESTION SURROUNDING MINOR PREMIERSHIP RACE
The minor premiership race has taken a shock flip after a formidable efficiency for the Eels to down the reigning premiers.
The Panthers led the competitors on equal factors with the Broncos coming in to Round 26, however now Brisbane sit atop of the leaderboard by two factors.
Now Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has a mammoth choice on his arms — does he wish to win the J. J. Giltinan Shield?
With the Broncos going through the Storm, Craig Bellamy’s outfit shall be determined for a win to remain within the prime 4 and will greatest their Brisbane rivals.
That would go away Penrith in a powerful place to beat the Cowboys and win the trophy by factors differential.
Last season Penrith rested plenty of key stars within the ultimate spherical of the common season, handing the Cowboys a 38-8 win.
Over the final two video games gamers have been neglected to relaxation forward of a bumper finals marketing campaign because the Panthers try to win their third straight premiership.
Against Parramatta, Sunia Turuva, Scott Sorensen and Dylan Edwards have been rested whereas Mitch Kenny, Izack Tago and now Jarome Luai have been out injured.
While having key gamers match come finals is essential to success, league legend Bryan Fletcher believes Cleary was being too “tricky” along with his crew picks.
“It shows how tight the competition is when you don’t have your full armoury,” Gorden Tallis stated.
“We mention all those players who are out… I just think Ivan probably got a little bit tricky,” Fletcher stated.
“They didn’t earn the right to go wide, they didn’t do the work.”
“Their attack tonight reminded me of how they attacked at the start of the year, they were very much pass-centric, they were going sideways,” Matty Johns added.
“To’o just looks like he is carrying a bit of an injury… it is big for the Broncos.”
Tallis urged Cleary to take the identical strategy because the 2022 season, doubtlessly handing Brisbane the minor premiership.
“If I am Penrith, I would just freshen everybody up, I know it is not good for the fans,” Tallis stated.
“They have been the best side and they are a chance to go three in a row.”
Cleary indicated he’ll seemingly make use of the identical tactic and was centered on lifting the trophy on the season’s finish.
He was requested if his facet’s Round 26 loss modified his plans within the post-match press convention.
“Not at all to be honest, it only reinforced it,” he stated.
“We’ve been in this position for the last four years so we’ve done it differently each year from 2020 to 2022 so on that basis, we’ve made the grand final each time.
“So you’d think each one of those methods have worked. I don’t know the exact answer.”
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Injuries run riot as Eels pummel Penrith | 02:26
SLOAN’S MOMENT OF MADNESS GIVES FLANAGAN AMMUNITION
Incoming coach Shane Flanagan has already made it clear the fullback jersey is up for grabs subsequent season.
With that in thoughts, Tyrell Sloan’s most up-to-date “brain explosion” hasn’t accomplished him any favours, handing the Warriors a vital strive on Friday evening.
As the rating sat at 10-6, the younger gun tried to scoop up a Shaun Johnson grubber as a substitute of batting it clear or grounding it.
Sloan fumbled the ball, which handed prop Addin Fonua-Blake a four-pointer to take the Warriors to a profitable lead with solely minutes left on the clock.
Speaking within the post-match press convention, interim coach Ryan Carr as soon as once more hailed his facet’s effort and defined Sloan will study from the error.
“It’s a learning thing, you have got to go through them to get through them,” Carr stated.
“Got that one wrong obviously. I think he was just trying to pick it up and make a play when, what was it 10-6 at the time?
“Probably just got to go for a short drop out there… it’s a learning experience for him and it hurt us in the end.”
Commentator Warren Smith wasn’t as eloquent in his evaluation of the error and Steve Roach was additionally surprised.
“He’s prone to having a brain explosion at times Sloan, trying to pick the ball up… that’s the biggest gift since Luke Brooks was given a BBQ,” Smith stated throughout Fox’s protection.
“Sloan just tried to scoop it up, I can’t understand for the life of me… just put your hand on it, ground it, the coach will be talking to him about that,” Steve Roach stated.
“Four minutes remaining, now a ten-point lead… they should have had no worse than a dropout there, instead Tyrell Sloan… it’s a real area of his game (to improve), attention to detail,” Smith added.
No NRL fan can doubt Sloan’s expertise and at 21, he nonetheless has a protracted profession forward of him.
But with Flanagan doubtlessly giving Zac Lomax an opportunity to compete for the fullback spot and Cody Ramsey seemingly returning, he has yet another sport this season to indicate he’s the membership’s long-term No.1.
Sloan mind fade kills comeback hopes | 00:39
COWBOYS’ SEASON STILL ALIVE… BUT ‘FATE ISN’T IN THEIR HANDS’
The Cowboys’ season remains to be alive — however “fate isn’t in their own hands” as Greg Alexander stated.
Heading into Round 26, the Cowboys knew what they should do. They simply wanted to win and so they did that. Now they’ll flip their consideration to their ultimate spherical conflict with the back-to-back premiers, who’re coming off a shock loss to the Eels.
Alexander stated after the Cowboys’ win over the Dolphins that they appeared “1000 per cent better than they did in their previous three games,” however as coach Todd Payten admitted in his post-game press convention they’re going to want to “find another gear” to match it with Penrith.
Although the Cowboys are again within the winner’s circle, their three straight losses prior have put them in a difficult scenario.
“The way they’ve played over the last month it’s put them in this position where fate really isn’t in their own hands,” Alexander stated.
“But they were fantastic (against the Dolphins) and this is what a Cowboys side can do when they’re playing confident footy. All they could do was worry about winning, they beat the Dolphins and now they have to win next week.
“Forget about what happens with Souths and Roosters — they have to concentrate on what they need to do next week.”
So it’s full steam forward for the Panthers sport… But rugby league legend James Graham believes the Cowboys is perhaps kicking themselves over a few of their losses this season that acquired them on this scenario — notably to the Titans in Round 22.
“They do need to focus on themselves and beating Penrith but you can’t help but feel there’ll be some soul-searching going on and the question ‘what if?’ ‘if only?’”
Graham additionally fears the Panthers’ dropping to the Eels may spell bother for the Cowboys. If coach Ivan Cleary had any plans to relaxation a stack of gamers within the ultimate spherical, he might abandon that plan now.
“I’m not sure if (Penrith’s loss) is a good or bad thing for the Cowboys. I’m thinking it was more of a bad thing,” Graham stated.
“With Penrith losing they’ll be highly motivated not to go back-to-back losses into finals and it may change Cleary’s thinking on whether he rests players.”
Payten was requested about precisely that in his post-game press convention and he stated “it’s out of our control.”
One factor the Cowboys can management although is what they produce on the sector — and if it’s something like their first half towards the Dolphins they’ll be in good stead to problem the Panthers.
Scott Drinkwater was entrance and centre within the win, ending with a strive, two strive assists and 4 linebreak assists. Veteran halfback Chad Townsend is aware of the Cowboys will want one other efficiency like that if they’re to upset the Panthers.
“He’s had a phenomenal season so far,” Townsend stated of Drinkwater.
“He’s our x-factor, our man in attack and my job is to get him into positions where he can execute his skill.
“When he’s at his best we’re a really hard side to handle.
“We’ll need him next week, that’s for sure.”
Feldt’s BRUTAL ‘karate’ kick unpunished? | 01:01
WHAT WILL PAPENHUYZEN’S ROLE BE GOING FORWARD?
It was arguably the texture good story of the spherical. After 405 days, Ryan Papenhuyzen made his return from a critical knee damage in his facet’s win over the Titans.
Papenhuyzen spoke candidly post-match in regards to the darkish days and setbacks he skilled throughout his lengthy highway to restoration however stated he was glad to be again on this Storm facet.
The 25-year-old got here off the bench and performed 19 minutes in a roving, lock forward-type function, trying energetic each time he touched the ball.
Nick Meaney is at present thriving on the again for the Storm, and whereas fullback is Papenhuyzen’s most popular place, he’s more than pleased to do no matter is required by the crew.
“Sitting on the bench is different. I haven’t done that since the start of my career but I’ll do whatever I can for this team,” Papenhuyzen stated.
“It’s a special team again this year and Means (Nick Meaney) has done an outstanding job all year so I don’t want to upset the apple cart but it’s good being in the 17 and these boys made my job easy for that.”
Storm star Cam Munster says he doesn’t envisage Papenhuyzen will spend all his time in a lock-forward sort function, however has religion his working mate shall be efficient wherever and every time he’s used.
“It’s good to see him back, I’m sure he’ll be in the side for the next couple of weeks and we see him fitter,” Munster advised Fox League.
“Obviously it’s going to be a little bit hard for him in the middle but he can play that utility role. At the moment Means is going really well.
“We don’t want to put too much pressure on Paps, it’s only his first game back. We all know how he can play and what kind of style he can play but we will slowly bring him into it.
“He’s going to be an x-factor for us hopefully going into the finals and he’s going to be electric and hopefully we can get him some early ball and some wide spaces around the ruck.”
The man who will seemingly have the ultimate say on how Papenhuyzen shall be used within the finals is coach Craig Bellamy.
Bellamy stated in his post-match press convention that there was no actual plan heading into the Titans match, however was proud of what he noticed and hinted at what positions we may see Papenhuyzen play within the coming weeks.
“It was just get him on the bench and get him on at some stage, we weren’t even quite sure what the role was going to be,” Bellamy stated.
“There was a couple of options there… but it looks like he has come through okay. We just have to work out what his best role for us is.
“He played through the ruck today, we know he can play fullback, I think he’d do a fair job on the wing and in the centres.
“You could probably play him in the halves as well, but we’ve got some guys we aren’t going to change if they are fit. Hughes, Munster, Nick (Meaney) has done a great job.
“We just have to work out how to use him, that 25 minutes today is the only NRL he has played in 13 months… we aren’t expecting miracles from him.”
Fox League’s Matty Johns stated it was “fantastic” to see Papenhuyzen return unscathed, however doesn’t envisage a task at fullback this season.
“It’ll be interesting how Craig Bellamy uses him, I don’t think he’ll play fullback this season,” Johns stated on SEN.
“My guess is that I think he’ll come off the bench and continue to give them punch through the middle as a light loose forward, as he did when he first started to have an impact at NRL level.
“I just don’t think he has enough kilometres under his belt to play fullback in a finals series.”
Coates climbs ladder to seal hat-trick! | 00:32
THE RETURN OF ROOSTERS’ FAVOURITE SON
As far as returns to first grade footy go, it doesn’t get significantly better than a victory.
But Sam Walker can take loads of consolation within the reality he performed a starring function within the Sydney Roosters’ comfy 32-8 win over a hapless Wests Tigers.
Walker stepped foot onto an NRL pitch for the primary time since spherical seven after he was dropped for a string of disappointing performances and was sidelined by a knee damage.
He slotted seamlessly straight again into the halves alongside Luke Keary as the 2 steered the Roosters throughout the park.
Walker scored the Roosters’ first strive of the sport in a extremely spectacular sequence of play as he spun out of a number of deal with makes an attempt from the Tigers earlier than crashing over the road.
He was extraordinarily efficient in his kicking sport too, pinning the Tigers again and serving to to create try-scoring alternatives for his teammates.
As for Keary, he had considered one of his greatest video games of the season.
The 31-year-old laid on three strive assists for his teammates and likewise had 4 line break assists, highlighting his capability to identify susceptible holes within the Tigers’ defence.
Walker and Keary’s efficiency within the halves left Roosters coach Trent Robinson waxing lyrical.
“I thought they were constantly looking for opportunities and were picking the eyes of the defence at different times,” Robinson stated in his post-match press convention.
“That try from Sammy was outstanding to break tackle, twist and turn and get that try. ‘Kez’ was scheming and looking for opportunities.
“We probably didn’t have the platform as much as we wanted today, but then they were still able to find opportunities through some good combinations and good footy.”
Keary was additionally delighted to have his regular halves accomplice alongside him.
“I loved having him out there,” Keary stated.
“You never know what he’s going to do, but I thought he was really controlled tonight. Obviously had some really good moments there in that first half.
“It’s exciting to have him back.”
If Walker and Keary can replicate their efficiency after they tackle the South Sydney Rabbitohs of their ultimate common season sport subsequent weekend, it should current a harmful signal for the remainder of the competitors going into the finals.
JWH in sizzling water for late shot on Tigers | 00:31
WHY THE BRONCOS ARE THE NRL’S BEST SPECTACLE… THAT COULD BACKFIRE COME FINALS
The Broncos at the moment are the outright ladder leaders and league legends are satisfied they’re one of the best crew to observe within the NRL.
Kevin Walters males bested the Raiders on Saturday evening in an entertaining conflict, with flyers Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo delivering an attacking masterclass.
The pair mixed for 4 tries, three strive assists, 5 linebreaks and 14 deal with breaks between them throughout the 80 minutes.
“From a spectacle point of view, they put bums on seat and they get you out of your seats. It’s terrific to watch,” Corey Parker stated.
“There was a real notable sort of sign in that opening 20 minutes from the Broncos where they were just looking to score off every play. It’s so entertaining, it really is and some of the skill level is terrific.”
Ahead of the ultimate spherical, the Panthers may relaxation their big-name stars and doubtlessly give away two competitors factors within the ultimate spherical.
That would see Brisbane lock in first place, and in any other case Walters’ facet must beat the Storm in an enormous check forward of the finals.
While they might end first, Parker warned the Broncos might want to change their flashy fashion in the event that they wish to compete for a title come finals time.
“That style of football won’t hold up when you come up against the rock solid teams that have done it year in year out, like the Penrith Panthers,” he stated.
“You need some stability, you need someone to pull on the reins.
League legend Greg Alexander echoed his opinion and pointed to the Raiders scoring 18 points and making the Broncos pay for some silly mistakes.
“Brisbane did make too many mistakes in the first half. They opened the door for the Canberra Raiders who took it, they grabbed any advantage they could,” Alexander stated.
“It might’ve been only 20, 25 minutes into the game, they were only 50 per cent.
“They were putting themselves under enormous pressure. They defended their line for some time but in the end, the sheer weight of possession, they cracked a couple of times.
“They need to clean up a couple of things.”
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Broncos eye MP after win over Raiders | 03:46
KOULA SHOWS HE’S A STAR OF THE FUTURE
If Sea Eagles followers didn’t already know simply how good Tolu Koula could possibly be, they now do after a masterclass on Sunday.
The 20-year-old speedster was reportedly considered one of Rugby Australia’s prime targets after securing the signature of Joseph Suaalii.
However, Manly powerbrokers locked him down on a three-year contract extension in June.
Following accidents to Tom Trbojevic and most lately Reueben Garrick, the Tongan worldwide was thrust in to the fullback function towards the Bulldogs.
With time and area to roam, Koula thrived and recorded a ridiculous statline, working for a sport excessive 285 metres.
Add in 11 deal with breaks, three strive assists and three linebreaks and it’s honest to say Koula was near one of the best participant on the bottom.
His ridiculous displaying noticed league legends Steve Roach and Braith Anasta heap reward on the younger gun.
“If he keeps playing like that he won’t be third choice, you need to have depth if you want to go well in the premiership,” Roach stated.
“Not many sides would have been able to defend that (speed).”
“This man, didn’t only just fill the void, he was outstanding,” Braith Anasta stated.
Roach urged that Koula may turn out to be the membership’s second string fullback, carrying the No.1 in Trbojevic’s absence even when Garrick is match.
Garrick, 26, has been stable and scored three tries in his eight appearances on the again, however his greatest place is on the wing.
Trbojevic is an Origin participant when performing, however is inclined to accidents and has handled shoulder and pectoral blows in recent times.
His absence may see Koula get extra alternatives on the again and proceed to mild up opposition defences.
Manly fly excessive over battered Bulldogs | 01:33
O’BRIEN CREDITS KNIGHTS’ DEPTH AS PONGA REPLACEMENT FLAGGED
The Newcastle Knights are to date the story of 2023, with the Novocastrians profitable their eighth-straight sport on Sunday to lock in a house ultimate.
They needed to cope with slightly little bit of adversity as properly, with three gamers (Jackson Hastings, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Kurt Mann) all dominated out 24 hours earlier than the sport.
This gave a chance for Adam Clune to steer the Knights round once more in Hastings’ absence.
Fitzgibbon’s and Mann’s omission meant Dylan Lucas and new recruit Fa’amanu Brown got an opportunity to strut their stuff.
All three gamers, regardless of little or no NRL expertise in 2023, have been spectacular towards the Knights on Sunday.
“That’s what a club is, we want to make sure we are bringing guys into the team,” coach Adam O’Brien stated in his post-match press convention.
“I thought Dylan Lucas (149 running metres, try, six tackle busts) was excellent coming in for Lachlan Fitzgibbon. I thought Nu (Brown) had an impact straight away.
“We’ve worked really hard at trying to create that next man up. It’s a real credit to those guys that came in today.
“We are pretty fortunate that we’ve managed to get some games into guys like Dylan, Brodie Jones and Enari Tuala recently. Just for the back end of the season it’s good to get some games into them.”
The “next man up” mentality that O’Brien references might should be utilised for the Knights’ final common season sport towards the Dragons and doubtlessly past after star fullback Kalyn Ponga sustained a shoulder damage on Sunday.
The early indicators are constructive, however scans will affirm extra on the seriousness of Ponga’s damage.
O’Brien received’t wish to danger Ponga subsequent week contemplating a house ultimate for the Knights is ready in stone, which means Newcastle may flip to the fullback who began the season within the first grade facet.
“Lachie Miller hasn’t left us yet, so he’ll be right,” O’Brien replied when requested who will substitute Ponga.
“He’s training well, he’s been out for a couple weeks with a calf injury but the medical staff ticked him off this morning before I cam here so he’ll be the likely replacement.
“He’ll come into and do a good job.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
