Brilliant Bunnies belittle the Eels
Souths 31 - Eels 6

In more good news for long suffering Souths fans, it seems the red and green revival is in full swing - with the Bunnies making Parramatta look like a reserve grade side today at Aussie Stadium.

In a sluggish start for both teams, Souths went into half time ahead 10-6 after a busy first half. In what was mostly an arm wrestle, things got interesting after Daniel Irvine tackled PJ Marsh without the ball costing the Eels a certain try and resulting in a sin binning for the South Sydney hooker.

The Eels looked rudderless for most the of the match and only touched down in an impressive effort by rookie Filiti Mateo who popped a short ball to Tahu millimetres from the line setting Tahu up for a gift 4 pointer.

Souths defence was always as one, and this continually frustrated the already un-organised Eels. The problems for the Eels lie in limited punch and platform from the Forwards and a poorly organised scrumbase combination of Smith and Finch.

While Cayless did well for the Eels, always looking dangerous and error free the same couldn't be said of his team mates. At times the forwards simply looked disinterested and without any drive. Compounding this was the debacle that was at the Eels scrumbase. Smith and Finch simply did not communicate with each other and threw forward and hospital passes at will.

Hagan will have a tough week ahead, the only positive being the Eels face the equally average Tigers at the first Parra Stadium game for 2007. (NRLnews will be reporting live from the ground) On to Souths.

The Bunnies are reaping the rewards of their newly built side with bonding and combinations really coming together. The forward pack set the scene for the slick backs to play some ball. Kidwell displayed his usual passion, and was punishing up front and he was backed up by an extremely physical Peter Cusack. Cusack has always been a talented bookend, but now surrounded by class players - it shows him in an even better light. He was damaging with and without the ball.

As the South Sydney engine room rolled forward, the class was oozing from halves Williams and Jeremey Smith. An early 40/20 from Williams was an indication of the planning and decision making that this NRL team now posseses. Williams made correct decisions at every turn, running and distributing superbly. Jeremey Smith was fired up to punish his old club and he talked it up constantly encouraging team mates and keeping the passion flowing.

Merritt put in a sensational performance, with the highlight being the chip and chase 2 minutes from half time. His chip and regather to score, made Reddy and Burt look like school boys as he flew in to score in the corner.

Sutton was probably the only Bunny to be kept quiet, but not many of his team mates were. Mellor the old hand was causing headaches for Hayne out wide and made sure Tahu was never allowed room to move in offence. While the Eels were extremely poor, full credit to Souths for further frustrating the men from the Golden West - and Souths will continue to reap the reward from every confidence boosting win.

Interesting to see the week ahead and how the Eels camp react to the punishment dished out today. Surely Hagan will be tempted to make changes, and he has some impressive depth with the Eels reserve grade team itching at the chance to make the step up. The 2 time premiers in the last 2 years, the Eels reserve grade team must be banging on the door now, as todays performance by the top squad looked anything like the top tier of talent. The only exception being Mateo.

The only person besides the Bunnies to be laughing, would be ex-Parra coach Brian Smith. Smith being sacked by Dennis Fitzgerald, now sits at the helm of the 2007 ladder leading Newcastle Knights.

Storm outlast toiling Raiders
Storm 32 - Raiders 16

A brave Raiders outfit did well early against the might of the Melbourne Storm in the ACT yesterday. Plenty of early possession and committed defence saw the Raiders lead until just before the half time break.

Melbourne's class across the park eventually told as they kicked clear of a gutsy Raiders outfit to win their round two National Rugby League encounter at Canberra Stadium tonight 32-16.

The Storm were fortunate to head into the half-time break with a 14-10 lead after being outplayed for the majority of the half by a Raiders side lacking superstars but playing with plenty of purpose.

After trading tries following the half-time break the home side clawed back to be down 20-16 in the 55th minute, but the Storm ran away with the match in the final 20 minutes, scoring two tries through young winger Israel Folau while shutting out the Canberra attack.

Storm prop Brett White scored his second try of the match in the 45th minute to extend the margin to 20-10 with Cameron Smith's conversion, before Colin Best strolled over on the right wing for Canberra to get within four points.

But it was as close as Neil Henry's men would get as the Storm big guns stood up, five-eighth Greg Inglis warming to his new position and the outside backs performing with aplomb.

Raiders coach Henry was impressive by the effort shown by his young side, admitting the lapse just before half time was a massive blow to the previously confident Green Machine. He pointed out fullback Zillman as a standout for the Raiders.

CANBERRA 16 (T Carney, P Graham, C Best tries; M Dobson 2 goals)
MELBOURNE 32 (B White 2, I Folau 2, M Geyer, B Slater tries; C Smith 4 goals)
Referee: J Maxwell
Crowd: 9556 at Canberra Stadium

Cool Cowboys toast the Roosters
Cowboys 43 - Roosters 6

It was back to the future for the Cowboys in Townsville as they belted an average Roosters side last night. In taking off where they left off last weekend, the Cowboys were immediately in the zone and caused the Roosters no end of trouble.

The options this Cowboys side possess is simply scary. In the early period the scrumbase combination of Thurston and Smith was dangerous with every handle and on both sides of the ruck. When the Roosters marked up hard on these two, the Cowboys would simply spin it wider to find the Bowen brothers early in the set or a wide running O'Donnell to punch through.

All the usual suspects were impressive for the Cowboys: Thurston, Smith, Bowen Brothers and Steve Southern was a workhouse all night. The other exciting player was Ashley Graham - the former Parramatta flyer was dynamic in attack and solid in defence. After breaking his leg a few years ago at the Eels, the once elusive centre seems to finally be regaining his long lost speed. He gave the Roosters plenty of headaches and was involved in everything last night.

I think the late try scored by Matt Bowen sums up how the Cowboys are playing at the moment. 10m out from the Roosters line, Bowen hits it up and turns it back on the inside for Carl Webb. Webb goes through a small gap and attracts two defenders including Roosters fullback Minichiello. Webb simply flick passes the ball back inside to Bowen who drops it, but toes it on before it hits the ground. Bowen then chases it up to score untouched! This play shows the Cowboys are brimming with confidence and making their own luck.

For the Roosters, I can almost hear Nick Politis screaming down the phone lines. The club boss would no doubt be furious and surely would already be pointing the fingers at coaches and players.

Sure, the Roosters weren't at their best tonight - but really, I think the Cowboys would have made any NRL team look ordinary.

The Roosters never slowed the ruck down successfully. On the rare occasion they got 4 men into a tackle and pinned the attacker down, the Cowboys would dummy half scoot and expose gaps in the defence line immediately.

Anasta didn't impress at pivot, although the platform wasn't laid by the Roosters forwards. Making life impossible for Pearce and Anasta.

The Roosters seem to be so predictable in attack, if it wasn't one out attack - then the wide angle running with the inside ball to Mini or Topou was easily picked and stopped.

I thought new boy Kenny-Dowell tried hard all night and never stopped. He looked slippery even one out on the fringes and Topou did some impressive things before going off for treatment on a hamstring.

Confidence is killing the Roosters. They simply don't believe. Their 1000th win is still no where in sight and they need to get this monkey off their backs. Soon.

NORTH QUEENSLAND 43 (B Bowen 2, J Thurston 2, M Bowen 2, L O'Donnell tries; J Thurston 6 goals; A Graham goal; A Payne field goal)
SYDNEY ROOSTERS 6 (L Paea try; C Fitzgibbon goal)
Referee: G Badger
Crowd: 21,396 at Dairy Farmers Stadium

Manly beat Woeful Wests
Manly 19 - Tigers 8

In a stop start affair affected by shocking weather conditions at Leichhardt Oval last night, an injury ravaged Manly overcame a jittery Wests Tigers outfit to take the honours.

In what was never an exciting affair, the Wests Tigers simply gifted ball to the Sea Eagles at every opportunity. Dropped ball from the scrum base, from attempted tackle busts and just generally when accepting even the simplest passes.

For mine, it felt like the bad old days of the Wests Magpies - with Tommy sitting on the sidelines barking instructions with a cigarette in mouth. While the slippery ball was hard to contain, Manly did the better job and did enough to hold the Tigers out.

For the Eagles, there wasn't a lot of sweeping attacking movements, once again probably due to the conditions - but their accuracy from kicks allowed several impressive tries to be scored. Lyon was once again amongst everything for the Eagles, and Travis Burns back at pivot looks to be the best option.When Orford comes back they will certainly grow an extra leg.

Monaghan played solidly and kicked well, the Eagles are certainly lucky to have him on board - although he must cut his referee bashing out of the game. In Geoff Toovey like style, Monaghan regularly approaches the ref and gives him an ear full. Simply not smart, and needs a better approach.

In the forwards Manly relied on Kite and Watmough - the other forwards were a little sloppy. Rose made regular errors and Hall took an eternity to settle in.

In Tiger land, it must have been an unhappy dressing room - even Hodgson who is regularly the best for the Tigers, had an poor game with dropped ball and poor positional play - at one stage actually running into team mate Moody and taking them both out. Their best came from Benji who was always dangerous in attack and much in the mould of Jason Smith is forcing players to hang off him waiting to pick what he will do.

I also thought that Dean Collis tried hard all game without support or reward, as did Farrah. The only light at the end of the tunnel is the Tigers play the Eels next week, and on current form from Parramatta it might just be the medicine the Tigers need to play themselves back into the groove.

WESTS TIGERS 8 (R Farah try; B Marshall 2 goals)
MANLY 19 (M Ballin M Robertson A Watmough tries; J Lyon 3 goals; M Monaghan field goal)
Referee: T Archer
Crowd: 15,185 at Leichhardt Oval

Good Knight.
Newcastle wins 16-12 over Dragons
Video Review: Click Here

In a close affair the Knights have defeated the Saints by 4 points at Oki Jubilee tonight. For the Knights, Kidley, Abraham and new boy McManus were dangerous with every touch. The Knights look to have a stronger and more willing defensive line in 2007 - it seems coach Smith has installed pride in the line. They showed nice attacking flair in parts with Mullen having good involvement.

For the Dragons, it was the same old story but with different players. Early promise and some slick attacking set plays were followed by drop balls and ill-dicipline. Morris was impressive as was young gun Chase Stanley. At critical times loose carries at the ruck saw possession changes and some final tackle options were a little un-polished from the normally perfect Hornby.

The Saints lose Woolford early to injury, it is unknown how much damage is done to the former Raiders ankle. Sadly for the Dragons they have millions of dollars worth of talent on the sideline: Gasnier, Cooper, Head, Young and now Woolford.

The young Knights side deserved the win and held in during important swinging periods of the match. They will build in confidence with a true changing of the guard during the absense of Joey and Budsy. Seu Seu is looking good as is their boom Half Mullen.

Aiton Sparks Up as Panthers hit 40
Panthers 40 - Bulldogs 10
Video Review: Click Here

The Panthers have turned it on to absolutely blow the Bulldogs away at CUA Stadium in Penrith tonight. In keeping with the NRL theme of recent years, picking the winners is almost impossible.

The Panthers who were deadset woeful last week and firmed as spoon holders in 2007, must have slept at training during the week - as they have come out a different side tonight.

For mine, Paul Aiton coming into the dummy half totally transformed the Panthers and was the spark that sent them into overdrive. With Priddis at dummy half early, the Panthers were nervous and never looked cohesive. Priddis' distribution at times was poor, forcing Gower to duck for cover - as slow service saw the Dogs eating him alive.

This all changed when live wire Aiton came into the fray. Suddenly massive metres were stolen from dummy half, Rooney was in sniffing around for work and Wesser was trailing the play ready for any offload or break. A special mention to the Panther on debut - Michael Jennings. Scoring a try early and looking very confident in his first time appearance.

Flash Gordon was solid for the Panthers his cover defence noteably impressive, as was his pin point goal kicking. His training work with Daryll Halligan is certainly paying dividends.

Peter Wallace at pivot was also taking some heat off Gower. His kicking and decision making was brilliant. He attacked the line at the right time, and distributed when it was called for.

It was a total snowball effect. As the Panthers heated up, all the old boys started to lift in confidence. Suddenly Pritchard was at his barn storming best and forwards Clinton and Waterhouse who have been quiet in recent times - were steaming forward and full of life.

It was exciting to see the old Panthers back, 2003 was relived tonight as they railroaded the Bulldogs.

In Doggie land, a tough night was had by most. Luke Patten must be complemented on his committment, he tried all night in defence and attack - without his role, it could have been 50 points against tonight.

Willie Mason and Shrek O'Meley were tough early and caused trouble for the Panthers defence, but they persisted with attacking the man - and were more concerned with big hits and personal contests that winning the game.

Holdsworth had an off-night, kicking out on the full at times, and choosing the wrong options with the ball. Admittedly the Panthers applied pressure to the Bulldogs pivot making his night a hard one. Tonights outcome will surely see Sherwin come back into the top grade after coming back in Premier League tonight.

The other glaring problem for the Bulldogs is their attack. They Dogs can string some passes together in patches and do look dangerous in parts - but looking at the back end of 2006, early trial games and now NRL 2007 - they simply haven't scored points. Look for Folkes to try SBW wider on the ruck next week to up the scoring ante.

In what was a physical contest, combined with massive tackling requirements for the Dogs - expect them to pull up sore and find it tough in the back end of next week.

Well done to the Panthers, their confidence will be sky high from their home town win and will no doubt help their coach settle in and lay a nice platform for the next few weeks. The Panthers will need every ounce next week as they face the 2006 Premiers to the Broncos in what should be a cracker.

Rnd 1 - Overall Summary
by www.NRLnews.com

Green=Firing Amber=OK Red=Struggling

Knights - Solid performance considering no Johns, and positional changes. Defence needs work.
Dragons - Great signs here, young troops all did well under pressure. Will grow an extra leg now
Rabbitohs - Monkey off back now, great win and face abysmal Eels next week. Confidence growing
Warriors - Great recruitment has seen vast improvement, stunning first half to blow Eels away.Need to travel
Sharks - Baby steps. Ricky injecting pride into jersey, halves working and outstanding defence.
Manly - Won against poor opposition, some good signs but will need to improve. Lyon needs time at pivot.
Storm - Nervous early, but machine clicked into gear. Have talent to burn again and will be hard to beat.
Cowboys - Best team in Round 1, blistering attack and many options. Only concern maybe fitness, did tire.
Bulldogs - Good signs for Dogs with only 12 men. Missed SBW, need Sherwin back for stability under pressure.
Titans - Must be happy with first NRL game. Solid defence for most, Campbell weak link. Occasion excitement cost
Roosters - Poor first game, after good trial form - ill-discipline killed them. Need to win early or will lose confidence
Eels - Fighting with Panthers for worst performance of Rnd 1. Woeful in defence and attack. Need cohesion.
Panthers - Too much dropped ball. Players looked disinterested. Attack was non existent. Gower not happy.
Canberra - Showed some early promise. Experience needed, will learn from the loss. Won't be easy beats
Tigers - Impressive first up showing. Nice combinations, solid defence - injuries the key, need to stay fit.
Broncos - Hangover hurting them, now no Lockyer. Hunt good at 7. Need someone to step up. Concern here.