Round 3 NRL Wrap-Up

Well what a feast of Rugby League was served up in Round 3 of the NRL. We had two golden point cliff hangers on Friday night with the Eels and Panthers sneaking home.

Eels: Finally saw some luck fall their way. While no where near their best, a strictly refereed game by veteran Steve Clark - saw thousands of penalties given. This stop-start type of game suited the Eels much more than the Tigers. The Eels will gain some confidence from this win, and will need it as they face the newly fancied Raiders side this weekend.

Tigers: Played well in patches, with impressive attack sequences - albeit with poor final pass options. Their discipline will need a massive overhaul this week, on and off the field. Will be happy to get Paul Whatuira back into the side - but they face a massive task in taking on the Cowboys. They will need to hone their wrestling skills and stop the speed of Thurston and the Bowen boys or it's shut the game for the game and makes their first win seem so much further away.

Penrith Panthers: Some hot attacking play over the past two weeks has seen the Panthers bury the Dogs and just clip the Broncos. Lacking a little ball control and patience, the Panthers seem to be developing well under Matty Elliott. Their defence is improved on last year and the new guns - Peter Wallace, Michael Gordon and Michael Jennings all looking to be viable future options for the club.

Brisbane Broncos: Simply amazing that last years premiers are winless after three rounds. Surely last weeks last second loss would kill any inkling of confidence. The Broncos look to be structured well in attack and defence but have dropped plenty of ball and lacked the usual discipline expected from a Bennett coached side. Lucky for the Broncos they face the wooden spoon specials, the Roosters this week. A perfect remedy for any side out of form.

Bulldogs: The Dogs won without being great in Round 3. Getting a grinding win under their belts against the Gold Coast Titans. Shrek is playing the house down, and he obviously wants his new contract badly. Will be happy to get Shifty back in the halves to assist with cohesion in attack. Will grow an extra leg each week

Souths: Well the Bunnie bandwagon rolls on. Simply stunning Rugby League from the new NRL powerhouse. The Irvine try was pure excitement as they turned it on against a shoddy Sharks side at Toyota Park. The previously staunch Cronulla defence instilled by Ricky Stuart was goneski's - as the Sharks leaked like a beachfront house in the Solomon Islands. Souths are gaining massive momentum and will be up for the big Dogs clash this week. Willie v Kidwell / Asotasi will be champagne stuff.

Roosters: Hard to find any positives here. Did look to give up against the Sea Eagles. Never looked to test in attack. Have some good kids coming through in Kenny-Dowell and Pearce but some old heads need some spark. Some of the older bridgade here at the Roosters have become very 1 dimensional and are easy pickings for opposition defence lines.

Cowboys: The North Queensland boys kept their slick style up against the Dragons, and even without Jason Smith - looked to constantly break the line. Thurston is simply in a world of his own and unmatched in the NRL at present. The Cowboys did however go to sleep in the second half and lacked discipline. Some cracks for other teams to work on: O'Donnell is a firey chracter and in a 'timebomb mode' much like Danny Williams for Melbourne some years ago, it's only a matter of time until this guy kills someone. If sledged, might prove useful to opposition. Thurston is also the centrepiece of the attack - stop him and you go a long way to slowing the machine.

Raiders: Well Well, everyone's tip for the spoon. Neil Henry must be drinking champagne from his ACT Spa Room at present. The young lads from Canberra turned it on last night against the Knights. Not only beating them well, but some of the tries laid on looked like the Green Machine from yesteryear. Mullins and Daley eat your heart out stuff. Be interesting to see how they build on this. Forwards were rock solid, Logan and Costigan were downright scary and smashed the Knights around. In the backs, Zilman and Chalk were elusive and safe and of course Dobson ran the whole circus around very well. Watch with interest.

Manly: The good old Silvertails have been winning, but winning ugly. Haven't really hit top gear year yet and other teams must be weary when they do. Monaghan has been brilliant for the Eagles and basically deserves credit for getting them 2 of the 3 wins. Lyon still finding his feet. Once Orford, Menzies and Matai back - look out! Only fault may lie in the forwards - Rose prone to dropping the pill and others may lack agression.

Warriors: Tasted only their first loss of the year, but played Melbourne at the Graveyard. A very hard ask of any Rugby League team. Will lick their wounds and hopefully bounce back. Big question mark remains over their ability to travel. If they can get comfy with flying everywhere, then we'll see them in the top 8 if not top 4. Should be a good clash against Manly at Brooky - will test Warriors ability to sleep away from home again.

Titans: Still a few questions marks over the new boys. Some cracks appeared in their behaviour on the weekend, with Minichiello giving away some silly penalties. Need some more options in the forwards. Bailey carrying the team on his back. Face a tough task this weekend against Penrith at CUA stadium. In their games, they have been chasing points for a lot of the game - if they can get a leg up early, might see them play a more natural style. Rogers needs more involvement, as younger players will need his guidance and experience.

Cronulla Sharks: Some real concerns for the Sharks in the last two weeks. Throwing a lead away against the Titans and then throwing everything away against the Bunnies. Got burnt in all departments against the Rabbitohs. Need to rectify their defence and reduce pressure on Kimmorley. Dykes was missed. Simmon's wasn't the answer at fullback. Carney showing good signs but needs some support. Playing at home to the Saints this week, a good chance to find some form against the young Dragons.

St George Illawarra Dragons: The Dragons fought hard late against the Cowboys and some good signs were seen from Ritchie Rich Williams and the young brigade. Simply outgunned by the Cowboys with a more experienced and dangerous roster. Will get better with more game time, but face a desperate Sharks outfit at Toyota Park this weekend.

Knights: Big speed hump last night in Canberra - got railroaded by the young brigade that is Canberra. Will recover as Johns gets more ball time, Mullens and Gidley relaxed too much knowing Joey was back. Forwards lacked punch, and Davico was the wrong option up front. Brian Smith will be cooking up a masterplan for taking Melbourne down this week.

Melbourne: Not a lot to say here, the Melbourners keep doing everything right. Slater and Co keep pulling rabbits out of hats and every cog in the Melbourne machine is performing at their Rugby League peak. Have plenty of depth and their only concern is boredom as they win every game on their way to the finals. Big one this week against the Knights.

Storm kill off NZ Pretenders

Storm 30 defeated NZ Warriors 12


Melbourne Storm shrugged off any doubts over their credentials for the 2007 title with a dominant 18-point victory over the New Zealand Warriors in their round three NRL clash at Olympic Park this afternoon.

The 2006 minor premiers shot out of the blocks early to pile on 14 unanswered points in the first half, continuing their scoring run into the second period to end up 30-12 victors.

Billy Slater continued his try-scoring exploits with an impressive brace but was denied a third when video referee Chris Ward ruled offside on what would have been a scintillating finish to a deft chip and chase play.

Towering youngster Israel Folau also picked up a double with the Storm winger turning in an imperious display of speed, strength and aerial presence, while Ryan Hoffman and Matt King also posted tries for the home side.

Veteran winger Matt Geyer was ever-present and produced shades of brilliance from his five-eighth days creating numerous opportunities in the second stanza after regular number six Greg Inglis was forced from the field with an injury.

Cameron Smith was less than impressive with the boot kicking just three conversions from six attempts, while the Warriors never troubled the Storm despite two tries in the final 20 minutes to Manu Vatuvei and Sam Rapira.

The Storm have now won three matches from three starts, while the Warriors remain on four points after previously beating the Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos.

Real Glory, Glory for South Sydney

Souths 26 - Sharks 16

South Sydney remain undefeated so far this season after accounting for the Sharks 26-16 in their round three NRL match-up in Cronulla on Saturday night.

After shooting out of the blocks early to lead 20-4 at half-time, the rejuvenated Rabbitohs ensured their third win in as many starts this season with a controlled performance sure to please coach Jason Taylor.

The Rabbitohs scored four tries to one in the opening stanza, including a double to livewire winger Nathan Merritt, and held a 16-0 lead after just 20 minutes.

Full-back David Peachey opened the scoring after just seven minutes with a try in the right-hand corner from a backline move, and Merrit followed up with his first of the match 10 minutes later.

Hooker Daniel Irvine made it 16-0 when he finished off a terrific team try and the Sharks were visibly shaken by the Rabbitohs' flying start.

Cronulla struck back when Luke Covell grabbed a high ball and touched down in the 33rd minute but Merritt's second, a brilliant solo effort from beyond halfway, ensured a comfortable lead at the break for the visitors.

The home side closed the gap to 10 points with a try to Isaac De Gois 14 minutes into the second stanza, but a four-pointer to David Kidwell and subsequent conversion from Joe Williams restored the lead for South Sydney.

Fraser Anderson scored a consolation try two minutes from time but it was too little, too late for the Sharks, who have lost their last two matches after posting an opening round win over the Panthers.

Cowboys continue Cruise Mode
Cowboys 22 def Saints 18

North Queensland survived a desperate late surge from St George Illawarra to post a 22-18 victory in their round three NRL clash in Wollongong on Saturday evening.

The Cowboys were dominant for most of the match and raced ahead to post 22 unanswered points, but lost their way when captain Johnathan Thurston was sin-binned for a professional foul in the 63rd minute.

Dragons youngster Richard Williams bagged his second brace of the campaign, filling in for injured five-eighth Ben Hornby, and Wes Naiqama set up a thrilling climax when he converted Luke McDougall's 77th minute try from the sideline to close the gap to just four points.

The Cowboys managed to close out the Dragons to seal victory, with Thurston turning in a brilliant performance to announce himself as the form player of the competition.

His sin-binning late in the piece was the only blemish on an otherwise flawless display from the number seven, who scored the opening try of the match before laying on another three for his team-mates

Ashley Graham (fourth minute), Brenton Bowen (29th), and foundation centre Paul Bowman (50th) crossed for the visitors, while Thurston added three conversions to notch up a personal tally of 14 points for match.

Fleet-footed custodian Matt Bowen was ubiquitous for the red-hot Cowboys who have made a perfect start to the season with three victories from three rounds.

Earlier, the Cowboys picked up where they had left off after last week's 43-6 demolition of the Roosters to race to a 16-0 half-time lead in Wollongong.

The Dragons, who lost 16-12 last round to the Knights, welcomed back injury-plagued half-back Mathew Head, while the Cowboys were without veteran playmaker Jason Smith.

Penrith Panthers 29 - Brisbane Broncos 28

Young five-eighth Peter Wallace booted a miraculous field goal to give the Penrith Panthers a golden point victory over the Brisbane Broncos in their round three NRL clash at Lang Park on Friday evening.

21-year-old Wallace produced the match-winning play in the second period of extra-time, potting a field goal from 42 metres out to seal a remarkable 29-28 victory and leave the defending premiers without a win in 2007.

The Broncos had looked certain to win the match with three minutes remaining after four tries to brawny centre Broncos centre Justin Hodges and three penalty shots from fit-again skipper Darren Lockyer propelled the home side into a 28-20 lead.

But a length-of-the-field effort from centre Michael Jennings on 78 minutes and an amazing try on the full-time siren from livewire Panthers full-back Rhys Wesser levelled the scores, before Michael Gordon's failed conversion attempt sent the game into golden point.

Craig Gower missed two opportunities to win the match for the Panthers in the first period of extra-time, pushing both of his field goal attempts just wide of the posts.

Wallace, an unlikely match-winner in just his fourth game of first-grade at Penrith, then clinched victory in the second period as the Panthers sealed a remarkable come-from-behind win to stun the home crowd.

The Broncos led with six minutes remaining in the first half, but tries to Panthers centres Jennings and Luke Lewis handed the visitors a 20-14 advantage at the break.

Jennings intercepted a wayward Lockyer pass on 34 minutes to streak away downfield and score underneath the posts and Lewis crashed over minutes later after good build-up work from Panthers half-back Gower.

Hodges starred for the Broncos despite a niggling knee injury and preyed on poor handling from the Panthers to score a first-half brace, while Panthers winger Michael Gordon also crossed twice in the opening period

Frank Pritchard and Wesser caused plenty of problems on the right-side in attack with Gordon crossing twice untouched after Broncos winger Darius Boyd strayed from the wing in defence.

Titans bag maiden win
Titans 18 - Sharks 16

By Joel Zander

The NRL's newest franchise has taken just two rounds to open their account, with the Gold Coast Titans coming from behind to beat the Sharks 18-16 in a thriller at Carrara Stadium on Monday evening.

Down 16-6 with 30 minutes remaining, Wests Tigers recruit Scott Prince and former Shark Preston Campbell combined to steer the Titans home in their first NRL match on the Gold Coast.

Prince and five-eighth Matt Hilder put Mark Minichiello over in the 57th minute and then Prince's short pass to Campbell saw the little full-back force his way over with six minutes remaining.

Campell made it three conversions from three to put the Titans in front and ultimately give them the win.

The Sharks had led 10-6 at half-time in "the battle of the beaches" after scoring just seconds before the break.

"I'm very happy, it was looking a bit dodgy with 20 minutes to go, they had the ascendancy and were playing well," Titans coach John Cartwright told a press conference.

"But we really dug in well from there, we got a couple of tries when we needed them and held on well in the end.

"The tries that we scored were good understanding between guys."

The Titans came from behind against St George Illawarra in their debut match last week only to fall short, but had no such problems this time.

"I suppose the most impressive thing from the coach's points of view and the fans that were here was the fightback again. They fought hard and were very courageous," Cartwright said.

Prince, who was a doubt in the lead-up because of injury, was happy to be part of the maiden win.

"The people on the Gold Coast have been waiting a long time for this, just to have the Titans back on the coast," he said.

"I suppose now we've got the monkey off the back and the two points in the bag."

Sharks coach Ricky Stuart was understandably disappointed, saying his players had dropped too much ball early in the tackle count.

"We had it there to beat them and when you let is slip, it's disappointing," he said.

But he said he was happy for Cartwright, who was his assistant at the Roosters.

"I'm really happy for Johnny, it's good for rugby league that the Gold Coast are up and running," he said.

He said he might leave a beer with Cartwright for a later date and the Titans coach said he understood.

"I'll let him cool down, I know what he's like after a loss," Cartwright quipped.

Warriors the entertainers, bust Brisbane up
Warriors 24 - Broncos 14

In another display of exciting Rugby League, the NZ Warriors again put in a classy showing to dispose of a Lockyer-less Broncos. The game at Mt Smart stadium Auckland took a while to get going, but after the initial sorting out period - the Warriors turned the tries on at will, with new buys Witt and Crockett dynamic for the Kiwi based outfit.

Ex-Tiger Crockett bagged a double again and must be looming as early by of the year. The Warriors forwards this year look so much more disciplined and rarely coughed up the ball to the opposition. Price was at his usual best, always hitting the advantage line hard and gaining valuable metres.

Witt seems to be just the medicine for the previously in-consistent Warriors. His organisation was handy for the team that has struggled since Stacey left. Witt would be loving playing behind such an explosive forward pack, he has plenty of time to setup the play and his pushing to the line was perfect, as he regularly swung the ball wide for Martin and Crockett to run wild.

Most of the Warriors play was sent down the Martin/Crockett wing, which has obviously payed dividends.

The Warriors are certinaly looking potent in 2007 and along with the Cowboys and of course Melbourne are the standouts. Next week will be the big test, with the Warriors having to travel away from home and the destination is the graveyeard - Melbourne.

The Broncos won't panic too much after the loss, as they are certainly missing the spark of Lockyer and the thrust of Parker. Perry played well in the shadow of Lockyer and Hodges and Hunt tried hard without result.

Hunt surprising with the hit of the game on of all people Ruben Wiki in the first half. The small Kiwi cum Aussie half back hit Wiki from side-on sending him crashing to the turf.

The Broncos now have no points to show from 2 games now and partner the Bulldogs, Eels, Raiders and Roosters in the cellar for 2007.