Results and Scores

Broncos and Dragons Salute the Judges

curly — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:36:00 GMT

The Brisbane Broncos welcomed back Tonie Carroll with a strong win over the New Zealand Warriors 28-14 after trailing 8-4 at half-time.

A dominant forward display from the Broncos with Joel Clinton, Lagi Setu, Sam Thiaday and David Taylor especially strong, gave the Broncos the foundation for the win. Carroll played a strong role in his time on park, which seemed to give Darren Lockyer a bit of an attacking spark.

The win was not without its moments with the Broncos only hitting the lead in the 45^th minute, but the Warriors struck back in the second half to lead 14-10 after a Steve Price try. At this stage the game was open and was anybody's.

However Brisbane finished the stronger, taking an eight point lead into the final five minutes and then scoring in the last minute to seal a drought breaking victory.

The win came at a cost, with Israel Folou (suspected fractured ankle), Joel Clinton (concussion) and Justin Hodges sore and sorry afterwards. They have a bye next week, which has come at just the right time.

In the other Friday Night, the St George-Illawarra Dragons blew a revitalised Sydney Roosters off the park in the second half after trailing 6-12 at half-time. Jamie Soward led the way with an amazing two-try performance in the 34-12 win. Ably supported by Matt Prior with another double, while Wendell Sailor outscored his wing partner by scoring a single. Brett Morris and Jamie Soward did their Origin chances no harm at all with their amazing displays.

A Knights Tale: A tale of two halves

curly — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:44:00 GMT

A Knights Tale: A tale of two halves

The Newcastle Knights rewarded Steve Simpsons 200^th game for the club with a win over the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs by 25-20

The Rabbitohs were brilliant in the first half and justifiably led 12-6 and scored two tries after the Knights got the first touchdown after just 8 minutes. Chris Sandow and John Sutton combined well in the first half and their forwards led my Mick Crocker showed some mettle. The Rabbitohs were the better side and the six point scoreline difference flattered the Knights.

The Knights second half started from the kickoff with a barnstorming run by Richie Fa'aoso. This was then capped off a couple of minutes later with some smart play by Isaac DeGois who turned the defence around with an inside ball to Fa'aoso. Scores even.

The Knights ploughed ahead with two tries down the right hand side to take a twelve point lead. The Rabbitohs now started making simple errors as they continued to attack down their left side, but fundamental errors thwarted any momentum they had.

A Jarrad Mullen field goal in the 73^rd minute, took the Rabbitohs out of the equation and ensured a Knights Victory. The Rabbitohs last chance to snatch a victory, disappeared when the fluffed a chance to trap Uate in the ingoal to guarantee the Rabbits a repeat set. However just minutes later Richie Fa'alogo, after a clever John Sutton chip and some Chris Sandow brilliance holding the ball in a seemingly impossible manner, then took a tough contact from the fullback, and then found the support player storming through down the left corridor. They never gave up, and continued to throw the ball in some brilliant last minute attack which led to a Jamie Simpson try to close the gap.

The final score showed a tight contest, but it was the Knights dominance over a half hour was enough to take out the Bunnies.

Raiders over Storm

rusty — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:16:00 GMT

In a stunning form reversal, the Canberra Raiders overcame the Melbourne Storm 26-16 at Canberra Stadium. The Raiders dominated the early part of the game, while tthe Storm sat back on their heels. After 29 minutes the Raiders led 14-0 and a monumental upset was on the cards. The Storm bounced back with a try right on half-time and the score stood at 14-4.

Expectations were high that the Storm would come back in the second half, but it was the Raiders who scored next to lead 20-4 in the 50th Minute. The Storm showed just how dangerous they can be, and how they should never be counted out, and by the 65th minute the Storm had brought the game back to a four point ballgame.

15 minutes to go and the match seemed certain to be won by the Storm. A late rally and fantastic defence held the game to the Raiders and a last minute try gave the game its 26-16 scoreline.

The Broncos Hit the Skids- Four Losses in a Row

rusty — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:03:00 GMT

The Brisbane Broncos fell out of the top eight, on points for and against, as they lost to the Jarryd Hayne and Kristen Inu inspired Parramatta Eels 21-14. The Eels jumped early and went to a eight-nil lead, for the Broncos to score before the half-time break to bring the score to 8-4 at half-time.

The Eels went to a 14-4 lead and looked to have the game well in their keeping, however the game took on another dimension late in the second half as the Broncos clawed back to a 14 all scoreline. The scores remained deadlocked for some time, until in the 77th minute Luke Burt broked the deadlock with a 42 metre field goal. The cake was iced with a late try to Daniel Mortimer to bring up the unusual score.

The Broncos are in some serious peril, and this is the first time this season they find themselves out of the eight. Many have now tended evidence that the Broncos season hangs in the balance and it doesn't get any easier as they take on the big New Zealand Warriors pack in their next game. The Broncos forwards are even more depleted with the season ending injury to Nick Kenny, the only Broncos with forward thrust these days.

The Chooks Over the Sharks

curly — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:22:00 GMT

Two of the worst performing clubs played out an enthralling clash with the Chooks defeating the Sharks 19-12 after being down 12-6 at half-time.While the Chooks were down at half-time, it was the Roosters that bounded away in the second half with two quick tries to take the lead 18-12. A field goal in the 72nd minute gave the game the final scoreline.

Titans & Skilled Stadium A Winning combo

rusty — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:48:00 GMT

Popey is wrapped. The team he follows called the Gold Coast Titans cemented their relationship with Skilled Stadium with a solid win over the New Zealand Warriors 28-12. The Titans were ripped apart with the loss of Luke Bailey and Ashley Harrison, but you would have thought it was the Kiwis who were decimated as they played an insipid brand of football in the first half.

The halftime score of 16-2 to the Titans, was the result of the Titans domination which continued for much of the second half, until a late consolation try to the Warriors brought it to 28-12.

An interesting observation about the Warriors is the return of Stacey Jones, has seen the New Zealanders falter this season.One win from the Grand Final last year, and this year they seem an undisciplined rabble. Last season saw an alround effort from the team, whereas this year we see a team waiting for the Little Master to do his thing. Maybe this is a Kiwi thing, but they seemed steadier last year with the like of Fein, Rovelli leading the way.With Jones, they appear no show.

Friday Night scores

curly — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:42:00 GMT

There were doubts about the Bulldogs without the go-forward of Ben Hannant. But those doubts were erased with stirling performances from Michael Ennis and Josh Morris as they commanded the Bulldog outfit over a enthusiastic Cowboys team 30-18. Bryson Goodwin scored a double, again showing just how much he has progressed at the Dogs. Surely, Ennis and Morris will both be chosen for the Blues Origin.

The other Friday night was a chance for the Dragons to show-off their brick wall defence with a grinding 21-10. Brett Morris, Jamie Soward and Ben Hornby supported cases for selection for the Blues.

QLD Create History. Tough out a Great Win

curly — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:10:00 GMT

QLD Create History. Tough out a Great Win

The first half of the game was highlighted by a strong Qld attacking effort, a dazed Greg Inglis taken from the field after a cheap shot from Trent Barrett, A freak 80m try to Jaryd Hayne and two poor video referee decisions. It was also notable for some pent up NSW frustration and a much slower ruck speed.

The first Queensland was scored by Greg Inglis when Brent Kite got lazy on inside and just stopped when he had a chance to take G.I. . He just stopped and left it for his captain Kurt Gidley who was trampled by GI.

David Williams was having a horror debut, coughing up the ball twice for catastrophic circumstances. Willie Tonga had two rip-ticklers of a tackle forcing both Williams errors.

The second Qld try through Israel Folou busting through Robbie Farrah and Justin Poore Soft NSW defence in the middle of the ruck. 18 minutes QLD 12-0. Another notable moment when an ironic cheer from the crowd in the 20^th minute for David Williams actually holding the ball in kick return.

More drama came when Trent Barrett hit Greg Inglis with a high shot in the 21^st minute, which shook Inglis up. It was a cheap shot and deserved more than just being placed on report. GI escorted from field and Qld fans are hopeful that he can return.

Peter Wallace is having a poor game although not being helped by his team-mates. Poor pass from dummy-half Robbie Farrah gifted the next try to QLD to lead 18-0 after just 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes the key NSW players are playing poorly, with Robbie Farrah and Peter Wallace the main culprits. Too much dropped ball again turning over the 26^th minute allowing QLD attacking position again, but Jarryd Hayne sneaked an intercept and ran 90 minutes to score the first NSW try. Hayne misses and Qld score, as it was it could be the catalyst for NSW to bounce back. Gidley converts and at the the score sits at Qld 18-NSW 6 at the 30 minute mark.

Glenn Stewart drops the ball in the next set of six giving Qld field position again. A freak bounce off the uprights provided the NSW with the ball and stops the Qld attack. A controversial decision to deny a try to Ashley Harrison. No valied reason could be the reason behind this decision as Willie Tonga attempted to throw a pass backwards on the 5^th tackle. The ball bounced off a NSW head, bounces into the arms on Ashley Harrison who plants the ball for a try. Somehow, it was determined that it was not a try? Both Phil Gould and Wally Lewis saw it as a try and were amazed and incredulous that it wasn't awarded.

The next set saw some fireworks after the previous set provided the spark for some pent up NSW frustration with Luke O'Donnell being the main culprit. Justin Poore and Mick Crocker had a tete-to-tete after Poore appeared to bite Crocker in a tackle. The reason was obscured by the TV commentators and the vision, but Crocker reacted over something as the tackle was fairly innocent. Crocker with a live by the sword, die by the sword didn't lay a complaint.

With the crowd back in the game Hayne scores a sneaky one from dummy half when the QLD markers. Another controversial decision with the marker , Luke O'Donnell clearly holding Israel Folou and not giving him access to tackle Hayne. Benefit of the doubt was the ruling which bemused renowned Blue Peter Sterling was again amazed for the decision. Thats two poor decisions from the video ref and has gifted NSW 10 points and with QLD holding an 18-10 lead at half-time have kept NSW in the game.

After ten minutes of the second half, NSW are visibly tougher and stronger while QLD are struggling with injury. Qld are holding in there but the momentum is with NSW. Josh Morris hits the field with Robbie Farrah being interchanged with a reshuffle with Gidley into hook, and Hayne into fullback.

It's all NSW at this time, but NSW relived some pressure with a poor kick gifting QLD 20 metres. Mick Crocker however drops the ball again for the third time in the second half. Crocker could be the QLD liability. NSW are reading the QLD plays well and it will only be QLD grit that gets them home.

NSW scored in the 62th minute after a poor attempt on a bomb. Sustained pressure from NSW . Strength from Williams made the try as he just rode over Darius Boyd to slam down the ball and put NSW within a try. A mixed night for Williams, but the try should make it something to tell his grandkids. 18-14 with just 15 minutes to go.

ANOTHER DROPPED BALL FROM MICK CROCKER in the 65^th minute gives NSW great attacking space. QLD are gone at the moment, and Crocker is proving the liability. He needs to pull his head in and hold the ball. Another set for QLD to defend. A Steve Price charge-down give QLD the ball and they need some spark and some motivation in this set. It amost came in the way of Billy Slater, but NSW hold on to get the ball.

Qld really did tough out this game and were rewarded by a try in the final minutes with Cameron Smith scoring to put the game and the series beyond doubt. The fact that it was Luke O'Donnell who made the mistake for NSW for QLD to score made it very sweet for Qld supporters. Both he and Anthony Watmough sailed close to the wind with elbows and forearms in most tackles, didn't go unnoticed from those north of the border. The try was converted and put QLD 24-14.

Credit to NSW who really put it to QLD tonight and again, dominated the second half. The finishing touches again were missing and Trent Barrett played well, but Peter Wallace has played his last Origin game. The composure and passion of a Jonathon Thurston was the key ingredient needed by the Blues.

The game won't go down as a classic Origin but will be remembered for a QLD team that guttsed out a great win in true adversity with some decisions from match officials thrown in. Qld deserve four series in a row, and thoroughly deserve this victory and every accolade that can be thrown at them.

Baby Broncos Bounced….Easily

curly — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:56:00 GMT

The Cronulla Sharks posted their fourth win in a row with a commanding 46-12 victory over the Baby Broncos.

The Baby Broncos were asked to show pride for the Broncos jersey by coach Ivan Henjak. Instead they showed that you cannot buy experience, nor can you expect a young enthusiastic team to fix defensive deficiencies.

The Broncos have leaked like a sieve of late and tonight was no exception. Giving up 46 points to the Sharks showed, again, just how bad this side has gone. The Right Hand side defence was the poorest of the poor and they really need to look at the poor choices that young winger Jharal Yow Yeh has made in the last three weeks. The impact of missing Justin Hodges has made the selection of Yow Yeh a certainty, but the club needs to look at him. He dropped a bomb tonight which gifted the Sharks a try and again was poor defensively.

However, the blame cannot be laid on the youth of the team as they Broncos forwards were an experience outfit, featuring Nick Kenny, Joel Clinton and Corey Parker. The reality is that this forward pack was ordinary. I don't know what David Taylor needs to do to get back in first grade, but Henjak needs to list him back in the NRL to gain some drive for his floundering team.

The Sharks game and resurgance has been based on the enthusiasm being brought into the team by the younger players. The Sharks have now given them an outside chance of actually making the final eight after their horror start to the season.

Sunday Scores Round 15

curly — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 07:51:00 GMT

Manly and the Storm maintained the home winners in this Round 15 of the NRL. The depleted Storm defeated a valiant Wests Tigers 14-12 and withstood a comeback from the Tigers who trailed 14-6 with eleven minutes on the clock.

In a similar vein, Manly survived a final quarter comeback to knock over the Raiders 20-14. Trailing 20-0 the Raiders looked lethargic, but sprang into action to almost steal the spoils, with only a final minute error enabling the Sea Eagles supported to breathe easily.

Edge of the Seat Cowboys

rusty — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:17:00 GMT

In a week where the Toyota Cup gained headlines about the defensive capabilities and it's scorelines, the NRL threatened to follow suit with an entertaining first half between the Cowboys and the Roosters with the Cowboys taking a 24-16 into the break.

However the second half was the exact opposite with a grinding defensive affair, with the Roosters brining the game into a cliff-hanger finish by scoring to bring the game into a 24-22 scoreline.

The Cowboys put the home fans onto the edge of their seats with two breaks by Mitchell Pearce giving them heart scares. The Roosters grabbed a repeat set of six with 30 seconds on the clock, but a Matt Scott hit on Craig Fitzgibbon, saw the Cowboys home with the 24-22 score.

The Chooks didn't just lose the game, but also look to have lost Braith Anasta with a serious ankle injury, while the Cowboys will be thankful for the two points in a match without their Origin stars.

Bulldogs Knock over Panthers.

snowy — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:31:00 GMT

The Bulldogs showed they are the best team in the competition with a clinical display against an eager Panthers outift, winning 19-12 on a cold, wet Friday eveing at ANZ Stadium.

The first half was a beauty with both teams showing some great attacking flair, but the defence of both teams was the highlight with the score locked at 6all at half-time. It may not have been the defensive brilliance, but the errors forced onto the teams with the weather becoming very ordinary. The attacking nature of both teams provided for much of the heart in the mouth stuff that made the game an enthralling encounter.

The Panthers scored first with Gavin Cooper putting on a display of brute strength against Jamel Idris, but the Bulldogs, with Brett Kimmorly especially leading the way never panicked and just ground out the win. The Blues selectors should have been looking the form of Kimmorly as he may very well be the answer to the Blues dilemma.

The Bulldogs amy lose young pup, Idris with a visually painful dislocated elbow, but their would be a hope that he won't miss much footy. The Doggies are definetely the form team of 2009, and they could be one of the few to go from wooden spooners to Premiers in one season.

Tigers Stop the Rot: Knock over the Eels

curly — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:55:00 GMT

The Wests Tigers have stopped the rot tonight facing their sixth straight loss, by knocking over the Parramatta Eels 23-6.

The Parramatta Eels have had the wood on the Tigers in recent history, but that stood for nothing tonight as the Tigers were able to hang in to win, after starting poorly early, with some ordinary defensive efforts.

That should now be it for the Eels as they face a long remainder of the season and face the long story of "what-ifs" and witch-hunt associated with a lost season.

Dragons 32, Cowboys 18

curly — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:54:00 GMT

The Dragons cemented their place as one of THE sides of 2009, with a strong 32-18 victory over a valiant Cowboys side. The Dragons started well with Brett Morris scoring after just three minutes. This was followed in the tenth minute by a try to Matt Cooper, after a very suspicous pass from Ben Creagh which appeared for most at the ground to be forward. The Cowboys scored after Wendell Sailor, playing his worst game of the year, had a brain explosion and gifted a try to the Cowboys.

The Cowboys led 18-6 at half-time, but the Cowboys scored the first two tries in the second half to claw their way back into the game. They trailed by just two points at 20-18. They were sparked by Anthony Watts, who really played a blinder and was dangerous every time he touched the ball. With just ten minutes left, the Dragons had breathing space at just two points. The final ten minutes was all speed as firstly Brett Morris and Matt Cooper teamed up for Matt Cooper's second try. Then Jamie Soward took advantage of a loose ball and toed it through, and won through sheer pace to put paid to the Cowboys in the 77th minute. The final minutes still saw the Dragons apply the blowtorch with another couple of chances to score again.

For the Dragons, Matt Cooper, Brett Morris, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby and Ben Creagh were the best. Baeu Scott was as solid as ever, while Michael Weyman led the way up front. For the Cowboys, Watts, Aaron Payne, Luke O'Donnell and Willie Tonga gave their best.

The Dragons again share top spot in the competition, while the Cowboys cause was not hurt by their effort.

The other Sunday game saw a stunning second half with the Cronulla Sharks scoring in the dying minutes to win 24-22. Down 20-10 during the second half, the Sharks fought back to overcome the home side.

Walkers on to Score Lucky Titans win.

curly — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 09:47:00 GMT

The Sydney Roosters muscled up tonight, as they did last week, but like last last week, they came up no-trumps as they failed to hold out the Gold Coast Titans 24-20.

In a second display that was dominant for the Chooks, they were unable to deny a last second try in the corner to the Titans Chris Walker, who somehow was able to place the ball over the try-line while being tackled into touch and not knocking over over the corner flag. It was a piece of brilliance that got the Titans out of jail, in a game that the Chooks, should have won.