Ronaldo Mulitalo, a standout winger for the Sharks, showcased his skills in a thrilling 31-26 victory against the Melbourne Storm. While his performance included impressive plays, his tendency to instigate confrontations marred the outing. Mulitalo’s fiery nature led to several altercations throughout the match, a behaviour that coach Craig Fitzgibbon may need to address.
In a contrasting scenario, the Brisbane Broncos faced a harsh reality after a stunning defeat at the hands of St George Illawarra, who are among the league’s weaker teams. Despite boasting a squad full of skilled players, the Broncos struggled significantly, scoring no tries and only managing five wins from eleven games this season. With the pressure mounting, the team’s management must reassess their strategies and performance.
Meanwhile, the Dragons have developed a formidable dynamic with their hookers, Damien Cook and Jacob Liddle, both contributing to their recent triumph over the Broncos. With Liddle showcasing his speed during a 70-metre try and Cook providing crucial assists, their partnership has significantly bolstered the Dragons’ offensive capabilities.
The Newcastle Knights, on the other hand, continue to spiral, facing yet another scoreless first half against a subpar opponent. Star player Kalyn Ponga’s ongoing struggle to score has contributed to the team’s dire performance, signalling growing discontent within the club.
Mark Nawaqanitawase earlier captured attention for his outstanding solo try against the Bulldogs, but his subsequent performance was overshadowed by six handling errors in a closely contested match. Opposing teams may now target his weaknesses in the upcoming games, impacting his confidence.
In a noteworthy turn, Kurt Capewell has increased his chances for a State of Origin selection with a solid showing for the Warriors, including a key tryscoring performance. His versatility in various positions may have caught the eye of selectors.
Lastly, Blues coach Laurie Daley was spared from making a tough decision regarding Jake Trbojevic’s inclusion in the Origin squad, as the player suffered a head injury. Speculation about his place in the team may have been put to rest, but he could still feature in later matches of the series.
Meanwhile, the Eels have found renewed energy under coach Jason Ryles, with Mitch Moses and Zac Lomax back in action together, leading to a revitalised attack. This newfound synergy has given the Eels hope for a potential finals run in what has been a season full of unpredictable outcomes.