In a gripping encounter on Friday night, Reece Walsh, the Broncos’ fullback, almost clinched victory against the Eels but ultimately hindered his team’s chances. In the final moments, Walsh seemed to have scored the decisive try, only for the Bunker to flag him offside, a decision that many feel was warranted given his frantic playing style reminiscent of last year. Despite assisting hooker Billy Walters with a try and showcasing moments of brilliance, Walsh’s performance was marred by three personal errors and a number of unforced mistakes affecting his teammates. His aggressive approach, including errant passes and a failure to handle a high ball leading to the Eels’ first try, highlighted a continuing struggle to maintain discipline on the field.
Meanwhile, the Warriors faced challenges after appearing as title contenders earlier in the season. Their form has dipped dramatically with only two victories against the struggling Tigers and Newcastle in the past six weeks. Key injuries, including the loss of half Luke Metcalf for the season and hooker Wade Egan to a head injury assessment, have left them vulnerable. The coach may need to reconsider his squad’s makeup in light of their recent lacklustre performances.
On a more positive note, the Canberra Raiders have emerged as surprising contenders for the premiership. Under Ricky Stuart’s guidance, the Raiders have shown remarkable resilience, demonstrating a newfound edge with an impressive second-half performance, scoring 54 unanswered points in recent matches against the Eels and Knights. This powerful finish consolidates their momentum as they chase the minor premiership, maintaining a winning streak of nine games.
For South Sydney, the season has turned grim, as they dropped to the bottom of the NRL ladder after a close 14-12 defeat to the Sharks. Despite being without numerous first-choice players, their effort was commendable, earning praise from commentators for their gutsy performance under pressure.
In contrast, the Penrith Panthers’ Lindsay Smith is firmly putting himself forward for a Kangaroos selection after an outstanding display in recent matches, contributing significantly to the team’s ongoing success.
Conversely, Titans’ Jayden Campbell stands out as a top talent yet to make his mark in Origin. Despite his potential, it seems likely he will remain on the sidelines while established players occupy the halfback position, although his leadership will be crucial for the Titans’ future.
Finally, the Melbourne Storm’s title aspirations remain intact despite injury setbacks, particularly to Jahrome Hughes. The team’s resilience was showcased in an exhilarating match against the Roosters, where they secured a hard-fought 34-30 victory even amid the absence of key players. With Hughes potentially returning soon, the Storm appear well-positioned to challenge for the premiership.