Stephen Crichton made a compelling case for the NSW captaincy as he led the Bulldogs to an impressive 32-20 comeback victory over the Raiders in Canberra. In front of Blues coach Laurie Daley, Crichton turned the game around in the second half with a standout performance—scoring a try, assisting in two others, and executing three line breaks. His inspirational leadership over the past 18 months at Belmore positions him as a strong contender for the Blues’ captaincy if selected.
As Daley deliberates his squad for the upcoming Origin series, a key decision looms over the fullback position. Latrell Mitchell may not boast the reliable kicking of Dylan Edwards or the speed of James Tedesco, but his capability as the most dynamic fullback when at his best complicates matters. Recently, he led Souths to a significant win against the Broncos, showcasing his ability to score, assist, and defend, raising questions about his potential impact in the Origin arena.
Conversely, the Newcastle Knights are facing challenges, putting Kalyn Ponga’s selection for the Queensland State of Origin team in jeopardy. Ponga’s form has dipped significantly amid the Knights’ struggles, as he has not scored since September last year. Following a disappointing loss to the Titans, the pressure is mounting on coach Adam O’Brien to restore team morale and performance.
In the context of the Panthers, Blaize Talagi is emerging as a new playmaker reminiscent of Jarome Luai, easing pressure off Nathan Cleary. After starting the season off the bench, Talagi has notably stepped up in recent matches, contributing significantly in a thrilling draw against the Cowboys.
On the other hand, Craig Bellamy’s Storm had a powerful response to their previous defeat, thrashing the Tigers 64-0. After an angry week of training, the Storm showcased their dominance with a remarkable performance, continuing the trend of bounce-back victories under Bellamy’s leadership.
Additionally, Herbie Farnworth is gaining recognition as one of the league’s top centres, proving his worth for the Dolphins with crucial performances, including notable tries that highlight his talent in a struggling squad.
Lastly, Luke Metcalf’s resurgence as a halfback for the Warriors has been pivotal in their rise up the ladder. Initially overlooked in favour of Te Maire Martin, Metcalf is now showcasing his skills as one of the league’s premier halfbacks, contributing significantly to the Warriors’ success and revitalising the team’s ambitions for the season.