NRL Round 10: What we liked and disliked from every game

Joshua Mayne

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Tom Naghten

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Liam O'Loughlin

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Mark Molyneux

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NRL Round 10: What we liked and disliked from every game image

Magic Round produced plenty of talking points as upsets and ladder-shifting results lit up the NRL's showpiece weekend.

There was a lot to like about the Adam Reynolds masterclass to guide the Broncos to a tone-setting victory, while Penrith's obliteration of fellow premiership heavyweights Melbourne was a stark reminder of just how good the premiers are.

For the likes of the Dragons and Bulldogs, meanwhile, the headaches continued after highly disappointing efforts on an important weekend.

Here's what we liked and disliked from each game in round 10.

Newcastle Knights 16 - 6 Canterbury Bulldogs

What we liked: Klemmer and company lead Knights to ugly win

It wasn't pretty, in fact, it was one of the worst games of the year.

But after seven-straight losses, Newcastle fans can now have something to cheer about - and it's largely thanks to their forward pack. 

David Klemmer was immense in the middle of the field, running for 190 metres and popping two offloads in his 60 minutes on the paddock.

The former NSW and Australian prop also made 33 tackles with just one miss, proving he is still among the competition's best big men when he is motivated and full of confidence. 

Mitchell Barnett made a solid return from suspension, while both Saifiti brothers found some form that they had perhaps been missing so far this year. 

What we disliked: What's wrong with Pangai?

Tevita Pangai Junior played 46 minutes on Friday night across three stints, and there were huge question marks over his performance.

Fox League reported that Pangai had not suffered an injury and was not carrying an illness, making the use of him - where coach Trent Barrett burned four interchanges for one player - even more perplexing.

While he was on the field, Pangai didn't offer anywhere near the impact he needed to. The second-rower finished with nine runs for 68 metres, one tackle break and four missed tackles.

Pangai's effort in the dying stages, where both he and Matt Dufty switched off and allowed Adam Clune to score, was the cherry on top of a poor night for the big-money recruit. 

Brisbane Broncos 38 - 0 Manly Sea Eagles

What we liked: Cobbo and Reynolds produce some magic

After one of the more lethargic and poor games of the year to open up a huge weekend at Suncorp Stadium, the home-town team delivered a truly magical performance and put the NRL on notice. 

Brisbane were electric on Friday night, outclassing their opponents in every possible way.

Adam Reynolds was orchestrating like only he can, but also pulled a rabbit out of the hat for a solo chip-and-chase try in the 36th minute.

But it was young winger Selwyn Cobbo who was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick. Two of his tries came off the back of pinpoint kicks from Reynolds, but his third was a 100m intercept that brought the Broncos fans to their feet. 

Special mention must go to Patrick Carrigan, who set the tone early and finished with a massive 189 run metres. 

What we disliked: Turbo grounded...again

Tom Trbojevic was playing just his second game back from a knee injury - but it looked to be bothering him again on Friday night.

The superstar fullback was below his best and was seen visibly wincing in pain due to the issue, which will be giving NSW coach Brad Fittler a few sleepless nights. 

Trbojevic still managed to finish with 17 runs for 126 metres, but he was clearly hampered and it hurt Manly's attack when they managed to get a rare good-ball opportunity. 

Des Hasler probably should have taken him off once the scoreline started to blow out, with over half the NRL season remaining and an Origin series on the horizon for his marquee man. 

New Zealand Warriors 30 - 32 South Sydney Rabbitohs

What we liked: The Warriors' second-half effort

Heading into the sheds at 26-6, it seemed as if the Warriors were set for another drubbing.

But a second half resurgence from Nathan Brown's side helped them to a competitive final score, even going close to winning the match. Their comeback spoke volumes of their character and resilience - something they haven't shown much of this season.

Shaun Johnson was silky and creative in the halves, whilst Reece Walsh used his speed and creativity to create scoring opportunities. This should give them a good platform for next week's match against the Dragons.

What we disliked: Sloppy first-half defence

As mentioned above, the Warriors put on a remarkable second half display to bring themselves into contention - but it wouldn't have been necessary if they focused on their defence in the first half.

Cody Walker's masterclass didn't make things any easier, but it was a lacklustre defensive effort from the Warriors to begin the match. This set the tone, with the Rabbitohs scoring five tries in the opening 30 minutes.

Players were slipping through their grasps, and they appeared on the back foot for the majority of the first half. However, as the second half showed, their attack is seemingly their best form of defence.

Gold Coast Titans 20 - 16 St George Illawarra Dragons

What we liked: Jack de Belin's effort areas

Jack de Belin has had a solid start to the season, but he put on an impressive performance on Saturday night. 

Defensively he was outstanding, making 38 tackles - the most of any Dragon. He made his presence known for all of his 53 minutes on the field.

Whilst his eight runs for 55m wasn't anything special, his try was an exception. De Belin burst through the line, pushing a number of Titans players away, simply refusing to be stopped from reaching the try line. 

What we disliked: Dragons blow an important game

The Dragons showed resilience to come back from the two deficits they faced in the first half, going on to build some momentum in the second half before establishing a lead.

With ten minutes remaining, they looked relatively secure. But a try conceded in the 73rd minute followed by a heartbreaking try in golden point saw everything quickly unravel. 

If the Dragons are to sneak into the top eight this year, victories against teams in the bottom half of the table will be crucial. This was a big chance dropped.

Melbourne Storm 6 - 32 Penrith Panthers

What we liked: Penrith's response to last week's loss

Entering into a game off the back of a loss is an unfamiliar feeling for this Panthers side. Yet, they responded to last week's defeat at the hands of Parramatta in the way champions do.

In a ten minute opening blitz, the Storm were torn to shreds and immediately put on the back foot. It was a position they were unable to recover from.

First, Izack Tago came back against the grain to burst through for the opening try. Then, Viliame Kikau plucked a Nathan Cleary kick out of the sky to establish a 12-0 lead.

"They did a good job, they just strangled us," Craig Bellamy said after the game.

A big statement victory over your closest competitor is certainly one way to hit back after a setback. 

What we disliked: Melbourne's injuries 

While Penrith will deservedly get the plaudits for a big win over their fellow pace-setters, you'd be forgiven for wondering what might have been.

Melbourne were extremely compromised and the loss of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes - wiping out half of their spine - ultimately proved too difficult to overcome. 

Cam Munster showcased the rare form he is in with a one-on-one strip to set the Storm up in good-ball territory. Then, his deft kick to the wing for Nick Meaney got them briefly back into the contest. 

However, it wasn't enough against this ruthless Penrith side. 

No doubt, Bellamy will be circling round 22 in his calendar for the next time he meets Ivan Cleary's men. The coach will be hoping he has a full squad to choose from then, and if he does, fans may be treated to the all-time classic this game promised to be. 

Cronulla Sharks 10-30 Canberra Raiders

What we liked: Raiders' resilience is back

The Raiders have built an identity as a gritty, hard-nosed team under Ricky Stuart but have perhaps gone away from that in the last two seasons.

However, on Sunday against the Sharks it was the Green Machine of old as they overcame the adversity of having Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Elliott Whitehead and Corey Horsburgh in the sin bin at different times.

Whereas previously this season they'd have surrendered, the Raiders spent nearly 30 minutes with fewer men than their opponents but still managed to not concede.

It was the type of performance that could kickstart the Raiders towards a mid-season run. For now, at least, that's Canberra's eighth straight win over Cronulla.

What we disliked: Sharks attack falls asleep with Moylan at the wheel

Cronulla were forced into a backline reshuffle with the suspension of William Kennedy on Sunday that saw star halfback Nicho Hynes to fullback and the consequences were grim.

With Hynes at the back, Matt Moylan was the main playmaker calling the shots and the Sharks' attack, which has been on fire this season, just didn't click.

Whether it was passes that didn't hit the chest, wayward kicks or poor options, Moylan failed to fire any shots while steering the attack.

In a harsh lesson for Fitzgibbon in his first NRL season as a coach, it was the perfect justification for why you shouldn't weaken a position to strengthen another. 

Sydney Roosters 31 - 24 Parramatta Eels

What we liked: Roosters teenagers turn it on

Sam Walker isn't 20 for another month and Joseph Suaalii is still 18 for two more months but that didn't stop the youngsters producing some high quality moments in their win over Parramatta.

In the first half, it was five-eighth Walker who pulled off a classic chip-and-chase try, having realised there was no one at home for the Eels.

Walker popped a kick over the top of Clint Gutherson and collected it for the four-pointer.

Then in the second 40 is was Suaalii's turn to showcase some of his vast talent.

The winger would have been equally at home across the river at the Gabba playing for the Lions as he pulled off a specky from a cross-field kick to score his second try for the game.

We suspect these blokes will give fans plenty more to marvel at over the next decade.

What we disliked: Inconsistent Eels strike again

Parramatta's ability to rise to the level of their opponent, and even better it, is impressive.

But for their fans, the prospect of them dishing up a flat effort the next week must be incredibly frustrating.

Eels coach Brad Arthur pinpointed his team's tendency for the occasional slow start as something they needed to work on.

"The games that we've lost this year, we've been beaten to the punch at the start of the game," Arthur said.

"We're waiting to see what the opposition's going to do, we need to go after the game at the start.

"Against good teams, you give them that much of a start in terms of the scoreboard, it's very hard to peg back."

Wests Tigers 12 - 36 North Queensland Cowboys

What we liked: Taulagi's moment of brilliance

You'll be hard pressed to find a better try assist than Murray Taulagi's for Scott Drinkwater in the Magic Round finale.

The Cowboys winger looked into touch for all money, having been shunted over the line in a Jackson Hastings tackle.

Somehow, he got the footy back in field, seeming to hover above the turf and throw it back in field.

Drinkwater couldn't believe his luck and strolled over the line.

Seriously, that's taking the p*ss.

What we disliked: Starford To'a lets Cotter stroll through

Perhaps we should be thanking Starford To'a for helping give us one of the highlights of the round but he won't be too keen to watch this one back in the review.

The stand-in Tigers fullback fell for Reuben Cotter's dummy to no one, allowing the Cowboys forward to streak away for a try under the posts.

Even worse, To'a went for the hero intercept play to the side Cotter didn't dummy to.

To'a had to make Cotter pass, or at least break his tackle, instead he gave him a clear path to his first NRL try.

 

Joshua Mayne

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Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again. 

 

Tom Naghten

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Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW. 

 

Mark Molyneux

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Mark Molyneux is a freelance writer covering the NRL and UFC for Sporting News Australia. He has previously worked in the music industry and as a teacher around the world.