NRL Round 9: What we liked and disliked from every game

Joshua Mayne

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Mark Molyneux

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Kye Kuncoro

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NRL Round 9: What we liked and disliked from every game image

Round 9 of the NRL began with the Sharks thumping the Cowboys, before the Eels and Rabbitohs continued the one-sided score lines on Friday.

The Tigers managed to pull off the shock of the season by defeating the reigning champion Panthers the following day

To close out the week, the Dragons fell to a lacklustre loss against an injury-ravaged Bulldogs side.

Here's what we liked and disliked from every game of Round 9. 

Cronulla Sharks 44 - 6 North Queensland Cowboys

What we liked: Siosifa Talakai finds form after slow start to the season

A little more than a year on from his famous outing against Manly where he terrorised Morgan Harper, Siosifa Talakai put in another destructive display that could kick-start his season after a relatively slow start in 2023.

He touched down early thanks to great lead up work from Paul Green Medal-winner, Nicho Hynes, and reputedly caused issues for North Queensland's right edge defence that was simply under siege all night. 

Talakai finished with one four-pointer, one try assist, one linebreak, one linebreak assist, and five tackle busts to go with his game-high 177 running metres. 

What we disliked: Cowboys look a shadow of the team they were last year

"Tackling is hurting us," Todd Payten said after watching his side get demolished. 

North Queensland are currently the biggest disappointment of the season and look miles away from the side that shocked the comp last year on their way to a preliminary final appearance.

The home side were ruthless, but the Cowboys didn't exactly put up much of a fight. 

They were poor from the very first set in the game with their application in defence found wanting time and time again. 

North Queensland are in a deep hole and seem unable to be able to drag themselves out of it at the moment. 

And to make matters worse, they've lost Queensland backrower Jeremiah Nanai for the next month through suspension while Tom Chester reportedly suffered an ACL injury during the loss. 

Parramatta Eels 43 - 12 Newcastle Knights

What we liked: Eels put on a show at home

A win counts for two points regardless, but the nature of the Eels' victory on Friday night will do wonders for their confidence.

Their thrashing of the Knights marked the first time Brad Arthur's side passed the 40-point mark in 2023, with all aspects of the team thriving.

Clint Gutherson scored a hat trick, Mitchell Moses was perfect with the boot, and J'maine Hopgood recorded a crushing 45 tackles.

Everything ticked over smoothly, and the nature of the result should give the Eels plenty of momentum as they look to push into the top eight.

Just what they needed.

What we disliked: Ponga struggles in return to starting line-up

Unfortunately, it was a lacklustre return to the starting five-eighth spot for Kalyn Ponga against the Eels.

Coming off the bench last week, he showed some really promising signs as he grew into the game.

However, he struggled to make an impact over a full 80 minutes, recording just 77 run metres and making two errors.

The entire Knights team was flat, so Ponga is certainly not to blame for the result.

Now, it's up to Adam O'Brien to decide if he can be effective as a full-game player this season.

Brisbane Broncos 6 - 32 South Sydney Rabbitohs

What we liked: Campbell Graham near unstoppable

He's not necessarily a flashy or 'popular' player, but Campbell Graham is quickly becoming one of the league's most consistent stars.

The centre delivered the perfect audition performance to NSW Blues selectors on Friday night, notching a hat trick of tries and recording a try assist against the Broncos.

His timing and physicality were exceptional, particularly near the try-line, taking full advantage of a weak Brisbane left defensive edge.

His assist for Cody Walker in the second half was further proof of his all-round abilities, laying the ball perfectly off to his playmaker as he fell back into opposition defenders.

What we disliked: Broncos struggle without star men

Both Payne Haas and Ezra Mam's absences were sorely felt in Friday night's action.

The Broncos were dominated through the middle with the Bunnies having far superior run metres and average set distance numbers.

Brisbane had more than enough attacking possession to score points but the spine of Walsh, Reynolds and Madden struggled significantly, it was clear they missed Ezra Mam's attacking spark.

In contrast, Mitchell, Campbell and Walker put an absolute clinic combining for all six of their side's tries, in what was Brisbane's first legitimate wake-up call of 2023. 

Canberra Raiders 31 - 30 Dolphins

What we liked: Jamal Fogarty makes amends after earlier brain fade

After Canberra had raced out to an 18-0 lead early, it appeared as if Canberra were set for a stroll in Wagga Wagga.

Yet the Dolphins eventually responded with a topsy-turvy second half eventually settled in golden point when Jamal Fogarty slotted a field goal over. 

Although the fact that it even went into extra time was due to a bizarre decision from Fogarty in the closing moments of regulation time when he elected to bomb to the corner rather than attempt a field goal from right in front.

The decision incensed his teammates with captain Elliott Whitehead and Hudson Young furious at their halfback. 

Yet he showed plenty of character to immediately bounce back from his mistake to ice the game for his side. 

What we disliked: Jack Wighton breaks down in tears post-match

Jack Wighton was a man on a mission against the Dolphins after news of his exit from the Raiders came to light this week. 

He crashed over from close-range to score after setting up a try for Canberra during their first set of the match. 

The five-eighth was at the heart of everything good the Raiders did as he finished with a try, two try assists, one linebreak and five tackle busts. 

Yet the footage of him talking post-match was tough to watch as the events of the week got the better of him. 

"They're good boys and I love all of them," he said as he broke down in tears. 

"It's been a very tough week with a couple of massive decisions. To come and do this with my brothers was big."

Manly Sea Eagles 10 - 26 Gold Coast Titans

What we liked: David Fifita at his barnstorming best

David Fifita has noticeably lifted his output during the first few months of the season and has been commended for this improvement. 

After not registering a try for the season up until that point, the Gold Coast backrower put it all together against the Sea Eagles as he proved unstoppable.

Not only did he get into the dirty work for his side coming out of yardage, but he was also at his attacking best to score a four-pointer, provide a try assist, make a linebreak, bust through four tackles and make 170m from his 19 carries. 

What we disliked: AJ Brimson's injury nightmare continues

AJ Brimson just can't seem to string together a consecutive run of games as he once again was struck down by injury. 

The fullback had been quiet during the Titans' first half but exploded into life after the break with a burst through the Sea Eagles' defence.

However, the excitement was short-lived with the Queenslander immediately gesturing to the bench after clutching at his leg. 

In an all-too-familiar sight, Brimson limped from the field in the company of a trainer as he faced the prospect of sitting out yet more time after only just returning from a hamstring injury. 

Penrith Panthers 8 - 12 Wests Tigers 

What we liked: Tigers finally snap losing streak with epic upset

The Wests Tigers have suffered through a miserable season so far and headed to Bathurst to face the back-to-back premiers on a seven-game losing streak to start the year.

There weren't many who gave Tim Sheens' men any chance, yet they thoroughly outplayed the Panthers to earn their first win in a massive upset. 

The Tigers ended a 273-day drought with Luke Brooks producing one of his best-ever displays to guide his side to the win. 

There wasn't a bad player in a Tigers jersey with Jahream Bula shining in just his second game in first grade, Api Koroisau pulling his old side apart through the ruck, and their forward pack laying a solid platform through the middle. 

Now, they have to do it all over again next week and make sure they don't go 12 games without a victory again. 

What we disliked: Hip drop debate continues to rage on

"I’ve seen a few like that now and the only way you can avoid it is to let go," Ivan Cleary said post-match after Soni Luke had controversially been sent to the sin bin for a hip drop tackle.

"How do you tell a footballer to let go? That’s my question."

Debate continues to rumble on around hip drops with Cleary mentioning how he'd been confused by the call to place the hooker on report and send him off for 10. 

"Hip drops are a bit like crusher tackles," he said.

"When they were first introduced, they looked completely different to what they look like now.

"We somehow just blend them all in together as the same.

"I don’t know how you tell a player to let go deliberately. It’s just not in any player’s makeup. It’s not an instinctive thing to do."

New Zealand Warriors 0 - 14 Sydney Roosters

What we liked: Roosters strong in shutout

Across the Tasman, away from home and in the pouring rain it would have been easy to excuse the Roosters for a poor display.

But they did not let the conditions or situation affect them shutting out the Warriors. Their defence was rock solid as the Warriors seemed to provide zero threat.

The alteration to their spine with Manu at five-eighth seems to be benefitting the side, as both he and Keary were sound in attack.

The Roosters edges excelled with Nat Butcher and Sitili Tupoouniua scoring the two lone tries as the Roosters stayed out of the sin bin and gave nothing to the Warriors in the wet weather.

What we disliked: Warriors give home fans little to cheer about

After their spirited effort on Anzac Day, the Warriors provided very little in attack.

With great field position for long periods of the contest, the Warriors were incapable of even coming close to scoring.

Shaun Johnson kicked effectively getting numerous repeat seats, but New Zealand could not capitalise.

The Warriors still showed desire throughout the 80 minutes. However, the losses of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Mitch Barnett, Tohu Harris and Te Maire Martin cannot be understated but will need to be overcome.  

The Warriors now sit in eighth spot and must be vigilant to not throw away their excellent start to 2023.

Their two next fixtures before their bye will remain crucial to their season's trajectory.

St George Illawarra Dragons 16 - 18 Canterbury Bulldogs

What we liked: Jake Averillo powers Dogs to win

It was a gritty overall team showing from the Bulldogs, but it was Jake Averillo who provided the attacking spark.

The 22-year-old scored two tries and ran for 241 metres in a performance that showcased his speed and agility.

Averillo has always been viewed as a talented young player and appears to be thriving in the centres at Canterbury.

It is also worth noting he did not make a single error against the Dragons in a game that saw teams struggle for control at times.

What we disliked: Lacklustre Dragons lose another close one

After a promising display on Anzac Day, there was optimism that the Dragons could get their season back on track against an injury-ravaged Bulldogs.

Despite their solid 82 per cent completion rate, the Dragons simply were not able to create enough attacking opportunities, appearing toothless near the line.

Jack de Belin's physicality was a highlight, but no other players particularly showed up.

Sunday afternoon's result also means the Red V have lost each of their past four matches by six points or less. Brutal.

It's hard to imagine Anthony Griffin lasts much longer at the club if performances remain at this level.

Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

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. 

 

Mark Molyneux

Mark Molyneux Photo

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.

Kye Kuncoro

Kye Kuncoro Photo

Kye is a content producer for Sporting News Australia.