The Parramatta Eels copped a reality check at NRL level, but there is a shining light in the club’s reserve grade side, while a Panthers star who was dropped to NSW Cup made a statement.
Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Welcome to ‘Ressies Wrap’, where foxsports.com.au fills you in on the best performances from reserve grade over the weekend and the future stars who could be pushing for selection in the coming weeks.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
NSW CUP
STORM VS EELS
The Eels first-grade may have struggled last week, but the same couldn’t be said for their NSW Cup who controlled their entire match against the Storm.
The halves pairing of Apa Twidle and Lorenzo Talataina completely dominated and showed bright signs of the future with Jonah Pezet confirmed to be departing at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, outside backs Jake Tago (two tries and two line-breaks) and Jordan Samrani (167 running metres) continued to put pressure on the incumbent NRL back-line of the Eels.
Get all the latest news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports NRL Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
Lorenzo Talataina was on fire against the StormSource: News Corp Australia
WARRIORS VS ROOSTERS
After scoring a double against the Warriors, Sydney Roosters recruit Tommy Talau will be sweating on scans in the coming days after he left the field with a non-contact knee injury.
At first glance, it looked like he may have ruptured his ACL, which would see him ruled out for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, while all eyes were on Alofiana Khan-Pereira, it was Haizyn Mellars who impressed for the Warriors as he continues to push for his NRL debut, scoring two tries on the right wing.
PANTHERS VS NORTH SYDNEY
He may have moved down the pecking order since the arrival of Blaize Talagi but Jack Cole continues to make a name for himself in the lower grades with a man-of-the-match performance.
Cole scored the final try of the match which completed Penrith’s come-from-behind win in the dying seconds of the contest.
All eyes were also on Samoan international centre Izack Tago after he was replaced by Thomas Jenkins in the first-grade line-up and he didn’t disappoint. Tago ran for a game-high 208 running metres.
MORE NRL NEWS
Shock rugby contract claim as Lomax slammed over ‘middle finger’ parting shot
DCE was meant to be the new Cronk. The hype overlooked one thing that can’t be fixed
‘Most vocal I’ve ever seen Ponga’ | 00:50
BULLDOGS VS DRAGONS
Named on the reserves for their match in Las Vegas, Bulldogs winger Jonathan Sua continues to push his case for selection after scoring a double and running for 239 metres against the Dragons.
While for the Dragons, Tyrell Sloan and Jacob Halangahu impressed in their first match of the season. The latter is likely to be the first name called up into the NRL squad if they suffer any injuries or suspensions in the near future.
Jonathan Sua pushed his case for selection.Source: News Corp Australia
SEA EAGLES VS RAIDERS
Brought into the club from the Roosters, veteran playmaker Zach Dockar-Clay led the Sea Eagles to a two-point victory and controlled the attack with ease which saw him produce three try assists, one line-break assists and had an excellent kicking game.
On the other side, former Under-19s State of Origin Man of the Match, Chevy Stewart made the transition from fullback to the centres and finished with one try, 125 running metres, one line-break and a try assist.
KNIGHTS VS RABBITOHS
The Newcastle Knights couldn’t have gotten off to a better start with Francis Manuleleua (131 metres, two tries, two line-breaks and one try assist) and Connor Votano (138 metres, two line-break assists and two try assists) leading the charge.
Manuleleua was easily the best on ground and is contending to make his NRL first-grade debut after being named in the club’s extended reserves for a number of weeks.
‘Top four at least’ Panthers pristine | 06:48
QLD CUP
SEAGULLS VS MAGPIES
In a battle between the two Brisbane Broncos feeder clubs, it was fullbacks Ben Farr (Seagulls) and Hayze Perham (Magpies) who excelled, running for more than 200 metres each.
Meanwhile, rookie duo Antonio Verhoeven and Cameron Bukowski had strong showings after coming off a pre-season with the NRL squad. Starting at hooker, Bukowski made 42 tackles and controlled the pace around the ruck, while Verhoeven had two line-breaks and over 200 running metres.
DEVILS VS CUTTERS
In his first match for the Mackay Cutters since making the move to Queensland from the Canberra Raiders, Jordan Martin looked strong on the edge of the field and could come into consideration for Todd Payten at some point this season.
After impressing fans during the NRL Pre-Season Challenge, Mason Barber made the switch from fullback to the centres and looked electric every time he got the ball in his hands.
DOLPHINS VS BEARS
Former Canterbury Bulldogs playmaker Karl Oloapu started in his first match since undergoing neck surgery but was unfortunately unable to get his side over the line last weekend.
Instead, it was the Bears, led by Mason Teague who escaped with the victory. The Cook Islands international finished with a game-high 40 tackles and is on a train-and-trial contract with the Broncos.
Saunders ‘something special’ says Cronk | 04:49
SEAGULLS VS FALCONS
Shaquai Mitchell was able to cross the line for a try in his first match as captain and showed that he has the capabilities to play in the top grade. However, it was Kalen Ngamanu that lit the side up with 143 running metres, three line-breaks and a try to his name.
Meanwhile, the Sunshine Coast Falcons are no longer under the banner of the Melbourne Storm – due to them having their own NSW Cup team in 2026 – but fans should keep a close eye on halfback Josh Lynn who arrived at the club from the Parramatta Eels.
CLYDESDALES VS TIGERS
The Brisbane Tigers featured in their first match as an affiliate on the Perth Bears expansion side and began it with a win with tries going to Caleb Daunt, Esom Ioka and Zane Dunford.
Dunford had a great showing in the forward pack while Judah Rimbu led the side with 22 tackles and it is understood that he is set to agree to a train-and-trial contract with the Bears.
Ken Maumalo was in action for the Blackhawks.Source: Getty Images
JETS VS BLACKHAWKS
The Ipswich Jets demolished the Blackhawks over the weekend with Tony Francis and Ken Maumalo both crossing the line for doubles.
While Maumalo has retired from the NRL, Francis is contracted to the Gold Coast Titans and is still pushing for a regular spot in the outside backs under new head coach Josh Hannay.
HUNTERS VS CAPRAS
The PNG Hunters and Central Queensland Capras may not have many NRL squad members on their books, but Dolphins youngster Zac Garton got his first start at lock and is one to keep a close eye on in the coming seasons.
Garton and the Capras defeated the Hunters by eight points and front-rower Valentine Richard was able to cross the line twice. Richard is one of many PNG internationals who are in contention to be named in the PNG Chiefs’ inaugural roster.