This year’s State of Origin series is over, with attention quickly turning back to the business end of the NRL season as the race towards the finals begins.
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One team fighting to stay in touch with the top eight is the Tigers and they have found themselves in the headlines for the wrong reasons.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are on an upwards trajectory after a drama-filled start to the year. Buw how sustainable is their success?
Read on for a full preview of the Round 19 action in our latest NRL Talking Points!
‘HE’S BEEN MISSING’: WHY PRESSURE IS ON TIGERS’ $1.2M MAN
Wests Tigers v NZ Warriors, Friday 8pm @ Campbelltown Stadium
It’s time for Jarome Luai to do what he’s paid to do.
The four-time premiership winner was brought to the Wests Tigers to lead them to the finals for the first time since 2011, and on Friday night he’ll be under plenty of pressure to deliver in a must-win game against the Warriors at Campbelltown.
That is only even more true after Thursday night’s bombshell news that he is expected to leave the club at the end of the year.
Luai to leave Tigers 12-months early | 04:22
The Tigers were touted by some as a top-four side after they won five of their first seven games to kick off the season, but the wheels have fallen off since.
They’ve won just two of their past nine games and have dropped from second to 12th on the ladder.
A 24-10 loss last week to wooden spoon favourites St George Illawarra was one of their worst performances of the season.
Speaking on NRL 360, journalist Dave Riccio slammed the Tigers for missing a golden chance to secure a win against the lowly Dragons.
“I thought they let their fans down terribly last week against St George Illawarra. This is a club that’s trying to keep their finals chances alive and I thought their attitude was poor,” Riccio said.
“Benji (Marshall) talked about how, tactically, they just played side-to-side footy and failed to play direct.
“They looked lost at times in attack, and arguably over the last two weeks, if it’s not for Adam Doueihi, it’s basically no-one.”
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Adam Doueihi of the Tigers looks dejected. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Riccio put the pressure on Luai to return from a concussion layoff and justify his $1.2 million-a-season pay cheque.
“Jarome Luai returns to this team to tackle the Warriors at Campbelltown. If we don’t see some type of fight in this Tigers team, I’ll be stunned because they’ve got no other choice,” Riccio said.
“They have to fight for everything this weekend and it’s now on Jarome Luai. This is the million-dollar man.
“He’s been missing for a number of games this year and this is the game where he’s paid to stand up and deliver to keep the Tigers’ hopes alive.”
The Tigers sit two wins outside the top eight and play at home only three more times in the final eight rounds, finishing the season against Penrith at CommBank Stadium.
Along with Penrith, they play only two other sides who are currently in the top eight, so there’s a real opportunity for the Tigers to finish the season as strongly as they started it.
They need to win at least six of their final eight games to break their finals drought.
But it won’t happen if they continue to make schoolboy errors, according to journalist Paul Crawley, who compared the Tigers to the Rabbitohs, saying both clubs struggle to get the fundamentals right.
“What lets the Tigers down is their discipline. All those penalties add up, and the dropped balls,” Crawley said.
“Blokes are getting paid $400,000 and $500,000 a year and can’t play the ball.”
Can crocked Tigers revive finals hopes? | 03:37
‘HONEST’ QUESTION GOES TO HEART OF BIGGEST SHARKS PROBLEM
Dolphins v Cronulla Sharks, Saturday 3pm @ Kayo Stadium
There aren’t many hotter teams in the NRL at the moment than the Sharks, yet it’s fair to say that they aren’t receiving the respect they deserve.
Cue the eye rolls from Cronulla fans. A lack of respect has been par for course for this club over the past few years.
A tough team to gauge at times, the Sharks have won five of their last six games to sit sixth and just two points behind the second-placed Warriors.
At the moment, their form is hard to knock, but what we’ve learned about this side is that a poor performance or shock loss is just around the corner.
Hence, they simply aren’t taken seriously as premiership threats.
“Let’s be honest, they’re trying to earn respect from everyone. Does anyone think they can win a comp?” NRL 360 host Braith Anasta asked the show’s Monday night panel.
“They are difficult to get a read on. Because they have a great win and then they don’t turn up. It’s very frustrating,” journalist Brent Read replied.
“At their very best, they can give the good teams a shake but the fact is you’ve got to be at your best in September for three weeks in a row. That’s the challenge.”
Nicho Hynes was in a mood against the Broncos. In that sort of form, the Sharks will be ateam that’s hard to beat.Source: Getty Images
The eye test suggests that they are a little bit off the likes of Penrith, but this weekend will provide a great litmus test.
Cronulla will take on the Dolphins in a Saturday afternoon blockbuster. A win could elevate them into the top four.
After the Dolphins though, the run home looks very favourable for the Sharks.
Their final five games of the season are all against teams currently below them on the premiership ladder.
If they finish with a flurry like they probably should, the all-important spine will be key.
Nicho Hynes was sensational against Brisbane, taking the line on and setting up two tries.
He’s crucial to Cronulla’s success, but it’s clear his role has “shifted” in the past season or so as The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis noted on NRL360.
“There’s obviously been a shift and it’s slowly happened over the past season or so but Braydon Trindall is their premier playmaker now. Forgot the numbers on the back, Trindall is running the side,” he said.
“But if the Sharks are going to do anything in this competition, Nicho has to play like he did against the Broncos. I thought he was outstanding. It was easily his best game of the season,” Anasta added.
“When you’re a half and out of form, it is running the ball because often when you run as a big half like Nicho is, you attract two or three defenders and that’s when the gaps open up.
“When he’s playing well, Brailey playing well, Trindall playing well, they’re a really dangerous football team. If they’re not in the top tier, they’re just below that top tier.”
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Fitz praises dominant Sharks halves | 04:22
THE BULLDOGS ARE BACK… BUT THERE’S A BIG QUESTION TO BE ASKED
Bulldogs v Canberra Raiders, Saturday 5:30pm @ Accor Stadium
Cameron Ciraldo’s continuous tinkering with his spine has caused all sorts of debate in rugby league circles this season but can his current, unconventional, formation really take them towards a premiership?
The Bulldogs have heavily reshuffled their spine in 2026 to address their struggling attack.
After losing seven of eight games, they turned a corner after moving Stephen Crichton to five-eighth while Matt Burton shifted to the centres.
The captain is a genuine centre, but his natural ability has seen him fit in well at five-eighth. With four wins from their past five games, the Bulldogs have given themselves a shot at sneaking into the finals.
Fox Sports commentator and former State of Origin hooker Michael Ennis said Canterbury’s recent form has also coincided with a return to their tenacious defence.
“There’s no doubt that we’re starting to see that real quality energy shift in their defensive line again, which I think was pivotal to their improvement over the last couple of years under Cameron,” Ennis said.
“I think the evidence is that their defence is as good as any in the competition when they’re on.”
Crichton has impressed since making the move. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The Bulldogs bottomed out in Round 13 when they sat 14th on the ladder, but Crichton’s move to the halves has helped them shoot back up to 10th, just one win outside the top eight.
“Crichton going to six, as much as I don’t think it’s a long-term thing, it’s definitely got him closer to the footy,” Ennis said.
“Some of his variation and the attacking raids that he’s put together over the last few weeks have been really impressive.”
Ennis questioned if the current spine of Connor Tracey, Crichton, Lachlan Galvin and Bailey Hayward would remain for the rest of the season.
“The challenge for the Dogs is the seven and six. The creativity close to the line is what’s separating those top sides and the Dogs,” Ennis said.
“I’m still not sure that that’s their best spine come finals time if they’re able to get there. I still think Matt Burton is their best option at five-eighth.
“It will be interesting to see where they transition, towards the finals as they try to make their run.”
Critta at 6 continues Dogs win-streak | 02:24
Despite the renewed form since Crichton partnered Galvin in the halves, Ennis says there’s one big question mark hanging over Canterbury’s premiership credentials.
While he praised their defence, only the Dragons have a worse attack than the Bulldogs, who have scored just 18.4 points per game this season.
“It’s just whether their attack can be potent enough to upset the top sides in the big games,” Ennis said.
“The thing that gives you hope is that they did do that against Penrith. So it’s just a matter of whether they can consistently do that or whether that’s just going to be looked back on this year as a one-off.
“That’s the question mark, I suppose, that is around the Dogs at the moment because of the rotating of their spine.”
Star backrower Jacob Preston has been named on an extended bench this week after suffering a fractured arm in Round 12.
Prior to that, he and Galvin were forming a lethal combination on the right edge.
“He (Preston) was right in selection for State of Origin and cruel injury got him at a rough time of year,” Ennis said.
“He runs a great line and he seems to really straighten up Lachie Galvin on that right-hand side of the field.”
Canterbury plays Canberra at Accor Stadium on Saturday.
Where does Xerri departure leave Burton? | 07:57
BABY EELS EAGER TO EMPLOY RYLES’ DEFENSIVE BLUEPRINT
Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels, Saturday 7:35pm @ Allianz Stadium
‘Trust the process’ has become something of a throwaway phrase in modern rugby league vernacular, but it is holding increasing merit at Parramatta as the season wears on.
Amid one of the worst injury tolls in the competition, there’s an argument to say Jason Ryles’ unwavering patience as coach is beginning to bear fruit with two wins in the Eels’ past three games, as well as crucial game experience for the squad’s emerging players.
However, a major test looms in the Eels’ Round 19 clash against the Roosters on Saturday.
According to Fox League’s Luke Keary, the game of patience at the Eels is a worthwhile one regardless of short-term results.
“I think everybody’s finding it difficult to kind of judge where they’re at. No one’s really been too critical of them because of the turnover and the injuries, and I think Ryles made it pretty clear when he got there that he was going to go with a youth policy and they needed time,” the former Roosters playmaker said.
More than anything, it is the Eels’ defence which is proving the difference in their successful games. Ryles would have been happy with his side’s fortress-like structures during a frenetic opening 20 minutes from Manly last week.
According to five-eighth Ronald Volkman, defence has been a tangible focus throughout much of the year including the pre-season.
“It has come from our coach, Jason Ryles,” Volkman said. “He’s really big on defence, he’s really big on effort, and I think we’ve been showcasing that throughout the season this year.
“He’s always said that our fight and effort will always keep us in the games but sometimes it won’t win us the games. Sometimes we make errors and things like that, but I bring it back to our defence: we take pride in that and that’s something that we want to hold onto moving forward.”
Eels shock Manly in major upset | 03:20
The defensive mindset is summed up nicely in Jonah Pezet’s return to first grade. The 23-year-old hadn’t played an NRL game since Round 5, and according to Ryles it was Pezet’s defence and kicking that needed to improve before he found his way back into the starting side.
“His big focus – obviously he’s had a bit of time out and he’s had to work really hard to get himself back – was to defend well and to kick well. He’s done that,” Ryles said of Pezet following his breakout performance against Manly.
Volkman said that by improving his individual defensive efforts via Ryles and Eels defensive coach Sam Moa, he was able to build his game and offer more confidence in attack – a statement that you could argue is representative of the entire Eels side.
“The defence stuff over the past few weeks, we’ve really doubled down on it and Sammy Moa has been a big part of that in the wrestle room – pulling boys aside showing them how to do things,” Volkman said.
“I can’t talk highly enough about this guy, he has helped me a lot with confidence in defence. I still need to get some technique right, I’m still going up there trying to put a shot on with no technique. But he has helped me a lot, he’s one of those guys that puts confidence in myself.”
Interestingly, the Eels spine that took on Manly last week boasted just 116 NRL games between them ahead of the match – less than Manly half Jamal Fogarty individually (131 games).
Pezet had a blinder in his first game back, while Volkman – whose long-term future beyond October remains unclear – proved once again why his services should remain in the NRL. Or more specifically, at the Eels.
While the Eels have been granted some grace for 2026, Keary argued they need to get their skates on for recruitment ahead of 2027 – already losing Pezet to Brisbane, and with no landmark signings confirmed for next year.
“I’d probably be more inclined in 12 months’ time, let’s see where they’re at. I think everyone will know if they have improved… is this club is moving in the right direction and have they invested in the right people? Because at the moment it’s hard to see what it’s going to look like in six months, let alone 12,” Keary said.
“They’re going to have to sign some players for next year. They’ve got to. There’s obviously not enough there to compete.”
The Eels had a big win last week. Picture: NRL Photos,Source: Supplied Source Known
NRL THROWS A MAMMOTH PARTY FOR JAI
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights, Sunday 2pm @ Accor Stadium
As a player, it is said that Jai Arrow had your back like few other teammates.
Now, the NRL world is getting ready to have his, with an anticipated 30,000 people planning to help celebrate the star’s 31st birthday following his recent motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis.
The league is throwing The World’s Biggest Birthday Party for Arrow when the Rabbitohs host the Newcastle Knights on Sunday at Accor Stadium.
The event will serve as the centrepiece to the ongoing “Stand with Jai” initiative.
Fans are being encouraged to attend the Round 19 fixture, which will include a half-time show by the Wiggles and a rare opportunity for fans to take to the field after the match.
Proceeds from the game will go towards funding Arrow’s MND battle.
Calling all players in the NRL and NRLW to celebrate scoring a try with an arrow celebration and to stand with Jai Arrow this July. Picture Facebook / South Sydney Rabbitohs FacebookSource: Supplied Source Known
It has been a huge couple of months for Arrow, who bravely made his MND diagnosis public amid a sea of support from rugby league and outside circles, and then secretly tied the knot with his long-term partner Berina last week.
The rousing support for Arrow is befitting for a man who is held in extremely high esteem inside and outside the game.
“It’s so much more than footy and as much as we absolutely love the game, the Jai stuff is so much bigger than that,” explained Fox League’s Michael Ennis.
“Watching his career he was the sort of bloke at every level he was the sort of bloke that you thought, ‘Gee I’d love him in my team’.
“I remember a performance he turned in one day for the Gold Coast at Shark Park, up against a pretty fearsome pack there. It might have been 2017 or 2018 – he just went after it.
“Then his performances for Souths, for Queensland. He’s just such a Warrior.
“It’s going to be a really nice occasion out there for his birthday. Hopefully it can put a smile on his face.”
NRL add ‘birthday party’ into Jai July | 01:08
Rabbitohs centre and teammate Jack Wighton said Arrow’s response to his diagnosis, his outlook and recent events including his wedding have buoyed the club.
“It’s something that lifts us every day when we see things like that, it was an awesome surprise for us too, I didn’t even have an idea that it was going ahead,” Wighton said of the wedding.
Two children will receive free entry with every paying adult during Sunday’s Rabbitohs match against the Newcastle.
Jayden Sullivan has been named in place of suspended five-eighth Cody Walker, while Cameron Murray is expected to back up from Wednesday’s Origin decider.
“Everyone’s got to get there and back Jai, do their thing for Jai and hopefully we can do a job on the field,” Wighton said.
OW HOLBROOK HAS UNLOCKED KNIGHTS STARS
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights, Sunday 2pm @ Accor Stadium
Dylan Brown’s bumper $13 million, 10-year deal with the Knights was seen as a huge gamble by Newcastle, but the early signs suggest the Knights may have nailed it.
The Knights went to the finals four times in six seasons under Adam O’Brien, but never looked like winning a premiership.
Kalyn Ponga was often the lone attacking threat, but Brown’s inclusion has taken the Knights to another level as they look to lock in a top-four place against the Rabbitohs on Sunday at Accor Stadium.
Fox Sports commentator Michael Ennis says new coach Justin Holbrook also deserves credit for coming up with effective game plans for his playmakers.
“Holbrook hasn’t just lumped it all on Dylan and said, ‘mate, you need to be first receiver all the time, you need to run the show, you need to be that dominant number seven’.” Ennis said.
“The flexibility that he’s given the spine, for Ponga to step up at the first receiver at times, for Brown to step up at first receiver at times, or Sandon Smith and Fletcher Sharp, they just seem to have this real flexibility that works for Newcastle.”
According to Ennis, that approach has been the perfect fit for the marquee half, allowing Brown to influence games without carrying the full burden of his massive price tag.
The other spine member, Phoenix Crossland, is doing his part, but needs to make sure he doesn’t always play second fiddle to his higher profile halves.
Ennis described him as a “rock” in the Knights side, but doesn’t want him to be afraid to show his attacking threat.
“You need to have that creativity to take pressure off your halves. He could probably be a little more selfish at times, but what he’s doing for that footy side at the moment, he’s probably just playing really unselfish,” Ennis said.
Knights close in on top 4 spot | 03:24
HONEYMOON PERIOD OVER FOR FORAN AS FIRST REAL TEST ARRIVES
Manly Sea Eagles v NQ Cowboys, Sunday 4:05pm @ 4 Pines Park
We haven’t heard the word ‘Fozball’ of late as Manly coach Kieran Foran experiences his first big test as an NRL coach.
The Manly mentor slammed his side’s inconsistency after slumping to its fourth loss in its past five games when an understrength Parramatta upset them 23-14 at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
Foran was seen doing his best Craig Bellamy impersonation during the game as he walked to the back of the coaches’ box in frustration a number of times.
No wonder Foran was pulling his hair out – his side only completed at 68 per cent.
“The inconsistencies with our performances is something we need to fix. I haven’t liked what I’ve seen in the last six weeks in terms of up one week, down the next. You just can’t win games of footy like that,” Foran said.
“We’ve got to work it out pretty quick. It was a tough watch. We were way off. Way off with the ball.”
After winning seven of his first eight games in charge of Manly, ‘Fozball’ was the nickname given to the high-energy, free-flowing style of play introduced by Foran.
The craze became so massive that the Sea Eagles’ home ground was named “Foz Pines Park”, while KFC Manly Vale replaced Colonel Sanders on their signs with Foran’s face.
‘NRL 360’ host Braith Anasta said footy fans are about to find out what Foran is all about as a coach.
“You could say it’s Foz’s first big test as a head coach. It’s the first time we’ve seen frustration and disappointment,” he said.
“You don’t know how good you are as coach until you start losing games, and the pressure comes on, and the most important thing for me is how you handle losses more so than wins.”
Foran’s first test as Manly coach | 03:16
Journalist Michael Carayannis labelled Manly “the most inconsistent side over the last few seasons”.
“At their best they look like a top four side, at their worst they look like a bottom four side and it’s started to creep back into their game in the last couple of weeks,” he said.
Foran’s frustrations have no doubt stemmed from his side’s ability to flog the likes of the Dolphins away, North Queensland away, and last year’s premiers, Brisbane.
Even their two-point defeat at the hands of an in-form Penrith in Round 9 away from home signalled they were the real deal.
But losses to Parramatta, Melbourne and Canterbury, all teams outside the top eight, have left Foran asking himself questions.
They’ve gone from genuine top four contenders to sit in seventh on 22 points, just a win above the 10th-placed Canterbury on the ladder.
They’re only four points behind the second-placed Warriors, however, and history says a top four finish is required to win the competition.
Manly play two sides outside the top eight (Cowboys and Titans) in the next fortnight and they’re must-win games to not only stay in touch with the top four, but show they’re still a premiership force.
Reporter Brent Read doesn’t think Manly fans have anything to worry about however, saying Foran’s personality will shine through.
“I think he’ll be fine. He’s a pretty level-headed guy,” Read said on ‘NRL 360’.
“He knows he had a great start to his coaching career and that he’s going to face some potholes along the way.”
Gorden Tallis, however, said on ‘NRL 360’ that Manly fans had every right to question Manly’s premiership credentials.
“I think there is (scrutiny on them) because people started talking about them as a chance of winning the comp,” he said.
“So when they lose to an understrength Parramatta, who has had the most injuries of any side this year, I think it’s a fair question of Manly.”
This will be a test for Foran. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images