Sign up now!!!<\/a><\/p>\nBunnies bop Dragons to increase pressure | 02:33<\/p>\n
Holmes signed a three-year deal worth around $2.5 million in 2024 to join the Dragons and given he is contracted until the end of next season, even if the club moves on from him they will likely need to pay part of his salary to entice a rival team to take the 30-year-old.<\/p>\n
That probably won\u2019t be Flanagan\u2019s problem with the way things are trending. But for now, all he can do is prove he is trying everything possible to turn the club\u2019s fortunes around.<\/p>\n
It is admirable that he has shown this much faith in his playing group, but that needs to change ahead of this week\u2019s traditional Anzac Day clash with the Roosters according to Keary.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s held off this long, he\u2019s backed his players. He\u2019s backed these guys like Val who he brought to this club,\u201d Keary said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut at what point do you go, \u2018No I can\u2019t cop this anymore. We need to get someone in here. They may not be as skilful, they may not be paid as much, but somebody who is going to show a bit of pride in the jersey\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
Former Kangaroos and Queensland coach Mal Meninga knows Holmes better than most, but even he admitted the criticism of the veteran this past week has been \u201cwarranted\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all about effort,\u201d Meninga said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve got a really good group of younger players there and I know there\u2019s a reluctance there to play them because of their youth and inexperience but when do they get experience? \u201cThis is probably the perfect time to test it out. It can\u2019t get any worse. You start testing these younger kids, you start muck around with the team in my opinion.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve criticised Val and I think it\u2019s warranted.\u201d<\/p>\n
St George Illawarra Dragons centre Valentine Holmes missed 12 tackles against South Sydney. Picture: NRL ImagesSource: Supplied<\/p>\n
In fact, he asked the question everyone else was after Damien Cook was sent to the bench only to later be moved back to the starting side when Jacob Liddle went down in the warm-up.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy wasn\u2019t he (Holmes) captain if Damien wasn\u2019t starting the captain?\u201d Meninga asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s the most experienced player there. You start experimenting, maybe put Val back to fullback. If you play the older players start challenging them… that\u2019s the only way you\u2019re going to get accountability.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the moment, however, it doesn\u2019t seem like players are being held accountable for their performances and while it may be hard to drop someone of Holmes\u2019 stature, it doesn\u2019t seem like Flanagan has much choice at this point.<\/p>\n
Flanno: “First half errors hurt us! | 04:41<\/p>\n
\u2018INTERESTING\u2019 BENJI CALL SPARKS \u2018RIDICULOUS\u2019 DEBATE<\/p>\n
There has been an interesting trend developing in the NRL this season.<\/p>\n
Injuries have forced the Tigers, Warriors and Knights to play back-up halfbacks this year and while Newcastle is yet to send Sandon Smith back to the bench due to a mounting injury toll, the results at the other two clubs have raised eyebrows to say the least.<\/p>\n
The Warriors\u2019 attack has not looked nearly as fluid with Luke Metcalf back in the line-up, prompting questions as to where Tanah Boyd could fit when the first-choice halfback is healthy. <\/p>\n
Then there are the Tigers, who thrived with Jock Madden straightening the attack but looked disorganised and lack shape in the attacking 20-metre zone on the weekend against Brisbane.<\/p>\n
While Jarome Luai\u2019s spot in the team is not in question, Adam Doueihi\u2019s versatility does give coach Benji Marshall some flexibility if he wants to get Madden back in the starting side.<\/p>\n
But where would Doueihi even fit if that happened? <\/p>\n
Centre is one option, but the Tigers are stacked for options there and Doueihi may not get his hands on the ball enough to warrant the move.<\/p>\n
What about lock forward? That would mean demoting Alex Twal, who has added an extra ball-playing element to his game and is enjoying a career year.<\/p>\n
As for the second row? Samuela Fainu and Kai Pearce-Paul have also been in career-best form to start 2026.<\/p>\n
It seems like Marshall will have to stick with the current formula for now, although that doesn\u2019t mean the noise won\u2019t go away until the Tigers get back in the winner\u2019s circle.<\/p>\n
Luke Keary said it was an \u201cinteresting decision\u201d from Marshall to put Madden on for Patrick Herbert in Saturday\u2019s game.<\/p>\n
Where does Jock Madden fit? (Photo by Jason McCawley\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cHe said Patrick Herbert tightened up and he put Jock Madden on to ice the game. I just thought Adam Doueihi was in such a good space,\u201d Keary added.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was running the ball, he had his hands on it, him and Luai were combining well. I would have loved to seen them finish that game as a halves pairing. <\/p>\n
\u201cDoueihi went out to the right centre position, he wasn\u2019t in the game in that last bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Ben Dobbin and Gorden Tallis argued on Triple M that Madden should come into the starting side, with Dobbin claiming that Luai \u201cwent sideways\u201d on Saturday night while Tallis argued Doueihi would be an ideal fit as a modern-day lock forward.<\/p>\n
James Graham, however, said if the Tigers were to reach their \u201cfull potential\u201d it would be with Doueihi at seven, Luai at six and Madden off the bench. <\/p>\n
As for The Daily Telegraph\u2019s Brent Read? He labelled the entire debate \u201cridiculous\u201d.<\/p>\n
Either way, there is little debate that this is a serious Tigers team and the fact these conversations are being had speaks to just how far they have come. <\/p>\n
Saturday\u2019s loss, even if far from the end of the world, felt like a disappointment and for a Tigers team that is definitely on an upwards trajectory, figuring out the balance in attack will be key for coach Marshall.<\/p>\n
“They’re still the Premiers…” | 03:54<\/p>\n
\u2018ENORMOUS\u2019: POTENTIAL HAAS SUCCESSOR EMERGES IN GUTSY WIN<\/p>\n
In the next month or so, the Broncos are going to get a glimpse into life without Payne Haas and they may have already found their answer for what that could look like.<\/p>\n
The superstar front rower went down with a MCL injury in the win over the Tigers and is expected to miss around four to six weeks.<\/p>\n
With Patrick Carrigan also suspended, it only places even more pressure on Brisbane\u2019s young pack to stand tall and Haas\u2019 potential long-term successor did just that on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Xavier Willison had 16 carries for 142 metres and five tackle busts while he got through a staggering 52 tackles, missing just three.<\/p>\n
\u201cXavier Willison has been spoken about as the guy who could take over for Payne Haas as the alpha of the pack. He was enormous tonight,\u201d Luke Keary said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe held that middle together. When Carrigan and Haas leave, their two spiritual leaders, they had every right to roll over and go, \u2018This has got too hard tonight\u2019. But he was in the middle, tackle breaks, running \u2014 he was awesome. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt gave us a little glimpse into the future. But he\u2019s the one in this next fortnight they will lean on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Broncos edge Tigers, but at what cost? | 02:29<\/p>\n
It will be a tricky next few weeks for the Broncos, who will still be without Ben Hunt while fullback Reece Walsh is no guarantee to return against the Bulldogs either.<\/p>\n
Brisbane faces the improving Roosters, Sea Eagles and Warriors to close out the next month or so before a bye, and then the Origin period will see more players become unavailable. <\/p>\n
It will be a testing period for the defending premiers, but one Keary believes coach Michael Maguire could thrive in.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is right up Madge\u2019s ally,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe heard at the start Adam (Reynolds) or Kotoni (Staggs) say it is us against the world, everyone is talking about us, everyone hates us. <\/p>\n
\u201cMadge will revel in this, he play into this, he\u2019ll get the young guys going, he\u2019ll get the older guys who are injured in and around the team. He\u2019ll create a real hostile environment up there and bunker down.\u201d<\/p>\n
“That’s the team I’m proud of” | 07:59<\/p>\n
THE CLEAR PROOF LATRELL DEBATE IS \u2018OVER\u2019<\/p>\n
Matty Johns has declared the debate \u201cover\u201d.<\/p>\n
While Latrell Mitchell once upon a time was one of the most destructive fullbacks in the game, the Rabbitohs star made it clear on Saturday that his move to centre is here to stay. <\/p>\n
Mitchell had four tries in South Sydney\u2019s 30-12 win over the Dragons, adding 143 metres, 15 tackle busts and four linebreaks in the victory.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s just so powerful and when he decides to do this stuff, he can do it to anyone in the comp,\u201d former teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe plays physical and when he\u2019s in that mood, as a teammate you want to see him like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another one of Mitchell\u2019s former teammates, Luke Keary, said there was something beyond the four tries and stack of tackle busts that impressed him about the Rabbitohs centre\u2019s performance. <\/p>\n
While it may rub some people the wrong way, Keary pointed to a few more contentious incidents involving Mitchell as proof of just how invested he is in South Sydney\u2019s success at the moment \u2014 and it is a good sign for Wayne Bennett\u2019s side.<\/p>\n
Latrell Mitchell had a big game. (Photo by Cameron Spencer\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a few things with Latrell and they might seem on the surface a little bit dirty. We saw in the Good Friday game where he dived at Connor Tracey\u2019s legs, there was one tonight where he grabbed Atkinson and threw him against the posts,\u201d Keary said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen he\u2019s in that mood, yes he\u2019s on the edge, but he\u2019s in the game. He\u2019s interested, he\u2019s aggressive and it\u2019s intimidating for the opposition. We\u2019ve seen him at his best when he\u2019s in that mood, you feel it as a teammate.\u201d<\/p>\n
More than anything, it shows that Mitchell cares and while he has all the physical tools to dominate like he did on Saturday, it is more a mental game than anything for him. <\/p>\n
Former Kangaroos and Queensland coach Mal Meninga said Mitchell was \u201cin a good mindset\u201d on Saturday and that it was clear there was \u201ca lot of effort in this game\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of backfield running (too) which was fantastic,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Mitchell\u2019s current form is also good news for Blues coach Laurie Daley, who is counting the cost of losing Payne Haas, Tom Trbojevic and Mitch Kenny to injury this week.<\/p>\n
Bennett explains why Trell isn’t at FB | 02:05<\/p>\n
FORAN FACES BIGGEST TEST OF SHORT COACHING CAREER<\/p>\n
Manly\u2019s third win in a row against North Queensland came at a crucial time for several reasons.<\/p>\n
They continued their revival under new coach Kieran Foran after their 38-6 win over the North Queensland Cowboys on Thursday night.<\/p>\n
It means they\u2019ve had a combined winning margin of 76 points over three games since the 35-year old took over the reigns from Anthony Seibold.<\/p>\n
The game wasn\u2019t all sunshine and rainbows though, as they were met with an all too familiar sight when fullback Tom Trbojevic went down with another hamstring injury.<\/p>\n
Foran will now be met with the toughest situation of his short coaching career so far as he works out how to cover the loss of Trbojevic for at least six weeks.<\/p>\n
Now Foran has to decide who takes his spot in the No.1 jersey, and how the Manly line-up with shuffle.<\/p>\n
Trbojevic\u2019s injury saw Clayton Faulalo injected into the contest, with Tolutau Koula eventually filling the void at fullback left by the former Dally M medalist afterwards.<\/p>\n
The interim coach was full of praise for both men in the post-match press conference, hinting at Koula being the man to take Trbojevic\u2019s position.<\/p>\n
Tom Trbojevic went down injured. NRL PHOTOSSource: The Daily Telegraph<\/p>\n
\u201cThe boys handled it extremely well considering the swapping in positions, and Clayton (Faulalo) had to go on, and I thought he did an extremely good job coming on at centre,\u201d Foran said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s (Koala) done quite a few reps here (at fullback) through the pre-season, just when we\u2019ve needed to give Tommy a rest, so he\u2019s probably the one player that is the most familiar with it.<\/p>\n
\u201cLehi (Hopoate) has done a job for us before, he\u2019s a great fullback as well, but the way in which Tolu performed tonight in that position gives us great confidence that he can fill that void for us for the next few weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n
The reshuffle comes ahead of a crucial next month of football for the resurgent Sea Eagles.<\/p>\n
Manly will fancy their chances back at 4 Pines Park against an injury-depleted Parramatta Eels side next week, before they face a run of three big games away to the Panthers, home against the Broncos, and a match-up against the Tigers at Magic Round.<\/p>\n
It looks certain they will have to attack that run, and potentially even longer, without their star fullback.<\/p>\n
Turbo injured! Manly make it 3 in a row | 06:07<\/p>\n
\u2018ARE YOU SERIOUS?\u2019: CONTROVERSIAL CALLS SPARKS CONFUSION<\/p>\n
All coaches ever ask for from the referees is consistency, but a controversial moment late in Melbourne\u2019s loss to Canberra will have them scratching their heads.<\/p>\n
While the disruptor rule and hip-drop suspensions have dominated headlines in recent weeks, there is also plenty of confusion surrounding what constitutes \u201cincidental\u201d contact and when the officials use common sense to make decisions.<\/p>\n
That was the case on Friday night when the Storm were denied a late penalty for a high shot on Will Warbrick in their 26-22 loss to the Raiders. <\/p>\n
The Storm used a captain\u2019s challenge to contest the call, but the Bunker ruled it was incidental contact from Ethan Sanders.<\/p>\n
Only making the decision all the more confusing was the fact there were two similar tackles in the Eels\u2019 loss to the Tigers on Easter Monday that were deemed penalties. <\/p>\n
For Panthers legend Greg Alexander, the use of the phrase \u201cincidental contact\u201d from the Bunker and referee Peter Gough left him second-guessing what the definition of a high tackle is in today\u2019s NRL.<\/p>\n
\u201cEthan Sanders back in the day that shouldn\u2019t have been a penalty. But the way it is today you make contact with the head, it doesn\u2019t matter about mitigating circumstances,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou make contact with the head. The Bunker used the word incidental contact. Are you serious? So what, it is a high shot.\u201d <\/p>\n
Ethan Sanders was not penalised for a high shot on Will Warbrick.Source: FOX SPORTS<\/p>\n
To further prove his point, Alexander pointed to one of those contentious penalties in the Easter Monday clash where Mitchell Moses was pinged for a high shot on Samuela Fainu.<\/p>\n
On that occasion, Alexander argued the contact was even more incidental because he was \u201ctwo foot off the ground\u201d.<\/p>\n
Of course, inconsistencies are going to creep into the game now and then but given how important the penalty would have been for Melbourne this specific decision was only amplified. <\/p>\n
Premiership-winning halfback Cooper Cronk felt the Sanders shot didn\u2019t warrant a penalty to decide the game, but added that by the letter of the law looked like a penalty. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Warbrick one isolated by itself is not a penalty, but when you mix it with the Fainu one, by the letter of the law you probably say it is,\u201d Cronk said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a bit more contact in the Moses one and Sanders\u2019 one is a bit more flippant, but he does make contact.\u201d <\/p>\n
Ultimately, given the tackles only took place two weeks apart it had Alexander wondering why the Bunker took such a different approach and while the officiating has adopted a more subjective approach at times this year, a black-and-white interpretation may be needed to stop the confusion.<\/p>\n
High tackle calls under question | 02:00<\/p>\n
\u2018ALL CLASS\u2019 CLEARY\u2019S STATEMENT IN \u2018SPECIAL\u2019 PANTHERS WIN<\/p>\n
Penrith fans were on pretty good terms with themselves at the end of Round 5 after five outstanding wins.<\/p>\n
However, things have been a little nervy since.<\/p>\n
A shock loss to the Bulldogs last week was followed by a great escape in Darwin against the Dolphins on Friday night.<\/p>\n
The Dolphins had all the running and momentum when they led 22-18 inside the final ten minutes but Penrith were able to stem the flow and score a game-tying try.<\/p>\n
Going to golden point, one man was expected to stand up and once again deliver some late heroics. <\/p>\n
He did just that. <\/p>\n
Nathan Cleary knocked over yet another game-winning field goal to sink the Dolphins, evading a defender who shot out of the line, stepping to his right before coolly slotting the decisive point. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s not too many players who would be able to show the poise that he did here,\u201d premiership winning halfback Cooper Cronk said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPressure comes out, he realises he can\u2019t kick it there so he shuffles to the right hand side and there\u2019s not another Dolphins player coming through which gave him the time. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere aren\u2019t many other players in the comp who can shift of his right foot, reset and then take a shot and execute. That\u2019s tough to do. He\u2019s all class.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ice man did it again.Source: Supplied<\/p>\n
Cleary\u2019s field goal was the cherry on top of what was an all-world performance, even if the Panthers halfback had a few forgettable moments late in the game. <\/p>\n
Cleary struggled at times to judge the strong wind behind Penrith in the second half and sent a pair of kicks dead, while he also rushed a pass that went to ground late in the game. <\/p>\n
But Cleary didn\u2019t let those moments stop him from stepping up when it mattered most, capping off a stellar night which started in spectacular fashion.<\/p>\n
The Panthers forged an 18-0 lead at the half with Cleary recording five tackle busts, two line breaks and two try assists in a dominant 40 minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis short passing game was brilliant,\u201d Greg Alexander said on Fox League. <\/p>\n
\u201cPenrith didn\u2019t have much ball in the second half but he was able to step up and kick the winning field goal in golden point.\u201d<\/p>\n
They\u2019ve won a stack of games over the past five to six years, so naturally, the Panthers have found all sorts of ways to win.<\/p>\n
Yet, given they were on the ropes late against the Dolphins and even though they were 18-0 up at one stage, coach Ivan Cleary was thrilled with his team\u2019s effort.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt 22-18 we had everything against us. They were playing well, had momentum. We were thinking about just getting the ball back and have one crack down their end (to score) and that\u2019s what we did,\u201d Cleary said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt says a fair bit about the team and our character and somehow finding a way to win that game. In a long season you win different ways but that one was pretty special.\u201d <\/p>\n
Cleary ices match-winner in GP thriller! | 00:35<\/p>\n
ANOTHER WIN LEAVES WARRIORS WITH \u2018MURKY\u2019 PROBLEM<\/p>\n
The Warriors are flying near the top of the ladder after their latest win.<\/p>\n
But the result leaves coach Andrew Webster with a welcome headache, and one that could define just how far this Warriors team can go.<\/p>\n
Maintaining two-thirds of possession, the Warriors had only one error and almost double the run metres in the first 40 minutes to set up an unassailable lead against the Titans. <\/p>\n
Going on to win 28-20, in-form halfback Tanah Boyd was once again dangerous with the ball in hand as he combined effectively with Chanel Harris-Tavita at five-eighth to run the rule over his former side. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe (Harris-Tavita) provides energy and physicality, he\u2019s my link man and he\u2019s tough as nails. He goes after the game and we had a great performance from him tonight,\u201d Boyd told Fox League. <\/p>\n
It sets up quite the selection dilemma for Webster on whether to switch up his halves combination as Luke Metcalf eyes a return to the side from a hamstring in the coming weeks. <\/p>\n
Fox League\u2019s Luke Keary believes the Warriors risked unsettling their rhythm by toying with their incumbent halves at this stage of the season. <\/p>\n
Tanah Boyd has impressed. (Photo by Dave Rowland\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cTanah has been outstanding\u2026 he has full control,\u201d Keary said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen Luke gets back \u2013 and Luke\u2019s a terrific player, he was leading the Dally Ms last year before he went down [with a ruptured ACL] \u2013 it\u2019s a little bit murky when Luke\u2019s there. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think Andrew Webster has a decision to make on how he wants that team to look and how he wants Tanah to play in amongst that system. At the moment, when Tanah is in control, they\u2019ve got a serious footy team there.\u201d <\/p>\n
Mal Meninga said he believes Boyd will stay in the side. \u201cAnd the reason is the way the Warriors played tonight,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n
But Boyd was also in fine form to start the year before Metcalf immediately unseated him once healthy.<\/p>\n
This time around, however, Webster has more to go off given the early teething issues the Warriors attack had when Metcalf returned.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the Warriors may be better served in the long-term by persisting with Metcalf and patiently allowing him to rebuild his confidence but it may come at the expense of short-term chemistry in the spine.<\/p>\n
The only other option would be having him come back via either NSW Cup or off the bench, although at some point Webster will have to get Metcalf in the team with an eye towards building for September.<\/p>\n
‘Tanah Boyd, take a bow’ | 08:45<\/p>\n
WAYNE HAS LAST LAUGH AS UNLIKELY HERO PROVES EVERYONE WRONG<\/p>\n
Welcome back to the NRL, Matt Dufty.<\/p>\n
The inclusion of the former Dragons fullback in the Rabbitohs\u2019 No.1 jersey was a big shock, following Jye Gray\u2019s AC joint injury.<\/p>\n
The 30-year-old was handed an opportunity, and he took it with both hands in a stellar display \u2013 which came against his former club.<\/p>\n
Dufty returned to Australia after a four-year stint in the Super League, being released by the Warrington Wolves at the beginning of the season.<\/p>\n
He was looking for a chance, and a chance he got when he lit up the pre-season challenge for South Sydney, placing him in calculations to be the Rabbitohs\u2019 back-up fullback.<\/p>\n
With Latrell Mitchell in his ranks, it would have been easy for Wayne Bennett to move his marquee man to the back and plug the centre spots.<\/p>\n
Instead, he made a brave call, telling reporters in the post-match press conference: \u201cMatt Dufty made me look good, because most of you thought he shouldn\u2019t have been there.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked about resisting the urge to give Mitchell the No.1 jersey, he responded with a typical Bennett attitude.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe same thing isn\u2019t it? If I read all your articles and listened to you all, I\u2019d have him playing fullback and Dufty would be playing in England,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Against the Red V on Saturday, Dufty churned out a ridiculous 307 running metres, seven tackle breaks and a four-pointer in a crowning display.<\/p>\n
Especially when you consider it was the Dragons who axed him, allowing him to depart for the Bulldogs where he played only 12 games.<\/p>\n
Matt Dufty impressed. Picture: NRL PhotosSource: Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw him play here at the Dragons for a number of years, he was always a dangerous player,\u201d Bennett said.<\/p>\n
\u201cProbably a little bit erratic at times, but he has grown up. He was very disciplined tonight, he had one moment but outside of that he was very good.<\/p>\n
\u201cRan over 200 metres, so that\u2019s a pretty good achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Bennett, Dufty also fits the prototype of the modern fullback, with smaller, faster players being preferred to those less mobile.<\/p>\n
Like Keano Kini, Scott Drinkwater, Sua Fa\u2019alogo, Isaiah Iongi and Kaeo Weekes \u2013 Dufty isn\u2019t a powerhouse, but he is desperately hard to put down when he gets going.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you look at the game and the 17 fullbacks in the game, most of them are small guys these days, they are not big men,\u201d Bennett said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is the trend. He was brave, so it was hard to fault him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dufty currently only holds a NSW Cup contract and while the Rabbitohs were able to get an exemption from the NRL to play him last week, the 30-year-old now has a perfect chance to prove he is worth so much more and make the most of his second coming in the NRL.<\/p>\n
Bunnies bop Dragons to increase pressure | 02:33<\/p>\n
WHY IT ISN\u2019T ALL BAD FOR TITANS AFTER \u2018UNFORGIVEABLE\u2019 HALF<\/p>\n
Fox League\u2019s Mal Meninga believes Gold Coast Titans\u2019 fans still have a cause for optimism this season, despite a fifth loss of the season on Saturday. <\/p>\n
The Titans staged a strong second-half resurgence before being defeated 28-20 against a comprehensive Warriors outfit at Go Media Stadium. <\/p>\n
Down 22-nil at half-time, the Titans were admonished as \u201cunforgiveable\u201d in their opening stanza by Mengina. However, the Perth Bears coach said fans could draw some comfort from the side\u2019s second half performance. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe first half was unforgiveable but obviously [coach] Josh Hannay got to them at half-time,\u201d Meninga said on Fox League\u2019s Super Saturday program. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s some hope and optimism there, they played really well in that second half. They didn\u2019t give up and they kept at it.\u201d <\/p>\n
The Titans have lodged two wins from seven matches so far in 2026 \u2013 against St George Illawarra and Parramatta, respectively \u2013 to be anchored towards the bottom of the NRL ladder. <\/p>\n
Seven first half errors forced the Titans into making 70 more tackles than the Warriors before the break, leaving them rudderless in rare opportunities of good territory. <\/p>\n
Not all hope is lost for the Titans. (Photo by Phil Walter\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
While it was a different story in the second half \u2013 with tries to Jojo Fifita, Sialetili Faeamani, Arama Hau and Kurtis Morrin coming in quick succession \u2013 they never looked likely to seal a last gasp victory. <\/p>\n
The Titans will now score a reprieve with a bye this week, ahead of their Round 9 match against the Canberra Raiders at home on Saturday, May 2. <\/p>\n
According to Meninga, the bye will give the Gold Coast a timely opportunity to reset and focus on their systems. <\/p>\n
\u201cBy the end of the season, when they start to believe in what they\u2019re doing \u2013 and those processes and systems that Josh is putting in place \u2013 eventually they will get it,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ll start believing it. There was something really good about that second half that will give every Titans follower some hope.\u201d <\/p>\n
Warriors hold on to beat the Titans | 02:44<\/p>\n
\u2018INCREDIBLE\u2019 TEDDY MAKES ORIGIN CALL EVEN HARDER FOR DALEY<\/p>\n
James Tedesco may be 33 and has only played one State of Origin match in the past two years, but the former Blues skipper has to be in the mix to win the race for the No.1 jersey when Laurie Daley names his team for the series opener next month.<\/p>\n
The Roosters fullback was at his brilliant best on Sunday afternoon with a try, three assists, a staggering 17 tackle busts and 223 running metres to lead his side to victory over the Knights.<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s Dally M winner isn\u2019t slowing down as he gets older, with Tedesco arguably in career-best form at the moment.<\/p>\n
Tedesco has represented his state 23 times, with his last appearance back in 2024 when Panthers superstar Dylan Edwards was ruled out of the series opener.<\/p>\n
Edwards has made the jersey his own, but nothing can be guaranteed given the Blues lost last year\u2019s series.<\/p>\n
And if Daley wants to reward form, then Tedesco has to be seriously considered for next month\u2019s series opener. <\/p>\n
James Tedesco was sensational. (Photo by Cameron Spencer\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Roosters coach Trent Robinson spoke glowingly about his fullback after the game on Sunday having seen Tedesco carve up with a stunning 10-minute burst that saw him kick for a Hugo Savala try and bat on a pass for another four-pointer to sandwich a try of his own.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was incredible to watch,\u201d Robinson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had former All Blacks great Israel Dagg here today, and he said it was amazing to watch him live.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s a play that has to be played, he\u2019s always there. I said to the team \u2018it\u2019s not sometimes, it\u2019s not most of the time, it\u2019s always\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis ability to play a multi-dimensional game for a fullback is what we needed tonight, and he was going to boss his way into us winning the game, and he did.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were a couple of other really good performances there, but Teddy forced the other guys around him to play well, so it\u2019s really, really good to watch.\u201d<\/p>\n
Robbo on if Teddy should play Origin | 10:21<\/p>\n
Tedesco told reporters there isn\u2019t anything in particular he is doing different to maintain his stellar form, backing up last year\u2019s standout season with an impressive start to 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think the way I play the game or the way I prepare for the game has changed throughout my whole career. Because I\u2019m getting older, doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s going to change,\u201d Tedesco said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I\u2019m still trying to seek improvements from myself, I still hold myself to a high standard at training every week, and I prepare and get myself to be in the best shape physically and mentally for every game. Today I saw some rewards off that.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur spine, it takes some time for us all to be on the same page, and we\u2019re 7-8 weeks in now, and we\u2019re starting to really flow and feel comfortable with how we\u2019re playing.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo nothing changes for me and how I play the game. I\u2019m just enjoying my footy, and I think that\u2019s the most important thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014 Martin Gabor, Newswire<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Dragons\u2019 winless start to 2026 continued this week and has put the spotlight again on coach Shane…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":617755,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[568],"tags":[8300,64,63,689,11101,299553,11096,5249,222174,4516,763,299551,73375,11102,299552,299549,262360,222177,4746,18656,4466,22326,761,762,8867,158,677,299547,287795,701,299548,85,299554,299550,7663,167550,13338,11089,4535],"class_list":{"0":"post-617754","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nrl","8":"tag-andrew-jackson","9":"tag-au","10":"tag-australia","11":"tag-australia-and-new-zealand","12":"tag-cooper-cronk","13":"tag-crucial-penalty-goal","14":"tag-daniel-nuttall","15":"tag-darwin","16":"tag-ethan-lee-chalk","17":"tag-ethan-sanders","18":"tag-fox-league","19":"tag-game-chat","20":"tag-golden-point-thriller","21":"tag-greg-alexander","22":"tag-ices-match-winner","23":"tag-incidental-contact","24":"tag-jarrod-pollard","25":"tag-lee-chalk","26":"tag-mark-st-john","27":"tag-matty-johns","28":"tag-melbourne-storm","29":"tag-mitchell-moses","30":"tag-national-rugby-league","31":"tag-nationalrugbyleague","32":"tag-northern-territory","33":"tag-nrl","34":"tag-oceania","35":"tag-panthers-superstar","36":"tag-peter-gough","37":"tag-queensland","38":"tag-raiders-loss","39":"tag-sports","40":"tag-tackle-calls","41":"tag-tackle-decisions","42":"tag-talking-points","43":"tag-the-head","44":"tag-tigers","45":"tag-tom-sargeant","46":"tag-tom-trbojevic"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/617754","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=617754"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/617754\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/617755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=617754"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=617754"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=617754"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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