Plus, two young playmakers had the best games of their young careers and a pair of breakout stars continue to push their case for an Origin call-up.<\/p>\n
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WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n
Read on for the key Talking Points from Round 9. <\/p>\n
THE ONE ISSUE DOGS \u2018DON\u2019T WANT TO TALK ABOUT\u2019 \u2014 BUT HAVE TO<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs\u2019 attack has once again come under the microscope after it failed to fire against the Cowboys \u2014 and it could force the club to confront an issue \u201cthey don\u2019t want to talk about\u201d.<\/p>\n
Described as \u201cpedestrian\u201d by halfback legend Cooper Cronk, the Bulldogs seemed to have no answers when they got inside their opponent\u2019s 20 metres and came to a standstill on multiple occasions.<\/p>\n
This was particularly evident when they shifted the ball from left to right or right to left. <\/p>\n
Despite other teams having success when they do this, it seemed to have the opposite effect on the Bulldogs, who didn\u2019t have the right answers when the Cowboys rushed up in defence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Dogs goal-line attack in that first-half was pedestrian at different stages,\u201d Cooper Cronk said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe only try they scored was Lachlan Galvin with a show and go and to be fair, probably he should\u2019ve been stopped.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Cowboys defence is rushing up very aggressively, and it\u2019s rattling the Dogs attack at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The numbers spoke to just how ineffective the Bulldogs\u2019 attack was, with Cameron Ciraldo\u2019s side enjoying 43 tackles inside the North Queensland 20 but only having two tries to show for it.<\/p>\n
It is not a new issue for the Bulldogs either, who entered Round 9 with the third-worst red zone ratio (the number of tackles on average it takes to score inside the opposition 20).<\/p>\n
Dogs ‘Look Frustrated’ by attacking woes | 01:33<\/p>\n
While critics and fans will be quick to blame youngster Lachlan Galvin for the club\u2019s lacklustre attack, he was the only player who was trying to create something.<\/p>\n
Galvin ran 14 times for 108 metres and had four tackle busts, 10 line engagements and one try assist.<\/p>\n
Speaking on Fox League\u2019s Friday Night Football, Penrith Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny said that Galvin was the only one asking questions of the Cowboys\u2019 defensive line and needs to be helped by those around him.<\/p>\n
He added that the Belmore-based side didn\u2019t apply continuous pressure to the opposition line especially when they came up short on crossing over the line after multiple opportunities.<\/p>\n
Instead, they became incredibly \u201cfrustrated\u201d and then came the simple handling errors or the wrong decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think when you\u2019ve got a lot of possession, particularly down on the opposition\u2019s try-line and you don\u2019t come up with results, it can be really frustrating,\u201d Kenny said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, they just look frustrated. They scored through Lachie Galvin but right now that looks like their only chance of breaking the line. They\u2019re not really bringing their strike and talent into the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lachlan Galvin celebrates with teammates. (Photo by Darrian Traynor\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Jacob Preston had a solid game with 79 metres but was not the same destruction weapon he was on the edge against Penrith last month, having been moved away from Galvin\u2019s side after Viliame Kikau went down injured.<\/p>\n
Given Kikau isn\u2019t expected back anytime soon, it remains to be seen if it is a permanent move but the general consensus was that Ciraldo needed to reconsider that decision if he wants to get the best out of Galvin.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t really understand moving him to be honest,\u201d Braith Anasta said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure Ciraldo is a very smart coach so he\u2019s got his reasons for it, but I wouldn\u2019t have done it and there have been a lot of decisions that have been crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n
And that then brought on the question that almost everyone is asking. Well, everyone except for those inside of the Bulldogs\u2019 four walls because Ciraldo has been adamant that Galvin is the club\u2019s long-term halfback.<\/p>\n
He may be the best option for the position right now given Matt Burton isn\u2019t a traditional halfback either, but it doesn\u2019t mean the external noise will go away. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo one can question Lachlan Galvin\u2019s effort, intensity, energy \u2014 he\u2019s their most threatening player on the field. He really is every week,\u201d Anasta said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe had 10 to 20 runs but as good as that is… you\u2019ve got to unlock the players around and create opportunities… at the moment you just know what Lachlan is going to do. It\u2019s high-energy and he\u2019s going to score a try now and then. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut is he the halfback? Is he the answer? <\/p>\n
\u201cThey made that big decision last year, they brought him to the club as a seven, Sexton gone, and they don\u2019t want to talk about it but the fact is they haven\u2019t been the same since. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re in a position now where I believe they\u2019ve got two five-eighths.\u201d<\/p>\n
“A Lot of Good in that first 60 minutes” | 03:38<\/p>\n
For premiership-winning hooker Michael Ennis, the Bulldogs have made it clear it is \u201cirrelevant\u201d what anyone else thinks about Galvin\u2019s best position.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere have been a number of pundits, you played for Australia and I heard Andrew Johns say similar comments around where you think Lachlan Galvin is suited but at the moment the Bulldogs believe he is their best seven,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
For Ennis, however, he like Anasta believes the Bulldogs are destined for another year of disappointed unless they find more variation in their spine. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor me Galvin is a busy half. He\u2019s busy but one area he definitely needs to grow is his ability to unlock players\u2019 strengths around him and create space and put them into positions where they can shine,\u201d Ennis added. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a running threat but I don\u2019t see consistently those type of performances like we saw at Penrith where someone outside of them has a big night. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt the moment three of their spine players are good runners of the footy but then that limits opportunities for blokes like Xerri and Crichton.\u201d<\/p>\n
Where to now for the Bulldogs?Source: The Daily Telegraph<\/p>\n
Asked after the match about what went wrong in the attack, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo admitted that they are down on confidence and the multiple six-agains suffocated them instead of helping.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re a bit down on confidence with our attack at the moment and that happens at different times,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of commentary about that so we need to make sure we\u2019re listening to the voices within our four walls and not everyone else but clearly the Cowboys tonight were really going to test the ref on that try-line area.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey really tested the ruck control there and then the line speed as well and rubbing our faces.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe got a number of six-agains but that doesn\u2019t really help you at times as well, it sort of suffocates you as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought we were patient down there. We weren\u2019t trying to throw stuff that wasn\u2019t there but we needed to be better when we get our chances.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs will still be able to point towards the win against Penrith as proof that they can more than match it with the best in the competition. <\/p>\n
But according to Kenny, who experienced how the Bulldogs picked the Panthers apart first-hand, Ciraldo\u2019s side seem to be \u201cstruggling with their identity\u201d at the moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the last year or so it was obvious who the Bulldogs were,\u201d Kenny said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey were the fittest team in the comp and they were at you all game and they would get tries through breaking you down… but at the moment they\u2019re just a bit leaky in defence, their ruck control is not quite there, that famous line speed starts to fade and sort of struggling to come up with answers.\u201d <\/p>\n
Mann concussed after heavy contact | 00:41<\/p>\n
\u2018JUST DON\u2019T HAVE IT\u2019: THE MISSING INGREDIENT IN SHOCK STORM SLUMP<\/p>\n
The Storm have reached a new low for the proud franchise, hitting seven straight losses for the first time in their storied history. <\/p>\n
It had been a tough 24 hours for the club leading into Friday\u2019s 28-10 loss to the Dolphins after news of Craig Bellamy\u2019s battle with a neurological degenerative disorder.<\/p>\n
While this is a recent development, it\u2019s the latest of a string of brutal off-field blows for the club, leading Fox League\u2019s Michael Ennis to wonder if an emotional last few months could be taking its toll.<\/p>\n
Star back rower Eli Katoa\u2019s serious brain injury in last year\u2019s Pacific Championships will keep Katoa out for the entire season with no guarantee he\u2019ll play again.<\/p>\n
Shockwaves were sent through the rugby league world when much loved prop Tui Kamikamica suffered a stroke in March. He\u2019s recovering and there\u2019s no timeline for his return. <\/p>\n
Former Broncos coach Kevin Walters says it feels like it\u2019s \u201cone thing after another\u201d for the Storm with Ennis agreeing. <\/p>\n
\u201cDo you think it\u2019s emotional? Eli Katoa was such a big figure and you see a lot of the players in the sheds still gravitate towards him. Would that have taken a big toll?\u201d Ennis said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTui Kamikamica has been a big part of their club for so long. He had a really sad story having a stroke. And now the devastating news regarding Craig Bellamy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not always performance, it\u2019s sometimes the off field stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Storm will again end the round in second last and needing to find a spark quickly to save their season. <\/p>\n
It was only last season the Penrith Panthers fought their way back from being on the bottom of the ladder in Round 12 to make the top eight.<\/p>\n
Harry Grant\u2019s Storm slumped to their record seventh straight defeat.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
For that reason and the class still in the Storm\u2019s line up, Kenny isn\u2019t ruling Melbourne out.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s funny, I never thought I\u2019d feel sorry for the Melbourne Storm but here we are,\u201d Kenny said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a nice feeling (for the players). They would be wearing this really hard.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think because of last year and because of the players and talent they still have, I\u2019m apprehensive to write them off. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey need the pieces around their star players like Grant and Munster to give themselves a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n
How they\u2019ll manage to turn things around is the burning question.<\/p>\n
There were some strong signs against a dangerous Dolphins team before they collapsed in the final 20 minutes. <\/p>\n
Ennis thinks on the field, the team\u2019s stars such as Cam Munster and Harry Grant are lacking confidence and an edge.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir attack at the moment is desperately missing the presence of Eli Katoa on the edge and Xavier Coates\u2019 carries. They are genuine stars who are so important to the Storm,\u201d Ennis said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey scored 98 points in the first two weeks of the season but they\u2019ve lost confidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey showed great resolve of what they\u2019ve built their club on in the first half but when the moment came to take their opportunities and play with that brash confidence we\u2019ve come to love, they just don\u2019t have the confidence at the moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeading at 10-4, Cam Munster ran the ball once after half time. Harry Grant ran the ball once. When the side are looking to their stars to carry them out of this position, they\u2019re just down on confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Storm suffer RECORD 7th straight loss | 06:09<\/p>\n
THE BREAKOUT STARS IN FRAME FOR QLD AND NSW<\/p>\n
Firebrand back rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has emerged as a Queensland Origin bolter \u2014 while a Warriors gun has echoed his meteoric rise and could debut for the Blues.<\/p>\n
Finefeuiaki strung together another masterclass in the Dolphins\u2019 demolition of the Melbourne Storm on Friday, with 19 runs, two line breaks, 209 metres and four tackle breaks. Finefeuiaki even iced the Dolphins\u2019 comeback win with a try in 78th minute.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old has been one of the Dolphins best in 2026, and has already piqued the interest of Queensland selectors, especially considering a fresh injury blow to Jeremiah Nanai who suffered a shoulder injury.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s been great touch all year. His ability with the ball has been very good for the Dolphins,\u201d said Fox League\u2019s Kevin Walters.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would imagine Billy Slater and his gang will be looking at him for a possible Origin berth, potentially in the squad. He\u2019s very powerful and in great touch.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finefeuiaki\u2019s odds for a Queensland jersey looked to have shortened on Friday when one of the Maroons\u2019 incumbents, Jeremiah Nanai, was assisted from the field in the 43rd minute of the Cowboys win over Canterbury. <\/p>\n
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki put in an eye-catching Origin audition against the Storm.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Nanai played in all three games of the 2025 Origin series had only just returned to first grade last week against the Sharks following shoulder surgery.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the same shoulder \u2026 really disappointed for him,\u201d said Cowboys coach Todd Payten. \u201cHe\u2019s worked really hard. It\u2019s not great.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fox League\u2019s Michael Ennis immediately anointed Finefeuiaki as Nanai\u2019s obvious replacement, should the 23-year-old be sidelined indefinitely, declaring: \u201cHe has to be right in the frame without a doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finefeuiaki has revelled under Kristian Woolf\u2019s tenure at the Dolphins, and has credited the coach as well as in-form half Isaiya Katoa for his purple patch in form. <\/p>\n
The back rower was a member of Billy Slater\u2019s extended Maroons squad last year, and recently told NRL.com that a Queensland berth would be a dream come true.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would mean the world,\u201d Finefeuiaki said. <\/p>\n
In an ominous sign for NSW, Woolf believes Finefeuiaki\u2019s best is yet to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s been great. He\u2019s had a great start to the season,\u201d Woolf said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe came to us last year and he needed a fair bit of development but what I really like about Kuli is he wants to be the best player he can be.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis work ethic is great, he\u2019s always out doing extras, he wants to improve and I think you\u2019re seeing 12 months of hard work from him. He\u2019s got plenty of improvement left as he\u2019s still doing that hard work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, for the Blues one man is putting himself in prime position to earn a debut \u2014 Jackson Ford.<\/p>\n
The New Zealand middle forward has delivered multiple 80 minute performances this season under Andrew Webster, earning himself an eight-minute break against the Eels.<\/p>\n
The 28-year-old has led the Dally M leaderboard for majority of the season and Webster believes he should be one of the first names on the NSW teamsheet.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d pick him or sure, yeah. You\u2019d be mad not to,\u201d Webster said of Ford.<\/p>\n
Webster also explained two other veteran forwards should earn selection once again.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want our players to play rep football. We want them to play for New Zealand, Samoa Tonga, NSW. Preferably not Queensland,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut Kurt (Capewell) plays the way he played tonight, he\u2019s going to get himself picked and Mitch Barnett too, he\u2019d be great as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jackson Ford of the Warriors celebrates a try during the round nine NRL match between Parramatta Eels and New Zealand Warriors.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
But back to Ford, who the Warriors recruited from the Dragons, where he made his NRL debut in 2019 \u2014 being named in the NSW Cup Team of the Year that same season.<\/p>\n
At the Red V, Ford struggled to lock in a starting spot but was an immediate hit when he landed in New Zealand in 2023, becoming an integral figure at the club.<\/p>\n
Since then, his importance to this side has only increased and Webster revealed the moment he knew the Warriors needed to recruit him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were actually very confident in Jackson, it was a really good tip we got from Rich Agar and Andrew McFadden,\u201d Webster said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe went and watched his game and we were like \u2018wow, this guy could be really good\u2019. He\u2019s got a massive motor, he works hard and values the little things.<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, we\u2019re actually not shocked. Jackson\u2019s probably been doing this for two years, but now everyone\u2019s noticing. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo I don\u2019t know why they\u2019re noticing now, but it\u2019s probably with the new rule, we start him and we\u2019re playing longer in 80 minutes and that\u2019s probably why they\u2019re everyone seeing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
From bad to worse for the Storm | 01:04<\/p>\n
SANDERS STEPS UP WITHOUT STRANGE IN BEST RAIDERS PERFORMANCE YET <\/p>\n
The Raiders lost star five-eighth Ethan Strange in the lead-up to the game, but his partner in crime Ethan Sanders stepped up to fill the void with a commanding performance. <\/p>\n
Daine Laurie did a job at five-eighth with 63 run metres and a linebreak, but it was Sanders who took control of the team to lead the Raiders to a crucial 28-12 victory over the Titans. <\/p>\n
Sanders had 22 run metres, three linebreak assists and two try assists, while his 10 tackles and one miss made a mockery of criticism of his defence early in his career. <\/p>\n
However, it was Sanders\u2019 calmness under pressure and execution with his kicking game in particular that ensured the Raiders had too much firepower for the Titans. <\/p>\n
Roosters legend Luke Keary called it the standout performance in an impressive start to Sanders\u2019 career as an NRL playmaker. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s his best game of his career so far,\u201d Keary said. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe has been outstanding to start the season, but today with key members out and Ethan Strange his partner in crime out, he really took it upon himself to carry that team to victory.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe took total control today. He knew it fell on him today and I was just so impressed with him. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe had the two try assists in the first half and a lovely ball over the top to Tamale, but he was outstanding today and he has had a great start to his career.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ethan Sanders put in his best performance of his career for the Raiders.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes praised Sanders for stepping up in the absence of Strange, but never had any doubt in his young halfback. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe all know what he can do,\u201d Weekes said. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe started the year really well and obviously the team had a bit of a slow start, but we all back him and we love him and we know what he is capable of, so just really proud of his performance.\u201d <\/p>\n
There are signs Sanders can be the Raiders\u2019 long-time general and he will only continue to improve over the course of his first full-time season as an NRL playmaker. <\/p>\n
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart praised Sanders\u2019 effort against the Titans, but warned he is two years from being the dominant halfback the Raiders need. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s just getting better,\u201d Stuart said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI know he cops a lot of criticism. I remember where I was 11 games in and it was nowhere near his standard. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe will just kept getting better and there\u2019s parts of his game we\u2019re trying to eliminate out of him. There\u2019s parts of his game that he has to continue with because it will make him a better player. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut he\u2019s nowhere near the finished product. Where he will be in two years\u2019 time is going to be a very smart, dominating halfback. <\/p>\n
\u201c11 games in, just imagine where he is at 60 or 70 in two years down the track. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a patience thing, and that\u2019s what you\u2019ve got to do as a coach. I can\u2019t listen to all the outside noise with what fans want. You\u2019ve got to back your Judgement.\u201d <\/p>\n
Weekes shines as Raiders beat Titans | 02:12<\/p>\n
SCARY ROOSTERS SIGN AS YOUNG GUN \u2018AT TOP OF HIS GAME\u2019<\/p>\n
The Roosters are coming.<\/p>\n
The Panthers may still be the team to beat while the Warriors continue to build towards a top-four finish, but Trent Robinson has one of if not the most talented rosters at his disposal.<\/p>\n
There was always a sense that it would take time for it to all come together, especially with two new faces in the spine in Daly Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson. <\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t perfect on Saturday, with this time the second half being the issue for the usually fast-finishing Roosters.<\/p>\n
But while they may still be searching for a true 80-minute performance, the Roosters have showed enough this season to suggest they are genuine premiership contenders.<\/p>\n
Fullback James Tedesco continues to get better with age, running for 164 metres against the Broncos while breaking eight tackles and setting up two tries. <\/p>\n
Cherry-Evans and new halves partner Sam Walker, meanwhile, really look to have developed a more intimate understanding of each other\u2019s games. <\/p>\n
As for Robson, he is pressing to maintain his spot in the Blues\u2019 squad for Game 1. <\/p>\n
For lock forward Victor Radley, the biggest difference behind the Roosters\u2019 turnaround since that 40-4 loss to Penrith has been the chemistry that their key players have developed with time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think just understanding what each other is going to do… I want to know what you\u2019re going to do before you think,\u201d Radley said on Fox League. <\/p>\n
Daly Cherry-Evans and the Roosters are starting to click.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cJust that time together and those combinations and just freeing up a little bit, not worrying too much about errors… we understand the game we\u2019re going to play \u2014 if you see an opportunity, take it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Roosters have certainly done that in the past month, winning five-straight games for the first time since 2023 to surge into third position on the ladder. <\/p>\n
The premiership-winning 2018 side was far more inconsistent early in the year as Luke Keary and Cooper Cronk developed their combination, struggling to put a string of wins together until midway through the season.<\/p>\n
Conversely, the Roosters had two heavy losses to the Warriors and Panthers this year but have otherwise been an attacking juggernaut scoring over 30 points in five of their six wins. <\/p>\n
Keary knows all too well how much time it can take for a new-look spine to gel, but said there are signs the Roosters aren\u2019t far away from really hitting their groove \u2014 a scary prospect for the rest of the NRL considering their current record.<\/p>\n
\u201cCooper and Daly did a similar thing. They played 15 seasons at a different club and then walked into the Roosters,\u201d Keary said on Fox League. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe boys have to get used to playing with them and they have to get used to playing that style… it\u2019s going to take a little bit of time and there\u2019s still a lot of improvement in the Roosters but things are starting to get better.\u201d<\/p>\n
While so much of the focus has been on Cherry-Evans and Robson as fresh faces, Keary said he has been particularly impressed with Walker\u2019s development \u2014 particularly in defence.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe had eight runs last night, which we don\u2019t accustom Sam with running the ball that much.
But you could see straight away from the start of the game that he started running the ball… he got his defence solid and when he does that and he starts to play tough, he\u2019s in the game. You can tell he\u2019s improved his game… he\u2019s at the top of his game, he sees the game so well in those instinctual moments but it\u2019s about him delivering in these big games.\u201d<\/p>\n
Walker did just that on Saturday against the Broncos and for the Roosters to win the premiership, he will need to continue doing it in September.<\/p>\n
Roosters outlast defiant Broncos | 02:29<\/p>\n
WALSH SHINES IN PROMISING GLIMPSE INTO MANLY\u2019S FUTURE<\/p>\n
Fozball may have experienced its first loss, but there was still plenty to like about Manly\u2019s 18-16 defeat to Penrith, most notably the display of rookie halfback Joey Walsh. <\/p>\n
An injury to Jamal Fogarty allowed Foran to hand Walsh his starting debut and he got a baptism of fire coming up against the best team in the game in Penrith and the best player in Nathan Cleary. <\/p>\n
However, the 19-year-old more than handled the challenge and nearly helped steer Manly to a fifth straight win, as they led 16-12 late in the game. <\/p>\n
Walsh finished with 48 run metres from six runs, a tackle bust, an offload, a linebreak assist and 26 tackles, but it was his calmness and kicking game that impressed the most in his starting bow. <\/p>\n
And his no-look pass to help set up a try for Ethan Bullemor caught the attention of Matty Johns. <\/p>\n
\u201cI thought he handled himself really well,\u201d Johns said on Sunday Night with Matty Johns. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe had some really classy touches and some great signs from him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Walsh shows his class to set up try | 00:21<\/p>\n
Nathan Hindmarsh was impressed by Walsh\u2019s seamless transition to starting NRL half and commended him for not trying too hard to impress the coach in his first game. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe didn\u2019t try and overplay his hand,\u201d Hindmarsh said. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe got to his kicks, he passed well. Defensively Blaize Talagi got him with a bit of good footwork for a Panthers try, but apart from that I thought he had a solid game first up.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the opposition coach, Ivan Cleary said he had \u201cheard a bit\u201d about Walsh coming through the grades and seen him playing NSW Cup \u201ca few times\u201d. <\/p>\n
From he had already seen and what Walsh dished up on Sunday night, Cleary said it was obvious the teenager was a \u201cvery talented player\u201d. But he also pleaded for patience to help develop Walsh and young playmakers in the game in general.<\/p>\n
Joey Walsh starred in Manly’s narrow loss to the Panthers.Source: FOX SPORTS<\/p>\n
\u201cHe certainly looks like he\u2019s got a big career ahead of him. He did really well tonight,\u201d Cleary said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s good for the game. The more young halves that come through the better, as long as we\u2019re patient and give them the time because Joey will go through that process now where everyone will say how good he is and then in two years\u2019 time everyone will be telling him how bad he is. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s got a current coach who knows that story, so I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll help him along.\u201d <\/p>\n
Speaking of which, Foran was delighted with Walsh\u2019s first-up effort and declared the youngster is a \u201creal future player\u201d for Manly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought he was great,\u201d Foran said. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor a young guy to come into this sort of arena up against the team that is coming first and he was pretty calm throughout the week. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe wasn\u2019t going to shirk it and he walked straight towards it tonight. <\/p>\n
\u201cI thought defensively he was outstanding. I know what a tough kid he is, but he put his body in front time and time again and he came up with some really nice plays at certain times of the game. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe will only get better. He is a real future player for us.\u201d <\/p>\n
While Foran was one of the classiest playmakers in the game during his NRL career, Manly\u2019s interim coach was definitely not going to take credit for Walsh\u2019s no-look effort that put Bullemor over in the second half.<\/p>\n
That was all \u201cinstinctual Joey\u201d according to Foran, and the signs had been there from the summer.<\/p>\n
Foran proud despite first Manly loss | 07:35<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has been doing that all pre-season and every week up against the boys at training,\u201d Foran added. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe has just got so many skills that he can keep growing and that was a beautiful pass. At that time of the game to execute that the way he did, it just shows the sort of ability that kid has got.\u201d <\/p>\n
While a disappointing loss, Manly lost no admirers on Sunday night after taking the Panthers right to the final minute and according to Bryan Fletcher, their fans would be buoyed not only by Walsh\u2019s performance but the resurgence of the team under rookie coach Foran. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe last four weeks we were thinking is it just because of the opposition they have been playing, but this was their first real test and Kieran Foran has done a very good job,\u201d Fletcher said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey are actually playing a lot more expansive in the sense that tried to out-Penrith Penrith and they nearly got them. <\/p>\n
\u201cJust the class of those experienced players from Penrith, but Sea Eagles fans would be up and about and very impressed with winning four of the last five and it is certainly a different team since Round 1.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Two of last year\u2019s premiership heavyweights have continued to tumble down the ladder and while another contender 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