Knights boosted by Lachie Miller play in Kalyn Ponga absence, Kotoni Staggs stakes Origin claim
Lachie Miller is no Kalyn Ponga – but he is a great buy for the Knights who will fill the fullback spot for years to come.
On a fraction of Ponga’s massive wage, Miller has inherited the number one jumper and was the best player on the field in the upset win over the Raiders yesterday afternoon.
In only his 11th top grade game of NRL, the rugby convert absorbed a heap of pressure from the Raiders and also showed plenty of spark in attack.
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A livewire player with plenty of pace, he’s been a great pick-up for the Knights from Cronulla.
Warriors’ bargain buy of the year candidate
Mark down Warriors back-rower Jackson Ford as an early contender for bargain buy of the year.
A Dragons junior, Ford wasn’t really wanted by the Big Red V this season but the 25 year old is making the most of his new life at the Warriors.
NRL Highlights: Warriors v Bulldogs – Round 4
The busy forward topped his team’s tackle count with 41 in the hard-fought 16-14 win over the Bulldogs with 41 yesterday, including a couple of trysavers.
He also made some handy metres on the edges and looks a player with plenty to offer.
Walker pays back debt in style
Cody Walker owed South Sydney his match-winning performance against Manly last Saturday night.
The star five-eighth lost his cool last week against the Roosters and his game suffered as a result.
But on a special night for the Bunnies on which they farewelled one of their favourite sons in John Sattler, Walker shone.
The star pivot scored two tries, ran with great purpose and defended stoutly in the spirited 13-12 win over Manly.
Dearden breathes life into Cowboys
Tom Dearden played his best game of the year to date as the Cowboys came from behind to down the Titans 24-12 on Saturday night.
NRL Highlights: Cowboys v Titans – Round 4
Dearden made three of the Titans’ seven line breaks and also made five tackle breaks as he re-discovered his running game in slashing style.
The Cowboys still aren’t quite at the level they produced last year but are now two wins, two losses and slowly but surely getting their act together.
Staggs strikes blow in Origin race
Kotoni Staggs struck a major blow in his battle for a Blues State of Origin centre berth with his display in the Broncos’ 18-12 win over the Dolphins in Friday night’s epic clash.
Staggs was at his ball running best, making a game high 237 metres, including the try that sealed the win with a length of the field burst.
Staggs played the opening game of last year’s series – his only Origin to date – and made little impact and was dropped after Queensland scored an upset win.
But Staggs looks a stronger, more mature player this season and he will be giving Brad Fittler – who was sitting on the sidelines as he sped past for the winner – plenty to think about.
Bellamy’s lesser lights stand up
With half his pack leaving over the summer, Craig Bellamy needs some of his lesser lights to stand up.
Enter Josh King, a middle forward who plays well above his weight and was outstanding in the 24-12 win over Wests Tigers on Friday night.
NRL Highlights: Storm v Tigers – Round 4
A no-frills player who will never capture the headlines, King kept working and working in his 71 minutes on the field.
His defence held up the middle and he gained 150 yards through the teeth of the Tigers’ forwards.
When the Tigers launched a surge midway through the second half, it was cool heads like King that ensured the Storm held firm.
Tigers’ future stands up in another loss
For all the doom and gloom at the Tigers, a couple of the young guns that Tim Sheens has promised to unveil stood tall in Melbourne.
Winger Junior Tupou ran for 182 metres, including six tackle breaks, troubling the Storm out wide.
And in the middle, Fonua Pole had 13 runs for 135 metres, with 27 tackles and no misses.
Both are just 20 – and are the future of the Tigers.
Controversial star puts rival clubs on notice
Bryce Cartwright is at the crossroads.
The 28-year-old has struggled for form in recent seasons, is off contract – and the Eels are in no great rush to re-sign him.
But the former Panther took a giant step towards prolonging his NRL career with a classy display against his old team in Thursday night’s remarkable western derby.
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Known more as an impact player than a workhorse, Cartwright rolled up his sleeves in a tough, old-school battle, making 150 metres and coming up with the first try for good measure.
It was his best showing for a couple of years – and no doubt the Eels, and other NRL clubs – will have taken note.
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