Love NRL: Round 11, Origin 1, Round 12
A pulsating couple of weeks in the NRL saw Sydney Roosters and South Sydney ominously climb the ladder, whilst Penrith, who have agreed a new deal with winger Josh Mansour, are up to second.
Sonny Bill Williams scored twice against his former club, as the Roosters ended Canterbury’s winning streak with a 32-12 victory in Round 11.
With only five fixtures, and a number of teams short of Origin players, Canberra were the other headline grabbers as they routed North Queensland 42-12.
Terry Campese dictated proceedings from half-back, whilst Anthony Milford was his usual electric self, starting and finishing a sublime final try that included a no-look pass.
Wests Tigers had a tough weekend, firstly going down 16-14 at home to Brisbane, before it was then announced that James Tedesco will be leaving to replace Milford at the Raiders next year.
Meanwhile, despite not having a game, St George Illawarra sacked Steve Price, with Paul McGregor appointed in a caretaker role.
On Wednesday the nation’s eyes were cast on Suncorp Stadium as Queensland and New South Wales faced off in the State of Origin opener.
After a poor start it was the Blues who came through to take the spoils in a classic, as they held on to earn a 12-8 victory.
Jarryd Hayne was unplayable at times for NSW, although a special mention must also go to his teammate Brett Morris, who played most of the match with a fractured shoulder.
Back in the Telstra Premiership, NZ Warriors and the Rabbitohs built on wins in Round 11 with further success in Round 12.
The Kiwis dispatched Newcastle 38-18 at Mount Smart Stadium, with Sam Tomkins and Simon Mannering particularly impressing, whilst Souths proved too strong for the Dragons.
Joel Reddy crossed for a brace in a 29-10 win, as Isaac Luke made his long awaited return from injury for Michael Maguire’s side.
The Panthers had earlier moved to within two points of the Bulldogs at the summit, thanks to a 38-12 victory over Parramatta, who lost hooker Nathan Peats for the rest of the year due to a knee injury.
In more positive news for the Eels, giant winger Semi Radradra has extended his contract until the end of the 2018 season.
Round 11 results:
Canterbury 12-32 Sydney Roosters (May 23, ANZ Stadium)
Gold Coast 16-24 NZ Warriors (May 24, Cbus Super Stadium)
Wests Tigers 14-16 Brisbane (May 24, Campbelltown Sports Stadium)
Canberra 42-12 North Queensland (May 25, GIO Stadium)
Cronulla 0-18 South Sydney (May 26, Remondis Stadium)
State of Origin 1 result:
Queensland 8-12 New South Wales (May 28, Suncorp Stadium)
Round 12 results:
Penrith 38-12 Parramatta (May 30, Sportingbet Stadium)
Sydney Roosters 26-12 Canberra (May 31, Allianz Stadium)
North Queensland 22-0 Melbourne (May 31, 1300SMILES Stadium)
NZ Warriors 38-18 Newcastle (Jun 01, Mount Smart Stadium)
Brisbane 36-10 Manly (Jun 01, Suncorp Stadium)
South Sydney 29-10 St George Illawarra (Jun 02, ANZ Stadium)
Round 13 fixtures:
Manly v Canterbury (Jun 06, Brookvale Oval)
Parramatta v North Queensland (Jun 06, Pirtek Stadium)
Gold Coast v Penrith (Jun 07, Cbus Super Stadium)
St George Illawarra v Cronulla (Jun 07, WIN Stadium)
South Sydney v NZ Warriors (Jun 07, NIB Stadium)
Newcastle v Wests Tigers (Jun 08, Hunter Stadium)
Melbourne v Sydney Roosters (Jun 08, AAMI Park)
Canberra v Brisbane (Jun 09, GIO Stadium)