NRL Round Up – Round 18
South Sydney bounced back from last week’s drubbing by Wests by putting a depleted Penrith to the sword 36-12 at ANZ Stadium.
Eddy Pettybourne grabbed the Rabbitoh’s first score after a neat pass from John Sutton.
Penrith pressed but a long-range interception score from Jamie Simpson broke Panthers’ hearts and Sutton burst his way over to help Souths into a 20-0 half time lead.
Fullback Nathan Merritt raced away for the home side’s fourth score, but Penrith hit back with a close range score from Cronulla-bound hooker Paul Aiton.
A try from the Panthers’ Geoff Daniela made things interesting but the Bunnies were not to be denied and rounded the game off through a second score to Merritt and another from Colin Best.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 36
Tries: Eddy Pettybourne, Jamie Simpson, John Sutton (2), Nathan Merritt, Colin Best
Goals: Chris Sandow (6/7)
Tries: Paul Aiton, Geoff Daniela
Goals: Luke Walsh (2/2)
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Newcastle showed plenty of fighting spirit to post an encouraging 23-4 win over Canberra and keep their finals hopes alive
An injury to Knights play-maker Jarred Mullen made things difficult for the home side but they overcame their problems to post first half scores through Richard Fa’aoso, Keith Lulia and Akuila Uate.
Canberra pressed but they were met with staunch Newcastle defence until Joel Monaghan’s score gave them hope.
Ben Rogers, standing in for Mullen, kicked a field goal before Wes Naiqama scored late on to seal the win for the Knights.
Tries: Richard Fa’aoso, Keith Lulia, Aku Uate, Wes Naiqama
Goals: Wes Naiqama (3/4)
Field Goals: Ben Rogers (1/1)
Tries: Joel Monaghan Goals: Terry Campese (0/1)
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The New Zealand Warriors’ hopes of a top eight finish received another blow when they crashed to an 18-14 defeat at home to a under-strength Canterbury.
Manu ‘the beast’ Vatuvei smashed his way over to give the home side an early advantage but the Warriors were unable to build on their score.
Michael Sullivan took advantage of a piece of Luck to get the Bulldogs’ first score and a sideline conversion from Hazem El Masri gave the visitors the lead at half time 6-4.
Luke Patten raced over just after half time to give the Bulldogs a bigger advantage until the Warriors responded through young winger Kevin Locke who rose high to collect a pinpoint kick from Stacey Jones.
Russell Packer barged his way over under the posts to give the Warriors a narrow advantage but it was not to be the home side’s day when Ben Barba charged over out wide for the match winning score.
New Zealand Warriors 14
Tries: Manu Vatuvei, Kevin Locke, Russell Packer
Goals: Kevin Locke (1/3)
Tries: Michael Sullivan, Luke Patten, Ben Barba
Goals: Hazem El Masri (3/3)
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St George Illawarra’s charge towards their first NRL premiership remains on track following their 48-18 defeat of last year’s premiers Manly.
Brent Kite’s knock on allowed Michael Lett to dive over in the corner to give the home side an early lead before a spectacular long-range score from Brett Morris gave the Dragons breathing space.
George Rose replied for Manly but the Dragons put on two more scores through Jason Nightingale and Wendell Sailor to edge them further ahead.
Vic Mauro’s try for the Sea Eagles did restore a little hope at 24-12 at the break.
Chase Stanley went over untouched after half time but a neat break from Ben Farrar made sure Michael Robertson had a clear run to the line for Manly’s third score.
The game hung in the balance but a try from Soward and second scores from Morris and Sailor made sure of the win for the home side.
St George Illawarra Dragons 48
Tries: Michael Lett, Brett Morris (2), Jason Nightingale, Wendell Sailor (2), Chase Stanley, Jamie Soward
Goals: Jamie Soward (8/9)
Tries: George Rose, Vic Mauro, Michael Robertson
Goals: Matt Orford (3/3)
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Gold Coasts’ top eight aspirations remain looking healthy after their committed but not-so-pretty win over Parramatta 18-12.
Big Luke Bailey raced over for the Titans, who added another score from the speedy Chris Walker and a field goal from Scott Prince.
Former Penrith winger Joe Galuvao powered his way over in response for the Eels before Daniel Mortimer added to the visitors’ tally by finishing off a flowing movement.
Eric Grothe raced over out wide for Parramatta to close the gap on the Titans, but the home side snatched the lead, and ultimately the match, when David Mead raced over from long range after an Eels mistake.
Tries: Luke Bailey, Chris Walker, David Mead
Goals: Scott Prince (3/4)
Tries: Joe Galuvao, Daniel Mortimer, Eric Grothe
Goals: Krisnan Inu (0/3)