The Synopsis - Round 10

Bulldogs v Roosters
If league fans judged Friday night's match on most recent form, the Roosters would have been unbeatable. Experience had showed us that while what happened the previous week is not always the best guide to what will happen this week, the Roosters' demonstrable strength and Bulldogs' obvious weaknesses were on show again in round 10. With a score of Roosters 24 - Bulldogs 10, the match was lost to the home team from the 64th minute onwards. The tiring of the Bulldog defence was obvious from late in the first half and as the game neared its finish it was obvious to everyone at the ground that they would not climb back into the match. With 1 win and 4 losses in their last 5 matches, and with key players out injured, the worst thing that could happen for the Bulldogs is to have players selected for State of Origin.

Cowboys v Broncos
Up in Townsville the amazing turn around by the Cowboys reached its 7th week, with a five tries to three win over Brisbane. The final score Cowboys 31 - Brisbane 20 was a fair indication of a match where both teams (at times) relied on individual brilliance, or desire, to advance their team. (Anthony Milford for the Broncos and Michael Morgan for Cowboys). The Cowboys team that lost its third game in succession to the Broncos 22 - 44 back on Friday March 20th, is similar in personnel to the team that took the field, tonight. The difference was the confidence that comes from winning six games shone through - their spine, Lachlan Coote, Jonathan Thurston and Jake Granville, was solid throughout. Michael Morgan has made the 5/8 position his own and his forward pack is tough and dependable. The Cowboys' defence missed just 10 tackles this week. In weeks 2 and 3 they missed 33 and 34 respectively.

Super Saturday

Eels v Warriors
The team that pundits and commentators alike have criticised for their failure to play out 80 minutes of their matches were faced with a herculean task at Pirtek on Saturday afternoon. Their most consistent player, Ryan Hoffman, was badly concussed in the 3rd minute and was out for the match, then at the 24th minute Thomas Leuluai collapsed with a knee injury that finished his day. The Warriors would need to play on with just 15 players to do the work of 17. By half time they led 12 - 0 but the Eels scored from a Warriors mistake in the 43rd minute and followed up with tries in the 45th and 62nd minutes. The failure to convert any of the tries meant that the score was tied 12 - 12, with 15 minutes to go. Field goals to each team pushed the match into extra time and the commentators were just waiting for the Warriors to fall apart. It didn't happen. Instead of the usual field goal, forward Bodene Thompson barged over for a try and the Warriors won 17 - 13.

Titans V Sharks
The second Saturday match also went into extra time after the Titans had led the Sharks for all but 2 minutes of their match at CBUS Stadium. After leading 14 nil and then 14-4 at half time, the Titans made errors that allowed the Sharks to work their way back into the game. At the 73rd minute the Sharks hit the lead 22 - 18, only to give up possession in the first set after kick-off and see the Titans score a try in the 75th minute to level the match 22 - 22. A scrappy affair staggered into golden point extra time and the Titans (receiving the ball from the kick-off) were unable to make much ground with first use of the ball. A poor kick saw the Sharks start their set from their own 40 and they worked the ball down field into position for winger Valentine Holmes to kick the winning one pointer. Sharks 23 - Titans 22. Wade Graham (Sharks, stand in captain) having guided the team to a win, won't feel so bad now about his pass in round 4 that was intercepted, setting up a 77th minute Titans win.

Storm v Rabbitohs
This match between two of the NRL heavyweights had more than just the two competition points riding on it. Both teams will lose key players to State duties in the weeks ahead and securing a position as high as possible on the ladder prior to the S.O.O season has proved to be crucial in the past. Melbourne's terrific three still made the difference, despite rare mistakes (like Cameron Smith twice kicking out on-the-full in general play) revealing them to be human after all. The storm set up a 14 point lead at half time. Tries to South's wingers Alex Johnston (48th min) and Aaron Gray (55th min) brought the score to Storm 16 - Rabbitohs 12 and despite the desperate efforts of players on both sides that was the final score.

Sunday

Dragons v Raiders
St George 32 defeated Canberra 18, racking up their seventh win from eight games and a share of the competition lead with Melbourne. The team with the big Red V is getting better in attack every week as their halves Gareth Widdop and Benji Marshall continue to build a solid relationship based on the knowledge and experience that comes from a combined 330 NRL matches and 41 Test matches. As the best defensive team, conceding just 12 points per match the Dragons have become (almost without acclamation) one of the favourites to make the finals September.

The Canberra Raiders, with 5 wins and 5 losses have also surprised pundits who saw them as unlikely finalists and possible wooden spoon candidates. No doubt Coach Ricky Stuart is able to use this underdog status to keep his team motivated on the cold dark nights of winter in the national capital.

Knights v Tigers
Both Newcastle and Wests went into their Sunday afternoon match with 4 wins and 5 losses. Newcastle had lost 5 in a row and 6 would have been a horrible way to finish week 10, after winning their first four and sitting on top of the ladder. There were no stars on either team today, just 34 players all desperately playing for a win, for their fans, their coach and themselves. Sure Newcastle debutant, replacement Hooker Chad Redman will remember scoring a try in the match that started his first grade career, but for many the match was just another day at the office. The final score Newcastle 22 - Wests 12 was a fair indication of the play as the Knights had led all day, even though the scores were tied 6 - 6 (17th) and 12 - 12 (50th). Commentators and fans alike will remember the match for the scrum that was lost against the feed, and Tigers Coach Jason Taylor will remember the same incident because of the poor way his team reacted as Newcastle with possession marched down the field and scored the winning try. The Tigers (at home) face the Cowboys next week and both will be without their Origin stars. The question to be answered will be, "Who wants it more?"

Monday Night Football

Manly v Penrith
Last night's match against Manly started poorly for Penrith, and although they clung on for a 4 - 10 score at half time - no one watching at Brookvale or sitting on their lounges at home thought they would be the winners after 80 minutes. With an average of over 30 missed tackles each match, the Panthers are vulnerable against any team that maintains their enthusiasm. However, to everyone's surprise it was the Panthers who played the second half with enthusiasm and the Sea Eagles who started to miss tackles and lose their way. Despite making four errors in the Manly half of the field and conceding great scoring opportunities, Penrith just kept coming. They scored an unconverted try and then a penalty goal, drawing level at 10 - 10 in the 71st minute. Two minutes later (with last play confusion amongst the Panthers) the ball was passed to Matt Moylan who calmly kicked a long range field goal setting up an 11 - 10 win for the visitors.