Monday's Expert - 2022 NRL Round 24

Time for a full wrap-up of the weekend's NRL action. Monday's Expert brings you the full results wrap from the weekend, plus Match Review charges, injury news, our POTY standings, crowds, TV ratings and a look ahead to next round.

All listed times are AEST (NSW/QLD/VIC/ACT).

RELATED: See the full list of 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Draw and Results.

NRL Round 24 results

Brisbane Broncos 6 Parramatta Eels 53

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Milton
Crowd: 30371
Date: Thursday 25 August 2022 at 7:50pm

BRISBANE BRONCOS (6)
Tries: Brenko Lee
Conversions: Kotoni Staggs (1/1)

PARRAMATTA EELS (53)
Tries: Maika Sivo, Mitchell Moses, Tom Opacic (2), Clinton Gutherson (2), Isaiah Papali'i, Viliami Penisini, Waqa Blake
Field Goals: Mitchell Moses (1/1)
Conversions: Mitchell Moses (8/9)

Eels entertain as Broncos left bruised

Robert Crosby | August 25 2022 10:03PM

An attacking masterclass has seen the Parramatta Eels confirm a place in the finals with a 53-6 victory over the Brisbane Broncos on Thursday evening.

Piling on nine tries in a contest that defied the standing of two top eight teams a fortnight out from the finals, the Eels cracked the half century barrier for the first time since obliterating the Broncos 58-0 in the 2019 elimination final.

The result puts the Broncos finals hopes in serious doubt with the side also facing an injury toll with Adam Reynolds, Thomas Flegler, Kobe Hetherington and Brenko Lee all failing to complete the match. 

In a competitive opening which saw both teams unsuccessfully challenge decisions inside the opening seven minutes, the Eels weathered early pressure on their own line to post first points through Maika Sivo (10th minute) following a left side raid.

Losing Reynolds, playing his 250th NRL game, to a HIA minutes later, the Broncos night went from bad to worse with Tom Opacic (16th minute) and Clinton Gutherson (19th minute) blowing the score out to 18-0 in near equal time.

Posting a fourth try through Mitchell Moses (27th minute) midway through the half, the Broncos temporarily stemmed the flow of points by capitalising on an error from the kick-off with Lee (30th minute) touching down off a scrum play.

Capping a golden first half with Shaun Lane running a strong line to send Gutherson (36th minute) over for his second, Moses slotted a disrespectful field goal to send the visitors to the sheds up 31-6.

Restoring a degree of respectability after halftime with an improved defensive effort, the Broncos showed remarkable grit on their line during a six-minute period before Isaiah Papali'i (66th minute) crashed over to restore the avalanche of points.

Taking the score past 40 with Will Penisini (68th minute) pouncing on a kick, Opacic (77th minute) did likewise to collect his second before a blockbusting run from Waqa Blake (80th minute) rounded out the 53-6 demolition.

Next week, the Broncos will face the Dragons at Kogarah on Saturday evening, while the Eels will host the Storm next Thursday at CommBank Stadium in a contest that could determine a place in the top four.

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Shaun Lane
2 points - Mitchell Moses
1 points - Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Penrith Panthers 46 Warriors 12

Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Crowd: 17025
Date: Friday 26 August 2022 at 6:00pm

PENRITH PANTHERS (46)
Tries: Taylan May (2), Stephen Crichton, Brian To'o (2), Sean O'Sullivan, Viliame Kikau, Isaah Yeo
Conversions: Stephen Crichton (7/8)

WARRIORS (12)
Tries: Reece Walsh, Eliesa Katoa
Conversions: Reece Walsh (2/2)

Panthers celebrate in style trouncing hapless Warriors

AJ Lucantonio | August 26 2022 7:52PM

The Penrith Panthers have resumed transmission trouncing the hapless New Zealand Warriors side by 34 points this evening with returning superstars Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris playing a vital role. 

It was a real David v Goliath battle at the foot of the mountains tonight, with Penrith in a celebratory mood while the Warriors were keen to head back across the ditch. After the last start 44 point loss to the Cowboys, it was imperative that the visitors start fast and after a clever short ball from Tohu Harris, Dunamis Lui found open space before finding Chanel Harris-Tavita who got it onto Reece Walsh to cross for the first try of the contest. Penrith took a while to warm into this contest, with several stars returning the chemistry took a while to connect, as a result, plenty of attacking opportunities were left begging.

However, a team with the class of Penrith were going to crash over eventually. A significant shift out to the left sees the combination finally fire with Luai getting it onto Kikau before a great ball saw Taylan May crash over for his 15th try of the season and get the scoreboard back level. Penrith had a lion's share of possession and eventually, the Warriors cracked with their paper-thin edge defence when silky skill from Dylan Edwards and Stephen Crichton allowed Brian To'o to get down low and go go go.

Unfortunately for the Warriors, they could not hold on until the break when a big miss from Josh Curran on Sean O'Sullivan allowed him to break free and he could get it onto Edwards who found To'o for his second. On the stroke of half-time, Sean O'Sullivan found Viliame Kikau before offloading to Izack Tago who turned DWZ inside out to get it onto May who in turn found O'Sullivan to give Penrith a 16-point lead at the half.

Penrith continued their rampage straight after the break when Crichton took on the Warriors' left edge all by himself and crashed over to score to extend the margin. If you thought that try was easy, the next one was embarrassing for the visitors when O'Sullivan delivered a peach of a pass to Kikau who crashed over to score. When the Warriors had the ball, they were causing some problems and it was another great pass from Harris who found Eli Katoa to reduce the gap for the visitors. Penrith finished with a flurry when Yeo was given a penalty try after Walsh led with the footy.

Penrith sealed their twentieth victory of the season with a strong showing tonight, they've been assured of a home final for a while now, but they'll be on their way to North Queensland for Round 25. The Warriors get to go back home for the final round of the season when they take on the Titans as they prepare to usher in a new coach and a new era. 

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Viliame Kikau
2 points - Jarome Luai
1 points - James Fisher-Harris

Melbourne Storm 14 Sydney Roosters 18

Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Crowd: 25308
Date: Friday 26 August 2022 at 7:55pm

MELBOURNE STORM (14)
Tries: Xavier Coates, Nick Meaney
Conversions: Nick Meaney (2/2)
Penalty Goals: Nick Meaney (1/1)

SYDNEY ROOSTERS (18)
Tries: Daniel Tupou, Joseph Manu, Joseph Suaalii
Conversions: Sam Walker (2/3)
Penalty Goals: Sam Walker (1/1)

Roosters hold off Storm in finals dress rehearsal

Sam Bourke | August 26 2022 10:52PM

A desperate Sydney Roosters have held off a fast-finishing Melbourne Storm to win 18-14 tonight at AAMI Park and book their place in this year's finals series.

With the match in the balance, Roosters skipper James Tedesco managed to save his side with a desperate last-ditch attempt to hold up Storm backrower Kenny Bromwich with minutes remaining. It proved a decisive play as his troops rallied late to hold on for victory in a brave performance from Trent Robinson's men.

The win was soured somewhat with Roosters prop Lindsay Collins put on report for a hip drop tackle and lock Victor Radley was severely concussed and will unlikely line up for the club next week.

It was a high octane and at times fiery clash, and for the fans it was a perfect dress rehearsal for this year's final series. The game saw a number of players placed on report and highlighted by a running battle between Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Storm behemoth Nelson Asofa-Solomona who had made a beeline for one another on numerous occasions.

It was a nervous start for the men in purple, when an early error saw the visitors on the attack. Storm prop Asofa-Solomona was then penalised for an illegal strip. Roosters' half Sam Walker took the two points on offer to get the Roosters on the board early with a penalty goal.

Melbourne looked to have hit back when Harry Grant placed a deft kick behind the line for his centre Justin Olam, however replays showed Olam did not ground the ball and Sydney survived an early scare.

The Tricolours then marched straight up the other end of the field and thanks to some quick hands from Luke Keary and Drew Hutchison on the left-hand side, winger Daniel Tupou scampered over in the corner to score the first try of the night.

The Roosters scored their second try after Luke Keary showed great vision to kick for an unmarked Joseph Manu who strolled over for the try and following the conversion from Walker it was 14-0 after 20 minutes.

Tempers began to flair between both firebrands in Waerea-Hargreaves and Asofa-Solomona and upon a warning from the referee, Waerea-Hargreaves was sent to the Sin Bin for a high tackle on his opposite number and for instigating a melee.

After numerous chances, Melbourne finally managed to take advantage of the extra man as Marion Seve delivered a nice pass for Xavier Coates to score in the corner and Nick Meaney nailed the conversion to narrow the Roosters lead to 14-6 as halftime approached.

On the cusp of halftime Roosters interchange forward Siosiua Taukeiaho was penalised in front of the posts for a high tackle and Melbourne elected to take the gift two points as Meaney knocked over the penalty goal to narrow the Roosters lead to 14-8 at the break.

The arm wrestle continued in the second half but it was the Roosters who struck first, after Tedesco and Angus Crichton combined for young winger Joseph Suaali'i to steamroll his way over in the corner. Walker missed from out wide and it was 18-8 with a quarter of the match remaining.

Melbourne then finally hit back when fullback Nick Meaney dived over to score after collecting a neat offload from Kenny Bromwich close to the line. Meaney converted his own try and which narrowed the score to 18-14 for the Roosters.

Despite Melbourne having plenty of chances to win the game, the Roosters showed enough desperation with clutch defensive plays from Tedesco and Joey Manu in the dying minutes saving the Roosters from a sudden death scenario against their bitter rivals South Sydney next week.

Melbourne now travels to Sydney to face Parramatta next Thursday night, where they will be desperate to lock up a Top 4 position. This game will be followed on Friday night where the Roosters and Rabbitohs open the brand-new Allianz Stadium on Friday night.

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Joseph Manu
2 points - Jahrome Hughes
1 points - James Tedesco

Canberra Raiders 48 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 6

Venue: GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce
Crowd: 16697
Date: Saturday 27 August 2022 at 3:00pm

CANBERRA RAIDERS (48)
Tries: Jordan Rapana, Jamal Fogarty, Xavier Savage, Hudson Young (2), Tom Starling, Albert Hopoate, Sebastian Kris, Corey Harawira-Naera
Conversions: Jordan Rapana (0/1), Jamal Fogarty (6/8)
Penalty Goals: Jordan Rapana (0/1)

MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES (6)
Tries: Ethan Bullemor
Conversions: Daly Cherry-Evans (1/1)

Raiders into the eight after thrashing a poor Manly side

AJ Lucantonio | August 27 2022 4:50PM

The Canberra Raiders are into the top eight for the first time since Round 3, thrashing the Manly Sea Eagles by 42 points this afternoon before their vocal home fans at GIO Stadium this afternoon.

With a top eight spot up for grabs, the Raiders had to get off to a better start than they did six days ago. It seemed that they answered the call early. Off the back of a quick tap from Jordan Rapana, the Green Machine crossed for the first try when Wighton's pass landed perfectly on the chest of Rapana to give the Raiders the early lead.

Manly were able to work in the game and pose several questions of the Raiders defence. But their final tackle options left a lot to be desired and it was one of these options that cost them big time. Hudson Young was able to pick up the loose ball and run away before linking up with Jack Wighton before finding Xavier Savage and the young fullback crossed for his fifth try of the year and extend the margin to ten. With the possession stats so lopsided, the Raiders soon had their third when a clever kick from Jamal Fogarty was batted back by Sebastian Kris and Hudson Young was jolly on the spot to collect his tenth of the season and their third of the afternoon.

Three minutes later, Manly were preparing to wave the white flag when Wighton found Young then Rapana before getting a wonder ball to Kris before linking up with Tom Starling crosses for try number two of his season and Canberra were out to a 22 point lead. The carnage continued on the next set when Fogarty put another cross kick up which was batted back by Wighton who got it to Rapana who kicked it to Foran who spills it straight into Jamal Fogarty's lap and the Raiders have another one to take a 28-0 lead into the sheds.

After a temporary stop in the scoring rampage, Canberra kicked off their charge for positive for and against territory when Hudson Young crashed over for his second from point-blank range to give the Green Machine a 34 point lead. Despite the dominant margin, you could see the Raiders were hunting for more, knowing that they'll need a win next week and hope that the Broncos don't put the Dragons to the sword next week.

Manly's best attacking play of the afternoon was rewarded when Josh Schuster went deep into the line before finding Kieran Foran who got a great ball to Brad Parker, before the centre got a magical pass away to Ethan Bullemor to stop Manly having the duck-egg next to their name. Unfortunately, their joy was short-lived when Koula put down a regulation bomb and Albert Hopoate crashed over to restore the 34 point margin.

This was extended minutes later when Corey Harawira-Naera found Sebastian Kris to allow the centre to join in on the scoring parade. Off the ensuing set, CHN was backing up in support to dive over in the corner to make it three tries in the space of five minutes. From there that was the end of their scoring, but the Canberra Raiders are into the top eight for the time being with an emphatic victory. 

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Jack Wighton
2 points - Jordan Rapana
1 points - Xavier Savage

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 16 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 0

Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Woolooware
Crowd: 11500
Date: Saturday 27 August 2022 at 5:30pm

CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS (16)
Tries: Briton Nikora, Ronaldo Mulitalo (2)
Conversions: Nicho Hynes (2/3)

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (0)

Sharks win dour over 'Dogs in Fifita's Shire swansong

Adam Huxtable | August 27 2022 6:18PM

The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks are one step closer to securing a home final in week one, beating the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 16-0 in an uneventful affair at Pointsbet Stadium.

It was a scrappy and ill-disciplined start from both teams, with the Sharks finishing the first-half with a 56% completion rate and struggling to take advantage of a mountain of early field position as a result. 

The Bulldogs defence was valiant, but they were only able to hold out Cronulla for so long, with Briton Nikora eventually crashing over in the 17th minute courtesy of a nice short pass from Matt Moylan. 

In their set immediately after points, the Sharks were able to roll up the field with ease and gain momentum. When Matt Moylan held his cutout pass long enough to avoid the Addo-Carr intercept, Ronaldo Mulitalo crashed over basically untouched and it looked as though the Sharks would open the floodgates. 

It wasn't to be however, despite completely lopsided first half stats in favour of Cronulla (25 tackle breaks to 10 as an example), the home team were unable to add to their total and would go into half-time only up 10 points to nil. 

The Sharks main instruction from Coach Fitzgibbon at half-time was to keep it simple and complete their sets, but they did everything but that in the opening stages, dropping the ball multiple times. Despite that, they were able to easily defend the Bulldogs multiple attacking raids. 

With the Bulldogs not firing a single shot in attack and the Sharks only completing at 60%, the game was extremely unentertaining, and that's probably putting it lightly. The Bulldogs, despite completing 31 sets from 38, couldn't manage a single line-break and were out-gained by over 300 metres. The final tackle break stats were even more uneven, the Sharks making 56 to the Bulldogs 19. 

Despite all of this, the Sharks were only able to manage one extra try in the second half that came in the 65th minute, when Hynes identified Addo-Carr out of position and put in an early kick for Mulitalo, who made no mistake with the pickup and scored under the posts. 

The Sharks attack wasn't inspiring, but holding the Bulldogs to nil is something that Fitzgibbon will be happy with, especially considering Canterbury had 52% of the ball. 

Next week, the Sharks head to Newcastle and will know before kickoff whether a win will get them into second spot on the table. The Bulldogs will host the Sea Eagles on Friday at 6pm in perhaps the most Friday 6pm game of all time.

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Ronaldo Mulitalo
2 points - Nicho Hynes
1 points - Cameron McInnes

South Sydney Rabbitohs 20 North Queensland Cowboys 10

Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
Crowd: 16264
Date: Saturday 27 August 2022 at 7:35pm

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS (20)
Tries: Keaon Koloamatangi, Alex Johnston, Thomas Burgess
Conversions: Latrell Mitchell (3/3)
Penalty Goals: Latrell Mitchell (1/1)

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS (10)
Tries: Murray Taulagi, Kyle Feldt
Conversions: Valentine Holmes (1/2)

Souths secure finals, Cowboys claim to 2nd falters

Josh Robertson | August 27 2022 9:59PM

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have booked their spot in the finals with a less than impressive 20-10 victory in a match where the Cowboys found themselves on the wrong side of a bunker controversy.

Souths started the scoring after just seven minutes when Latrell Mitchell slotted a penalty goal to give the Rabbitohs a 2-0 lead. The Cowboys though were able to open the try scoring when Murray Taulagi was put through into space after a misread in defence from the Rabbitohs opened things up.

The Rabbitohs were able to hit back not long after as the presence of Latrell Mitchell put the Cowboys in two minds as Cam Murray found Keaon Koloamatangi on a strong angled run to go through a gap in the Cowboys defence to score.

Extending their lead just after the half-hour mark, the Rabbitohs play right had been far from crisp but down their left they got it picture perfect as they shifted the ball left finding Alex Johnston on the outside to score. The conversion was perfect from Latrell Mitchell and the Bunnies took a 14-6 lead into the break.

Neither side looked remotely close to scoring a try for most of the second half despite the Rabbitohs setting up camp in the Cowboys half for the most part. The Cowboys found themselves on the wrong side of the bunker when Taane Milne was ruled to have not played at a ball when it looked as if he was playing it when looking up on it and as a result lost their challenge.

It didn't hurt the Cowboys though because they were able to score soon after when some quick thinking from Chad Townsend put Kyle Feldt into space on the outside on last tackle before a double kick from Feldt put him through to chase through his own kick. Valentine Holmes missed the conversion to keep the margin at 4.

The Cowboys found themselves on the wrong side of the bunker again, when Coen Hess was sent to the sin bin for contact with the head of Campbell Graham, the ruling looked controversial given it was a head clash and no doubt will reignite some debate.

Things got worse for the Cowboys when Kyle Feldt found himself joining Hess in the bin for a professional foul when he took Alex Johnston out on a kick chase in a try scoring opportunity. Souths took advantage of the extra men when Tom Burgess sealed the win scoring under the posts to seal the victory.

Next weekend, Souths will head to the New Allianz Stadium to take on the Roosters in what will be a fiery clash meanwhile the Cowboys will be hoping for luck to go their way to regain second spot when they take on the minor premiers, the Panthers next Saturday night.

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Keaon Koloamatangi
2 points - Cameron Murray
1 points - Tevita Tatola

Wests Tigers 22 St George Illawarra Dragons 24

Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Crowd: TBC
Date: Sunday 28 August 2022 at 2:00pm

WESTS TIGERS (22)
Tries: Fa'amanu Brown, Thomas Freebairn (2), Jock Madden
Conversions: Adam Doueihi (3/4)

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS (24)
Tries: Jaydn Su'A, Zac Lomax, Tautau Moga, Jackson Ford
Conversions: Zac Lomax (3/4)
Penalty Goals: Zac Lomax (1/1)

Dragons down Tigers in error-riddled contest

Tim Costello | August 28 2022 3:53PM

St George Illawarra have defeated the Wests Tigers thanks to a late Zac Lomax penalty goal at Commbank Stadium on Sunday, finishing 24-22 after trailing most of the afternoon.

The final moments saw a Lomax break stifled by the Tigers cover defence, but in that defence, which led to Lomax being taken in touch, Kepaoa hit Lomax high. On a Bunker review, Kepaoa was penalised and sin binned, allowing Lomax to pot the two points and the Red V to sneak home.

It was the visitors who got proceedings off to a better start, a Jaydn Su'A try on seven minutes seeing the Dragons ahead 6-0 early.

After their early efforts though, they unravelled and the Tigers eventually took advantage. A brain snap in a Tigers try-scoring situation by Saints fullback Cody Ramsey saw him sin binned at the 19th minute, during which the home side scored back-to-back tries through Thomas Freebairn and Nu Brown, snaring a 12-6 lead.

Things got worse after Ramsey's 29th-minute return - Jack Bird was penalised for a dangerous tackle on Daine Laurie eight minutes before halftime, dissented and gave up ten metres on the play, then kept dissenting. Liam Kennedy had no trouble making him the second sin binned player of the contest and the Tigers again took advantage, Freebairn crossing for his second of the afternoon.

Trailing 16-6 at the break, the Red V made amends shortly after play resumed, Tautau Moga dotting down out wide and the margin narrowing to six.

Closer to the hour-mark, Zac Lomax thought he'd scored to narrow the score further, but was denied by the video referee who identified a knock-on in the contest for a Ben Hunt kick. He would cross minutes later anyway, taking advantage of lax defence from the hosts and with his conversion, levelling proceedings at 16-all.

The Tigers managed to turn momentum back their way with a superb individual try to Jock Madden, who turned defenders inside-out on a clever run to score and put the home team back ahead 22-16.

Inside the final five minutes, Dragons interchange forward Jackson Ford scored a rare try, Lomax's conversion levelling the scores, before his late penalty goal put them back in the lead for the first time since the 23rd minute, winning them the game.

The loss makes it very difficult for the Tigers to shed the dreaded wooden spoon - which will be all-but confirmed if the Titans can beat Newcastle later today. The Dragons have locked up 10th spot with today's victory and have one match left before heading off on their off-season trips.

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Zac Lomax
2 points - Jock Madden
1 points - Thomas Freebairn

Gold Coast Titans 36 Newcastle Knights 26

Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Robina
Crowd: 11816
Date: Sunday 28 August 2022 at 4:05pm

GOLD COAST TITANS (36)
Tries: Greg Marzhew (2), Tanah Boyd, David Fifita, Beau Fermor, AJ Brimson (2)
Conversions: Tanah Boyd (4/7)

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS (26)
Tries: Edrick Lee, Daniel Saifiti, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai (2)
Conversions: Tex Hoy (3/5)

Round 24 on the Gold Coast, where defence goes to die

Robert Crosby | August 28 2022 6:17PM

The Gold Coast Titans have avoided the wooden spoon with a high-scoring 36-26 victory over the Newcastle Knights at CBUS Super Stadium.

Playing the majority of the second half a man down after Brian Kelly was dismissed for a dangerous tackle, the Titans managed to hold on for only their fifth win of the season.

In a match which saw 12 tries scored collectively, the Knights took little more than 90 seconds to begin the procession of points with Edrick Lee (1st minute), contesting a well-placed cross-field kick from Anthony Milford, outleaping Corey Thompson in a mismatch of size out wide. 

Hitting back through Greg Marzhew (6th minute) after AJ Brimson exposed the visitors down a blind side, the Titans hit the front with David Fifita (11th minute) powering over for his seventh try of the season.

The Knights managed to level the scores at 10-all midway through the half after the bunker deemed Daniel Saifiti (25th minute) managed to get the ball to the ground, but a late flurry of tries turned the game in favour of the home side.

Making metres at will through the middle of the field, the Titans posted three tries in as many sets - Beau Fermor (30th minute), Marzhew (33rd minute) and Tanah Boyd (35th minute) - to take a 14-point lead to the change of ends.

Taking advantage of a break from Jayden Brailey through the middle of the field, a right-side shift allowed Dominic Young (44th minute) to cross in the corner.

Going from hero to villain in a matter of minutes, Kelly embarrassed Dane Gagai to set up a try for Brimson (48th minute) only to be sent off for a dangerous tackle which saw Young driven into the ground.

Withstanding goal line pressure, which saw David Klemmer denied a rare four-pointer by the bunker, the Titans responded with Brimson (57th minute) grubbering close to the goal line to secure the result.

Refusing to go away, despite the bunker denying Jacob Saifiti what would have been one of the tries of the season, Gagai (64th minute) produced a rare display of his class with a dashing run.

Narrowing the margin to ten-points with Gagai (72nd minute) collecting his second, the Titans managed to hold on to the delight of 11,816 supporters on home soil.

Next week, the Titans will travel across the Tasman to face the Warriors on Saturday afternoon, while the Knights will return home for a Sunday afternoon Old Boys Day against the Sharks.

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - AJ Brimson
2 points - Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
1 points - Dane Gagai

Ladder after Round 24

RELATED: Click here to view the current NRL Telstra Premiership ladder.

Match Review Charges

Check out the 2022 match review structure and penalties table here.

Who could be back?

Here's who's in line to return to the field next weekend.

Broncos: Patty Carrigan, Selwyn Cobbo, Brenko Lee, TC Robati

Bulldogs: Corey Allan, Luke Thompson, Corey Waddell

Cowboys: Tom Dearden

Eels: Nathan Brown

Knights: Mitch Barnett, Kurt Mann

Panthers: Liam Martin, Scott Sorensen

Rabbitohs: Michael Chee-Kam

Sharks: Connor Tracey

Warriors: Jack Murchie

Wests Tigers: Luke Brooks, Luke Garner, Ken Maumalo, James Tamou

LeagueUnlimited Player of the Year standings

Our writers issue points every game for who they judge as the best player on the field.

36 points - Nicho Hynes (Sharks)
28 points - Ben Hunt (Dragons/QLD), Cameron Munster (Storm/QLD)
23 points - Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles), Mitchell Moses (Eels), Jahrome Hughes (Storm/NZ)
22 points - James Tedesco (Roosters/NSW)
20 points - Joseph Manu (Roosters/NZ)
19 points  - Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs), Joseph Tapine (Raiders)
18 points - AJ Brimson (Titans)
17 points - Jarome Luai (Panthers/NSW), Nathan Cleary (Panthers/NSW)
16 points - Jack Wighton (Raiders/NSW), Matt Burton (Bulldogs/NSW)
15 points - Isaah Yeo (Panthers)
14 points - Dylan Edwards (Panthers), Adam Reynolds (Broncos)
13 points - Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys)
12 points - Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys), Harry Grant (Storm), Viliame Kikau (Panthers), Jackson Hastings (Wests Tigers)
11 points - Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Titans), Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys)
10 points - Siosifa Talakai (Sharks), Sam Walker (Roosters), Dylan Brown (Eels), Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs), Reuben Cotter (Cowboys), Kalyn Ponga (Knights/QLD)
9 points - Keaon Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs), Blayke Brailey (Sharks), Jeremy Marshall-King (Bulldogs), Clinton Gutherson (Eels), Haumole Olakau'atu (Sea Eagles), Luke Keary (Roosters), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Reed Mahoney (Eels), Payne Haas (Broncos), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm), Valentine Holmes (Cowboys/QLD)
8 points - Talatau Amone (Dragons), Jake Clifford (Knights), Matt Moylan (Sharks), Isaiah Papali'i (Eels), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos), Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Hudson Young (Raiders), Taylan May (Panthers/Samoa)
7 points - Chad Townsend (Cowboys), Josh Curran (Warriors), Junior Paulo (Eels), Reece Robson (Cowboys), Zac Lomax (Dragons), Tom Dearden (Cowboys), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks), Will Kennedy (Sharks)
6 points - Kotoni Staggs (Broncos), Dane Gagai (Knights), Shaun Lane (Eels), Josh Papali'i (Raiders), Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Justin Olam (Storm/PNG), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers/NZ)
5 points - David Klemmer (Knights), Reece Walsh (Warriors), Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs), Liam Martin (Panthers), Peta Hiku (Cowboys), Jock Madden (Wests Tigers), Adam Elliott (Raiders), Patrick Carrigan (Broncos), Thomas Burgess (Rabbitohs), Cody Walker (Rabbitohs), Wayde Egan (Warriors), Reuben Garrick (Sea Eagles), Josh Aloiai (Sea Eagles), Siosiua Taukeiaho (Roosters), Adam Doueihi (Wests Tigers)
4 points - Kurt Capewell (Broncos), Corey Oates (Broncos), Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers), Royce Hunt (Sharks), Cody Ramsey (Dragons), Nat Butcher (Roosters), Tesi Niu (Broncos), Lachlan Ilias (Rabbitohs), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm), Ryan Matterson (Eels), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Luciano Leilua (Wests Tigers), Zac Hosking (Broncos), Herbie Farnworth (Broncos), Cameron McInnes (Sharks), David Nofoaluma (Wests Tigers/Storm/Samoa)
3 points - Matt Frawley (Raiders), Sean O'Sullivan (Panthers), Campbell Graham (Rabbitohs), Te Maire Martin (Broncos), Brad Schneider (Raiders), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Roosters), Ryan Sutton (Raiders), Toby Sexton (Titans), Tyson Frizell (Knights), Ezra Mam (Broncos), Dale Finucane (Sharks), Marion Seve (Storm), Lachlan Croker (Sea Eagles), Stephen Crichton (Panthers), Jesse Ramien (Sharks), Moses Suli (Dragons), Tex Hoy (Knights), Anthony Milford (Knights), Matthew Lodge (Roosters), Tohu Harris (Warriors), Daine Laurie (Wests Tigers), Mikaele Ravalawa (Dragons), Kelma Tuilagi (Wests Tigers), Daejarn Asi (Cowboys), Albert Kelly (Broncos), Tom Gilbert (Cowboys), Erin Clark (Titans), Luke Thompson (Bulldogs), Xavier Savage (Raiders), Joseph Suaalii (Roosters), Lachlan Lam (PNG/Roosters)
2 points - Toby Rudolf (Sharks), Jordan Rapana (Raiders), Felise Kaufusi (Storm), Tevita Pangai Junior (Bulldogs), Tanah Boyd (Titans), Morgan Harper (Sea Eagles), Edrick Lee (Knights), Hame Sele (Rabbitohs), Briton Nikora (Sharks), Corey Harawira-Naera (Raiders), Teig Wilton (Sharks), Martin Taupau (Sea Eagles), Phillip Sami (Titans), Tyrell Sloan (Dragons), Liam Knight (Rabbitohs), Jaydn Su'A (Dragons), Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Greg Marzhew (Titans), Kodi Nikorima (Warriors), Kyle Feldt (Cowboys), Jai Arrow (Rabbitohs), Izack Tago (Panthers), Dylan Walker (Sea Eagles), Luke Garner (Wests Tigers), Ken Maumalo (Wests Tigers), Sebastian Kris (Raiders), Lachlan Miller (Sharks), Murray Taulagi (Cowboys), Nick Meaney (Storm), Sunia Turuva (Fiji/Panthers)
1 point - Izaac Thompson (Rabbitohs), Jaeman Salmon (Panthers), Matthew Timoko (Raiders), Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Corey Horsburgh (Raiders), Aiden Tolman (Sharks), Connor Tracey (Sharks), Matt Dufty (Bulldogs), Braydon Trindall (Sharks), Jacob Kiraz (Bulldogs), Nathan Brown (Eels), Angus Crichton (Roosters), Corey Waddell (Bulldogs), Tevita Tatola (Rabbitohs), Thomas Freebairn (Wests Tigers), Jordan McLean (Cowboys), Adam Pompey (Warriors), Kade Dykes (Sharks), Kenny Bromwich (Storm), Beau Fermor (Titans), Toafofoa Sipley (Sea Eagles), Declan Casey (Bulldogs), Brandon Smith (Storm), Adam Clune (Knights), Dominic Young (Knights), Jack Murchie (Warriors), Lindsay Collins (Roosters), Jake Averillo (Bulldogs), Tyrone Roberts (Broncos), Ben Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Josh Mcguire (Dragons), Brian To'o (Panthers), Matt Eisenhuth (Panthers), Victor Radley (Roosters), Max King (Bulldogs), James Schiller (Raiders), Blake Lawrie (Dragons), Blake Taaffe (Rabbitohs), Xavier Coates (Storm), Mitchell Barnett (Knights), Joe Ofahengaue (Wests Tigers), Siliva Havili (Rabbitohs), Marcelo Montoya (Warriors), Josh Schuster (Samoa/Sea Eagles)

Metrics Metrics Metrics

Each week we'll also do our best to keep you across the crowd figures and TV ratings which are often the most talked-about parts of the game.

Crowds - Round 24

Brisbane Broncos (6) v Parramatta Eels (53)
Thu 25 Aug 7:50PM at Suncorp Stadium, Milton (Crowd: 30371)

Penrith Panthers (46) v Warriors (12)
Fri 26 Aug 6:00PM at BlueBet Stadium, Penrith (Crowd: 17025)
Melbourne Storm (14) v Sydney Roosters (18)
Fri 26 Aug 7:55PM at AAMI Park, Melbourne (Crowd: 25308)

Canberra Raiders (48) v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (6)
Sat 27 Aug 3:00PM at GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce (Crowd: 16697)
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (16) v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (0)
Sat 27 Aug 5:30PM at PointsBet Stadium, Woolooware (Crowd: 11500)
South Sydney Rabbitohs (20) v North Queensland Cowboys (10)
Sat 27 Aug 7:35PM at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park (Crowd: 15264)

Wests Tigers (22) v St George Illawarra Dragons (24)
Sun 28 Aug 2:00PM at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta (Crowd: 9789)
Gold Coast Titans (36) v Newcastle Knights (26)
Sun 28 Aug 4:05PM at Cbus Super Stadium, Robina (Crowd: 11816)

Total R24: 137,770
Average R24: 17,221

Season total after R24: 2,785,015
Season average after R24: 15,136

Ratings - Round 24

STV ratings (Fox League)

Thu 7:50pm - BRI v PAR - 243K
Fri 6:00pm - PEN v WAR - 169K
Fri 7:55pm - MEL v SYD - 305K
Sat 3:00pm - CAN v MAN - 164K
Sat 5:30pm - CRO v CBY - 204K
Sat 7:35pm - SOU v NQL - 285K
Sun 2:00pm - WST v SGI - 171K
Sun 4:05pm - GLD v NEW - 206K

R24 STV total: 1.747M

FTA ratings (Nine Network)

Thu 7:50pm - BRI v PAR - 587K (367K metro, 220K regional)
Fri 7:55pm - MEL v SYD - 612K (376K metro, 236K regional)
Sat 7:35pm - SOU v NQL - 446K (266K metro, 180K regional)
Sun 2:00pm - GLD v NEW - 335K (209K metro, 126K regional)

R24 FTA total: 1.980M

Around the grounds

Scores from state leagues and the UK

--> Check out all competition draws, results and ladders

Next week

NRL Round 25

Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm
Thu 1 Sep 7:50PM at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Parramatta win: they finish 4th, Storm 5th or 6th
Melbourne win: they finish 3rd or 4th, Eels finish 6th

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Fri 2 Sep 6:00PM at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
Dead rubber - no impact on top eight

Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Fri 2 Sep 7:55PM at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park
Sydney win: they finish 5th or 6th, Souths finish 7th
Souths win: they finish 5th or 6th, Sydney finish 7th

Warriors v Gold Coast Titans
Sat 3 Sep 3:00PM at Mt Smart Stadium, Penrose
Dead rubber - no impact on top eight

St George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos
Sat 3 Sep 5:30PM at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Carlton
Dragons win: Broncos finish 8th (Raiders F/A sinks below theirs with a loss on Sunday) or 9th (if Raiders win, or lose but not by the required margin)
Broncos win: Broncos finish 8th or 9th

North Queensland Cowboys v Penrith Panthers
Sat 3 Sep 7:35PM at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Panthers are minor premiers.
Cowboys win: they finish 2nd or 3rd
Panthers win: Cowboys finish 3rd or 4th

Newcastle Knights v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Sun 4 Sep 2:00PM at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton
Knights win: Sharks finish 2nd or 3rd
Sharks win: Sharks finish 2nd

Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders
Sun 4 Sep 4:05PM at Leichhardt Oval, Lilyfield
Tigers win: Raiders finish 8th or 9th
Raiders win: Raiders finish 8th

Full 2022 NRL draw & results