MONDAY'S EXPERT - 2024 NRL Round 20

A full wrap of the weekend's action - MONDAY'S EXPERT recaps all the teamsheets, details, scores and scorers from Round 19 of the NRL, with heaps more info like the current ladder, stats leaders, match review, POTY standings, crowd figures and fixtures for next week.

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

RELATED: See the full list of 2024 NRL Telstra Premiership Draw and Results.

Raiders break losing streak off the back of Warriors woes

19 Jul 2024 11:22PM | Andy P

Canberra Raiders 20 Warriors 18
Venue: GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce / Ngunnawal

Date: Fri, 19th July.   Kickoff: 8:00 PM.   Halftime: Canberra 14-6.   Penalties: Canberra 5-4.   Referee: Todd Smith.   Crowd: 8,509.

Canberra: Weekes, Rapana, Timoko, Kris, Savage; Strange, Fogarty; Papalii, Starling, Tapine, Young, Whitehead (C), Smithies. Int: Levi, Mooney, Mariota, Hosking.
Warriors: Tuaupiki, Watene-Zelezniak, Leiataua, Pompey, Tuivasa-Sheck; Harris-Tavita, Martin; Fonua-Blake, Egan, Barnett, Niukore, Capewell, Walker. Int: Lussick, Ford, Tevaga, Halasima.

CANBERRA RAIDERS (20)
Tries: Hudson Young (2), Xavier Savage
Conversions: Jamal Fogarty (3/3)
Penalty Goals: Jamal Fogarty (1/1)

WARRIORS (18)
Tries: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Kurt Capewell, Mitchell Barnett, Addin Fonua-Blake
Conversions: Adam Pompey (1/1), Chanel Harris-Tavita (0/3)

Rabbitohs roll on (and dare to dream)

20 Jul 2024 5:03PM | Robert Crosby

South Sydney Rabbitohs 42 Wests Tigers 28
Venue: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford / Darkinjung

Date: Sat, 20th July.   Kickoff: 3:00 PM.   Halftime: South Sydney 22-18.   Penalties: South Sydney 7-2.   Referee: Wyatt Raymond.   Crowd: 16,284.

South Sydney: Gray, Johnston, Milne, Kennar, Gagai; Wighton, Walker (C); Moale, Cook, Keppie, Duncan, Chee-Kam, Koloamatangi. Int: Mamouzelos, Burgess, Havili, Le Blanc.
Wests Tigers: Bula, Laulilii, Doueihi, Faataape, Staines; Galvin, Sezer; Utoikamanu, Da Silva, Klemmer, Bateman (C), Fainu, Pole. Int: Fainu, Twal, Fainu, Miller.

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS (42)
Tries: Davvy Moale, Cody Walker (2), Alex Johnston (2), Peter Mamouzelos, Jye Gray
Conversions: Damien Cook (6/7)
Penalty Goals: Damien Cook (1/1)

WESTS TIGERS (28)
Tries: Lachlan Galvin, Tallyn Da Silva, Jahream Bula, Charlie Staines, Sione Fainu
Conversions: Aidan Sezer (4/5)

Brisbane keep finals hopes alive with crucial win

20 Jul 2024 8:04PM | Aidan Edgecomb

Newcastle Knights 14 Brisbane Broncos 30
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

Date: Sat, 20th July.   Kickoff: 5:30 PM.   Halftime: Brisbane 18-0.   Penalties: Newcastle 7-6.   Referee: Chris Butler.   Crowd: 26,952.

Newcastle: Ponga (C), Mapapalangi, Gagai, Best, Marzhew; Gamble, Hastings; Saifiti, Crossland, Thompson, Frizell, Pearce-Paul, Lucas. Int: Brailey, Saifiti, Hetherington, Croker.
Brisbane: Walsh, Oates, Staggs, Mariner, Arthars; Mam, Reynolds (C); Jensen, Walters, Haas, Piakura, Riki, Carrigan. Int: Willison, Hetherington, Smoothy, Taupau.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS (14)
Tries: Jack Hetherington, Mathew Croker, Greg Marzhew
Conversions: Jackson Hastings (0/1), Kalyn Ponga (1/2)

BRISBANE BRONCOS (30)
Tries: Deine Mariner (2), Reece Walsh, Brendan Piakura, Ezra Mam
Conversions: Adam Reynolds (5/5)

Storm eye minor premiership with comprehensive victory over rivals

20 Jul 2024 9:34PM | Lachy MacCorquodale

Melbourne Storm 24 Sydney Roosters 8
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne / Wurundjeri

Date: Sat, 20th July.   Kickoff: 7:35 PM.   Halftime: Melbourne 14-4.   Penalties: Melbourne 6-4.   Referee: Grant Atkins.   Crowd: 17,055.

Melbourne: Papenhuyzen, Warbrick, Howarth, Meaney, Anderson; Wishart, Hughes (C); Kamikamica, Grant (C), King, Blore, Katoa, Loiero. Int: Fa'alogo, MacDonald, Chan, Vaalepu.
Sydney: Tedesco (C), Tupou, Sua'ali'i, Tupouniua, Young; Keary, Walker; May, Smith, Whyte, Crichton, Radley, Watson. Int: Collins, Smith, Leniu, Butcher.

MELBOURNE STORM (24)
Tries: Jack Howarth, Grant Anderson (2), Sualauvi Faalogo
Conversions: Nick Meaney (2/4)
Penalty Goals: Nick Meaney (2/2)

SYDNEY ROOSTERS (8)
Tries: Daniel Tupou, Dominic Young
Conversions: Sam Walker (0/2)

Cleary's triumphant return lifts Panthers to comeback win over Dolphins

21 Jul 2024 4:10PM | Rhys Sullivan

Penrith Panthers 28 Dolphins 26
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith / Dharug

Date: Sun, 21st July.   Kickoff: 2:00 PM.   Halftime: Dolphins 18-12.   Penalties: Penrith 8-5.   Referee: Adam Gee.   Crowd: 20,955.

Penrith: Laurie, Turuva, Tago, Mclean, Alamoti; Schneider, Cleary (C); Leota, Kenny, Fisher-Harris, Sorensen, Henry, Eisenhuth. Int: Toelau, Smith, Patea, Geyer.
Dolphins: Tabuai-Fidow, Isaako, Averillo, Farnworth, Bostock; Nikorima, Katoa; Bromwich (C), Plath, Pangai Junior, Kaufusi, Lemuelu, Bromwich. Int: Kerr, Nicholls, Stone, Fuller.

PENRITH PANTHERS (28)
Tries: Sunia Turuva, Paul Alamoti, Moses Leota, Daine Laurie
Field Goals: Nathan Cleary (0/1)
Two Point Field Goals: Nathan Cleary (1/1)
Conversions: Nathan Cleary (4/4)
Penalty Goals: Nathan Cleary (1/1)

DOLPHINS (26)
Tries: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (2), Isaiya Katoa, Jack Bostock
Conversions: Jamayne Isaako (4/4)
Penalty Goals: Jamayne Isaako (1/1)

Turbo cleared for take-off as Des' return ends in defeat

21 Jul 2024 5:48PM | AJ Lucantonio

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 38 Gold Coast Titans 8
Venue: 4 Pines Park, Brookvale / Cammeraygal

Date: Sun, 21st July.   Kickoff: 4:05 PM.   Halftime: Manly 12-8.   Penalties: Manly 5-3.   Referee: Liam Kennedy.   Crowd: 16,050.

Manly: Trbojevic, Saab, Talau, Garrick, Hopoate; Brooks, Cherry-Evans (C); Sipley, Simpkin, Aloiai, Trbojevic, Lawton, Trbojevic. Int: Brown, Chan Kum Tong, Bullemor, Paseka.
Gold Coast: Kini, Khan-Pereira, Kelly, Sami, Fifita; Campbell, Foran (C); Fotuaika, Verrills, Clark, Fifita, Fermor, Randall. Int: Liu, Haas, Palasia, Pahulu.

MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES (38)
Tries: Luke Brooks, Lehi Hopoate, Jason Saab, Tom Trbojevic (2), Ben Trbojevic, Tommy Talau
Conversions: Reuben Garrick (5/7)

GOLD COAST TITANS (8)
Tries: Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Beau Fermor
Conversions: Jayden Campbell (0/2)

Cowboys edge Bulldogs in Townsville heat

21 Jul 2024 8:47PM | Josh Robertson

North Queensland Cowboys 20 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 18
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

Date: Sun, 21st July.   Kickoff: 6:15 PM.   Halftime: Canterbury 12-8.   Penalties: North Qld 9-6.   Referee: Gerard Sutton.   Crowd: 16,376.

North Qld: Drinkwater, Feldt, Holmes, Vailea, Purdue; Dearden (C), Townsend; McLean, Robson, Taumalolo, Luki, Nanai, Cotter. Int: Finefeuiaki, McIntyre, Edwards, Neame.
Canterbury: Tracey, Kiraz, Xerri, Crichton (C), Wilson; Burton, Sexton; Curran, Mahoney, Hughes, Kikau, Preston, Mann. Int: Hayward, Morrin, Hayes, Patolo.

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS (20)
Tries: Heilum Luki (2), Jaxon Purdue
Conversions: Valentine Holmes (3/3)
Penalty Goals: Valentine Holmes (1/1)

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (18)
Tries: Josh Curran, Bronson Xerri, Jacob Kiraz
Conversions: Matt Burton (1/3)
Penalty Goals: Matt Burton (2/2)

St George Illawarra Dragons, Parramatta Eels and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks had a bye this round.

Round 20 ladder

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

RLP stats leaders

Most tries

Most goals

Most points

Match review

Aidan Sezer (Tigers) and Joe Chan (Storm) are both facing suspension, with others fined. 10 players also charged in Origin III earlier in the week with Manly's Olakau'atu and Rabbitoh Cam Murray both missing Round 20.

Click here to find out the details on each and every charge.

LeagueUnlimited Player of the Year standings

Our writers issue points every game for who they judge as the best player on the field. Includes points accumulated during State of Origin series.

25 points - Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles 22, Maroons 3)

23 points - Dylan Edwards (Panthers 20, Blues 3)

20 points - Jahrome Hughes (Storm)

17 points - Reece Walsh (Broncos)

15 points - James Tedesco (Roosters)

14 points - Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins 12, Maroons 2), Angus Crichton (Roosters 10, Blues 4)

13 points - Ben Hunt (Dragons), Mitchell Moses (Eels 10, Blues 3)

12 points - Te Maire Martin (Warriors), Jamal Fogarty (Raiders), Matt Burton (Bulldogs), Zac Lomax (Dragons), Sam Walker (Roosters), Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs 11, Blues 1)

11 points - Nicho Hynes (Sharks), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks), AJ Brimson (Titans), Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys), Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins)

10 points - Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Isaah Yeo (Panthers), Jarome Luai (Panthers 9, Blues 1)

9 points - Reece Robson (Cowboys), Tyrell Sloan (Dragons), Keaon Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs)

8 points - Keano Kini (Titans), Josh Curran (Bulldogs), Kieran Foran (Titans), Dane Gagai (Knights), Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), Damien Cook (Rabbitohs)

7 points - Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos), Eliesa Katoa (Storm), Terrell May (Roosters), Brian To'o (Panthers), Jacob Kiraz (Bulldogs), Ezra Mam (Broncos), Tom Dearden (Cowboys), Clinton Gutherson (Eels), Adam Reynolds (Broncos), Shaun Johnson (Warriors)

6 points - Nathan Cleary (Panthers), Harry Grant (Storm), Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs), Jackson Hastings (Knights), Cody Walker (Rabbitohs), Tyran Wishart (Storm), Dylan Brown (Eels), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors), Joseph Manu (Roosters), William Kennedy (Sharks), Xavier Coates (Storm), Braydon Trindall (Sharks)

5 points - Lehi Hopoate (Sea Eagles), Jacob Liddle (Dragons), David Fifita (Titans), Lachlan Galvin (Wests Tigers), Patrick Carrigan (Broncos), Connor Watson (Roosters), Haumole Olakau'atu (Sea Eagles), Dylan Lucas (Knights), Kaeo Weekes (Raiders), Jayden Campbell (Titans), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm), Trai Fuller (Dolphins), Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Bradman Best (Knights), Blayke Brailey (Sharks), Kalyn Ponga (Knights), Jaydn Su'A (Dragons 4, Maroons 1)

4 points - Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Lindsay Collins (Roosters), Mitchell Barnett (Warriors), Dominic Young (Roosters), David Armstrong (Knights), Reuben Cotter (Cowboys), Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), Chad Townsend (Cowboys), Joseph Tapine (Raiders), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Victor Radley (Roosters), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Jackson Ford (Warriors), Jordan Rapana (Raiders), Ethan Strange (Raiders), Zac Hosking (Raiders)

3 points - Bryce Cartwright (Eels), Jacob Preston (Bulldogs), Elliott Whitehead (Raiders), Shawn Blore (Storm), Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys), Jesse Marschke (Dragons), Sione Katoa (Sharks), Josh King (Storm), Cameron Munster (Storm), Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs), Tyson Gamble (Knights), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Teig Wilton (Sharks), Daniel Atkinson (Sharks), Thomas Hazelton (Sharks), Jack Cogger (Knights), Jack de Belin (Dragons), Zac Laybutt (Cowboys), Max Plath (Dolphins), Adam Elliott (Knights), Thomas Flegler (Dolphins), Payne Haas (Broncos), Junior Paulo (Eels), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Kayal Iro (Sharks), Stefano Utoikamanu (Wests Tigers), Ben Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors), Luke Brooks (Sea Eagles), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Wayde Egan (Warriors), Jason Saab (Sea Eagles), Connor Tracey (Bulldogs), Matthew Timoko (Raiders), Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs), Morgan Smithies (Raiders)

2 points - Hudson Young (Raiders), Sualauvi Faalogo (Storm), Toafofoa Sipley (Sea Eagles), Kotoni Staggs (Broncos), Tevita Pangai Junior (Dolphins), Heilum Luki (Cowboys), Phillip Sami (Titans), Taine Tuaupiki (Warriors), Jake Clifford (Cowboys), Scott Sorensen (Panthers), Siosifa Talakai (Sharks), Samuela Fainu (Wests Tigers), Taane Milne (Rabbitohs), Jock Madden (Broncos), Briton Nikora (Sharks), William Warbrick (Storm), Tanah Boyd (Titans), Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Grant Anderson (Storm), Chanel Harris-Tavita (Warriors), Tolutau Koula (Sea Eagles), Deine Mariner (Broncos), Luke Garner (Panthers), Sandon Smith (Roosters), Jahream Bula (Wests Tigers), Luke Keary (Roosters), Jack Williams (Sharks), Nathan Brown (Sea Eagles), Izack Tago (Panthers), J'maine Hopgood (Eels), Tommy Talau (Sea Eagles), Isaiah Papali'i (Wests Tigers), Billy Walters (Broncos), Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles)

1 point - Jack Bostock (Dolphins), Adam Doueihi (Wests Tigers), Charlie Guymer (Eels), Asu Kepaoa (Wests Tigers), Cameron McInnes (Sharks), Harrison Edwards (Bulldogs), Max King (Bulldogs), Josh Kerr (Dolphins), Greg Marzhew (Knights), Bronson Garlick (Storm), Bronson Xerri (Bulldogs), Murray Taulagi (Cowboys), Tallyn Da Silva (Wests Tigers), Aidan Sezer (Wests Tigers), Daine Laurie (Panthers), Rocco Berry (Warriors), Brandon Smith (Roosters), Jamie Humphreys (Sea Eagles), Valentine Holmes (Cowboys), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Jye Gray (Rabbitohs), Christian Tuipulotu (Dragons), Thomas Burgess (Rabbitohs), Tyson Frizell (Knights), Jesse McLean (Panthers), Sam Verrills (Titans), Brad Schneider (Panthers), Blake Wilson (Bulldogs), Taylan May (Panthers), Jack Cole (Panthers), Charlie Staines (Wests Tigers), Braidon Burns (Cowboys), Erin Clark (Titans), Brodie Jones (Knights), Mikaele Ravalawa (Dragons), Daniel Saifiti (Knights), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Cowboys), Luciano Leilua (Dragons), Nat Butcher (Roosters), Reuben Garrick (Sea Eagles), Jesse Arthars (Broncos), Kurtis Morrin (Bulldogs), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Titans), Royce Hunt (Sharks), Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys), Jack Wighton (Rabbitohs), Griffin Neame (Cowboys), Justin Olam (Wests Tigers), Nick Meaney (Storm), Tristan Sailor (Broncos)

Crowd Watch

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

Round 20 crowds

THIS WEEK

Round 20 aggregate: 122,181
Match average 17,454

SEASON

2024 aggregate (148 games): 2,839,315
Match average 19,185

Average home crowds

* Note: does not include neutral venues

Fixtures - Round 21

Warriors v Wests Tigers
Fri 26 Jul 6:00PM at Go Media Stadium, Penrose / Aotearoa
Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm
Fri 26 Jul 8:00PM at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal

Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Sat 27 Jul 3:00PM at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal
North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Sat 27 Jul 5:30PM at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba
Sydney Roosters v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Sat 27 Jul 7:35PM at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park / Gadigal

St George Illawarra Dragons v Penrith Panthers
Sun 28 Jul 2:00PM at WIN Stadium, Wollongong / Dharawal
Dolphins v Gold Coast Titans
Sun 28 Jul 4:05PM at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal
Canberra Raiders v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Sun 28 Jul 6:15PM at GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce / Ngunnawal

BYE: Newcastle

Full 2024 NRL Draw & Results.