MONDAY'S EXPERT - 2024 NRL Round 22

NRL24

A full wrap of the weekend's action - MONDAY'S EXPERT recaps all the teamsheets, details, scores and scorers from Round 22 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.


Cowboys and Tigers deliver another points deluge

1 Aug 2024 10:58PM | Andrew Ferguson

Wests Tigers 30 North Queensland Cowboys 48
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Lilyfield / Wanngal

Date: Thu, 1st August.   Kickoff: 7:50 PM.   Halftime: North Qld 18-10.   Penalties: North Qld 7-6.   Referee: Chris Butler.   Crowd: 7,231.

Wests Tigers: Bula, Alaimalo, Faataape, Olam, Staines; Galvin, Fainu; Utoikamanu, Koroisau (C), Klemmer, Porter, Fainu, Papali'i. Int: Da Silva, Seyfarth, Twal, Johannssen, Mason.
North Qld: Drinkwater, Feldt, Holmes, Vailea, Taulagi; Dearden (C), Townsend; McLean, Robson, Neame, Luki, Nanai, Edwards. Int: McIntyre, Mikaele, Granville, Finefeuiaki, Purdue.

WESTS TIGERS (30)
Tries: Samuela Fainu (2), Jahream Bula (2), Solomon Alaimalo, Solomona Faataape
Conversions: Apisai Koroisau (3/6)

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS (48)
Tries: Tom Dearden, Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi (3), Scott Drinkwater (2), Kyle Feldt
Conversions: Valentine Holmes (7/8)
Penalty Goals: Valentine Holmes (1/1)


Eels down Warriors in Blaize of Glory

2 Aug 2024 8:32PM | Luke Jobson

Warriors 20 Parramatta Eels 30
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Penrose / Aotearoa

Date: Fri, 2nd August.   Kickoff: 8:00 PM.   Halftime: Parramatta 18-4.   Penalties: Warriors 8-3.   Referee: Todd Smith.   Crowd: 23,812.

Warriors: Nicoll-Klokstad, Watene-Zelezniak, Leiataua, Graham-Taufa, Tuivasa-Sheck; Harris-Tavita, Johnson; Fonua-Blake, Lussick, Barnett, Niukore, Capewell, Walker. Int: Egan, Ale, Tevaga, Halasima.
Parramatta: Gutherson (C), Tago, Penisini, Talagi, Russell; Brown, Asi; Campbell-Gillard, Hands, Greig, Lane, Cartwright, Matterson. Int: Lussick, Ofahengaue, Moretti, Keir.

WARRIORS (20)
Tries: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Marata Niukore, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Conversions: Shaun Johnson (1/3), Chanel Harris-Tavita (1/1)
Penalty Goals: Shaun Johnson (0/1)

PARRAMATTA EELS (30)
Tries: Jake Tago, Clinton Gutherson, Joey Lussick, Daejarn Asi, Blaize Talagi
Conversions: Clinton Gutherson (5/5)


Walker masterclass enough for Roosters to hold off desperate Dolphins

2 Aug 2024 10:32PM | Sam Bourke

Dolphins 34 Sydney Roosters 40
Venue: HBF Park, Perth / Whadjuk

Date: Fri, 2nd August.   Kickoff: 6:00 PM.   Halftime: 20-all.   Penalties: Dolphins 8-7.   Referee: Gerard Sutton.   Crowd: 20,027.

Dolphins: Tabuai-Fidow, Isaako, Averillo, Farnworth, Bostock; O'Sullivan, Katoa; Bromwich (C), Plath, Keeley, Kaufusi, Lemuelu, Bromwich. Int: Kerr, Nicholls, Stone, Niu.
Sydney: Tedesco (C), Tupou, Sua'ali'i, Manu, Young; Keary, Walker; Leniu, Smith, Collins, Crichton, Radley, Watson. Int: Tupouniua, Whyte, Butcher, May.

DOLPHINS (34)
Tries: Max Plath, Jamayne Isaako, Felise Kaufusi, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jack Bostock
Conversions: Jamayne Isaako (4/4)
Penalty Goals: Jamayne Isaako (2/2), Isaiya Katoa (1/1)

SYDNEY ROOSTERS (40)
Tries: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Sam Walker (2), Daniel Tupou, Sitili Tupouniua (2)
Conversions: Sam Walker (6/6)
Penalty Goals: Sam Walker (2/2)


Titanic second half as Brisbane's finals hopes sink without trace

3 Aug 2024 4:55PM | AJ Lucantonio

Gold Coast Titans 46 Brisbane Broncos 18
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Robina / Yugambeh

Date: Sat, 3rd August.   Kickoff: 3:00 PM.   Halftime: Brisbane 18-10.   Penalties: Gold Coast 6-5.   Referee: Peter Gough.   Crowd: 25,278.

Gold Coast: Kini, Khan-Pereira, Kelly, Sami, Fifita; Campbell, Foran (C); Fotuaika, Verrills, Jolliffe, Fifita, Fermor, Randall. Int: Clark, Liu, Haas, Pahulu.
Brisbane: Walsh, Oates, Staggs, Mariner, Arthars; Mam, Reynolds (C); Jensen, Walters, Haas, Piakura, Riki, Carrigan. Int: Mozer, Hetherington, Willison, Taupau, Karapani.

GOLD COAST TITANS (46)
Tries: Keano Kini (2), Jojo Fifita (3), Brian Kelly, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Phillip Sami, Beau Fermor
Conversions: Jayden Campbell (5/8)

BRISBANE BRONCOS (18)
Tries: Reece Walsh (2), Kobe Hetherington
Conversions: Adam Reynolds (2/3)
Penalty Goals: Adam Reynolds (1/1)


Dragons break 25 year drought in Melbourne to pick up historic upset

3 Aug 2024 7:46PM | Josh Robertson

Melbourne Storm 16 St George Illawarra Dragons 18
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne / Wurundjeri

Date: Sat, 3rd August.   Kickoff: 5:30 PM.   Halftime: St George Illawarra 12-10.   Penalties: St George Illawarra 7-6.   Referee: Grant Atkins.   Crowd: 18,103.

Melbourne: Papenhuyzen, Warbrick, Howarth, Meaney, Anderson; Munster, Hughes; Asofa-Solomona, Grant (C), King, Blore, Katoa, Loiero. Int: Wishart, Vaalepu, MacDonald, Moeroa.
St George Illawarra: Sloan, Lomax, Suli, Feagai, Tuipulotu; Flanagan, Hunt (C); Sele, Liddle, Lawrie, Leilua, Su'A, Eisenhuth. Int: Molo, De Belin, Faitala-Mariner, Couchman.

MELBOURNE STORM (16)
Tries: Harry Grant (2), Grant Anderson
Conversions: Nick Meaney (2/3)

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS (18)
Tries: Jaydn Su'A (2), Tyrell Sloan
Conversions: Zac Lomax (3/3)


Sharks scrappy win over sloppy Souths

3 Aug 2024 9:44PM | Andrew Ferguson

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 20 South Sydney Rabbitohs 6
Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Woolooware / Dharawal

Date: Sat, 3rd August.   Kickoff: 7:35 PM.   Halftime: South Sydney 6-4.   Penalties: 7-all.   Referee: Liam Kennedy.   Crowd: 12,763.

Cronulla: Kennedy, Katoa, Ramien, Iro, Stonestreet; Atkinson, Trindall; Hunt, Brailey, Kaufusi, Nikora, Wilton, McInnes (C). Int: Talakai, Williams, Rudolf, Hamlin-Uele.
South Sydney: Gray, Myers, Milne, Kennar, Gagai; Wighton, Teaupa; Moale, Cook, Keppie, Murray (C), Host, Koloamatangi. Int: Chee-Kam, Havili, Burgess, Duncan.

CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS (20)
Tries: Sione Katoa, Braydon Trindall, Samuel Stonestreet, Kayal Iro
Conversions: Braydon Trindall (1/3), Daniel Atkinson (1/1)

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS (6)
Tries: Jye Gray
Conversions: Fletcher Myers (0/1)
Penalty Goals: Fletcher Myers (1/1)


Panthers withhold siege from spirited Knights

4 Aug 2024 5:44PM | Andy P

Penrith Panthers 22 Newcastle Knights 14
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith / Dharug

Date: Sun, 4th August.   Kickoff: 2:00 PM.   Halftime: Penrith 14-6.   Penalties: Penrith 10-6.   Referee: Adam Gee.   Crowd: 20,261.

Penrith: Iongi, Turuva, Tago, Mclean, To'o; Luai, Cleary (C); Leota, Kenny, Eisenhuth, Sorensen, Martin, Yeo. Int: Smith, Toelau, Henry, Geyer.
Newcastle: Ponga (C), Sharpe, Gagai, Lucas, Marzhew; Gamble, Crossland; Saifiti, Brailey, Thompson, Frizell, Pearce-Paul, Elliott. Int: Cogger, Hetherington, Croker, Cant.

PENRITH PANTHERS (22)
Tries: Casey McLean, Nathan Cleary, Izack Tago
Conversions: Nathan Cleary (3/3)
Penalty Goals: Nathan Cleary (2/2)

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS (14)
Tries: Daniel Saifiti, Tyson Frizell
Conversions: Kalyn Ponga (2/2)
Penalty Goals: Kalyn Ponga (1/1)


Bulldogs soar with Belmore spirit

4 Aug 2024 6:08PM | Robert Crosby

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 22 Canberra Raiders 18
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Belmore / Bidjigal

Date: Sun, 4th August.   Kickoff: 4:05 PM.   Halftime: 6-all.   Penalties: 6-all.   Referee: Ashley Klein.   Crowd: 18,110.

Canterbury: Tracey, Kiraz, Xerri, Crichton (C), Addo-Carr; Burton, Sexton; Curran, Mahoney, Hughes, Kikau, Preston, Mann. Int: Hayward, Morrin, Hayes.
Canberra: Weekes, Rapana, Timoko, Kris, Savage; Cook, Fogarty; Papalii, Starling, Tapine, Young, Whitehead, Smithies. Int: Levi, Mooney, Mariota, Hosking.

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (22)
Tries: Stephen Crichton (2), Josh Addo-Carr (2)
Conversions: Matt Burton (2/4)
Penalty Goals: Matt Burton (1/1)

CANBERRA RAIDERS (18)
Tries: Trey Mooney, Matthew Timoko, Jordan Rapana
Conversions: Jamal Fogarty (3/3)


Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles had a bye this round.


Round 22 ladder

#TeamPWDLB+/-Pts
1Melbourne191504315736
2Penrith191405316234
3Sydney201307221930
4Cronulla191207313130
5Canterbury19110839228
6North Qld20120822928
7Manly19101839327
8St Geo Illa1910093-9026
9Dolphins19901033324
10Canberra1990103-7524
11Gold Coast1980113-5422
12Newcastle1980113-10522
13Warriors2081112-3221
14Brisbane2080122-2820
15South Sydney1970123-12420
16Parramatta1950143-16116
17Wests Tigers2040162-24712

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


RLP stats leaders

TOP TRYSCORERS

Rank Player Team P T
1 Alofiana Khan-Pereira Gold Coast 16 20
2 Deine Mariner Brisbane 18 16
=3 Dominic Young Sydney 16 15
=3 Kyle Feldt North Qld 19 15
=5 Reece Walsh Brisbane 13 14
=5 Tommy Talau Manly 17 14
=5 Sione Katoa Cronulla 17 14
=5 Daniel Tupou Sydney 18 14
=5 Ronaldo Mulitalo Cronulla 18 14
=5 Jack Bostock Dolphins 18 14

TOP GOALKICKERS

Rank Player Team P G/A %
1 Sam Walker Sydney 18 77 / 91 85%
=2 Nick Meaney Melbourne 17 72 / 90 80%
=2 Jamayne Isaako Dolphins 19 72 / 92 78%
4 Valentine Holmes North Qld 18 70 / 87 80%
5 Reuben Garrick Manly 17 54 / 71 76%
6 Matt Burton Canterbury 18 53 / 75 71%
7 Nicho Hynes Cronulla 13 48 / 55 87%
8 Zac Lomax St Geo Illa16 47 / 59 80%
9 Apisai Koroisau Wests Tigers 18 38 / 49 78%

TOP POINTSCORERS

Rank Player Team P T G FG Pts
1 Jamayne Isaako Dolphins 19 10 72 1 185
2 Sam Walker Sydney 18 6 77 - 178
3 Valentine Holmes North Qld 18 9 70 - 176
4 Nick Meaney Melbourne 17 5 72 - 164
5 Zac Lomax St Geo Illa16 11 47 0/2 142
6 Matt Burton Canterbury 18 8 53 3 141
7 Reuben Garrick Manly 17 8 54 - 140
8 Nicho Hynes Cronulla 13 2 48 1 105
9 Latrell Mitchell South Sydney 11 8 33 - 98

Match review

Justin Olam (Tigers) is the only player facing suspension with a series of others charged.

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.

27 points - Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles 24, Maroons 3)

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

20 points - Jahrome Hughes (Storm)

18 points - James Tedesco (Roosters)
17 points - Reece Walsh (Broncos)
16 points - Sam Walker (Roosters), Ben Hunt (Dragons)
15 points - Jamal Fogarty (Raiders)
14 points - Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins 12, Maroons 2), Angus Crichton (Roosters 10, Blues 4)
13 points - Keano Kini (Titans), Mitchell Moses (Eels 10, Blues 3)
12 points - Zac Lomax (Dragons), Nathan Cleary (Panthers), Isaah Yeo (Panthers), Matt Burton (Bulldogs), Te Maire Martin (Warriors), Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs 11, Blues 1)
11 points - Nicho Hynes (Sharks), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks), Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins), AJ Brimson (Titans), Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys)
10 points - Braydon Trindall (Sharks), Eliesa Katoa (Storm), Jarome Luai (Panthers 9, Blues 1)
9 points - Dylan Brown (Eels), Clinton Gutherson (Eels), Tyrell Sloan (Dragons), Reece Robson (Cowboys), Keaon Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs)
8 points - Josh Curran (Bulldogs), Dane Gagai (Knights), Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Kieran Foran (Titans), Harry Grant (Storm), Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs)
7 points - Connor Watson (Roosters), Ezra Mam (Broncos), Jacob Kiraz (Bulldogs), Tom Dearden (Cowboys), Brian To'o (Panthers), Terrell May (Roosters), Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos), Adam Reynolds (Broncos), Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
6 points - Connor Tracey (Bulldogs), Xavier Coates (Storm), David Fifita (Titans), Joseph Manu (Roosters), Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs), Cody Walker (Rabbitohs), Tyran Wishart (Storm), Kaeo Weekes (Raiders), Jackson Hastings (Knights), William Kennedy (Sharks), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors), Jaydn Su'A (Dragons 5, Maroons 1)
5 points - Dylan Lucas (Knights), Trai Fuller (Dolphins), Haumole Olakau'atu (Sea Eagles), Jacob Liddle (Dragons), Kayal Iro (Sharks), Lachlan Galvin (Wests Tigers), Patrick Carrigan (Broncos), Jordan Rapana (Raiders), Kalyn Ponga (Knights), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm), Blayke Brailey (Sharks), Bradman Best (Knights), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors), Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys), Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Jahream Bula (Wests Tigers), Lehi Hopoate (Sea Eagles), Jayden Campbell (Titans)
4 points - Dominic Young (Roosters), Chad Townsend (Cowboys), Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Hudson Young (Raiders), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Jackson Ford (Warriors), David Armstrong (Knights), Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), Reuben Cotter (Cowboys), Zac Hosking (Raiders), Toby Sexton (Bulldogs), Victor Radley (Roosters), Ethan Strange (Raiders), Jacob Preston (Bulldogs), Joseph Tapine (Raiders), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Max Plath (Dolphins), Lindsay Collins (Roosters), Mitchell Barnett (Warriors)
3 points - Kyle Feldt (Cowboys), Luke Brooks (Sea Eagles), Daejarn Asi (Eels), Tyson Gamble (Knights), Sione Katoa (Sharks), Ben Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Elliott Whitehead (Raiders), Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans), Shawn Blore (Storm), Adam Elliott (Knights), Daniel Atkinson (Sharks), Jason Saab (Sea Eagles), Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Jack de Belin (Dragons), Jesse Marschke (Dragons), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Morgan Smithies (Raiders), Thomas Hazelton (Sharks), William Warbrick (Storm), Payne Haas (Broncos), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Murray Taulagi (Cowboys), Thomas Flegler (Dolphins), Bryce Cartwright (Eels), Stefano Utoikamanu (Wests Tigers), Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs), Jack Cogger (Knights), Zac Laybutt (Cowboys), Junior Paulo (Eels), Matthew Timoko (Raiders), Cameron Munster (Storm), Teig Wilton (Sharks), Josh King (Storm), Wayde Egan (Warriors)
2 points - Sualauvi Faalogo (Storm), Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Tevita Pangai Junior (Dolphins), Phillip Sami (Titans), J'maine Hopgood (Eels), Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles), Briton Nikora (Sharks), Jack Williams (Sharks), Scott Sorensen (Panthers), Jye Gray (Rabbitohs), Chanel Harris-Tavita (Warriors), Samuela Fainu (Wests Tigers), Jake Clifford (Cowboys), Tanah Boyd (Titans), Kotoni Staggs (Broncos), Luke Keary (Roosters), Tolutau Koula (Sea Eagles), Taine Tuaupiki (Warriors), Tommy Talau (Sea Eagles), Heilum Luki (Cowboys), Luke Garner (Panthers), Isaiah Papali'i (Wests Tigers), Siosifa Talakai (Sharks), Deine Mariner (Broncos), Billy Walters (Broncos), Sandon Smith (Roosters), Izack Tago (Panthers), Tyson Frizell (Knights), Jojo Fifita (Titans), Jock Madden (Broncos), Toafofoa Sipley (Sea Eagles), Nathan Brown (Sea Eagles), Liam Martin (Panthers), Valentine Holmes (Cowboys), Taane Milne (Rabbitohs), Grant Anderson (Storm)
1 point - Beau Fermor (Titans), Greg Marzhew (Knights), Harrison Edwards (Bulldogs), Bronson Garlick (Storm), Jesse Arthars (Broncos), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Christian Tuipulotu (Dragons), Tallyn Da Silva (Wests Tigers), Jamie Humphreys (Sea Eagles), Kurtis Morrin (Bulldogs), Daine Laurie (Panthers), Charlie Guymer (Eels), Cameron McInnes (Sharks), Max King (Bulldogs), Lindsay Smith (Panthers), Jack Wighton (Rabbitohs), Blake Wilson (Bulldogs), Brodie Jones (Knights), Josh Kerr (Dolphins), Asu Kepaoa (Wests Tigers), Thomas Burgess (Rabbitohs), Justin Olam (Wests Tigers), Bronson Xerri (Bulldogs), Griffin Neame (Cowboys), Mikaele Ravalawa (Dragons), Brad Schneider (Panthers), Reuben Garrick (Sea Eagles), Nat Butcher (Roosters), Charlie Staines (Wests Tigers), Daniel Saifiti (Knights), Taylan May (Panthers), Erin Clark (Titans), Braidon Burns (Cowboys), Nick Meaney (Storm), Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys), Royce Hunt (Sharks), Jack Bostock (Dolphins), Tristan Sailor (Broncos), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Titans), Luciano Leilua (Dragons), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Cowboys), Jack Cole (Panthers), Brandon Smith (Roosters), Sam Verrills (Titans), Aidan Sezer (Wests Tigers), Rocco Berry (Warriors), Jesse McLean (Panthers), Adam Doueihi (Wests Tigers)


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 22 crowds

Thu 7:50pmWST v NQLLeichhardt7,231
Fri 8:00pmWAR v PARGo Media23,812
Fri 6:00pmDOL v SYDHBF20,027
Sat 3:00pmGLD v BRICbus Super25,278
Sat 5:30pmMEL v SGIAAMI18,103
Sat 7:35pmCRO v SOUPointsbet12,763
Sun 2:00pmPEN v NEWBlueBet20,261
Sun 4:05pmCBY v CANBelmore18,110

Round 21 aggregate: 145,585
Match average 18,198

SEASON
2024 aggregate (164 games): 3,155,868
Match average 19,243

Average home crowds

TeamHome Avg
Brisbane40,710
Warriors23,698
Sydney21,849
Newcastle21,699
Dolphins19,614
Canterbury19,566
Melbourne19,223
Penrith19,032
North Qld18,715
Parramatta18,524
Manly16,251
Gold Coast16,231
St Geo Illa15,479
Souths15,258
Canberra13,259
Wests Tigers12,325
Cronulla11,622

* Note: does not include neutral venues


Fixtures - Round 22

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Melbourne Storm
Thu 8 Aug 7:50PM at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal

Gold Coast Titans v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Fri 9 Aug 6:00PM at Cbus Super Stadium, Robina / Yugambeh
Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers
Fri 9 Aug 8:00PM at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal

Canberra Raiders v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Sat 10 Aug 3:00PM at GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce / Ngunnawal
North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos
Sat 10 Aug 5:30PM at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba
St George Illawarra Dragons v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Sat 10 Aug 7:35PM at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Carlton / Bidjigal

Dolphins v Warriors
Sun 11 Aug 2:00PM at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal
Newcastle Knights v Wests Tigers
Sun 11 Aug 4:05PM at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

BYE: Sydney Roosters

Full 2024 NRL Draw & Results.