MONDAY'S EXPERT: 2024 NRL Round 26

A full wrap of the weekend's action - MONDAY'S EXPERT recaps all the teamsheets, details, scores and scorers from Round 26 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 ride Storm home to victory

29 Aug 2024 10:50PM | Andy P

North Queensland Cowboys 38 Melbourne Storm 30
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

Date: Thu, 29th August.   Kickoff: 7:50 PM.   Halftime: North Qld 18-16.   Penalties: North Qld 5-4.   Referee: Grant Atkins.   Crowd: 20,787.

North Qld: Drinkwater, Feldt, Holmes, Vailea, Taulagi; Dearden (C), Clifford; McLean, Robson, McIntyre, Luki, Nanai, Cotter. Int: Taumalolo, Edwards, Neame, Purdue.
Melbourne: Papenhuyzen (C), Ieremia, Seve, Tonumaipe'a, Fa'alogo; Munster, Anderson; Vaalepu, Wishart, Welch, Bradley, Chan, MacDonald. Int: Russell-Smith, Moeroa, Lisati, Powell.

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS (38)
Tries: Kyle Feldt (2), Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi, Reece Robson, Jeremiah Nanai
Conversions: Valentine Holmes (6/6)
Penalty Goals: Valentine Holmes (1/1)

MELBOURNE STORM (30)
Tries: Lazarus Vaalepu, Tyran Wishart (2), Alec MacDonald, Ativalu Lisati
Conversions: Tyran Wishart (4/5)
Penalty Goals: Tyran Wishart (1/1)

Turbo clipped as Manly ambush Dogs hype train

30 Aug 2024 7:55PM | AJ Lucantonio

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 22 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 34
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal

Date: Fri, 30th August.   Kickoff: 6:00 PM.   Halftime: Manly 24-12.   Penalties: Canterbury 7-4.   Referee: Ashley Klein.   Crowd: 35,502.

Canterbury: Tracey, Skelton, Xerri, Kiraz, Addo-Carr; Burton, Sexton; King, Mahoney, Hughes, Kikau, Preston, Salmon. Int: Hayward, Morrin, Hayes, Curran.
Manly: Trbojevic, Saab, Talau, Garrick, Hopoate; Brooks, Cherry-Evans (C); Paseka, Croker, Lodge, Olakau'atu, Lawton, Trbojevic. Int: Brown, Koula, Aloiai, Bullemor.

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (22)
Tries: Reed Mahoney (2), Josh Addo-Carr, Jacob Preston
Conversions: Matt Burton (2/2), Toby Sexton (1/2)

MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES (34)
Tries: Jason Saab, Reuben Garrick, Tom Trbojevic, Lehi Hopoate (2), Karl Lawton
Conversions: Reuben Garrick (5/6)

Panthers snap two game losing streak to secure Top 4 spot

30 Aug 2024 10:22PM | Sam Bourke

Penrith Panthers 34 South Sydney Rabbitohs 12
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith / Dharug

Date: Fri, 30th August.   Kickoff: 8:00 PM.   Halftime: Penrith 18-6.   Penalties: Penrith 11-10.   Referee: Peter Gough.   Crowd: 20,176.

Penrith: Edwards, Turuva, Tago, Alamoti, To'o; Schneider, Luai; Henry, Kenny, Fisher-Harris, Garner, Martin, Yeo (C). Int: Leota, Toelau, Smith, Eisenhuth.
South Sydney: Gray, Munro, Milne, Myers, Gagai; Wighton, Walker (C); Moale, Cook, Keppie, Host, Duncan, Koloamatangi. Int: Mamouzelos, Burgess, Havili, Le Blanc.

PENRITH PANTHERS (34)
Tries: James Fisher-Harris, Luke Garner, Brad Schneider, Sunia Turuva (2), Isaah Yeo
Conversions: Paul Alamoti (5/6)

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS (12)
Tries: Tyrone Munro (2)
Conversions: Fletcher Myers (2/2)

Eels shock Dragons in pointsfest

31 Aug 2024 5:03PM | Justin Davies

Parramatta Eels 44 St George Illawarra Dragons 40
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal

Date: Sat, 31st August.   Kickoff: 3:00 PM.   Halftime: Parramatta 26-6.   Penalties: St George Illawarra 8-5.   Referee: Wyatt Raymond.   Crowd: 21,623.

Parramatta: Gutherson (C), Sivo, Penisini, Talagi, Tago; Brown, Asi; Campbell-Gillard, Hands, Ogden, Lane, Cartwright, Ofahengaue. Int: Lussick, Makatoa, Moretti, Keir.
St George Illawarra: Sloan, Lomax, Feagai, Feagai, Ravalawa; Bird, Hunt (C); Molo, Muhleisen, De Belin, Leilua, Su'A, Eisenhuth. Int: Couchman, Couchman, Faitala-Mariner, King-Togia.

PARRAMATTA EELS (44)
Tries: Viliami Penisini, Maika Sivo (3), Clinton Gutherson (2), Jake Tago, Shaun Lane, Dylan Brown
Conversions: Daejarn Asi (4/9)

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS (40)
Tries: Connor Muhleisen, Zac Lomax, Mathew Feagai (3), Tyrell Sloan (2)
Conversions: Zac Lomax (6/7)

Dolphins add to the Brisbane Riverfire celebrations

31 Aug 2024 7:32PM | Josh Robertson

Dolphins 40 Brisbane Broncos 6
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Date: Sat, 31st August.   Kickoff: 5:30 PM.   Halftime: Dolphins 24-6.   Penalties: 6-all.   Referee: Adam Gee.   Crowd: 50,049.

Dolphins: Fuller, Isaako, Tabuai-Fidow, Farnworth, Bostock; Averillo, O'Sullivan; Pangai Junior, Plath, Nicholls (C), Kaufusi, Lemuelu, Hubner. Int: Katoa, Bromwich, Stone, Marshall-King.
Brisbane: Sailor, Cobbo, Staggs, Karapani, Arthars; Rogers, Reynolds (C); Jensen, Walters, Haas, Piakura, Riki, Carrigan. Int: Willison, Mozer, Te Kura, Taupau.

DOLPHINS (40)
Tries: Jamayne Isaako, Jake Averillo (2), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (2), Herbie Farnworth (2)
Conversions: Jamayne Isaako (6/7)

BRISBANE BRONCOS (6)
Tries: Patrick Carrigan
Conversions: Kotoni Staggs (1/1)

Johnson farewells rugby league with 5 star performance as Wahs upset Sharks

31 Aug 2024 9:51PM | Rhys Sullivan

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 28 Warriors 30
Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Woolooware / Dharawal

Date: Sat, 31st August.   Kickoff: 7:35 PM.   Halftime: Cronulla 22-4.   Penalties: Warriors 8-6.   Referee: Chris Butler.   Crowd: 12,637.

Cronulla: Kennedy, Katoa, Atkinson, Iro, Stonestreet; Hynes, Trindall; Rudolf, Brailey, Kaufusi, Nikora, Wilton, McInnes (C). Int: Williams, Hunt, Hamlin-Uele, Hazelton.
Warriors: Tuaupiki, Watene-Zelezniak, Nicoll-Klokstad, Leiataua, Montoya; Metcalf, Johnson; Fonua-Blake, Lussick, Tevaga, Barnett (C), Capewell, Walker. Int: Egan, Niukore, Ale, Sifakula.

CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS (28)
Tries: Teig Wilton, Kayal Iro, Samuel Stonestreet (2), Thomas Hazelton
Conversions: Braydon Trindall (4/5)

WARRIORS (30)
Tries: Luke Metcalf, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (3), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Marcelo Montoya
Conversions: Shaun Johnson (3/6)

Knights to control finals destiny with win over Titans

1 Sep 2024 3:57PM | Robert Crosby

Newcastle Knights 36 Gold Coast Titans 14
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

Date: Sun, 1st September.   Kickoff: 2:00 PM.   Halftime: Newcastle 12-4.   Penalties: Newcastle 5-2.   Referee: Gerard Sutton.   Crowd: 24,712.

Newcastle: Ponga (C), Sharpe, Gagai, Best, Marzhew; Cogger, Crossland; Saifiti, Brailey, Thompson, Lucas, Jones, Elliott. Int: Pryce, Croker, Hetherington, Cant.
Gold Coast: De Groot, Khan-Pereira, Kelly, Fermor, Fifita; Campbell, Foran (C); Fotuaika, Verrills, Jolliffe, Fifita, Randall, Liu. Int: Pahulu, Clark, Haas, Palasia.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS (36)
Tries: Kalyn Ponga (2), Fletcher Sharpe (3), Phoenix Crossland, Leo Thompson
Conversions: Kalyn Ponga (4/7)

GOLD COAST TITANS (14)
Tries: Jojo Fifita (2), Jaylan De Groot
Conversions: Jayden Campbell (1/3)

Raiders hold on to slim finals hopes as Roosters title chances take hit

1 Sep 2024 6:03PM | Rhys Sullivan

Sydney Roosters 12 Canberra Raiders 14
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park / Gadigal

Date: Sun, 1st September.   Kickoff: 4:05 PM.   Halftime: Canberra 10-2.   Penalties: Sydney 12-5.   Referee: Todd Smith.   Crowd: 27,239.

Sydney: Tedesco (C), Tupou, Jennings, Manu, Young; Keary, Walker; Leniu, Smith, Collins, Crichton, Radley, Butcher. Int: Watson, Whyte, Tupouniua, May, Dockar-Clay.
Canberra: Rapana, Hopoate, Timoko, Kris, Savage; Weekes, Cook; Horsburgh, Levi, Tapine, Young, Whitehead (C), Smithies. Int: Papalii, Starling, Mariota, Sasagi.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS (12)
Tries: Daniel Tupou (2)
Conversions: Luke Keary (0/2)
Penalty Goals: Luke Keary (2/2)

CANBERRA RAIDERS (14)
Tries: Elliott Whitehead, Simi Sasagi, Xavier Savage
Conversions: Adam Cook (1/3)

Wests Tigers had a bye this round.

Round 26 ladder 

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

RLP stats leaders

TOP TRYSCORERS

TOP GOALKICKERS

TOP POINTSCORERS

Match review

Dolphins' enforcer Felise Kaufusi is set to miss 2-3 games, while Canterbury's Bronson Xerri and Brisbane's Xavier Willison both to miss 1-2 games. Ten others were fined in games up to Saturday.

On Monday morning, UK-bound Canberra enforcer Elliott Whitehead was hit with three charges, one of which will see him suspended 3-4 games, which would rule him out of England's tests against Samoa later this year if Canberra fail to make the top eight. By Monday afternoon, Kaufusi confirmed he was heading to the judiciary for a downgrade; all others charged prior to Sunday took early pleas with Xerri and Willison suspended one match.

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.

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

26 points - Jahrome Hughes (Storm)

24 points - James Tedesco (Roosters)

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

19 points - Ben Hunt (Dragons)

17 points - Reece Walsh (Broncos), Sam Walker (Roosters), Isaah Yeo (Panthers), Angus Crichton (Roosters 13, Blues 4)

16 points - Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins 14, Maroons 2)

15 points - Matt Burton (Bulldogs), Jamal Fogarty (Raiders), Keano Kini (Titans), Eliesa Katoa (Storm)

14 points - Nathan Cleary (Panthers), Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers)

13 points - Zac Lomax (Dragons), Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Kalyn Ponga (Knights), Mitchell Moses (Eels 10, Blues 3)

12 points - Dylan Brown (Eels), Te Maire Martin (Warriors), Jarome Luai (Panthers 11, Blues 1), Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs 11, Blues 1)

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

10 points - Dane Gagai (Knights), Joseph Tapine (Raiders), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Tyrell Sloan (Dragons), Brian To'o (Panthers), Clinton Gutherson (Eels), Lachlan Galvin (Wests Tigers), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Toby Sexton (Bulldogs)

9 points - Keaon Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs), Tyran Wishart (Storm), Reece Robson (Cowboys), Adam Reynolds (Broncos), Tom Dearden (Cowboys)

8 points - Kieran Foran (Titans), Cody Walker (Rabbitohs), Luke Brooks (Sea Eagles), Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), Connor Tracey (Bulldogs), Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Josh Curran (Bulldogs), Blayke Brailey (Sharks), Joseph Manu (Roosters), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors), Jacob Kiraz (Bulldogs)

7 points - Ezra Mam (Broncos), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Patrick Carrigan (Broncos), Valentine Holmes (Cowboys), Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos), Connor Watson (Roosters), Terrell May (Roosters)

6 points - Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs), Jackson Hastings (Knights), Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs), Xavier Coates (Storm), Trai Fuller (Dolphins), William Kennedy (Sharks), Daniel Atkinson (Sharks), Jacob Preston (Bulldogs), Kaeo Weekes (Raiders), David Fifita (Titans), Max Plath (Dolphins), Jaydn Su'A (Dragons 5, Maroons 1)

5 points - Dylan Lucas (Knights), Jack Cogger (Knights), Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Jack Williams (Sharks), Haumole Olakau'atu (Sea Eagles), Kotoni Staggs (Broncos), Jordan Rapana (Raiders), Jayden Campbell (Titans), Lehi Hopoate (Sea Eagles), Jahream Bula (Wests Tigers), Hudson Young (Raiders), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors), Kayal Iro (Sharks), Jacob Liddle (Dragons), Mitchell Barnett (Warriors), Bradman Best (Knights)

4 points - Victor Radley (Roosters), David Armstrong (Knights), Elliott Whitehead (Raiders), Chad Townsend (Cowboys), Dominic Young (Roosters), Reuben Cotter (Cowboys), Lindsay Collins (Roosters), Jackson Ford (Warriors), Tyson Frizell (Knights), Jake Clifford (Cowboys), Ethan Strange (Raiders), Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), Zac Hosking (Raiders), Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs), Briton Nikora (Sharks), Morgan Smithies (Raiders), Tristan Sailor (Broncos)

3 points - Harry Hayes (Bulldogs), Daejarn Asi (Eels), Fletcher Sharpe (Knights), Jesse Ramien (Sharks), Maika Sivo (Eels), Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Shawn Blore (Storm), William Warbrick (Storm), Jesse Marschke (Dragons), Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Jason Saab (Sea Eagles), Jack de Belin (Dragons), Brodie Jones (Knights), Kyle Feldt (Cowboys), Payne Haas (Broncos), Josh King (Storm), Thomas Flegler (Dolphins), Stefano Utoikamanu (Wests Tigers), Bryce Cartwright (Eels), Matthew Timoko (Raiders), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Zac Laybutt (Cowboys), Wayde Egan (Warriors), Adam Elliott (Knights), Teig Wilton (Sharks), Thomas Hazelton (Sharks), Junior Paulo (Eels), Cameron Munster (Storm), Murray Taulagi (Cowboys), Nathan Brown (Sea Eagles), Sione Katoa (Sharks), Ben Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Tyson Gamble (Knights)

2 points - Taane Milne (Rabbitohs), Samuela Fainu (Wests Tigers), Grant Anderson (Storm), Luke Keary (Roosters), Deine Mariner (Broncos), Sitili Tupouniua (Roosters), Scott Sorensen (Panthers), Toafofoa Sipley (Sea Eagles), Tevita Pangai Junior (Dolphins), Izack Tago (Panthers), Luke Garner (Panthers), Tanah Boyd (Titans), Phillip Sami (Titans), Chanel Harris-Tavita (Warriors), Sandon Smith (Roosters), Jye Gray (Rabbitohs), Taniela Paseka (Sea Eagles), Jack Wighton (Rabbitohs), Heilum Luki (Cowboys), Jojo Fifita (Titans), Isaiah Papali'i (Wests Tigers), Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Taine Tuaupiki (Warriors), Liam Martin (Panthers), Billy Walters (Broncos), Jock Madden (Broncos), J'maine Hopgood (Eels), Sualauvi Faalogo (Storm), Tommy Talau (Sea Eagles), Siosifa Talakai (Sharks), Tolutau Koula (Sea Eagles), Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles)

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

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 26 crowds

Round 26 aggregate: 212,725
Match average 26,591

SEASON
2024 aggregate (196 games): 3,796,514
Match average 19,370

Average home crowds

* Note: does not include neutral venues

Fixtures & finals forecast - Round 27

THURSDAY

Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm
Thu 5 Sep 7:50PM at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Finals forecast: The only no-impact game of the weekend. Melbourne are confirmed minor premiers and Brisbane are officially out of the race.

FRIDAY

Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels
Fri 6 Sep 6:00PM at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Leumeah / Dharawal

Finals forecast: No impact on the finals here, but the winner avoids the spoon.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters
Fri 6 Sep 8:00PM at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal

Finals forecast: While the Bunnies are out of the race, the Roosters need a win to be any hope of snatching a top two finish. It won't matter if the Panthers win on Saturday, though. They can finish anywhere from 2nd to 4th.

SATURDAY

St George Illawarra Dragons v Canberra Raiders
Sat 7 Sep 3:00PM at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Carlton / Bidjigal

Finals forecast: While this game will matter when it's played and the winner will sit 8th at fulltime, it likely won't matter - the winner of Newcastle v Dolphins will have a better differential. The only way either of these teams makes the 8 is if the Knights-Dolphins match is a draw.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v North Queensland Cowboys
Sat 7 Sep 5:30PM at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal

Finals forecast: Winner takes 5th and hosts a home elimination final vs 8th place. The loser will face Manly either home or away depending on Sunday's result.

Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans
Sat 7 Sep 7:35PM at BlueBet Stadium, Penrith / Dharug

Finals forecast: A win for Penrith secures second place and a home final. A loss and and they can slip as low as fourth depending on how the Roosters went on Friday and the Sharks go on Sunday. Des's Titans are out of the race.

SUNDAY

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Sun 8 Sep 2:00PM at 4 Pines Park, Brookvale / Cammeraygal

Finals forecast: Big one for both clubs - a win for Manly will secure them a home elimination final against the loser of Bulldogs v Cowboys. In the unlikely event of that Saturday match being a draw, any win of 2 points or more for Manly will see them finish 5th and leapfrog both sides to host the 8th place team in an elimination final. Cronulla meanwhile are 4th and will know by kickoff what they need to do - if the Roosters and Panthers have both won prior to Sunday, they'll have nothing to play for outside of a ridiculous winning margin to move up to 3rd. If either or both lose, then a higher spot is on the line.

Newcastle Knights v Dolphins
Sun 8 Sep 4:05PM at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

Finals forecast: Win and in, effectively. The winner of this game takes 8th, but both will miss out in the event of a draw - assuming the Dragons-Raiders clash produces a winner.

BYE: Warriors

Full 2024 NRL Draw & Results.