With thirty four of Australian’s finest doing their states proud, the ASRL had immense potential for upsets this week, with the big guns weakened by the absence of those who have been toiling hard for the first thirteen rounds of the season.
PREMIER LEAGUE
Adelaide and Wellington have proven inseparable after eighty minutes of scrappy but entertaining football. The Attitude found themselves on the back foot when John Sitizein scored after only thirty six seconds, but fought back to lead 14-8 with only a minute of play remaining. A late try to RSC call-up, Tai Lavea, forced a 14 all draw.
Adelaide: Gary Coleman and David Raimes. Rice 2/3. Apokalips 1/1
Wellington: John Sitizein and Tai Lavea. Orr 3/3
HT Score: 8 all
Penalties: Adelaide 8-5
Completion Rates: Adelaide 66% Wellington 50%
Possession: Adelaide 54% Wellington 46%
PoM Points: Courtney Brideson 3, Tai Lavea 2, and David Raimes 1.
Michael DeVere’s return to the big league, after an extended period out of the game with injury, has proven that the talented Northern centre should be looked at for the second State of Origin match. After missing much of the past few weeks through injury, DeVere turned it on in style to guide Northern to a powerful 30-14 win over Brisbane.
Brisbane: Brian O’Driscroll, Joe Galavao, and Julian Huxley. Croker 2/4
Northern: Paul Wellens, Michael DeVere, Jason Hooper, Frederick Michalak, and Edward Hoartshire. Pariah 5/5
HT Score: Northern 18-10
Penalties: Brisbane 6-4
Completion Rates: Brisbane 71% Northern 64%
Possession: Brisbane 49% Northern 51%
PoM Points: Michael DeVere 3, Brett Dallas 2, and Edward Hoartshire 1.
Carnarvon have pulled off a major upset in their Round 14 clash with Coffs Harbour, the Grizzlies getting up 18-14 over a Wyrms’ outfit missing the influence of QLD starter, Kevin Campion. Whilst Stirling Mortlock dominated play for the visitors, he found himself unsupported, with Carnarvon’s Graham Luana enjoying another fine game.
Carnarvon: John Stankevitch 2 and Soni Ardi. Luana 3/3
Coffs Harbour: Andrew Miller 2. Mortlock 2/3. O’Gara 1/1
HT Score: Carnarvon 18-6
Penalties: Carnarvon 5-3
Completion Rates: Carnarvon 54% Coffs Harbour 74%
Possession: Carnarvon 48% Coffs Harbour 52%
PoM Points: Stirling Mortlock 3, Koru Tirohara 2, and Graham Luana 1.
Central Coast have accounted for a severely undermanned Surfers Paradise side, the Falcons not looking convincing, but getting the job done in a 14-6 win over the visiting Punks. Without the influence of the likes of Hannay and Lockyer, the Punks were never expected to emulate the feats of weeks gone by, but were able to restrict a near full strength Falcons’ squad to just fourteen points.
Central Coast: Braith Anasta and Gunter Franz. Burke 3/3
Surfers Paradise: Iestyn Harris. Harris ½
HT Score: Central Coast 8-0
Penalties: Central Coast 10-6
Completion Rates: Central Coast 68% Surfers Paradise 70%
Possession: Central Coast 48% Surfers Paradise 52%
PoM Points: Iestyn Harris 3, Corey Parker 2, and Brett Seymour 1.
The Central Phoenix have slumped to their second consecutive loss of the season thus far, the Phoenix being humbled 30-12 by the visiting Parramatta Vikings. Parramatta were far from full strength, but played champagne football to outclass and stun the Phoenix in front of a dismayed home crowd.
Central: Scott Donald and Jason Cayless. Deacon 2/2
Parramatta: Freddie Banquet, Eric Grothe Jr 2, Neville Costigan, and Nathan Cayless. Faumunia 5/7
HT Score: Parramatta 20-6
Penalties: Parramatta 8-5
Completion Rates: Central 59% Parramatta 78%
Possession: Central 46% Parramatta 54%
PoM Points: Eric Grothe Jr 3, Christian Cullen 2, and Chris Thorman 1.
Even the inclusion of three debutants and the absence of captain, Andrew Johns, hasn’t been able to stop the Crusade juggernaut- the reigning premiers downing Port Moresby 34-24 in a match they essentially won shortly after halftime- when they lead 34-18 on the back of some superb offensive work from deputy halfback, Matt Orford, and wing sensation, Ade Gardner.
Gold Coast: Chris Latham, Ade Gardner, George Carmont, Danny Buderus, Adam Peek, and Tommy O’Reilly. Orford 5/6
Port Moresby: Olivier Sarramea, Marcus Bai, Miguel Detreaux, and Mohammed Zian Ali. Carter 4/4
HT Score: Gold Coast 22-18
Penalties: Port Moresby 8-5
Completion Rates: Gold Coast 57% Port Moresby 62%
Possession: Gold Coast 50% Port Moresby 50%
PoM Points: Ade Gardner 3, Matt Orford 2, and Danny Buderus 1.
Perth’s season at the bottom got no easier today, the Taipans unable to match it with the hot and cold Executioners, and going down 24-10 in front of a small and unenthusiastic local crowd. With Perth looking more and more like the side going to relegate next season, word is that big names Keiron Cunningham and Shane Webcke are looking for new clubs.
Perth: Michael Buettner and Keiron Cunningham. Spencer ½
Melbourne: Regan King 2, Carlos Ricardo, and Jonny Maquina. Maquina 4/4
HT Score: Melbourne 18-4
Penalties: Perth 9-4
Completion Rates: Perth 66% Melbourne 56%
Possession: Perth 49% Melbourne 51%
PoM Points: Regan King 3, Luke Lewis 2, and Keiron Cunningham 1.
Justin Hodges has sent QLD coach, Roger Bossert, a loud and clear reminder of his talent- the former QLD rep tearing apart Sydney’s squad in leading the Cyclones to a powerful 22-6 win over the struggling Oilers. Fans at Sydney are calling for Bossert to step down from the QLD coaching post, claiming the job has made him forget the fans and his club.
Sydney: Craig Gower. Walker ½
Darwin: Justin Hodges, Tana Umaga 2, and Reece Williams. Wilkinson ¾
HT Score: Darwin 16-6
Penalties: Sydney 8-5
Completion Rates: Sydney 75% Darwin 67%
Possession: Sydney 45% Darwin 55%
PoM Points: Justin Hodges 3, Reece Williams 2, and Tana Umaga 1.
Wollongong and Capetown have played out the second draw of the round, a late Craig Kenniwell try levelling things and giving Brett Hodgson a chance to kick his side home to a 36-34 win over the visiting Ravens. Hodgson’s goal fell short, however, and left the fulltime score at 34 all.
Wollongong: Brett Hodgson, Craig Kenniwell, Brian Bower, Adam MacDougall, Ian Hindmarsh, and Paul Gallen. Hodgson ½. Covell 4/5
Capetown: Lance Rhodes, Jeremy Paul 2, Ryan Jones, and Derek Gateshead. Farrell 7/7
HT Score: Wollongong 24-14
Penalties: Capetown 8-7
Completion Rates: Wollongong 58% Capetown 69%
Possession: Wollongong 52% Capetown 48%
PoM Points: Lance Rhodes 3, Martin Gleeson 2, and Derek Gateshead 1.
DIVISION TWO
Auckland scored a convincing second half victory over Tamworth City today, the Chiefs getting up 26-14 in front of a vocal home crowd. The Titans’ future is looking grimmer by the week, with the season total at only eight points, and all eight set to be taken away by the ASRL at season’s end.
Auckland: Gareth Raynor, Ryan McGoldrick, Tommy Martyn, Sid Domic, and Mark Minichiello. Bates 3/5
Tamworth City: Joseph Goldstein 2. Gidley 3/3
HT Score: Tamworth City 12-4
Penalties: Tamworth City 7-3
Completion Rates: Auckland 70% Tamworth City 66%
Possession: Auckland 52% Tamworth City 48%
PoM Points: Corey Pearson 3, Tommy Martyn 2, and Eron Bates 1.
Shanghai’s recent run of excellent form was brought to a shuddering halt today, as Ben Hornby made his return to the Canberra lineup and captained his side to a powerful 32-6 win over the Traders- who had come into the game on a club record four game winning streak. Whilst Hornby’s return was well publicised, it was the form of little known forward Richard Peleasina that really won the game for the home side.
Canberra: Paul Whatuira 2, Christophe Lamaisson, Solomon Haumona, and Johnny Lawless. Lamaisson 6/7
Shanghai: Nick Fozzard. Prichard 1/1
HT Score: Canberra 10-6
Penalties: Canberra 11-1
Completion Rates: Canberra 53% Shanghai 54%
Possession: Canberra 61% Shanghai 39%
PoM Points: Richard Peleasina 3, Christophe Lamaisson 2, and Paul Whatuira 1.
Geelong’s unbeaten streak was brought to an end today in a high quality clash with first placed Eastwood, the Pumas getting up 14-8 despite a completion rate only marginally better than 50%. The Pumas defended in the manner that wins premierships, and were able to limit the usually free flowing Bengals’ attack to a single Warren Jowitt try.
Geelong: Warren Jowitt. Donnelly 2/2
Eastwood: Tom O’Shea and Mtombe Msabo. Burrow 3/3
HT Score: Eastwood 6-2
Penalties: Geelong 15-4
Completion Rates: Geelong 70% Eastwood 56%
Possession: Geelong 54% Eastwood 46%
PoM Points: Aurelion Cologni 3, Tom O’Shea 2, and Rob Burrow 1.
Something is wrong at Hawkesbury, and coach Brian Randall must be fretting as he tries to figure out what exactly it is. After three consecutive losses, the Mavericks were only able to attain a sloppy 18 all draw with the lowly Tassie Devils today- and even then, relied on penalty goals to secure the draw.
Hawkesbury: Tevita Vaikona and Shane Rodney. Ross 1/1. Dean 4/4
Tassie: Jeremy Tickle, Clyde Rathbone, and Yaccine Dekkiche. Tickle 3/5
HT Score: Tassie 14-6
Penalties: Hawkesbury 11-7
Completion Rates: Hawkesbury 68% Tassie 72%
Possession: Hawkesbury 52% Tassie 48%
PoM Points: David Fifi’iaha 3, Adam Dykes 2, and Jeremy Tickle 1.
It was definitely New England’s most memorable game of the season, the Ferrets finding something special to crush Port Adelaide, 46-14 and get their premiership campaign back on the right track. It was a real showing of the club’s local talent, with hard as nails forward, Tom Newberry, earning man of the match honours thanks to a powerful double and healthy work-rate.
New England: Goerdan Murphy, Toori Tatu, Lee Briers 2, Chris Joynt, and Tom Newberry 2. Ferris 9/9
Port Adelaide: Serguey Dobrynin and Jean-Christophe Borlin. Melling 3/3
HT Score: New England 10-6
Penalties: New England 7-6
Completion Rates: New England 71% Port Adelaide 64%
Possession: New England 58% Port Adelaide 42%
PoM Points: Tom Newberry 3, Chris Joynt 2, and Daniel Ferris 1.
Newcastle’s season of disappointments reached a new low today, the Fear dropping a solid 16-8 halftime lead to capitulate, 30-16, to the fired up Lake Heights Lightning. After doing everything right in a closely contested first half, the Fear were just blown off the park by the Lightning’s enthusiasm in a one sided second period.
Newcastle: Stuart Reardon and Lincoln Withers. Fien 4/4
Lake Heights: Thomas Kempton 2, Greg Bird, Andy Hendersen, and Sean Rudder. Kempton 5/6
HT Score: Newcastle 16-8
Penalties: Newcastle 8-6
Completion Rates: Newcastle 66% Lake Heights 67%
Possession: Newcastle 49% Lake Heights 51%
PoM Points: Nick Bradley 3, Luke Burt 2, and Sean Rudder 1.
Penrith have reminded the clubs in Division Two’s top eight exactly what they are capable of, the Highlanders playing above their weight to down fifth placed North Queensland 16-12 in a nail biting game of the round. Whilst Penrith are adrift of the top eight, the club reminded their fans and their critics today that they’ll still be contenders come season’s end.
Penrith: Talea Fuimaoano and Evarn Tuimavave. Riddell 4/5
North Queensland: Giovanni Piazza and Leonardo Orelli. Mehrtens 2/3
HT Score: North Queensland 10-4
Penalties: Penrith 8-3
Completion Rates: Penrith 66% North Queensland 59%
Possession: Penrith 53% North Queensland 47%
PoM Points: Steve Bell 3, Talea Fuimaoano 2, and Lee Gilmour 1.
The return of goal-kicking utility, Damien Fields, has proven to be crucial in Colombo’s 22-18 win over the last placed Perth City Blackhawks, with the AA/TSI rep booting five from six to see his side scrape home in a game that finished at three tries apiece.
Perth City: Dallas Hood, Lee Hansen, and Cary Rogers. Fisher 3/3
Colombo: Graham Appo, Braden Mohammed, and Damien Fields. Fields 5/6
HT Score: Perth City 18-12
Penalties: Colombo 10-0
Completion Rates: Perth City 59% Colombo 60%
Possession: Perth City 42% Colombo 58%
PoM Points: Damien Fields 3, Felipe Contempone 2, and Fourcade Abasse 1.
Redlands have scored an unconvincing but vital win over the improving Waikato Breakers, the Rhinos getting up 12-8 on the back of a favourable penalty count and the goal kicking of Bobby Young. Whilst David Humphrys did all he could to lift the Breakers to a much needed win, he was unable to turn it around.
Redlands: Jason Demetriou. Young 4/4
Waikato: David Humphrys. Humphrys 2/2
HT Score: Redlands 4-0
Penalties: Redlands 8-5
Completion Rates: Redlands 61% Waikato 67%
Possession: Redlands 51% Waikato 49%
PoM Points: David Humphrys 3, Jason Demetriou 2, and Ben Beckett 1.
NSW coach Anthony Magro has pushed for NSW selectors to select his Maltese born and raised son, Scott Magro, for the second State of Origin, following the young lock’s dominant role in Fairfield’s 34-0 annihilation of the Wagga Redbacks over the weekend. Magro made an astounding seven line breaks, scored a try, and booted five goals to record an impressive fourteen point haul.
Wagga: None.
Fairfield: Shane Laloata 2, Habib El Naj 2, Scott Magro, and Andy Lynch.
HT Score: Fairfield 16-0
Penalties: 7 all
Completion Rates: Wagga 60% Fairfield 76%
Possession: Wagga 38% Fairfield 62%
PoM Points: Scott Magro 3, Mick Higham 2, and Chris Tyrie 1.
Premier League Stats
Point-Scorer: Andrew Johns (Gold Coast)- 227 (fourteen tries, eighty five goals, and one field goal)
Try Scorer: Andrew Johns (Gold Coast)- 14
Goal Kicker: Andrew Johns (Gold Coast)- 85 from 116
Dally M Leader: Andrew Johns (Gold Coast)- 23 and Andy Farrell (Capetown)- 23
Division Two
Point-Scorer: Andrew Mehrtens (North Queensland)- 152 (seven tries and sixty two goals)
Try Scorer: Joe Roff (Hawkesbury)- 12
Goal Kicker: Andrew Mehrtens (North Queensland)- 62 from 75
Dally M Leader: Scott Magro (Fairfield)- 17
Premier League Table
1. Gold Coast Crusade- 25 +178
2. Central Phoenix- 22 +124
3. Northern Cannons- 19 +126
4. Adelaide Attitude- 17 +72
5. Port Moresby Power- 16 +97
6. Surfers Paradise Punks- 16 +30
7. Coffs Harbour Wyrms- 16 +14
8. Wellington Cougars- 15 -3
9. Central Coast Falcons- 14 +32
10. Melbourne Executioners- 14 -10
11. Capetown Ravens- 13 -2
12. Wollongong Destructors- 13 -54
13. Parramatta Vikings- 12 -52
14. Brisbane Bulls- 11 -24
15. Darwin Cyclones- 11 -43
16. Carnarvon Grizzlies- 10 -110
17. Sydney Oilers- 4 -159
18. Perth Taipans- 4 -192
Division Two Table
1. Eastwood Pumas- 22 +141
2. Colombo Harlequins- 22 +63
3. Geelong Bengals- 20 +91
4. Hawkesbury Mavericks- 19 +167
5. North Queensland Dolphins- 18 +104
6. Fairfield Stallions- 18 +84
7. Auckland Chiefs- 18 +47
8. Canberra Chargers- 18 +46
9. Penrith Highlanders- 16 +52
10. Shanghai Traders- 14 -43
11. Redlands Rhinos- 12 +26
12. Lake Heights Lightning- 12 -7
13. New England Ferrets- 11 -64
14. Port Adelaide Corsairs- 10 -54
15. Waikato Breakers- 9 -24
16. Wagga Redbacks- 9 -64
17. The Tassie Devils- 9 -112
18. Newcastle Fear- 9 -129
19. Tamworth City Titans- 8 -152
20. Perth City Blackhawks- 6 -131
Well done both CCF and Fairfield... strong performances which is exactly what we need to keep our finals chances alive this season.
Scott Magro is in a league of his own, 9 PoM in 3 week is an astonishing feat for any player, and I'm sure Wellington's Kevin Sinfield is giving the thumbs up to young Scotty. His performance is leading the Stallions to the premiership this season and I feel his contribution should allow him to earn an Origin position, after all this is his 3rd year in the state of N.S.W as a professional footballer.
