Can you believe we’re one third of the way through the season? It feels like just yesterday players were ‘training the house down’ over the summer and we were predicting the Round 1 line-ups.
The first nine rounds have produced storylines galore from unbelievable upsets to blistering form and even shock signings.
They’ve also given fans a chance to get a good indication on whether their team is a genuine contender this year or if it’s already time to go back to the drawing board.
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The Broncos have made up for last year’s implosion in spectacular fashion, while last season’s grand finalists are taking a little longer than expected to find their groove.
The Cowboys shocked the rugby league world last season for all the right reasons — now it’s for all the wrong reasons.
Several teams have already had to deal with major injury hurdles and the Raiders are still dealing with a bombshell decision from Jack Wighton that no one saw coming.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs and Sharks are just getting started.
Read on for every NRL team’s report card heading into Magic Round.
Fan banned for Latrell abuse | 00:37
BRONCOS
Ladder: 1st
Grade: A
Season so far: The Broncos have started the season playing like a team possessed, or a team who was fourth after Round 19 last season and somehow didn’t play finals. Brisbane coach Kevin Walters and his players were seething all summer after missing September footy and they’ve been able to channel that energy into the opening nine rounds of the season to sit on top of the ladder. After five straight wins to open the season they were stunned by a desperate Raiders side in Round 6, but they bounced back with solid against the Titans and Eels before meeting the in-form Rabbitohs last weekend. Against Souths the Broncos were without their best player – Payne Haas – and young No. 6 Ezra Mam with both out suspended for hip-drip tackles and their presence was sorely missed. But the duo return in Magic Round to face Manly on Friday night, with Brisbane heavy favourites to chalk up win number eight for the season and stay on top.
Biggest issue: They have two of the best middle forwards in the NRL in Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, but when one is sidelined the Broncos look half as good. Carrigan copped a five-game ban at the end of last season and by the time he returned in the final round the damage had been done and Brisbane were inexplicably not playing finals. A suspended Haas watched from the sideline last Friday night as he side was thumped 32-6 by Souths. The Broncos cannot win a drought-breaking premiership without both players in the side.
Standout player: Payne Haas. The man won an incredible fourth straight Paul Morgan Medal as Brisbane’s best player last year and nothing has changed in 2023. The barnstorming prop chalks up post-contact metres for fun which allows the Broncos halves to play on the front foot. Haas sits on top of the Dally M leaderboard and if stays fit he’ll become the first person to win five straight Paul Morgan Medals and equal Allan Langer’s record for the most in club history.
Who needs to lift: Selwyn Cobbo. It’s tough to find a weak link in a side sitting on top of the table but if we’re nitpicking, by his own admission Cobbo’s form has dropped off slightly in 2023. Cobbo, who is still only 20, was in unbelievable touch last season scoring 15 tries in 18 appearances. The winger has bulked up over the past six months and now weighs in at 104kg, up from the 97kg he played at last season.
– Eamonn Tiernan
SHARKS
Ladder: 2nd
Grade: A
Season so far: The Sharks started slowly with narrow losses to the Rabbitohs and Raiders in the first three weeks without Nicho Hynes in the team. They beat the Eels in Round 2 and thrashed the Dragons in Hynes’ return in Round 4. They were up 20-0 against the Warriors before losing in a two-point thriller, which was a turning point in their season. Since then the Sharks have won three straight including a big win over the Roosters to cement second place on the ladder, which is where they finished last year.
Biggest issue: Defence and over-relying on Hynes. The Sharks’ defence cost them in last year’s finals series and they started 2023 slowly in that department. However, there were signs against the Roosters and Cowboys that they may have turned a corner with their defence. In attack the team is heavily reliant on the unique skill-set of Hynes, which leaves them a little lost when he is out of the team due to injury or Origin duties or if he has a rare off night. The onus is on the Sharks to get their defence right so Hynes doesn’t have to do everything in attack and his other spine players need to help share the load with ball in hand.
Standout player: Nicho Hynes. The reigning Dally M medallist is arguably playing better than last year and is on track to win back-to-back player of the year gongs. Hynes is a new hybrid halfback playing with the skills of Nathan Cleary and the speed and athleticism of a fullback, which makes him a nightmare for opposition defences. The fact that he missed the first three games of the season due to injury and is still leading the Dally M race says it all and Hynes is a certainty to debut for the Blues this year, be it in the halves or on the bench.
Who needs to lift: Siosifa Talakai is by no means playing badly, but he hasn’t reached the heights of last season so far in 2023. Talakai was a wrecking-ball in 2022 on his way to a maiden Blues jersey, but he has been a marked man this year for obvious reasons. For the Sharks to contend at the pointy end of the season they need an X-factor player like Talakai to take the pressure off Hynes and put the pressure back on the opposition on both sides of the ball.
– Mark St John
RABBITOHS
Ladder: 3rd
Grade: A
Season so far: Souths had a brutal draw to start the season with losses to heavyweights the Panthers, Roosters and Storm in the first five rounds to go with wins over the Sharks and Sea Eagles. However, since the Round 5 loss to the Storm the Bunnies have won four straight and can make it five when they take on Melbourne again in Magic Round. On their winning streak Souths have thrashed the Bulldogs, Dolphins and Broncos, but it was their comeback win over the defending premiers the Panthers who have had the wood on them that proves this Souths team has come of age and a re a genuine title threat in 2023.
Biggest issue: Winning big games. Souths are always the bridesmaids and never the bride after five preliminary finals without a title in a row. This team has always had the talent, but mentally they have found it hard to get past the Panthers and the other top teams consistently. Losses to three premiership favourites already this season adds to the theory Souths have a mental block when it comes to beating the top teams. However, their win over Penrith has given them hope they can turn that around and now the challenge is to do it consistently.
Standout player: Latrell Mitchell. The Souths’ fullback has taken his game to greater heights in 2023 and the Rabbitohs are riding off the back of it. Mitchell has a unique skill set that allows him to maximise limited opportunities and create try scoring opportunities with less touches and metres than other fullbacks. Mitchell’s involvement and drive to help Souths succeed has been on show so far this year and the scary thing is he can still improve as the season progresses.
Who needs to lift: Lachlan Ilias. The Souths halfback has been solid in his second season in charge, but after a man-of-the-match display against the Sharks and a match winning field goal against the Sea Eagles his form has fallen away a bit. Ilias does his job every week and has plenty of quality players around him in the spine to make his job easier. But if Souths are going to beat the best teams at the end of the season, they need their halfback driving the ship and not just following the lead of Mitchell and Walker. The halfback position is so crucial in rugby league and rarely does a team without a No.7 on top of his game taste title success.
– Mark St John
Fittler tight-lipped on five-eight spot | 01:30
STORM
Ladder: 4th
Grade: B
Season so far: It looked like we were set for another season of dominance from the Storm when they defeated last year’s grand finalists, the Eels in a golden point thriller to kick off the 2023 competition. Cameron Munster was in the headlines for all the right reasons after pushing through a nasty finger dislocation, while Harry Grant played all 84 minutes and scored the matchwinner to begin life without Brandon Smith on the right note. Who would’ve thought they’d lose their next two games — and to the Bulldogs and Titans of all teams. The shook that off with a 24-12 win over the Tigers — basically a must-win — before important victories over the Rabbitohs and Roosters. Manly brought them back down to earth in a brutal battle at Brookvale, but a win over the Warriors on Anzac Day put the Storm in the top four.
Biggest issue: Filling the holes in the forward pack. It was always going to be hard to replace the experience of the Bromwich brothers and Felise Kaufusi, in fact some would argue they’re irreplaceable in terms of what they’ve done for the Storm. The club recruited Tariq Sims, Aaron Pene, Joe Chan and Eli Katoa. Sims is the only player that arrived to the club with more than 50 NRL games worth of experience — he had 221 — meaning there’s still a gaping hole in terms of experience. There’s been several times the Storm have been called out for having “un-Melbourne-like” defence this season. Even coach Craig Bellamy conceded after Round 3 that “the care factor seems very, very low” and captain Christian Welch said the side needed “a big attitude adjustment” in the same press conference. It gives good insight into just how influential the Bromwich brothers and Kaufusi were.
Standout player: Cameron Munster has had his fair share of magic moments and Harry Grant has been enormous in the first nine rounds, but Nick Meaney deserves this one. Ryan Papenhuyzen is dealing with what he calls a “complicated” recovery from a serious injury. But no one has hit the panic button yet because Meaney is doing such an admirable job in the No.1 jersey. Meaney has scored seven tries and set up three in seven games this season. He’s also got six linebreaks and four linebreak assists to his name as well as averaging 133 running metres per game — the most of any Storm player. When Papenhuyzen does finally return, there’s no doubt in Welch’s mind that Bellamy will find room for Meaney. “He’s been one of our best players this year… I think he’d be one of the first picked, I’m not sure where he’d end up in the 17 but he’s definitely going to be playing first grade.”
Who needs to lift: Jahrome Hughes hasn’t been poor by any means, but there’s definitely room for improvement this season. He was once considered one of the top three halfbacks in the competition but has been awfully quiet this year. He’s lacked spark and vision but has 16 games to get back to his best form. If the Storm go deep into the finals this year they’ll need Hughes firing.
– Darcie McDonald
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ROOSTERS
Ladder: 5th
Grade: B
Season so far: It would be easy to believe the Roosters are struggling this season, with halfback Sam Walker axed in a big shake-up. However, the Tricolours currently sit in fifth with five wins to their name in eight games. Since going down to the Storm and Sharks in Rounds 6 and 7, they have secured back to back wins. Robinson’s men beat the Dragons in an Anzac Day thriller and then outmuscled the Warriors on home soil in another positive performance. The halves pairing of Joey Manu and Luke Keary also looks dangerous after only two rounds together and several players have returned from injury including Matt Lodge and Sitili Tupouniua. While they haven’t been at their dangerous best, the Roosters are still proving to be a threat for the title.
Biggest issue: Their attack. The Roosters, albeit with attacking threats across the park, have only outscored the Tigers, Cowboys and Bulldogs in 2023. They also have 23 points less than any other team currently in the top eight. Trent Robinson’s solution was to drop Sam Walker and since then the Roosters have tallied 41 points across two games in positive signs. They had only scored 101 across their other six appearances. The longer Joey Manu and Luke Keary partner in the halves, the more potent the Tricolours’ attack will become and by the season’s end, expect Robinson to have his side churning out points like a well-oiled machine.
Standout player: Jaxson Paulo. While the winger isn’t a big-name player like James Tedesco or Joey Manu, Paulo has erupted in his first eight games as a Rooster. The 23-year-old hasn’t missed a minute under Trent Robinson, scoring six tries with back-to-back doubles against the Warriors and Rabbitohs. Paulo joined the Tricolours in the off-season after a three-year spell with South Sydney. He was the subject of social media abuse in August last year after the Rabbitohs went down to the Panthers 26-22. A fresh start has done wonders for Paulo who looks to have locked down the right wing spot.
Who needs to lift: Victor Radley. Radley was sent to the sin bin on Anzac Day for the eighth time, tying Latrell Mitchell as the most binned player in NRL history. Radley labelled his latest offence a “**t decision” but still, the Roosters were once again forced to compete a man down. Some argue Radley is a victim of his own reputation, but the gun lock’s actions have consequences for his team and his ten minute sideline stint against the Storm in Round 6 cost them the game. Radley is also playing one of the most important positions in the game and is an effective link player between Brandon Smith and the Roosters halves. However, he needs to stay on the field and reduce the amount of time he spends sidelined.
– Tom Sargeant
SEA EAGLES
Ladder: 6th
Grade: B
Season so far: The Sea Eagles dropped from second on the ladder in Round 8 to sixth after a shock loss to the Titans in Round 9. Anthony Seibold’s side missed their star fullback Tom Trbojevic that night and failed to fire a shot in attack. Whether Turbo’s playing at 100 per cent health this season is unknown but concerns have been raised regarding his fitness. Now Jake Trbojevic is dealing with his own injury problems and will miss the next month with a calf problem. When healthy, they have the side to threaten for the premiership and wins this season against the Storm and Eels and a one-point loss to Souths attest to that. But they can be equally poor and were hammered by the Panthers in Round 6.
Biggest issue: Josh Schuster. Manly powerbrokers handed the young gun a whopping $800,000 salary with a view he would be the club’s long-term five-eighth. The Sea Eagles booted Kieran Foran out the door and paved the way for the 21-year-old to take over in the No.6 jersey. However, concerns have been raised over his discipline and the young gun has been sidelined with niggling injuries, featuring only three times in 2023. When on the field, Schuster is a dangerous attacking threat but equally takes up a significant portion of the club’s salary cap when sidelined. Seibold needs Schuster fit and firing if Manly are going to stake a claim for the title.
Standout player: Haumole Olakau’atu. The booming backrower has been simply outstanding on the right edge for Manly. There have been wide calls for the 24-year-old to make his Origin debut this season and Brad Fittler will find it hard to ignore his form. Olakau’atu could be the NRL’s most damaging player and teammate Daly Cherry-Evans said he would hate to see him line up for the Blues in the series opener, but NSW fans across the state are desperate to see him line-up alongside Nathan Cleary.
Who needs to lift: Josh Schuster, if they can get him on the park, see above.
– Daniel Nuttall
PANTHERS
Ladder: 7th
Grade: B-
Season so far: The Panthers currently sit with four wins and four losses to start their 2023 campaign after winning back-to-back premierships. Penrith played four teams from last year’s top eight in the first five rounds, going down to the Broncos and Eels before thrashing the Raiders in a 53-point demolition in Round 5. In their last three games, Ivan Cleary’s side have been far from their best, narrowly beating the Knights before going down to the Rabbitohs and then the Tigers in an upset for the ages. Questions have been raised over the Panthers’ ability to once again win the competition, but after a disappointing Round 9 performance in Bathurst — Ivan Cleary’s men will be plotting an ambush in Magic Round.
Biggest issue: Filling gaping holes. The Panthers were always going to have some hiccups this season with several key players departing the foot of the mountain. Viliame Kikau and Apisai Koroisau left two big holes on the edge and in the middle. While Zac Hosking has made the vacant back row spot his own, the hooker pairing of Mitch Kenny and Soni Luke is still developing. Ivan Cleary is still working out how to best use the duo to maximise both player’s abilities. But as it stands, Koroisau has been sorely missed in the middle of the park.
Standout player: Dylan Edwards. The gun fullback hasn’t skipped a beat since winning the Clive Churchill Medal in last year’s grand final. Calls grew for Edwards to be called into the Kangaroos squad after the 2022 season, but Mal Meninga opted to leave him out. However, Edwards has taken that decision in his stride and has been Penrith’s most consistent player through nine rounds. Even when the Panthers look shaky, Edwards remains ever-present and reliable at the back.
Who needs to lift: Jarome Luai. On his day, Luai is one of the competition’s most creative and damaging players. However, this season the 26-year-old has been far from his best and clearly misses right-hand man Viliame Kikau. Calls are growing louder for the five-eighth to be left out of the NSW squad with Nicho Hynes’ emergence, and Luai has a chance to stake his claim to wear the No.6 in Magic Round. Luai may be a victim, like the rest of the Panthers side, of some new faces finding their feet in new roles, but with his experience and natural ability — Ivan Cleary will be wanting more.
– Tom Sargeant
WARRIORS
Ladder: 8th
Grade: B-
Season so far: The Warriors have been the surprise packets of the season under new coach Andrew Webster, who has instilled some fight and grit in the team. The Warriors won four of their first five games against the Knights, Cowboys, Bulldogs and Sharks, with their only loss coming to the Roosters in Round 2. However, since Round 5 the Warriors have lost to the Knights, Storm and Roosters with their only win coming against the Cowboys. The Warriors have shown plenty of fight but there still appears to be a gulf in class against the top teams.
Biggest issue: Depth and matching the class of the top sides. The Warriors have been hit with injuries to key players Tohu Harris, Te Maire Martin and Wayde Egan at different times and they lack the depth to cover for their sidelined stars. The Warriors are still a class spine player and centre short and they can’t get former skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who returns in 2024, back soon enough.
Standout player: Shaun Johnson. The veteran halfback has wound back the clock with a stunning run of form to start the season. Only last year there were calls for Johnson to retire as he and the Warriors struggled, but under new coach Andrew Webster, the former New Zealand No.7 is thriving. He may be in the last year of his contract and is widely tipped to hang up the boots, but the way he is playing Johnson could go around again next year and even beyond.
Who needs to lift: Dylan Walker. Walker has been solid for the Warriors, but he came to the club as a utility and his role has changed in recent weeks. The injury to Te Maire Martin means Walker is partnering Johnson in the halves full-time and he needs to take the pressure off his No.7 in attack. The Warriors’ last start 14-0 loss to the Roosters was evidence that Walker and the other spine members need to show a lot more to create try-scoring opportunities consistently against the top teams.
– Mark St John
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DOLPHINS
Ladder: 9th
Grade: A-
Season so far: They’ll get the wooden spoon, they said. Be lucky to win a game, some claimed. Wayne is past it, was whispered in the corner of a few pubs. Well, well, well after nine rounds there’s only one thing left to say: Phins Up Baby! It wouldn’t matter if the 5-4 Dolphins lost every game for the rest of the season, they’d still be the feel-good story of 2023. Wayne Bennett’s men stunned all and sundry by not just upsetting premiership fancies the Roosters in their inaugural match but bursting out of the blocks to start the season 3-0. It took the top-of-the-table Broncos to hand the expansion side their first loss in Round 4 but since then they’ve also chalked up wins against the Cowboys and Titans. They rose from the dead at 26-0 against the Gold Coast to produce the biggest comeback in NRL history with a remarkable 28-26 victory. They went down in golden point to the Raiders last weekend but they’ve already done enough to be everyone’s new second team and will have huge support against the Sharks at Suncorp on Saturday.
Biggest issue: The Dolphins’ best 17 is without doubt a side that could compete in finals and they have a formidable side on paper. Yes they beat the Cowboys without Jess Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi and Sean O’Sullivan but doing that in Round 6 compared to Round 26 are two very different things. Everyone is cheering for the Dolphins – the team without any bona fide superstars – to make the finals but it will take some incredible ticker for this squad to finish inside the top eight after 27 rounds.
Standout player: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. The Cowboys had a tough choice to make and they chose Scott Drinkwater to be their long-term fullback. But one club’s pain is another’s gain and Bennett swooped on the young gun and hasn’t it paid dividends. Tabuai-Fidow scored the Dolphins inaugural try in Round 1 and didn’t look back – crossing in every game for the opening six rounds, including two doubles. The 21-year-old played for the Maroons as a teenager in 2021 and looks on track for a recall.
Who needs to lift: Anthony Milford. Bennett controversially dropped his veteran playmaker ahead of the season opener but it proved a masterstroke. Milford played in Round 4 and 5 and both were losses which saw him sent back to reserve grade. Sean O’Sullivan is out for an extended period with a pectoral injury and Kodi Nikorima has been handed reins in the No. 6 jersey. But if injury strikes again, Milford must be ready and that means staying fit because his talent ain’t the problem.
TITANS
Ladder: 10th
Grade: C
Season so far: The Titans started the season hot and cold with wins against the Tigers and Storm mixed with losses to the Dragons and Cowboys in the first month. After their bye the Titans beat the Dragons, before being thrashed by the Broncos continuing their inconsistent start to the year. Gold Coast were up 26-0 against the Dolphins before imploding to give Wayne Bennett’s side the biggest comeback win in the NRL era in a game that summed up the Titans’ season. A win over an injury-hit Manly has them back in the hunt for the top eight ahead of their clash with the Eels in Magic Round.
Biggest issue: Consistency. It is cliche, but you can’t be a contender in the NRL without consistency. When the Titans are hot they are very dominant as they showed to lead the Dolphins 26-0, but when things go bad they struggle to turn momentum back in their favour. The fact the Titans haven’t won back-to-back games all season says it all and until they string some victories together they won’t be a finals bound team let a lone a contender.
Standout player: David Fifita. The Titans’ big money man was always going to struggle to live up to his ridiculous price tag, but he is back to his best in 2023 after struggling for most of last season. Fifita has simplified his role and is focused on running hard and tackling hard while looking for opportunities with his offloading game. Fifita can’t get caught up in trying to do everything for the Titans, but he has shown when he sticks to his job he is a consistent threat in the NRL and the Titans just need more players to follow his lead.
Who needs to lift: Kieran Foran. The former Manly five-eighth was brought to the club as much for his mentorship of their young halves as for what he gives the team each week on the field. However, if the Titans want to play finals, they need Foran to do a lot more in terms of driving their attack. The Titans have a strong pack and some flyers out wide, but they need Foran and Tanah Boyd to create try-scoring opportunities with both their kicking and passing games more consistently.
– Mark St John
Hynes and Luai in Blues No. 6 battle! | 04:01
RAIDERS
Ladder: 11th
Grade: B
Season so far: If the Jack Wighton-to-Souths deal were factored into the grade, it’d be much lower. If this report card had been done three weeks ago, the Raiders were probably looking at a C minus, but they’ve stormed back into the thick of things with three straight wins. Wighton was brilliant for the Raiders last week and he and his teammates, who clearly love him, will be trying their hardest to win a premiership before he heads to Sydney. The fact he’s not going to be playing Origin either means he’ll be available for every game.
Biggest issue: Lack of a killer instinct. It’s been a frustrating problem Canberra fans have had to deal with for some time and it was on full display against the Dolphins last week. They led 18-0 after 23 minutes and instead of keeping the foot on the throttle, they let up and the Dolphins roared back into it. They led 10-0 against the Dolphins in Round 2 and couldn’t go on with it and while they beat the Sharks the following week, they could have put the game to bed much sooner. No lead is safe as the ‘Canberra Faiders’ sledge lingers in 2023.
Standout player: Sebastian Kris. He’s been outstanding at the back for the Raiders, stepping up after Xavier Savage fractured his jaw in the pre-season. He hadn’t played much fullback for the Green Machine before this season but has flourished, sitting near the top of the league in average metres gained (178). He’s playing so well, he’s forced coach Ricky Stuart to start Savage on the wing in his return game this week.
Needs to lift: Jamal Fogarty. The Raiders halfback has been solid, but the Raiders still need a lot more from him in attack to challenge the top teams. Fogarty has a crucial role to carry the bulk of the kicking and playmaking duties to allow Jack Wighton to play to his strengths and use his running game. Fogarty needs to work on his consistency and narrow the gap between his best and worst performances.
– Daniel Nuttall
EELS
Ladder: 12th
Grade: C+
Season so far: Last year’s beaten grand finalists started the year slowly with narrow losses to the Storm, Sharks and Sea Eagles, but they had their chances in every game. The Eels broke their drought with a one-point victory over the Panthers on the back of a Mitchell Moses field goal, before losing to the Roosters. Back-to-back wins against the lowly Tigers and Bulldogs saw them climb the ladder before they were convincingly beaten by the Broncos in Darwin. However, in their last start 43-12 win over the Knights Brad Arthur’s side finally put a full 80 minute performance together and will be hoping they can turn the tide in their up and down season to date.
Biggest issue: Dummyhalf growing pains. Hooker is such a crucial position in rugby league that Reed Mahoney’s departure to the Bulldogs was always going to take an adjustment period. The Eels went from Josh Hodgson playing big minutes to sharing the role with young gun Ben Hands. Given Mahoney was so important to the Eels’ attack, it is no surprise that halves Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown have had slow starts to the year as they adjust to the new hooker rotation. Once the forward pack and spine get up to speed with Hodgson and Hands’ style, the Eels have the weapons to be contenders again in 2023.
Standout player: Clint Gutherson. It is inconceivable the Eels were looking at recruiting an X-factor player to play fullback and move their captain to the centres earlier this season. Gutherson has been the Eels’ most consistent player not just in 2023 but for the last few seasons and he has been the one constant in a team that has been hot and cold all year. A first career hat-trick against the Knights was a deserved milestone, but bit is Gutherson’s work in the effort areas that sets the example for the rest of the team and can help turn around their slow start to the year.
Who needs to lift: Dylan Brown. The Eels five-eighth hasn’t been terrible, but given what he produced last season Brown has been short of his own lofty standards in 2023. Added to that the Eels have lost so many quality players and invested so heavily in Brown and Mitchell Moses that it is up to the big money halves to deliver every week. Brown has showed glimpses of his brilliance in 2023 and his running game was back to its best against the Knights, but the Eels need more consistency from their playmaker if they are to beat the top teams and contend for the title again.
– Mark St John
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BULLDOGS
Ladder: 13th
Grade: C+
Season so far: There was so much hope heading into this season. The arrival of Cameron Ciraldo — the man considered as the ‘next big thing’ in coaching — as well as the additions of Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney had fans believing the six-year finals drought may finally come to an end. Josh Reynolds’ return also made everything feel right again in Belmore. But then injuries hit. First it was Tevita Pangai Junior, then Chris Patolo and Luke Thompson before the season had even officially kicked off. Nu Brown and Franklin Pele joined them in the casualty ward, leaving the forwards stocks seriously depleted. But it didn’t stop there. Josh Addo-Carr and Jacob Kiraz went down in the same game, Max King played through a sternum fracture and Ryan Sutton carried a knee injury before they finally succumbed to them ahead of Round 9 and then Braidon Burns played through a knee injury which as now sidelined him for six-to-eight weeks. But what the carnage has done is force the squad to fight harder for their four wins from the opening nine rounds. The Dogs may sit 13th, but they’ve shown they’re a team that will go to war together. Mahoney summed it up best after the Round 9 win over the Dragons: “We just keep turning up… We talk about what it takes to be a Bulldog and we really displayed them tonight — grit and determination won the game.”
Biggest issue: The halves combination — it’s been an issue for years. Matt Burton solved one half of the problem when he joined the club last season but the No.7 jersey has been a painful topic since Trent Hodkinson left in 2016. Kyle Flanagan was meant to be the answer but he’s been dropped to reserve grade for the third time. Burton has been shifted to halfback in a challenge to take more control but then there’s still one position to fill. Cameron Ciraldo experimented with a Josh Reynolds-Karl Oloapu rotation last week and while it came up trumps against the Dragons it’s not the long-term option. It seems that Oloapu is though, but at 18-years old the club has to be diligent in its next steps with him. So the solution could be there — but we won’t know until later this year. For now it’s a work in progress — like it has been the last few years
Standout player: Between Reed Mahoney’s heroic efforts, Jake Averillo’s evolution in the centres and Jacob Kiraz’s thrilling start to the season, there’s a few to choose from. But it’s hard to go past the emergence of Jacob Preston — an early contender for the Dally M Rookie of the Year. Preston arrived to Belmore over the summer after signing his first Top 30 deal. He’s gone from a little-known second-rower that was playing for the North Sydney Bears last season to an NRL starter that’s been touted as a future captain of the club. No wonder the Dogs moved quickly to lock him in on a three-year extension after just seven NRL games.
Who needs to lift: Tevita Pangai Junior. He missed the first six weeks of the competition but returned with a bang only to fall wide of the mark last week. Pangai Junior has the ability to rip the opposition the shreds and while he do see glimpses of that talent, his biggest challenge is producing it every week. With some key forwards sidelined there’s an opportunity for Pangai Junior to be the leader of the pack. But what that requires from him the most is consistency.
– Darcie McDonald
Kenty TEES OFF on Knights Bali holiday | 02:19
KNIGHTS
Ladder: 14th
Grade: B
Season so far: There’s an elephant in the room at the Knights – they have a better record this season without their highest-paid player, Kalyn Ponga, on the field. Ponga was heavily concussed just 90 seconds into the Knights clash against the Wests Tigers in Round 2 but his side held on for a gutsy win. Newcastle played the next five round without him and lost just two games in that period, including a defeat in golden point to the reigning premiers Penrith. The Knights have lost both games since Ponga returned, including a 43-12 thumping at the hands of the Eels last weekend. The clubs has been blasted this week for allowing a group of players to travel to Bali for a holiday during the bye in the wake of the heavy loss. We’ll learn aplenty about this side in their next four games, against the Titans, Sharks, Sea Eagles and Broncos.
Biggest issue: Tight games. Ironically the boys from the steel city are lacking a steel edge when it comes to closing out tough, tight games. They held on against the toothless Tigers but haven’t been able to get the win in close contests against Warriors, Sea Eagles, Panthers and Cowboys. Composure comes with experience and the Knights are still a relatively young side, but if they want to play finals this year they’re going to have to work out quickly how to turn tight games into two points.
Standout player: Lachie Miller. This former Olympian has done a superb job replacing Ponga as the club’s fullback this season and is making a case for buy of the year. Miller has made 52 tackle busts this season, which is second in the competition only behind Souths superstar Latrell Mitchell. The classy No. 1 has scored two tries, has five try assists, seven linebreak assists and runs for an average of 159 metres per game.
Who needs to lift: Kalyn Ponga. Yes he copped a heavy concussion in Round 2 and is still finding his way back into form, but if you get paid over $1 million per season you’re expected to deliver wins. In his three games this season (excluding Round 2 knockout after 90 seconds) Ponga is yet post a win.
– Eamonn Tiernan
DRAGONS
Ladder: 15th
Grade: D-
Season so far: Pressure was on the Dragons to deliver in the opening nine rounds with head coach Anthony Griffin’s job on the line. The Red V have won only two games from eight appearances, beating the Titans in Round 2 and the Dolphins in Round 5. After being informed he would need to reapply for his own job in 2024, Griffin’s days in charge at the Dragons are numbered. While it has been a disappointing start to the season, the Red V have also lost three games by two points or less, failing to score or defend when it counts. Ben Hunt has been solid at halfback and Tyrell Sloan is developing into an impressive fullback, but as it stands the Dragons can’t cut it in the middle and are being bashed by fitter and stronger forward packs.
Biggest issue: Competing in the middle. The Dragons have a number of talented outside backs who have excelled off the back of Ben Hunt. Moses Suli, Tyrell Sloan, Tatau Moga and Junior Amone have all been solid. However, the Dragons have been bullied through the middle of the park and their forward pack have struggled to compete for 80-minute stints. A suspension to Francis Molo hasn’t done the Red V any favours and Jaydn Su’A has also spent time on the sidelines. However, Jack de Belin, Blake Lawrie, Jack Bird, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Michael Molo need to lift.
Standout player: Tyrell Sloan. After Cody Ramsey was ruled out due to illness, Sloan took over the No.1 jersey prior to the season and the young gun has been excellent. Rugby league pundits always knew how good Sloan could be, but the 20-year-old endured a difficult start to his NRL career and was dropped by Griffin after only three games. After some tough off-season conversations, Sloan looks a new man in the No.1 jersey and came desperately close to inspiring his side to victory over the Roosters on Anzac Day. He has also scored four tries and assisted three in 2023, playing every minute of the Dragons’ campaign so far this season.
Who needs to lift: Francis Molo. The 28-year-old was brought to the Dragons ahead of the 2022 season to spearhead the forward pack with a reported $500,000 salary. Molo enjoyed a breakout season for North Queensland in 2019 and made his Origin debut for the Maroons in 2021. However, his 2023 campaign has been far from smooth sailing. Molo was suspended for a careless high tackle in Round 6. He has since also been hit with fine and suspension for an off-field incident. On his day, Molo can be a destructive middle forward but his temperament and discipline lets him down. Anthony Griffin is crying out for his middle forwards to deliver — and so far this season, Molo hasn’t lived up to expectation.
– Tom Sargeant
COWBOYS
Ladder: 16th
Grade: D
Season so far: It was always going to be difficult for the Cowboys to replicate their Cinderella season in 2022, where they were one win away from the grand final. However, most would have expected to see them travelling better than they are this season. They currently sit in second last with just three wins and six losses, and many players haven’t been able to replicate last year’s form. The Cowboys were gritty winners against the Knights in Round 8 but backed it up with a disappointing 44-6 loss against the Sharks. All isn’t lost, as they have two byes in hand and only sit four points outside of the top eight in a tight competition but they would have to start consistently showing something soon.
Biggest issue: Defence. Considering it was the staple of their success in 2022, the Cowboys just aren’t measuring up in this area. A glaring stat which proves this is that after nine games this season, the Cowboys have leaked 213 points compared to 113 points at the same stage of last season. Defence is nearly always effort-based so Payten will be preaching to his side if it was possible in 2022, they can right the ship in 2023.
Standout player: Murray Taulagi. Not too many Cowboys are putting their hands up for this but Taulagi has been consistent this season and is in the running for a Maroons wing spot. He’s one of the best finishers in the league despite not owning supreme pace like other wingers in the league. He’s only played seven games this season, but leads the team in line breaks and is averaging 128 metres a game, only two less than his return for 2022.
Who needs to lift: Jeremiah Nanai. The 2022 Origin representative and reigning Dally M Rookie of the Year had a breakout season last year, scoring a whopping 17 tries and averaging 85 metres a game. He is recording nearly 20 metres less this season and only has the three tries to his name. He just hasn’t looked as explosive in attack with his line breaks and tackle busts well down on last year as well. The fact he’ll miss the next four games for an ugly hip drop doesn’t help his team either.
– Daniel Nuttall
TIGERS
Grade: D
Season so far: Another year that promised so much and has delivered as the Wests Tigers sit last and short-priced favourites after nine rounds to collect a second straight wooden spoon. Yes, they stunned the reigning premiers last weekend to end a 12-game losing streak but one swallow does not make a summer. Against the Panthers Luke Brooks looked like the man who was named 2018 Dally M Halfback of the year but he’ll need to keep producing those stellar performances to lift the Tigers off the bottom of the ladder. The next month against the Dragons, Rabbitohs, Cowboys and Raiders will be telling.
Biggest issue: Attack. The Tigers have the worst attack in the competition, averaging just 14.75 points per game. They seem to be able to get themselves into reasonable field position but when it comes time to turn that territory into points, the side often looks like it’s never played together. The ball gets thrown around like a hot potato with everyone waiting for someone else to break the line or come up with the big play.
Standout player: Api Koroisau. This high-profile recruit came from the premiers to the wooden spooners and in some games he looks like a man full of regret. Koroisau is the Tigers best player by the length of the Flemington straight and he needs fellow high-profile recruits John Bateman and Isaiah Papalii to join his lead.
Who needs to lift: John Bateman. They paid big money for the tough Englishman and the clubs are expecting big results. The backrower missed the first two games of the season while he “acclimatised” to Australia and hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire since making his club debut in Round 3. Bateman needs to find the form that saw him named the 2019 Dally M second rower of the year to justify his $800,000 price tag.
– Eamonn Tiernan
