3 minute read
All the highlights and lowlights from round 14 in the NRL in which Sydney Roosters captain Boyd Cordner announced his retirement.
WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUND 14 OF THE NRL
* QUOTE OF THE ROUND: "If I ever did get another head knock I don't know if I could have lived with myself. It's pretty well documented (about) my body breaking down like a two-door car. I've been able to pick myself up and if I want to go, my body just goes. But I knew this was different because I couldn't get my head and heart to align," Sydney Roosters, NSW Origin and Australian Test skipper Boyd Cordner announcing his retirement from rugby league due to concussion concerns.
* STAT THAT MATTERS: Sydney Roosters teen Sam Walker is youngest player to kick a match-winning field goal in 24 years, sinking Gold Coast 35-34.
* MAGIC MOMENT: Shaun Johnson's wobbly field goal to down leaders Penrith 19-18 on Friday night came just a week after he was told he wasn't wanted by Cronulla next season. The experienced playmaker responded with an almighty reminder of what he can do for a club who needs a halfback.
* MAN OF THE ROUND: Less than 48 hours after copping a hiding in Queensland colours, Daly Cherry-Evans suited up again in the Manly maroon to lead the side to a comprehensive 50-18 win over North Queensland with four try-assists and 10 tackle breaks in a gutsy performance.
* TALKING POINT: Tackling techniques. The retirement of Sydney Roosters star and Australian Test captain Boyd Cordner due to concussion has presented a new side to the head knock debate. Just two days earlier Cronulla skipper Wade Graham copped his third concussion of the season while trying to make a tackle and is set to sit out the next four weeks. Both Cordner and Graham both believe their problems come from their own tackling techniques.
* JUDICIARY WATCH: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (careless high tackle), Kevin Proctor (careless high tackle), Ben Marschke (dangerous contact with head/neck), Mitchell Barnett (contrary conduct), Cameron Munster (contrary conduct), Tom Amone (contrary conduct), Isaiah Papali'i (contrary conduct), Maika Sivo (careless high tackle), Luke Brooks (dangerous throw)
* CASUALTY WARD: Warriors - Chanel Harris Tevita (pec), Wayde Egan (concussion); Knights - Bradman Best (ankle); Roosters - Sam Walker (shoulder); Broncos - Xavier Coates (hamstring), Albert Kelly (hamstring); Sharks - Wade Graham (concussion; Sea Eagles - Toafofoa Sipley (concussion); Wests Tigers - Adam Doueihi (concussion).
* UNDER PRESSURE: St George Illawarra have now won just two of their past nine games and six this season after Monday's shock 28-6 loss to Canterbury at Stadium Australia. The club has started making moves towards a back-line clean out for next year, telling Corey Norman and Matt Dufty their contracts won't be extended. But fans won't want to wait until next year to see a better effort.
