3 minute read
All the details of round eight of the NRL, including injuries, players on report and the man of the round.
WHAT HAPPENED IN ROUND EIGHT OF THE NRL
* QUOTE OF THE ROUND: "I feel like I'm back coaching under-20s footy again, the last few weeks it's horrible. It's horrible to watch and it's so obvious." - Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook on his team's defence as they blew a 22-0 lead against Brisbane to be beaten 36-28.
* STAT THAT MATTERS: Brisbane's comeback was the greatest in their history, after they slumped to the 22-point deficit inside 16 minutes. The Broncos will desperately hope it's a turning point in their season.
* MAGIC MOMENT: Penrith's first try against Manly on Saturday will likely be close to the four-pointer of the year. Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o and Matt Burton all combined before Edwards ran onto a kick from his centre to score.
* MAN OF THE ROUND: How good can Sam Walker be? The 18-year-old Sydney Roosters half set up five tries and scored one of his own in the 38-4 win over Newcastle. After five NRL games, Walker now has 12 assists and is a genuine contender for the Dally M.
* TALKING POINT: Have we seen the last of Brett Morris? The veteran winger's pain and devastation was hard to watch after he suffered a likely career-ending knee injury in the Sydney Roosters' big win over Newcastle.
* JUDICIARY WATCH: Broncos - Matt Lodge (contrary conduct), Jordan Riki (contrary conduct); Roosters - Sitili Tupouniua (shoulder charge), Matt Ikuvalu (dangerous contact); Bulldogs - Ava Seumanufagai (high tackle); Panthers - Matt Burton (high tackle); Tigers - Tommy Talau (shoulder charge); Dragons - Kaide Ellis (dangerous contact); Cowboys - Coen Hess (dangerous contact).
* CASUALTY WARD: Raiders - George Williams (hamstring), Sebastian Kris (ankle); Rabbitohs - Cameron Murray (ankle); Adam Reynolds (thumb); Sharks - Braden Hamlin-Uele (ankle); Titans - Corey Thompson (ankle); Panthers - Kurt Capewell (ribs); Eels - Nathan Brown (hip); Bulldogs - Dylan Napa (shoulder); Roosters - Brett Morris (knee), Lindsay Collins (knee), Knights - Blake Green (ribs); Dragons - Zac Lomax (thumb), Cody Ramsey (ribs).
* UNDER PRESSURE: Canberra. The Raiders were meant to be among the competition's heavyweights but have won just three of their first eight games. Thursday night's loss to South Sydney was their fourth straight, with the likes of Josh Papalii rested and coach Ricky Stuart regularly changing his 17.
