3 minute read

All the highlights and lowlights from round 23 of the NRL.

SNAPSHOT OF NRL'S ROUND 23

* Quote of the round: "The leaders of their team (Cronulla) got a hold on things and we needed to be better in that department." Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire takes aim at his senior players after a 50-20 loss to the Sharks all but relegated them to a 10th season in a row without finals.

* Stat that matters: North Queensland have lost 10 straight matches. Not since North Sydney in 1942 has a team gone from a finals-playing position at the halfway mark to winless in the second half of the season.

* Magic moment: Cronulla winger Ronaldo Mulitalo was taken from the field with a broken jaw but, with an ice pack held to his face, he wandered around the ground at Rockhampton afterward greeting fans and even gave his boots away to a young supporter. A powerful moment from the 21-year-old who underwent surgery on Sunday.

* Talking point: On Monday morning ARL and NRL bosses will meet with three bid teams to hear their pitches to become the 17th team in the competition from 2023 or 2024. It's a huge day for rugby league in Queensland that will change the competition for good.

* Man of the round: It was subtle, but Nathan Cleary kicked Penrith to victory against South Sydney on Friday night with two forced drop outs and almost double the total kicking metres of rival Adam Reynolds. It showed once again why he's so valuable to the Panthers' title hopes.

* Judiciary watch: Sea Eagles - Tevita Funa (shoulder charge); Rabbitohs - Keaon Koloamatangi (crusher tackle); Bulldogs - Corey Waddell (contrary conduct), Luke Thompson (crusher tackle); Knights - David Klemmer (contrary conduct)

* Under pressure: Michael Maguire. The Wests Tigers were fighting for their season on Saturday but instead had 50 points put on them by the Sharks, putting the coach square in the spotlight once again.