NRL Table

The NRL Table is now updated at the completion on Round 24, 2007. The Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels faltering badly and missing their chances to secure attractive finals spots in the Top 8. The Broncos also have destiny in their owns hands, if they win on Sunday they also secure their Top 8 spot on the NRL Ladder.

1	Storm	20	3	1	306	42
2	Sea Eagles	17	6	1	216	36
3	Cowboys	14	9	1	-77	30
4	Warriors	12	10	1	155	27
5	Bulldogs	12	11	1	53	26
6	Eels	12	11	1	46	26
7	Rabbitohs	12	11	1	23	26
8	Broncos	11	12	1	81	24
9	Tigers	11	12	1	-18	24
10	Titans	10	13	1	-106	22
11	Roosters	9	13	1	-179	21
12	Sharks	9	14	1	50	20
13	Dragons	9	14	1	-74	20
14	Raiders	9	14	1	-120	20
15	Panthers	8	15	1	-64	18
16	Knights	8	15	1	-292	18

Parramatta Eels stumble again

NRL Round 24, 2007
Dragons 14 def Parramatta Eels 6

The Parramatta Eels are now left in finals limbo after going down to the underdog Dragons at WIN Stadium.

The equation was smiple, after the Bulldogs lost heavily to Melbourne - the Eels had another chance to move towards a Top 4 finals spot with a victory over strugglers St George Illawarra tonight.

The Dragons came out of the blocks looking more like the finals hopeful, setting up a 12-0 first half lead. Parramatta certainly helped the Dragons cause, proving to be their own worst enemies, committing 18 handling errors and turning in 38 missed tackles to slide to 6th on the NRL ladder. The gutsy performance by the Dragons tonight has seemingly allowed them to avoid stigma of the wooden spoon - leaving Penrith and Newcastle to fight over that award next week.

On th back of a 70% share of possession in the opening quarter of the game, it was a Mark Gasnier centre field burst from inside his own half that setup Rangi Chase to score under the posts. The Dragons showing their eagerness, with at least 3 players sprinting through to support Gasnier - Chase scoring untouched as the Eels were left in his wake.

The Dragons continued their momentum roll and scoring again just four minutes later, with a deliberate pinpoint Soward kick to winger Jason Nightingale to dive over and score - catching Eric Grothe well forward and out of position.

Adding to the Eels troubles tonight were injuries to Ian Hindmarsh and Chad Robinson, Hindmarsh injuring his neck badly and putting his NRL future in doubt and Robinson dislocating a shoulder, but returning later in the match. The Dragons also had their own injury problems, with Ben Creagh and Mark Gasnier needing constant running repairs. At one stage it looked like every second Dragons player had blood on their face somewhere.

The Eels eventually started to get an even share of possession, but continued to turn it over cheaply through impatient attack and limited direction from Tim Smith and Brett Finch. Several Parramatta raids ending in poor kicks or simple turnovers. The Dragons sured up their defence tonight, putting plenty of pressure on the Eels through fast line speed throughout the match and denying them the chance to get on the scoreboard before the half-time break.

Parramatta finally got on the board in the 60th minute, with lock Feleti Mateo receiving the ball on a last tackle play and electing to run at the line, touching down just wide of the posts. Krisnan Inu’s conversion left the visitors trailing 12-6 with 19 minutes left on the clock.

The Dragons looked to be tiring as the game wore on, however the Eels couldn't get any momentum are rarely looked threatening. The Dragons young forwards were fearless tonight, their heavy metre eating giving Soward and Gasnier some good platfroms from which to work. Gaz in particular was dynamic tonight, showing up Tahu at times as he hovered on the edges and proving dangerous centre field also. Coach Nathan Browns election to alternate Gasnier between pivot and centre working well, with Rangi Chase performing nicely when Gasnier went wider.

No one really put their hand up for the Eels, again looking a yard off the pace and unable to build pressure through lack of repeat sets. The fancied Eels side was unable to stop the Dragons momentum roll tonight, the eager Saints combining nicely and showing when they follow a game plan and play disciplined Rugby League - they are a real contender.

For the Eels, their finals campaign has now been delivered a serious blow, their attitude next Sunday against the Broncos will go along way to showing what impact they will have in the NRL finals.

Kirk Reynoldson not exactly an angel

By Adam Sutcliffe

As the Kirk Reynoldson saga at the Knights shows no signs of going away, more headlines today being printed by Fairfax media relating to Kirk Reynoldson's own contract dealings with his previous club the Melbourne Storm. Also in Newcastle, high profile Knights supporters including Jack Newton and John Singleton setting up a 'war room' with local businesses to brainstorm ideas, ultimately to force Brian Smith out of the coaching role at Newcastle.

Kirk Reynoldson has been portrayed in a favourable light by the media, an honest player who is not receiving a fair deal by his club in efforts to cut short his contract. In reports today however, it has come to light that Kirk Reynoldson and his manager were themselves not fully true to their word as they played games with the Melbourne Storm over contracts discussed and agreed to when Reynoldson was playing with the Storm in 2004.

The Storm have said Kirk Reynoldson initially didn't have a good work ethic and his mindset and ability were brought along substantially by Craig Bellamy at Melbourne. The leading coach really bringing out the best in Reynoldson during his time at the Storm. Naturally Melbourne wanted to keep Kirk on-board and get some return from the effort they put into the Rugby League player. Reynoldson and his manager Les Ross had in principle agreed to extend terms with Melbourne beyond 2004, however an upgraded offer the next day from Newcastle saw Kirk Reynoldson jump ship and leave the Storm high and dry after they invested a tonne of work into the big back rower.

The story certainly carries a lot of weight, as Reynoldson has been painted as a media darling and looked to be the unfair loser over the Knights moves - however taking into account his actions at Melbourne, he really shouldn't be throwing stones - as he burned the Storm to some degree in the same way.

In other developments, the fall out from Newcastle's bad season has seen prominent businessman John Singleton join forces with Jack Newton and local Newcastle business's to discuss ways that they can oust Newcastle coach Brian Smith. Also involved in the war is Reynoldson's manager Les Ross. Ross is the father of former Melbourne Storm fullback Robbie and a businessmen with extensive experience in negotiation and financial planning.

It's reported Ross holds the key to on-going discussions - as the Knights seeming take over from South Sydney as the club that struggles on field and continually fights internally.

Late Night NRL Chat

Sunday Late Night NRL chat - with only 1 more game remaining in Round 24 of the NRL, we look at the other burning issues taking place in the Rugby League gossip circles.

Newcastle Knights - Amid turmoil and unrest, Newcastle Knights power brokers have apparently approached Andrew Johns about an assistant coaching role. The club felt the standing and rapport Johns has with the players might help things into 2008. Apparently Joey has rejected the offers, his only dealings with the club may come in a 'consultation' capacity. Closest sources to Johns have advised him to keep his distance from the club - where he may be used politically by any warring parties. Andrew Johns is also reported to be moving to Sydney to base himself closer to his partner and to escape the spotlight of his small home town.

Jarryd Hayne - Rumours of the talented Parramatta back linking with South Sydney in 2009 continue to do the rounds. Hayne is tied to the Eels until the end of 2008, with his father Manoa Thompson a former Rabbitoh and the rising profile of the Bunnies these days; the move certainly seems to have some attraction to the boom Eels star.

Video Referee Bumbles - The nerves must be building as we get closer to finals time, video official Graeme West making a shocking call that turned the tide against the Raiders. West ruling 'no try' to Canberra's Todd Carney as he touched the ball while making a tackle. Every person watching the game could see clearly that Carney didn't play at the ball - somehow the person that counted got it all wrong. Neil Henry had every right to blow up like he did after the match, a dumbfounding call such as this one in the NRL finals would devastate a team.

Joe Williams a Bargain - France bound Joe Williams will surely be sought after by several NRL clubs midway through next year. Williams finishes his French contract midway through 2008 leaving him on the open market for a mid year NRL call up. On current form, he would be a handy buy for many NRL clubs.

Wests Tigers - The younger brother of Benji Marshall, 15 year old Jordan is making a name for himself on the touch football field as Benji once did. Selected in the under 18's Australian touch side, many NRL clubs are keeping tabs on the prospect. Apparently the Wests Tigers get the first chance to sign Jordan, but he is sure to attract interest from other clubs. The quality runs in the Marshall family, with youngest brother Jeremy attending a sports high school in the Hills district of NSW reportedly showing talent like his brothers.

Willie Mason - When will the big man learn, not only does he have egg on his face after telling Roy Asotasi that joining Souths will mean Asotasi will never play finals football again - but his comments on the NRL Footy Show had fans cringing. While Willie has never been stylish with his tongue eg - with the accidental swearing and confusing ramblings on the Footy Show. Last Thursday he painted his coach Steve Folkes in a very poor light, as Mason interviewed the Tigers Robbie Farah about the detailed plans and video sessions of Tim Sheens. Willie Mason spoke of how 'The Bulldogs don't do a lot of video work in comparison and rarely enter a match with individual plans or tactics'. Fellow panelists were stunned as Mason painted the Dogs coaching techniques as carefree and lax in comparison to other teams.

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NRL Table

This is how the NRL Table looks prior to tomorrow nights match between the Eels and the Dragons. The biggest losers obviously the Tigers and Titans, both pushed out of the Top 8 and needing miracles to find themselves in the finals mix. The Warriors shoot up the NRL Table above the Eels for now and have set themselves up for a nice finish. The Broncos need to beat the Eels at Parramatta Stadium to ensure their passage, the Wests Tigers will be sweating on the results of the Broncos and Bunnies games - the only teams they can realistically get ahead of by virtue of a win and/or a good points difference change.

At the other end of the NRL Table the battles are also taking place to avoid the spoon - Penrith need to topple the Warriors and the Knights must fancy themselves a chance to beat the out of sorts Tigers. The Dragons are also in the mix, they must jag a win either tomorrow night or next weekend.

1	Storm	20	3	1	306	42
2	Sea Eagles	17	6	1	216	36
3	Cowboys	14	9	1	-77	30
4	Warriors	12	10	1	155	27
5	Eels	12	10	1	54	26
6	Bulldogs	12	11	1	53	26
7	Rabbitohs	12	11	1	23	26
8	Broncos	11	12	1	81	24
9	Tigers	11	12	1	-18	24
10	Titans	10	13	1	-106	22
11	Roosters	9	13	1	-179	21
12	Sharks	9	14	1	50	20
13	Raiders	9	14	1	-120	20
14	Panthers	8	15	1	-64	18
15	Dragons	8	14	1	-82	18
16	Knights	8	15	1	-292	18

"Hey Willie, we're finals bound" says Asotasi

NRL Round 24, 2007

South Sydney Rabbitohs 37 def Wests Tigers 12

Roy Asotasi will surely be straight on the phone tonight to old mate Willie Mason. The Bulldogs big man sledging former teammate Asotasi when he left Belmore, saying Asotasi will never play NRL finals football again after joining long time strugglers South Sydney.

How wrong Willie was. The high profile Bulldogs forward now having a serious case of foot in mouth disease as Asostasi has helped carry the new look Bunnies into the NRL finals for the first time since 1989.

Not even the 20,000 unofficial crowd could cheer home their Wests Tigers. They literally climbed trees, sat on top of houses and grabbed any vantage point they could - the official crowd will never tell the true story. It was a flashback to many, many years ago - the script was set perfectly for the local lads.

South Sydney didn't care in the least, crashing the party big time - showing ball movement we haven't seen from them before as the lowest ranked attacking team in the NRL put on a show. The points flowed continually for the Rabbitohs, even losing fullback Nathan Merrit early and having to reshuffle their backline didnt stop their cohesion and momentum.

Whether they attacked down the edge, through the middle or via a high kick - Souths were winning every single department. Superior tactics, direct execution and again solid defence would have coach Jason Taylor stoked with their progress again today.

Not only do the Bunnies slip into the finals for 2007 - on today's form they would worry any team in the finals mix; so they aren't planning to just make up the numbers. Beating high flyers Manly last week and now blowing the Tigers away in their own backyard has really boosted the confidence of the new look club, surely giving them huge belief.

The Wests Tigers defence today was horrible. Their line defence and communication were poor for the majority of the match. Gaps were opening both sides of the ruck, as Tigers plays lost confidence in each other and overplayed their hand at times. Daniel Fitzhenry looking a little lost several times as the wide running Souths big men in Widders and Buddy Gordon steamed down his edge.

Roy Asotasi was his usual strong self, ably assisted by new boy Greenfield in the forwards - the rookie Rabbit looking to be a good find for the club. Joe Williams was instrumental in most of the Souths tries - the classy half sadly off to France next season and lost to the NRL. Talanoa was a real standout for the Bunnies as was Widders and Sutton.

Facing the Roosters next week and achieving some good points difference today, depending on results - the Rabbits could even be perched higher in the Top 8 and be able to mount a good assault on the finals. Surely David Peachey will be back in the top grade at fullback, with Nathan Merrit's injury looking nasty.

For the Wests Tigers, they knew how important the match was - sadly they didn't lift. Robbie Farah being lost early after pain needles failed to do the job on his hip. With the Broncos winning the Tigers must win well next week and hope the Eels topple the Broncos on Sunday.

Video Referee Decision Turns Match

NRL Round 24, 2007

Brisbane Broncos 30 def Canberra Raiders 19

The Broncos were able to keep their NRL Finals hopes alive today after a scrappy win over the unlucky Canberra Raiders at Suncorp Stadium.

While both sides were guilty of poor handling and simple errors, a crucial video referee call to disallowed a Todd Carney try virtually handed the game to Brisbane after the Raiders looked to have things sewn up.

Gifted plenty of possession early on, the Broncos struggled to threaten in attack - again showing how much they miss Darren Lockyer. The Raiders to their credit defended extremely well, repelling the Broncos for several consecutive sets.

Dane Tilse having a forgettable game for the Green Machine, his handling and focus continually failing him as he turned the ball over multiple times, early in the count.

The spare parts Broncos have done well to keep in touch, not just in this game but for virtually the past month. They may have been losing games but have pushed fancied teams such as Parramatta, Manly and the Bulldogs to the limit. Their never say die attitude has kept them alive with a chance of making the finals if they beat the Eels next Sunday.

While Justin Hodges was the everywhere man for the Broncos again today, setting up the plays and defending like a superstar - it was new boy Dave Taylor who again showed he is the next big Queensland product, having a barnstorming game. The bulky forward will most certainly slip on the Maroon jersey soon rather than later, the rookie looks to be the wildcard the Broncos have in the weeks ahead.

Sadly for Canberra, if only they had secured possession for longer periods - they looked extremely dangerous for most of the match. Early on, they looked certain to blow the Broncos away - they just kept coughing it up. Unlucky referee calls and the video ref call against Todd Carney really made things hard for them.

The Broncos will monitor Tonie Carroll after todays match, the damaging forward / pivot injuring himself late in the match and understandably will be a week by week proposition. Brisbane travel to Parramatta Stadium to take on the Eels next Sunday in Channel 9's Match of the Day. The Top 4 hopeful Eels will now face a desperate Broncos outfit trying to scrape into the Top 8.

NZ Warriors book finals spot

NRL Round 24, 2007
NZ Warriors 36 def Manly Sea Eagles 14

The NZ Warriors have put on a classy display to hand Manly a spanking, and earn themselves an NRL Finals spot for the first time in 4 long years.

Wairangi Koopu starring for the Warriors, the veteran playing his 150th game and scoring tries either side of half time to get the Warriors ahead.

Manly showed their willingness early, keeping in touch with the Warriors - but the full house at at Mt Smart Stadium demanded more, urging the home side to greater things. In the end, the understrength Manly side were unable to keep pace with the power and skill the NZ Warriors possess.

The Warriors now move to 27 points and also possess an impressive points difference, they are certainly assured a Top 8 spot - a win next week and favourable results from surrounding teams could even see them secure a Top 4 spot.

The move by Manly to rest several stars with minor injuries might yet prove costly to the Sea Eagles. A side that has been impressive all year, a slight drop in confidence could cost Manly the all important momentum moving into the finals.

Dragons dabbling with wooden spoon

While NRL punters have been talking about the Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights as the 2007 NRL wooden spoon contenders; many have forgotten all about the St George Illawarra Dragons and the very real possibility they could claim Rugby League's most unwanted award.

The merged entity that is the St George Illawarra Dragons have never collected the wooden spoon and certainly don't want to blemish their young but impressive record. Our statistics here at NRL News show the Dragons last collected the wooden spoon in 1938 as a stand alone club, only twice before this getting the spoon in 1922, 1926 - we are getting our good friend David Middleton to confirm these stats, as certain Dragons supporters have stated strongly they have never won the spoon in their long history.

The Dragons face the Eels in Monday Night NRL in this Round and next week they face heavyweights Manly in their final appearance for 2007. Already without Jason Ryles, the Dragons are facing a tough task against two top line teams.

In comparison, the Knights face the inconsistent Wests Tigers next week - they simply need to win, as their points difference is the worst of all spoon contenders and a loss would hand them the embarrassing prize. The Panthers are hosting the Warriors at Penrith - their recent form and the fact it's a farewell game for several Panthers players - mean emotion will help them possibly upset the high flying NZ side.

So not only will there be plenty of interest in the final NRL Top 8 order, there will be a tonne of punters and fans watching intently to see who collects the spoon.

Cronulla Sharks curse kills the Titans

NRL Round 24, 2007
Cronulla Sharks 28 def Gold Coast Titans 12

The stifiling and smothering tactics of the Cronulla Sharks has claimed the scalp of the fancied Gold Coast Titans team tonight. The Sharks proving masters at dragging top line NRL sides down to their level and certainly making Toyota Park at nightmare ground for opposition teams to visit.

The Titans knew their season was on the line tonight, they really needed to show more desperation. They lacked focus at times, seemingly only realising the gravity of the situation once it was too late.

In a game where there was plenty of dropped ball, thousands of penalties and limited creativity - it certainly suited the Sharks much more than the Titans. At times, the amount of penalties blown and the constant stop start format of the game had me thinking I was watching Rugby Union. The Sharks do deserve credit however, they had nothing to play for and really gave their home fans a nice finale as they notched up a win to end their final Toyota Park match.

Greg Bird and Paul Gallen were standouts again, cutting through the opposition line and proving to be the driving force for the Sharks all night. The two NSW Origin reps also showed their teammates the way in defence, tackling with punishing force and showing good niggle tactics that ultimately worked in their favour, sucking the Titans into sledging and bickering all night. The only fault with these two Sharks players is their tendency to stay down regularly as they try to attract penalties. Gallen has been cautioned before for his acting and Bird tonight put on a Hollywood special as he lay down in goal to attract a penalty for a grapple, saving the Sharks from a drop-out.

The Titans struggled in attack yet again tonight, even when they had good field position at times they simply just couldn't pierce through the impressive Sharks defence. As frustration set in, they began trying some uncharacteristic methods that proved wasteful - turning the ball over cheaply and driving John Cartwright nuts.

At the back Chris Walker had an unhappy night, dropping the pill several times and getting some unlucky calls from the officials. Scott Prince struggled to get into the game, his forwards unable to get any advantage as the Sharks ruck slowing tactics worked a treat. Hooker Nathan Friend at times looked dangerous, but the Titans could not build pressure and went for broke on most sets.

For the Sharks, their hooking duo of Issac de Gois and Kevin Kingston were in good knick, de Gois keeping the Cronulla momentum rolling and Kingston proving extremely dynamic when injected into the game. Kingston scoring a crucial solo try late in the game to get the Sharks over the line safely.

It certainly wasn't a spectacle for the Rugby League fan - this was NRL trench warfare and only die hard supporters could stomach tonights main course. The speed and quality was certainly a few notches down from the NRL games played last night. The Titans will overall be happy with their first year back into the NRL and the Sharks will continue to build confidence to end their season on a high note.