A Snapshot of Round 10 of the NRL Season
Trai Fuller is the Player of the Round. The Dolphins fullback had to wait until the age of 27 to make a steady first-grade run, but it was well worth it. Fuller virtually single-handedly hauled the Dolphins back into the game against Manly with a chip-and-chase try, propelling them from 16-4 down to 30-24 winners. The Dolphins will most likely get Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow back next week, but Fuller must find a full-time position.
QUOTE OF THE ROUND: “He’s really wrecked, actually. I’m torn between his coach and his father right now, but it’s quite disappointing.” — Ivan Cleary, following his son Nathan’s grade 2 hamstring tear. Penrith’s bid to win four consecutive premierships appears to be becoming tougher.
TALKING POINT: Could this weekend have been any worse for NSW? Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic’s hamstring issues have ruled them out for at least the first two State of Origin games, throwing coach Michael Maguire’s preparations into disarray.
MAGIC MOMENT: Daniel Atkinson’s late field goal against Melbourne gave Cronulla the lead. The former Storm project player stepped up for a Sharks team missing Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall in the halves, guiding them to a 25-18 victory in the top-of-the-table match.
STAT THAT MATTERS: North Queensland lost their fifth game in a row, 20-18, to Gold Coast. The last time they lost five straight matches was in 2021, during a 10-game losing skid.
CASUALTY WARD: Sea Eagles – Jason Saab (shoulder), Tom Trbojevic (hamstring); Panthers – Nathan Cleary (hamstring) Brad Schneider (knee); Broncos – Billy Walters (wrist); Tigers – Starford To’A (hamstring); Sharks – Nicho Hynes (calf); Warriors – Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring), Bunty Afoa (shoulder), Shaun Johnson (shoulder); Titans – Harley Smith-Shields (pectoral), Kieran Foran (hamstring), AJ Brimson (groin), Phil Sami (hamstring).
Tigers Isaiah Papali’i (tripping); Knights Daniel Saifiti (dangerous contact).
UNDER PRESSURE: The Warriors. The NRL’s fairytale story from last year has officially turned into a horror show. Andrew Webster’s team is 14th after losing 38-18 to the Sydney Roosters, with only three wins in their first ten games.
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