INSIDE ❘ TEAM LISTS ❘ STAT ATTACK ❘ SCORES AROUND THE COUNTRY FINALS WEEK ❘ ❘ ALEX JOHNSTON ❘ ❘ APII NICHOLLS + MORE THREE

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Volume 99. No.28. September 20-26 2018 witter &Facebook: bigleaguemag

Four team remain, but onl two can g .. Eyes on .. the prize ..

KICKING DAVID OFF PIEPERS

WO games, two points deciding whose Tseasonendsinheartbreak.WhileIfeelfor the Panthers and Dragons, the continual on- field reminders that this is the closest season in recent memory keep us itching for the next instalment-andwhataroundoffixtures we have this weekend. Bring. It. On.

HAT a year – it seems like only WyesterdayTysonFrizellgrabbed thefirsttry,butalothashappenedsince. A competition as close as this year’s NRL is always going to generate debate, but there has been a distinctly divisive edge tomanyaspectsofthisseason.Asfans we’vedemandedmorefromreferees,then many instantly demanded less when the officialstookastand.We’vecomplained abouttheabundanceofnegativereporting in the media while simultaneously decrying journalistsiftheyignorethosestoriesto focus on the good. Todd Greenberg and PeterBeattiehavefacedplentyofcriticism, as people in positions of power often do. Coacheshavehadtheirheadscalledfor, PACK MENTALITY: Crichton isn’t fazed while unexpected firings have yielded about taking on confusion and instability. We demand more his future team. accesibility from players, while a portion ofalleged‘fans’usesocialmediatogoto lengthstomaketheseplayerswonderwhy they engage in the first place. And then we have scenes like Kogarah in Round 24, when Rabbitohs ready supporters turned on their own team with alevelofvitriolusuallysavedforthemost hatedopposition.Asconsumerswehavethe right to a voice and to demand improvement, for epic battle butasfanswealsoneedtoensurewehold ourselvestothesamestandardswedemand. OUTH back-rower Angus “He’sbeencrook–hehasn’t Whetheryou’recommentingonstories, Crichton is preparing for the been able to talk for the past couple writingthemorheadingtothegamefor SbiggestgameofhisyoungNRL ofweeks,”Reynoldssaid. a day out, it’s worth remembering our own career when the Rabbitohs face the “Credittohim,evenwhenhe’ssick, influence on the NRL experience. Roostersforaplaceinthegrandfinal. he still turns up to training and works It will be the first time Crichton reallyhard.Nothingisstoppinghim hasplayedinapreliminaryfinal andhe’sstillgettingoutthereand andithappenstobeagainstthe running hard. He’s doing all those little club he’s joining next season. thingsright.Ithoughthewasgreatfor Althoughitwouldbeeasytobe By MICHAEL us again [against the Dragons].” BLOK FEATURES distractedthisweekleadinguptothe @michaelblok26 The duo even combined for the all-importantclash,Crichtonsayshe’ll side’s only try of the match. 11 NATHAN HINDMARSH approachtheRoosterslikeanyothermatch. “Angusissuchagoodball-runner.Hehits 16-17 BLAKE FERGUSON “It’sgoingtobethesameasanyothergame,” thelineatamillionmilesanhour,”Reynolds 18 JAYDEN BRAILEY the 22-year-old told Big League.“I’mgoing said.“Luckyenoughhegotthroughand 20-21 BRODIE CROFT topreparethesameway.I’llgetupforitthe I thought he was going to dummy and go 22 ADAM REYNOLDS samewayIwouldagainstanyotherteam.” himself.LuckyIhadthespeedtogetthere.” 23 APII NICHOLLS “RightnowI’mwearingaredandgreen CoachAnthonySeiboldsaidhecouldn’t 24-25 BL PLAYER OF THE YEAR jersey, playing for the mighty Rabbitohs be prouder of his side and is aware Saturday andthat’swheremyhead’sat.Itwouldbe night’s clash with the Roosters won’t be an UPFRONT 3-15 unbelievableifIcanfinishoffhereonahigh easy task. LITTLE LEAGUE 27-30 note.It’sbeennosecretthatit’smygoalto “It’s a big game, it’s a great game and CLUB NEWS 32-33 leavehereonahigh…I’mrelishingevery agreatchallengeforusasagroup,”Seibold opportunityIhavetoplaywiththisclub.” said.“Hopefullywegetafullstadiumat NRL&NRLWTEAMS 36-45 Crichtonhasalsohadtoovercomeavirus AllianzonSaturdaynightandwe’rereally OTHER COMPS 46-48 to be fit for this week’s clash. He starred in keentoputsomepressureonthem. RESULTS 48-49 last Saturday’s win over St George Illawarra, “They’re the minor premiers and they may DRAW 62

butadmittedhestruggledduetosickness. havebeeninfourofthelastsixpreliminary Hopkins/NRLPhotos.com Nathan Halfback Adam Reynolds praised Crichton finals.There’safairbitofpressureonthem, COVER PHOTOS: NRLPHOTOS: GREGG PORTEOUS & GRANT TROUVILLE for pushing through despite the illness. so we’ll go there and give it a red-hot crack.” PHOTO:

Finals Week Three BIG LEAGUE 2018 3 Crunch time for NRLW By MICHAEL BLOK overtheWarriorslastSaturdayand a victory over the Roosters could HENRLWissetforathrilling move them into the top two. finishwithallfourteamsstillin “They did themselves proud,” T the running to qualify for Sunday Dragons coach Daniel Lacey said. week’s grand final. “They’ve probably played their whole The Broncos have all but secured careerstryingtoimpresssomeone, their place in the competition’s getsomewhereanddothingsthey’ve maiden decider after claiming beentoldtheycan’tdo.Igavethem twowinsfromasmanygames. the opportunity and they took it.” Meanwhile the Warriors, Dragons Although they suffered their andRoosterswillallbefightingfor first defeat, the Warriors remain in thechancetoplayongrandfinalday. second place and victory over the TheRoosterssitonthebottom Broncosthisweekwillsecuretheir oftheladderfollowingtwolosses placeinthedecider. in the opening fortnight; however In-formfullbackApiiNicholls awinovertheDragonsonSaturday stressedhowmuchisridingonthis eveningcouldseethemjumpinto Friday’s game at AAMI Park. second place. “It’ssoimportantforallofus Theymayhavescoredjusteight girls.We’veworkedsohardtoget pointssofarinthetournament,but there and we know we need to win,” coach Adam Hartigan expects their Nicholls said. “We’re definitely going attacktoclickthistimearoundandhas to have to work hard to stick to our faithhissidecanstillmakethefinal. gameplan.Iknowit’sgoingtobe “Weneedtoscoreafewmore atoughgame.Aslongaswework points–we’vegotagoodattacking hard,I’msurewe’llbebetter.” side,” Hartigan (right) said. “We feel TheBroncosremaintheteam werecruitedwellandwe’reonlyjust to beat and are the clear favourites coming together now. I’ve already towin the premiership, and with seen a lot of improvement since our their grand final position all but firstgame.Welooktoscoreonevery assured,coachPaulDyeriskeento playandthatprobablyhurtsus. givesomenewplayersagoagainst “We’dlovetohave26roundsto theWarriorsonFriday. getitright,butwedon’t,wehave “We have some quality players three weeks.” whohaven’thadarunyetsoI’m TheDragonsmovedoffthebottom excitedtogivethemachanceto of the ladder with a convincing with play next week,” Dyer said. Sharks calm before Storm By DARCIE McDONALD have to be switched on and have Brailey, who will play his first ourbestgamefortheyear.” NRL preliminary final, says losing HARKShookerJaydenBrailey FollowingtheSharks’one- inWeekOnelastyearhasmade Sbelievesifhisteamcankeep pointwinoverthePantherslast him hungrier this time round. alidontheStorm’ssuperstarback weekend, their dressing sheds “Idon’twanttobeinthesame line in Friday’s preliminary final wereoddlyquiet.Braileyputthis position as last year because I don’t down to not getting too excited want it to be off-season just yet. they’llbeabletotakecontrolof yet – and also being disappointed Iwanttokeepplayingfootyandit’s the game. in their second-half efforts. obviously a massive dream to play “Their back five is probably “It’s a little bit of not getting inagrandfinal.We’vestillgotone the biggest thing,” Brailey told ahead of ourselves and I guess more game to get there, so we’ve Big League.“We’vegottoshut we’restillnotsatisfiedjustyet. gotamassivejobonourhands.” them down, because in their own Wedidn’tplayourbestfootball And the Sharks will be out to endtheygivetheirforwardsabit in that second half,” he said. give it their all on Friday. ofarestandcarryafairbit,so “Weknowwe’vegotanother “We’vegottogiveiteverything ifwedoagoodjobonthemand big game ahead and our goal we’vegotandhangitallout dominatetheirforwardsit’llbe obviouslyistomakethatgrand there because it’d be a massive hardfortheirspinetoplaysome final. If we get there, then I’m sure achievement to get into that good football. We’re just going to there’ll be a bit more celebrating.” grand final,” he said.

Melbourne have won eight of their 10 preliminary finals since 1999. UU The Rabbitohs have won only two of their past eight

4 BIG LEAGUE 2018 Finals Week Three

ISSN: 0311-175X Editor: David Piepers Subeditor: Bronwyn Thompson Staff Writers: Michael Blok, Martin Gabor, Darcie McDonald Contributors: Fiona Bollen, Will Evans, Ben Everill, Nathan Hindmarsh, David Middleton, Andrew Voss Art Director: Craig Loughlin-Smith Designer: Tina Colwell General Manager Retail and Circulation: Brett Willis National Advertising Manager: Bowie Phillips (02) 8045 4779 Marketing and Circulation Executive: Nick Tsolakis Production Director: Mark Moes Production Manager: Chrissy Fragkakis BIG LEAGUE Level1,2HoltSt, SurryHills,NSW2010 Phone: (02) 9288 3000 Email: bigleague@newslifemedia. com.au Back issues: Digital versions at Zinio: zinio.com/bigleague Facebook: facebook.com/bigleague Twitter/Instagram: @bigleaguemag Subscriptions: magsonline.com.au/ big-league Distributed by Gordon & Gotch Phone: 1300 650 666 BIGLEAGUEispublishedforthe NationalRugbyLeaguebyNewsLifeMedia PtyLtd(ACN088923906),2HoltSt, SurryHills,NSW2010.NewsLifeMediais wholly owned subsidiary of News Limited (ACN007871178).Copyright2013 by NewsLifeMedia Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. NewsLifeMedia collects your personal information to assist us in providingthegoodsorservicesyouhave requested, to process your competition entries, and improve our products and services.WeoranyofourAustralian- related companies may be in touch by anymeans(includingemailorSMS)at anytimetoletyouknowaboutgoods, services, or promotions which may be of interest to you. We may also share yourinformationwithotherpersonsor entitieswhoassistusinprovidingour services, running competitions or with other companies who provide prizes for competitions or reader offers. This company is part of a global media and entertainment company. We would like to share your information with these overseas-relatedcompaniessothatthey cancontactyouwithspecialoffers.If you would prefer us not to or access your personal information, please contact [email protected] or send to Locked Bag 5030, Alexandria NSW 2015.

HOT SHOT PhotobyGrantTrouville/NRLphotos.com

HEoldsongsaysthat‘it’safineline Tbetweenpleasureandpain’,andthey mightwellhavebeentalkingaboutthe sideline separating defeated Panthers prop Moses Leota and the throngs of jubilant Sharks fans singing ‘Up, up Cronulla’ behind him following the Shire side’s thrilling one-point victory over Penrith. Leota and histeam-matesgavetheiralltostage a miraculous comeback but fell just short.

8 BIG LEAGUE 2018 Finals Week Three THIS WEEK IN HISTORY... By Will Evans ANDREW VOSS NEWTOWN END GRAND FOX SPORTS 1981 FINAL WAIT APPEARINGinjusttheirsecondfinalscampaignin15seasons,theWarrenRyan-coached NewtownJetsqualifiedfortheirfirstgrandfinalin26yearscourtesyofa15-5defeatof minor premiers Eastern Suburbs. Thepreliminaryfinalwastiedathalf-timeafterEastshookerJeffMastermanandNewtown winger John Ferguson – who were both enjoying highly successful debut seasons in Sydney afterbeingluredfromthebush–tradedfirst-halftries. Atryfromsecond-rowerPhilGouldputtheJetsbackinfront,andafterRoosterswinger Steve McFarlane fumbled a gilt-edged opportunity to level the scores, Ray Blacklock’s late three-pointerclinchedtheresult. The momentous achievement justified the Jets’ spending spree – backed by entrepreneur JohnSingleton–thatdeliveredthelikesofTomRaudonikisandGraemeO’Gradytotheperennial battersaseasonearlier,buttheywentdowntoParramatta20-11inthegrandfinal.Twoyears laterNewtownwerecutfromthepremiership. The Roosters, who lost the previous year’s decider to Canterbury, would have to wait until 2000 to play in another grand final.

JONES BOOTS WARRIORS 2003 HOME AFTER BLUNDER

RAIDERScentreJasonBulgarelli(below) carvedoutanicheinfinalsinfamyafterapotential match-winningtryslippedthroughhisfingersinagut-wrenching17-16semi-finallossto the Warriors. Theburlyrookie–playingjusthis10thNRLgame–lookedcertaintobreakalengthy16-all impasse when a Mark McLinden grubber sat up perfectly on the Warriors’ line with six minutes to go, but it popped agonisingly out of his grasp. The Warriors capitalisedonthelet- off to march downfield andforcealinedrop- out, before halfback talisman bootedasharp20-metre fieldgoaltobook a preliminary final date with Penrith. Acrowdinexcess off 30,000 turned up tocheeronthetwo out-of-town clubs and weretreatedtoaclassic. The hapless Raiders

led10-0early,butthe Cox/NRLPhotos.com Robb (Cronk); (Bulgarelli) Brett Costello Warriors had levelled

the scores by half-time. PHOTOS:

Finals Week Three BIG LEAGUE 2018 9 Get ready for cricket with no ad-breaks during play On a dedicated FOX CRICKET channel

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*New residential customers only. Ofer ends 13.10.2018. Foxtel and some services not available to all homes. Foxtel marks are used under licence by Foxtel Management Pty Ltd. CON0314 NATHAN HINDMARSH THE WAY PARRAMATTA 330-GAME VETERAN & FOX SPORTS ANALYST The ones that got away MAGINEplayingmorethan300NRLgames, dominatingintherepsceneandbeing Ia fan favourite, only for people to spend their lives reminding you that you’ve never wonapremiership.IfeelsorryforAndrew Ettingshausen, but I also know how he feels. Winningapremiershipistough,butgetting tothegrandfinalisjustashard.Istartedmy career in 1998 with the Eels and we reached thepreliminaryfinalwithplentyofconfidence. Things looked good at 18-2, but you’re never safenomatterthescore.TheBulldogsstormed home and got us in extra-time. It’s the one that gotawayandstillhurtstothisday. AsimilarthinghappenedagainsttheStorm thefollowingyear.Wewereprobablythebetter sideonthedaybutweblewafewchanceswith theball.Wewereinfrontlateinthegame,but again,theyfoundawaytogetthroughusto reach the decider. Notevenanewmillenniumcouldchange ourfortunes.Wewonourfirsttwofinalsbut then came up against a red-hot Broncos side. I thought it was always going to be tougher againstthem.Ididn’thavethatsameconfidence asI’dhadthepreviousyears.Westuckwith themformostofthematch,buttheywere averygoodsideanditshowedintheend. Three years into my career and I’d lost three preliminary finals. Was I cursed? Thankfully it didn’t take long to end the streak as we got our revengeonBrisbanein2001. WecameupagainsttheKnightsinthegrand finalandwereheavilytippedtogoalltheway. Alotofpeoplethoughtwewerereallycocky headingintothatgame.IthinkAndrewJohns came out and said that he knew he’d beat us becausewelookedtooconfidentatthegrand final breakfast. Itwastheopposite.Wewerequiteayoung ‘ONE OF THE BEST’: sideandthenervesgotthebetterofusinthe Hindmarsh celebrates victory final.Bythetimewesettleddownandplayed footy,itwastoolate.Itwasthegamethatgot qualifying final in 2009. awayfromusbecausewe’dbeenareallygood team that year. meoftheclassicEels-Bulldogsclashesfrom Guys like and Valentine Wehadtowaitfouryearsbeforewereached yesteryear. The crowd was unbelievable. They Holmeshaveenjoyedplentyofsuccess,sothey anotherprelim.Unfortunately,Iwasn’tthere split the ground down the halfway line so you maythinkit’sgoingtohappenallthetime.Iwas becauseI’dinjuredmyPCLinRound26.Sitting couldseebothsetsoffans.Wegotthewin,and fortunatetoplayanumberofprelimsback-to- onthesidelines,wehadsomanychancesearly it remains one of the best games I’ve played in. back,andIjustthoughtthatwasthenorm.The on against the Cowboys but we couldn’t turn Butthat’sthelessonforyoungplayers– truthisthatit’snot,sotheyhavetomakethe them into points. you may be enjoying success now, but the most of this opportunity. The Cowboys turned it around and ended tidecanturn.Igottoplayinafewprelims Looking at the games, it seems the Sharks upputting30onus.Beingonthesideline earlyinmycareerbutthenhadtowaitfor areabitunderdonewithinjuries,soIthink having to watch that hurt, so I can only imagine anotherchance,soIlearntnottotakethose the Storm will be too good. what it must have felt like to have been on the opportunities for granted. WatchingtheRoosters,Idon’tthink field.IftheboyshadmadetheGF,Idon’tthink Thisweekendisahugemomentbecausetwo they’veplayedtotheirbestyet.That’sascary Iwould’veplayed.IwentontourtotheUK teams are going to qualify for the biggest game thing because they’ve still got something laterthatyearanddidn’tplayagame,sothere oftheyear.Youknowhowcloseyouare,so leftinthem.There’saddedpressureonthe wouldn’t have been any fairytale return. there’sthatpressureofknowingwhathappens Roosters,giventhey’velostthreeofthe

Ionlygottoplayinonemoregrandfinal ifyouwinonegame.Butattheendoftheday, past four preliminary finals, but they’ve had Colin Whelan/NRLPhotos.com qualifier, in 2009 against the Bulldogs in it’sjustanothergame,andifyoudon’twinit, theweekoffandthey’vegotoneofthebest

front of a packed house. That night reminded no one will really remember how you went. rosters, so I think they’ll sneak home. PHOTO:

Finals Week Three BIG LEAGUE 2018 11

THE PROFESSOR

Back to school PLAYER TheProfessoristakinghisshowontheroadtoprovethatrugby PICK league can be all fun and games. By DARCIE McDONALD HEREarealotofserious EVERY GAME personalitiesinrugbyleague Tandthenthere’sFoxLeague’s ‘TheProfessor’–acharacter played by James Rochford, who heads a tongue-in-cheek magazine show called The Professor’s Farewell Tour everyFridaynight, pokingfunatplayers,coaches and pressing issues in the NRL. Joining him each week are former players Bryan Fletcher, Nathan Hindmarsh and Brett Finch, as well as comedian Andrew Barnett. They all add a different element to the show. AndinOctober,thecastofThe Professor’sFarewellTourwill live uptothenamebytakinganewlive show around . “It’s The Professor’s Mad Monday –aliveshow extravaganza, starring Bryan Fletcher, Nathan Hindmarsh, BrettFinch,myselfandAndrew BarnettfromourFridaynight show.We’redoingallthejokeswe weren’t allowed to do on air and thestorieswecouldn’ttell.It’s basicallyanuncensoredversion,” Rochford tells Big League. “The name of the show camefromthefunandgames that happen on a Mad Monday. It’stheideathatit’soffthe leash and letting our hair down HITTING THE ROAD: –ormybearddown–andjust The Professor is about to start a hilarious live ripping in.” tour in NSW. Forthosewhotunein regularlyonaFridaynight, you’ll know how much the team enjoys pushing –someofhisstories,youjustcan’tbelieve the envelope. But you might be surprised to that he got himself into these predicaments. learnthatwhatyouseeonlyscratchesthe Hisbeststuffyoucannothearonair.‘Hindy’ surfaceofthematerialtheycomeupwith. [Hindmarsh]justbouncesoffFletch,he’savery “We get together every Wednesday to have dry and funny-sense-of-humour kind of guy, a meeting for the show and the best jokes we buthedoesn’trealisehe’sfunny.‘Finchy’[Finch] dowejustcan’tputtoair,”Rochfordsays. has got a bunch of amazing stories as well and “Thereissomuchfodderthatendsuponthe we’re going to delve right into his story – he’s cuttingroomfloorbecausetherearesomany had a colourful life.” jokeswewanttodobutwecan’tbecauseyou’re TheProfessor’sMadMondaywill visit Kingsford, goingtoupsetacluborupsetaplayertoomuch. MountPritchard,Blacktown,Penrith,Gosford, It’s interesting because often it looks like we Newcastle and Cessnock throughout October as don’t hold back, but we definitely do, massively.” anexperimenttoseehowtheshowisreceived.If Rochford is looking forward to the upcoming all goes well they’ll go bigger and better next year. tour is hoping that what they’ve got planned will “The plan is to try it out this year – just near us be a hit with audiences. –andthenifitworkswell,tothenbasicallydothe “We’veallcometogethertohaveourinput whole east coast. We’re testing the waters to see intotheshow–we’veeachgotourownstories ifpeopleenjoyitandthenifitworkswe’dlike to expand it next year,” he says.

Bob Barker and jokes,” he says. “We get on very well. Bryan Fletcher is To get your hands on tickets, head to:

PHOTO: right out there with his stories and his jokes alist.com.au/the-profressor-live-show/

UPCOMING ROUNDS

Lander and Jardine Bobongie. Lander, who led has scored 30 tries in as many games – secured the Ipswich Jets to state and national titles in the equivalent to the minor premiership with 2015, assumes the head coaching role of the a crushing win over Hull FC. They now have Murri under-16s team. He will be a chance to secure the grand final trophy as assisted by Bobongie, who captained a Mackay well. Meanwhile in the qualifiers, Toronto’s Cutters team featuring NRL stars Michael chances of progress are still alive after a Morgan and to the 2013 Intrust thrilling one-point win over Toulouse. With the Super Cup premiership. Both men are leaders Super 8 system set to be scrapped in favour of in their Indigenous communities and are highly straightforward relegation from 2019, expect respected by the rugby league fraternity for these clashes to be of the highest intensity, their on-field achievements. Together, they with so much at stake. played a combined total of 252 Intrust Super Cup games and have been involved in numerous McFadden to Canberra professional rugby league systems. The Raiders have announced Andrew McFadden as assistant coach for the next two seasons. Saints secure shield McFadden returns to Canberra after six seasons There are still two rounds to go in the various with the Warriors, which included two-and- Super 8 series’ going on in England at the a-half years as head coach. After playing 76 moment, but the first honour has already been matches for the Green Machine from 1997-2001, McFadden began his coaching career in with the awarded, with St Helens claiming the league club’s Jersey Flegg team, before taking control of leaders shield for a record seventh time. The the Raiders’ reserve grade side in 2006. Saints, led by top tryscorer – who JUDICIARY WATCH

Greg Inglis Dangerous Contact – Tim Lafai 1 Early Plea Nil Rabbtiohs Head/Neck Dragons Jeremy Latimore Dangerous Contact – Campbell Graham 1 Early plea Nil Dragons Other Rabbtiohs

14 games when Adam Reynolds has kicked a field goal. UU Cronulla have won four of their past five games against the Storm. UU Melbourne have won their past four finals games.

Finals Week Three BIG LEAGUE 2018 15 Wi ngSpeed man demon Blake Ferguson has one more goal to achieve at the Roosters before he flies the coop.

F the stakes weren’t already high for Blake Ferguson in He has helped me out a lot, so I’ll definitely miss him when Saturday’s preliminary final, it could also be his last game he goes.” Ifor the Roosters. Ferguson’s nurturing nature helped Manu adjust to the After four seasons in the Tri-colours, the 28-year-old winger demands of first grade footy and he believes he’ll provide the will join the Eels next season on a three-year deal. But before same guidance to the youngsters coming through at the Eels, too. he looks ahead to his future, Ferguson has business to finish “He’s been real good to me. He’s helped me out with my game with the Roosters. and I know that when he goes [to Parramatta] he’ll help other “Playing my last game is not even in my thought process to players out, too,” Manu says. be honest,” Ferguson tells Big League. “I’m excited to go there From the outside looking in it’s easy to see where Ferguson for three years, but I need to focus on what we’re doing here, By DARCIE dominates. He’s leading the competition in most runs (507) and McDONALD make every game count, and that’s what I’m going to do.” @DarcieMcDonald running metres (5,082), however Manu says there’s a lot more Ferguson is so committed to finishing off the year strongly to the former State of Origin representative than those numbers. with the Roosters that he agreed to terms with the Eels back in July, “Obviously you see the amount of work he does in the games, the amount so he could then make the rest of the season his sole focus. of carries he takes and the metres he makes. But there’s also his knowledge “I did it in the middle of the season so I didn’t have to speak about of the game. He’s pretty smart on the field with what plays the opposition it at the end of the year. That’s the reason why I signed the contract are trying to do and he always relays that to me and tells me what’s coming early – so I could focus.I knew I’d need my own space in my own head at us with defence.” to prepare for big games,” he says. The Wellington Cowboys junior knocked back a contract extension NO ORIGIN with the Roosters and a three-year offer with the Knights to sign with Ferguson has had an impressive representative career, playing for NSW the Eels. It may seem strange to choose this year’s wooden spoon recipients and Australia seven times each. But the superstar winger was left out of after winning multiple minor premierships in Bondi, but Ferguson – who Origin this year, which was a decision he says he saw coming. lives in western Sydney – says his family were the deciding factor. “I knew I probably wouldn’t be picked – I just knew my time was “I didn’t want to leave Sydney because I wanted to be with my kids probably up,” he says. – that was basically the only thought process,” he says. “There are all these young kids coming through and the coach changed, so he probably wanted to make a change because of the results. Sometimes BITTERSWEET FAREWELL it just doesn’t work out, but I’m professional in the way I go about my work When Ferguson does play his last game for the Roosters, he’ll leave every week, so that’s the way it is.” behind his close friend and team-mate Joseph Manu, who he shares Despite not being a part of this year’s winning Blues squad, there were a room with when travelling for away games. no hard feelings. Ferguson rallied behind NSW when they claimed the series “I’ll miss my little roomie, ‘Joey’ Manu,” he says. “We’ve got a pretty and carried on producing some of his career-best footy. good relationship on and off the field, so it’ll be a bit sad to leave, just “I enjoyed that they won. I don’t get bitter over things like that. I prepared not being able to hang out with him. But I’m sure we’ll still catch up and myself during pre-season for not playing, so it wasn’t like it was a shock play PlayStation together. He’s one of my good mates and I spend a lot – I knew it wasn’t going to happen. But I still wasn’t going to play rubbish of time with him.” during the year. I wanted to perform for my own satisfaction.” Although Ferguson hasn’t spent much time thinking about Manu, on the other hand, believes his team-mate should have been there. leaving the club, his impending departure has crossed “I reckon he’s the best winger in the Manu’s mind. However, the youngster says the pair comp. I think he was really unlucky, but won’t chat about it until after the season ends. ‘He’s pretty smart I don’t think he really cared about that “A few weeks ago I thought about [Ferguson leaving], too much; he was just happy with his but now that it’s finals we haven’t really talked about it,” on the field performance for the Roosters,” he says. Manu tells Big League. with what plays As for this weekend’s must-win match “I know that once it’s finished I’ll talk to him about it. against the Rabbitohs, Ferguson is feeling It’s pretty sad to see him go, but I think it’s best for what the opposition fresh after having last weekend off and is he wants for him and his family.” confident that the team’s consistent form are trying to throughout the year will get them over the line. THE RIGHT STUFF do. He always “It’s always good having a week off, Given the destructive combination they’ve developed on especially when you’re getting old like me,” the Roosters’ right edge, it’s no surprise that Manu and relays that to he jokes. Ferguson have formed a close bond off the field. Manu “I think we’ve laid a pretty good platform says he often looks to his good mate for advice. me and tells me this year, in regards to the way we’ve played “He’s been a mentor to me. He’s played a bit of centre, what’s coming.’ footy. If we just go out there and everyone too, so he knows what to do and just in that wing spot does their job and does it good, the result I hear him talking my ear off at training and on the field. – Joseph Manu will look after itself.”

ls Week Three BIG LEAGUE 2018 17 NOTABLE NEMISIS: Brailey has always looked up to .

SHIRE BRILLIANCE

Artwork: Bailey Boo

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*POSTER *The NRL Finals Poster Series are inserted into and free when you buy The Saturday Telegraph on 15/09/18 and 22/09/18 (RRP $2.50), or The Sunday Telegraph 09/09/18 and 30/09/18 (RRP + PAPER $ .00 $3.00). Excludes Queensland. MAX PRICE 3 Moving in and out of first grade has been surprisingly beneficial for Brodie Croft, and not just because it’s made him hungrier than ever to succeed. HONING TORM halfback Brodie Croft is no stranger to the comparisons. They Splay the same position, they’ve got the same number of letters in their first and surnames and they’re separated by just one centimetre and three kilos according to the 2018 season guide. So when Cronk decided to leave Melbourne for Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, many assumed the former skipper would simply By MARTIN step in as Cooper 2.0. GABOR It’s a tag Croft naturally wanted to avoid. He’d @martinjgabor made a name himself last season with a clutch field goal to down the Cowboys during the Origin period and then bagged a hat-trick against the Knights in Round 24. The comparisons continued in Round 1, when he led the Storm to a convincing win in Perth. Everything was going to script. The Cronk clone was destined to help Melbourne go back-to-back. But the tide turned as Melbourne lost three of their next four matches. Croft’s decision making and defence were questioned, and when the Round 6 team sheet came out, he wasn’t in the 17.

Gregg Porteous/NRLPhotos.com Gregg (Main); (Johns) Petch Colleen “It hurt a lot; you never really prepare yourself for when you get dropped,” Croft tells Big League

PHOTOS: in the AAMI Park sheds two hours after his side’s

20 BIG LEAGUE 2018 Finals Week Three win over the Rabbitohs in Week One Hishopesofmakingafinals of the finals. debutappearedoverwhenhe “I was feeling good coming into the waslistedintheNo.19jerseyfor pre-season, but things didn’t work out the Rabbitohs game, but Bellamy for me in those first few weeks. It hurt wanted a genuine playmaker and quite a bit, looking back at it, and it took knew Croft was his man. a while to get back into the team. “Craigsatmedownandtoldme “But in hindsight, things probably that he wanted me to lead the team worked out for the best. Now my around the park, and that gave me number one goal is to do my best alotofconfidence,”hereveals. every time I get the opportunity to “Itmeansalottohearaguylike pull on the purple jumper.” himhaveconfidenceinyou.Iwas nervous throughout the week, MATTY’S MAGIC butasweapproachedgameday, The Cronk comparisons were put aside the excitement came rushing back as Croft was forced to bide his time in andIwaskeentoripin.” the Intrust Super Cup. Thenightdidn’tstarttoowell Well, that’s only half-true. In 2006 – ashesentakickdead.Theoldhim Cronk’s first season as starting halfback would’vedwelledonit.Buttimes – the Storm brought in Matthew Johns have changed. to mentor him in the finer arts of being “Ilearntthroughouttheyearthat an on-field general. I’vegottoputthoseerrorsbehind The tutelage paid off as Cronk meandmoveonasquicklyasIcan,” took them to the grand final that hesays.“IjustfocusedonwhatIcould year, and the Storm became the do to help the team.” most-dominant team in the NRL Andthat’sexactlywhathedid, with him calling the shots. playing a key role in Melbourne’s Twelve years later, the club again first try as his quick hands led to turned to the former Knights five- GUIDING LIGHT: CurtisScottgoingoveroutwide. eighth to help fine-tune Croft’s game. Croft has been able Croft’s coming-of-age moment to learn invaluable “I went up there after I got dropped,” lessons from Johns. arrived 25 seconds before half-time. the 21-year-old says. Withhissidetrailingdeepintheirown HIS CRAFT “I stayed with him for a few nights and we “When I went back to Easts Tigers, I immediately half, he had every right to just pass out wide as just talked footy. He really helped my game and noticed the changes that I was able to implement, they looked to wind the clock down. helped me better understand where I wanted and I’ve brought those same principles to the But that’s not what Matthew Johns taught to take my game with the Storm. That was the Storm,” he adds. him to do. Structured play is fine, but not at the turning point for me. expense of your principles. So Croft took off, “The Storm and Matty Johns have had a good EARNING HIS STRIPES leaving Sam Burgess in his wake, and put in relationship for a while, everyone knows what Croft spent the next few months tearing it up a pinpoint grubber that set up he was able to do for Cooper Cronk. I had a few in the lower grades, waiting for another crack for one of the tries of the season. sessions with him and I learnt something new in the NRL. “Everyone knew how important that try every time. His shot came in Round 17 when a late was before half-time. We were behind at the “It helped me simplify my game and allowed reshuffle saw him slot in as halfback as the time, so to head into the sheds with the lead me to get back to my best because I wasn’t Storm thrashed the Dragons in a free-flowing was a huge confidence boost,” he beams. worrying about distractions. I’ve just built off game devoid of Origin stars. He backed up the “I was thinking during the week about the my time with him, and I think I’m playing better following week and scored his second try in as enormity of the game. I don’t think I’d played than ever as a result.” many games against Manly at Lottoland. a top-four team this year, so it was a step up. Modern coaching can often be dominated The position was seemingly his again, but I knew I had to strap my shoulders and brace by iPads and over-the-top video analysis, but things in rugby league are never as they seem. myself for the toughest game of my career, there was none of that during their time on For 12 years, Storm coach Craig Bellamy knew but I also knew I had to back myself when the Sydney’s Northern Beaches. who his halfback would be every week. But in moment presented itself.” “We talked more than we’d train, and there’s 2018, his decisions came down to instinct as he Croft and Cronk are now preparing for a lot of visualisation and scenarios that we went rotated Croft, and preliminary finals, and should results go through,” Croft says. “There were no other players depending on the opponent. their way, they’ll face off in the decider. out there. It’s all one-on-one, so I’m not worried Croft returned a month later and helped It’s a great storyline, but one that won’t about decision-making under pressure or what orchestrate back-to-back wins over the Eels faze either of them. option I should be taking at certain moments. You and Titans, but missed out the following week “I’m my own person,” Croft says. see things clearly without 30 other bodies around. due to injury. And that’s how it should be.

Finals Week Three BIG LEAGUE 2018 21 Asfinalsfootygoesdowntothe wasdecidedbyasinglepoint.Theygot the spoils against the Dragons, but lost wire,AdamReynoldsiskickinggoals toMelbourneviaaCameronMunsterfield goalintheopeningweekofthefinals. when it matters. By MICHAEL BLOK Reynoldssayshissidelearntfromthe mistakes of the qualifying final and it’ll HENthescoresarelockedinthedying help them for the remainder of the finals stages,there’sonemanyouwanton series and beyond. Wyourside–AdamReynolds.He’scool, “Weletourselvesdowninkeymoments calmandcomposed,andsomehowdoesn’tseem [against Melbourne], we didn’t get in range toknowhowtomissafieldgoal. tohaveashot[atfieldgoal],”hesaid. TheRabbitohshalfbackleadsthecompetition “Ithoughtthatwasareally formostone-pointersin2018,havingnailed disappointing part. Obviously those five of them this season. aregamesyouhavetolearnfrom Reynolds was the iceman in last Saturday andIthoughtwelearntalot.” night’sthrilling13-12semi-finalwinover Howevertheygottheresults, St George Illawarra, scoring all of his side’s Southsstilladvancedtowithin points including three field goals from as one game of the decider. many attempts – two in the final four minutes. What’s even more He became the first man since Jason Taylor impressive about Reynolds’ in1997toslotthreefieldgoalsinthesame heroicslastweekend game and first to do it in a final since Billy was the fact he Smithin1971. was playing with It was a remarkable individual abustedshoulder. featfromtheclassyplaymaker, “Once the buthesaysit’sjustaroutineplay needle wears for the Rabbitohs – something they offitwillbe frequently rehearse. abitsore,” “Tobehonest,wetrainfor he laughs. moments like that,” Reynolds “I’m sure says.“Throughoutthepre- [this week season and the season we’ve against the trained for scenario-based Roosters] games and been through will be no moments like that at training. different... “All our reserve-grade boys, I’m not exactly theboyswhodon’tplayweek- sure what the problem is at the moment. in,week-out,theydoafantastic “Obviouslyit’sanACjointthere.I’vegotfull jobforus,puttingusunder faithinthedoctorsandourmedicalstaff. pressure in those key moments.” “They’reworriedaboutoursafetyas The Rabbitohs No.7 even playersandI’msuretheywouldn’tsend spends time at the end of every us out there if it was something to be trainingsessiontoworkonhis worried about.” goalandfield-goalkicking. The28-year-oldknowswhatit’slike “Iputinafairbitofworkduring to play on the biggest stage. As well theweek.Aftereverysession asplayingtwogamesforNewSouth Ipractisemygoal-kickingand Walesin2016,theplaymakerhelpedthe throwinacoupleoffieldgoals Rabbitohswinthegrandfinalin2014. here and there,” he says. ‘It’s not hard to He’dlovethechancetowinhissecond Even though Reynolds single- getupforthese premiership this year and he’s keen to handedlywonhissidethematch help the younger players along the way. in the dying stages of the semi-final, games. Throw “It’snothardtogetupforthese hedeflectsthepraisetowardshis games.Throwinthebonusofitbeing team-mates, highlighting his hu in the bonus of a prelim and it certainly makes it even “It’sateameffortoutther more special,” Reynolds says. “Without the big boys throu itbeingaprelim “Alltheyoungboysarepretty laying a platform, Cam M grounded. A couple of words might be with a big play with a on anditcertainly shared but I’m not too worries about

NRLPhotos.com: Grant Trouville (Reynolds), Porteous (Nicholls) NRLPhotos.com: Gregg Trouville Grant those sorts of moment makes it even them.They’reagreatbunchofboysand TheresultatANZS ond wealllookoutforeachother–I’m sure

PHOTOS: time in as many wee game more special.’ this week will be no different.”

22 BIG LEAGUE 2 eek Three TheNRLWisofftoasensationalstartand ApiiNichollsisshapinguptobeoneofthe competition’s biggest stars. By MICHAEL BLOK

OU wouldn’t be able to tell by the way 2017 New Zealand Women’s Player of the she’skillingitintheNRLW,butthe Year award. Ypast month has been exhausting for “Iplayedrugbyunionandlearntalotfrom Warriors fullback Apii Nicholls. thatintermsofhowtotackle,howtopassand OntopoftravellingfromNewZealand howtoruntheball,”Nichollssays.“Iwasasked toAustraliaeachweektoplayinthenew tojoinrugbyleagueandIthoughtitwouldbe competition, Nicholls has also continued her a good idea because I needed more contact full-timejobasapoliceofficerbackhome. and I need more game time.” Formost,playingaprofessionalsport Sheevengainedrepresentativeselection wouldbetiringenough,butNichollsreturns straight away. home to work long shifts several times “Iwasselectedintoawidersquadforthe aweek–provinghercommitmenttorugby Kiwi Ferns and then worked my butt off and league and typifying the sacrifice she and actuallygotintothesquadfortheWorldCup otherwomenmaketoplayintheNRLW. last year,” she says. Thefullbackadmitstheheavyscheduleis Onthefieldandasapoliceofficer, draining,butshewouldn’thaveitany other Nicholls is tough, courageous and brave, way because she knows how but she admits she showed special this opportunity is. a different side before the “I might be exhausted, firstgameoftheWorldCup. butit’sworthitbecause “I was really nervous and we’recreatinghistory,” shakingalot,”sherecalls. Nicholls tells Big League. “IgottoapointthatIjust “Not many of us will get wantedtocrybutIhadagood this opportunity so I’m very team behind me who picked grateful for it. It’s exciting me up and supported me. formebecauseI’mliving “I’velearntalotfromthe someoneelse’sdream.” challenges–I’mstillhere Nicholls recently today and I’m still fighting.” graduated from the Royal New Zealand The25-year-oldhasalsotakenupthe Police College, alongside the Warriors goal-kicking for the Warriors this season. andKiwiFernscaptainLauraMariu. Withabackgroundinsoccer,Nichollshas “Beforewewenttocollege,Ididn’tknow taken her talent with the round ball and [Mariu]well,”shesays.“Iknewofherand adapteditfortheoval-shapedfooty. shewasastartomebecauseIlookedupto “I used to play soccer so I used those her in rugby league.” skills to help me kick goals,” she says. Nicholls credits her captain for helping “A few weeks before our pre-season game her along both paths. back home against the team, my “I’velearntalotfromherbothonandoff kickingcoachTammypulledmeasideand thefield,”sheadmits.“She’staughtmealot said,‘Iheardthatyoukick,’andshetaught aboutcharacterandhowtocarrymyself. meafewtips.I’vealsohadafriendback Atcollegewestucktogetherandwe’re home who has been helping me.” still together now. This September may be one of the biggest “Tobeabletoplaynexttoherissurreal. months in Nicholls’ life, and even though she’s I’vegotherbackandshe’sgotmine.” lookingforwardtoabreakattheendofthe Nicholls is still new to rugby league, season, she’s enjoying the ride. having only transitioned from “I’m grateful for the chance to play in this overthepastcoupleofyears.Eventhough competitionandI’mreallyenjoyingit,”she she’sfreshtothecode,she’salready says.“Wehavealotofsupportbackhomeand found much success and even won the that makes us really excited to be here.” COP IT SWEET Cameron Afterastellarseason,CameronMunsteristhe Munster worthy recipient of Big League’s Player of the Year. Try assists: 22 HILE most people use Monday 1st at the Storm, 6th in the NRL mornings as an opportunity SURPRISE ACT Wto gossip about what went TheStormweremeanttogothrough Line-break assists: 14 downontheweekend,theBig League a transitional period this season, with crewspendthefirsthourofevery Cooper Cronk no longer there to call 1st at the Storm, 6th in the NRL week breaking down what happened theshotsathalfback.Itwasmusicto in the NRL. theearsoftheother15clubswhohad Field goals: 2 Over coffees, bacon and egg rolls, watchedonasMelbournedominated and banana smoothies, we looked back theNRLforthepastdecade.Therewas 1st at the Storm, 4th in the NRL ateverygamebeforedishingoutpoints By MARTIN only one problem – someone forgot to GABOR Tackle-breaks: 77 ona3-2-1basisonwhowethoughtstole @martinjgabor tell Munster. the show. They’renowonewinawayfrom We’vepolledthevotesfortheseason,and their third-straight grand final appearance, and 2nd at the Storm, 26th in the NRL aftertwoyearsoflocksdominatingtheaward, BroncoslegendDarrenLockyersaysalotofthe weareproudtoannounceStormfive-eighth creditmustgotoMunsterandhowhe’shandled CameronMunsterastheBig League Player of the added playmaking pressure in 2018. the Year for 2018. “Ithinkhe’smaturingreallywell,”Lockyer Munsterfinishedon24points,threepoints tells Big League.“CameronSmithwould clearofSouthSydney’sDamienCookandStorm obviously be a big educator around game team-mateCameronSmith.Otherplayersofnote management, but Cameron Munster is within inthetop10wereJasonTaumalolo,Valentine hisownrightawonderfultalent.Ithinklosing Holmes, and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Cronk,andnothavingarecognisedplaymaker The Maroons star did most of his damage attheclub(means)he’shadtoevolveandlearn betweenRounds6-10ashepolledinfive- thatandhe’scomingalongnicely. straightgamestoopenupahandylead.He “IfCameronSmithwasn’ttherethenit’d alsopolledsevenvotesinathree-gamestretch be a massive ask of Munster, because Smith eithersideofOriginIbeforeheclinchedthetitle manages the game really well from dummy-half. withthreemorevotesintheStorm’sRound20 “I always wondered if Munster was capable win over Canberra. of making that step from talented youngster ONE PURPLE NRLPhotos.com: Grant Trouville (Main), (Inset) Hopkins Nathan NRLPhotos.com: Trouville Grant PHOTOS: PATCH24 BIG LEAGUE 2018 Finals Week Three NUMBER ONE: Munster continued his

against South Sydney.

to leading playmaker. Things like that Stats can sometimes undersell what Munster traditionally take time, but he’s improved has achieved in 2018, given his ability to change his trade faster than most people expected.” a game with a single run, but despite that, his numbers are still rock-solid. GREAT EXPECTATIONS Compared to five-eighths Luke Keary, Cody The Storm five-eighth is no stranger to the Walker and , the Storm pivot has NRL. He was flagged as one to watch from made more metres and fewer errors, while he the outset and justified the hype as he filled stacks up well in try assists and line-breaks. in for an injured to guide the men Importantly, he’s the only one of the foursome in purple to the 2016 Grand Final. to have kicked a field goal in 2018 – he also He then made the move to the halves last kicked the match-winner against North season and was a key cog in their premiership Queensland in Round 12 – which shows his success. No one questioned his ability to team-mates trust him in the clutch moments. break a game open with his running game, but there were doubts as to whether he could COOL UNDER PRESSURE be the game-manager that Cronk was. No one expects him to replicate what Cronk was Those doubts were quickly quashed, able to achieve throughout his storied career in and his evolution into lead shot-caller was the Victorian capital, but Munster has already complete when the 24-year-old nailed the shown this season that he has what it takes to match-winning field goal in Melbourne’s stand tall when the going gets tough. qualifying final win over South Sydney. “They’re big shoes to fill, really, when Cooper’s “When the game was on the line against gone,” Munster says ahead of Friday’s preliminary the Rabbitohs, you could tell that he final clash against the Sharks. “He’s always loved wanted the ball,” Lockyer continues. those big moments and always succeeded when it “That’s a promising sign because comes to those field goals and big moments when young players are more than willing we’ve needed it. to do their thing, but when the game’s “Obviously I needed to step up once ‘Coops’ on the line, a lot of them will shy left. We’ve got a young half in [Brodie] Croft, away from the challenge. On the so it’s something that I needed to take on board back of Origin, his confidence has a lot more. skyrocketed and he demands the “It’s probably something I don’t want to do ball when the game is on the line. but I guess at the end of the day, it’s not about “I think he’s an X-factor at what I want, it’s what’s best for the team and the moment, but as he gets older if that means that I need to get the boys in the and learns more about what it position to take the opportunity and try and takes to win, he’ll continue to nail it, that’s something I’ll do. come up with those clutch plays “I’m not too scared to have a go, if it doesn’t in the big games and be the go-to pay off it then I just go back to the drawing guy for the Storm.” board and try to do it again.”

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Next wave of talent on the RISE HENRLiscurrentlyworkingonsomeexcitingnewinitiativesthathopeto Tfurther enhance young people’s experiences in the game. OneprogramthathasimmensepotentialistheRISERugbyLeague Developmentprogram,trialledontheGoldCoastandCoffsHarbour throughout2018.Theprogramoffersaspirational13-15-year-olds opportunitiestodeveloptheirrugbyleagueskills,physicalconditioningand socio-emotional wellbeing through a partnership with Griffith University’s Life-Fit Program. TheprogramissupportedbyAustralianKangaroosCoachMalMeninga, whoinitiatedtheRISEvaluesalongwiththecurrentAustralianKangaroos playing group. RISEendorsesasetofvaluesanddailyactionsthatinspirepeopleto reach their full potential, both on and off the field. MalandJillaroosHeadCoachBradDonaldwereontheGoldCoast recently to congratulate the first graduates of the program and present them with their certificates. RISE is an acronym for RESPECT, INCLUSIVE, SELFLESS & EXCELLENCE – all values we strive to achieve.

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• PHOTOS: NRLPhotos.com: Gregg Porteous (Capewell, Yeo, Manu), Mark Dadswell (Slater), Scott Davis (Seibold), Nathan Hopkins (McInnes) 32 BIG LEAGUE 2018 32 LEAGUE BIG just came out and did it.” did and out came just he and on was it knew one player, no ‘Val’,” “He’s instinct with an Woods. said it. for him credited but play, byHolmes’ bysurprise taken also was footy.” best his plays he when –that’s that like himself back him seeing Ilove it. about knew anyone said. Capewell finals,” togrand through you take that those like moments clutch It’s goal. field the [Townsend] with ‘Chaddy’ and off kick the off back ball field goal. game-winning Townsend’s toChad match led weekend’s last of dying minutes the in kick-off short spontaneous whose Holmes, Valentine team-mate them.” into jump there and in toget wait Ican’t so form, good We’re pretty in toit. up we’re definitely “Ithink said. fresh,” he be they’ll and easy, isnever Melbourne in Melbourne ground. home their at premiers defending the tobeat a challenge be will it knows and Melbourne against (right) 2016 Final. since the Grand their south-of-the-border rivals against first finals match their and Storm the against final preliminary the in aspot Sharks secured the weekend, last the Panthers with game aneck-and-neck AFTER “That’s what I love about playing playing about Ilove what “That’s Woods Aaron team-mate Capewell’s think –Idon’t tohimself it kept “He the toget play amassive “Val did praised also 25-year-old The tough. be will it cent per “A hundred Capewell Kurt forward Sharks is anticipating a gritty game game agritty isanticipating – DARCIE McDONALD – DARCIE Finals Week Three Week Finals and hopefully we send him out the winner he is.” he winner the out him send we and hopefully him, for career agreat been it’s but Bill, for moment sad It’s avery up. boots the to hang it’s time thinks final. to a grand us –getting wants everything that thing that about worrying just and night, Friday on job own his and Melbourne. in game last his about selfish won’t be and it on focusing be won’t day, he the the end of at but on, focusing we’re really that something be said. Munster here,” league rugby for and population football the for general, in and Melbourne retiring veteran. the for done job the toget Storm’s duty it’s the insists but him, about night the tomake want season. the of at the end career glittering his on time tocall but has decided 2003, in debut NRL his making since Melbourne Park. AAMI at Sharks the against game home final his in awinner out Slater Billy send to look they as week but there’s added motivation for Melbourne this final, grand the in aspot for playing be may THEY “I’d love for him to play until he’s 50, but he obviously obviously he he’s but 50, until toplay “I’d him for love performance own his about worried more be “He’ll would night Friday on awinner out “To him send Storm Melbourne the for everything “He’s done won’t Slater knows Munster Cameron Team-mate at ahome found has fullback superstar The – MARTIN GABOR – MARTIN boys,” Yeo told resilience. their showcasing end, the until fought Panthers the but crumbled, have would teams most 2018. in efforts side’s his of proud extremely is Yeo Isaah back-rower but night, Friday last Cronulla to loss aheartbreaking with aclose to come have may season PENRITH’S with people.” with people.” well tospeak isable and smart –he’s incredibly job a wonderful does he but is, go the what sure I’m not assistant, or coach head Yeo players,” said. all the 2019. in again side the to lead him backed and Ciraldo Cameron the season.” of out totake positives a lot of were there but here, players the all like disappointed very I’m and season tothe end ideal an wasn’t It agroup. as of proud situation. any in up gave We never trying. stopped never group the off.” it tofinish able we weren’t ourselves but opportunity every We gave start. head 18-point an that like ateam giving after final elimination an winning of a chance tobe aposition in themselves “I’m extremely proud of the the of proud “I’m extremely final, ado-or-die in 18-0 Down “Whether he’s here as the the as he’s here “Whether of respect total the “He’s got coach interim Yeo praised also very tobe something “That’s but perfect, always wasn’t “It put can teams many “Not Big League – MICHAEL BLOK – MICHAEL . THE Roosters may be without suspended players Dylan Napa and Latrell Mitchell for Saturday night’s preliminary final, but Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold is expecting the Tri-colours to be at their best. “They’re obviously very good players those two guys, they’re elite players and both Origin players, but they’ve got great depth across their squad,” Seibold said. “Like I’ve said before, I think before a ball was kicked this year the Roosters were everybody’s tip to be in the grand final and be minor premiers with the recruits they had. “So we go over there with nothing to lose and everything to gain. We can’ wait.” Seibold praised his playing group for being resilient despite off-field distraction surrounding the club. “It’s been a difficult last couple of days for the club and I suppose in my first year DESPITE their tough one-point (as a head coach) it’s been a challenging loss on Saturday, the Dragons last 48 hours,” Seibold said after their are holding their heads high one-point win over St George Illawarra. after a five-week turnaround “But I’m really comfortable with how that reversed their form slump the club’s handled things and really and saw the team return to proud of guys like Greg [Inglis] and winning ways despite the our leaders and the playing group.” – MB absence of Gareth Widdop. The Red V were in freefall heading into the back end of the season, but wins over the Knights, THERE may be plenty of drama surrounding Tigers and Broncos – and the way the Rabbitohs at the moment, but Roosters they played in the semi-final – winger Blake Ferguson isn’t wasting any have restored pride in the jersey. energy keeping up with it and is too busy “I’m very proud of the boys, but focusing on the game ahead. it’s heartbreaking. We did enough “If we stick to our processes and prepare right, to win that game a couple of times everything will work out. We can’t worry about and to let it go like that is very what’s happened with them, we need to worry disappointing,” said co-captain about ourselves first,” he told Big League. Cameron McInnes (above), who The 28-year-old is wary of South Sydney finished the bruising encounter hooker ’s explosive running game, with a game-high 49 tackles. but he’s taking the confidence from beating “We went through some rough them in Round 22 into the next encounter. patches [this season], but we “Damien Cook is a good player, I’ve watched fought our way out of it. At the him for most of the year. He’ll probably end up end of the year we started playing winning the Dally M medal,” Ferguson said. some great footy again, it’s just “Hopefully we can nullify their forwards and a shame we fell short.” make sure [Cook] doesn’t get out of dummy half. Ben Hunt, who was at the We did a pretty good job on them last game, so centre of much of the criticism we’ll be looking to do the exact same thing.” during the form slump, answered The Roosters will head into the game with his doubters by scoring the fresh legs after having last weekend off. Young Dragons’ only try and controlling centre Joseph Manu (right) believes the rest will the attack well. Though there were benefit the team when they take to the field. questions raised over the failed “It’s been a good week, especially for the body to fifth-tackle play that handed the freshen up a bit,” Manu said. “The boys are looking Rabbitohs the field position to ice good, everyone came out smiling after a few days off the game, the playmaker has the on the weekend. We’re all just keen to get out there full support of his playing group. and play now. I reckon the week off was good for us.” “Ben started the year really well, Saturday’s match will also be the last NRL game he’s been outstanding. He had a played at Allianz Stadium before it’s refurbished, which lot of things thrown his way this Manu says makes the contest that little bit more special. year but he’s handled it well. He “There’s a great history behind this stadium and was great tonight and last week as a huge amount of games have been played there. well, and that shows the resilience It’s a privilege to be playing the last game there he has,” said McInnes. “I feel so and hopefully there’ll be a big crowd – the boys lucky to be able to play with him for will definitely play their hearts out.” – DM at least the next three years – and hopefully more.” – DAVID PIEPERS

Finals Week Three BIG LEAGUE 2018 33 WOMEN IN FIONA BOLLEN LEAGUE SWOOP Breaking ground T’Sbeenquiteaseasonforwomen’srugby league, when you consider everything that’s Ihappened wasn’t expected to occur for anothercoupleofyears. Theplayers,thefans,theclubs,evenmost oftheadministrators–nearlyeveryone thoughtawomen’scompetitionwasdue around 2020 or 2021. Instead, the foot hit the accelerator and inthespaceofayeartheNRLWPremiership has begun. It’snotperfect;it’sdefinitelyaworkin progress.Nextyearitmaynotlookanything likewhatitdoesnow.Itmaybeatadifferent timeofyearandinadifferentformat.Or itcouldbealmostexactlythesame–it’swait and see at this point. However,whatthoseinvolvedknowisthat theworkputintogetthecompetitionupand running has been worth it. “It’s a bit surreal to be honest,” says Jillaroos coach Brad Donald. “There was a good reminder, I had the Jillaroos senior leadershipgroupcomeintheweekbefore (the competition started). “Webasicallyjustreflectedthatitwasless than12monthsagowhenwewereaboutto takefour-and-a-halfweeksoffworkeachand gointoaWorldCupcampaign,whereweknew it was going to be big and there was a little bitofprofilearoundit.Butthegirlsweren’t expectinganyfundingoranymoney. “We were fortunate enough to be able to givethemapaymentthroughthatWorldCup andlookafterthemwell,buttothinkthat lessthan12monthslaterthey’dbeplaying on the big stage again in club colours, it’s extremely surreal. “Alotofhardworkhasgoneintothepast 12 months to make it happen.” Thatfirstgame,whentheRoostersand Warriors ran out onto ANZ Stadium to kick off Round 1, was the culmination of all that. Some Roosters players admitted the next weektobeingovercomebyemotionasthey walkeddownthetunnelforthatfirstgame. They were overwhelmed that the moment had finally arrived when they were able to pull on HISTORY ARRIVES: theirclubjerseysandrepresentintheNRL. leads the Roostersoutforthefirst Itwasasimilarfeelingforthosewho ever NRLW game. have worked behind-the-scenes to pull it all together. “Aftersuchalongtimeoftalking “Overall, we’ve had great crowds, the footy Then,toseehowpeopleembracedthe aboutitandworkingtowardsit,thatfirst hasbeenreallygood,therehavebeenlotsof competition has made it even more special. game, to stand there on the field and see people came out in support of it – the known Players and administrators came up with it happening before your eyes – that’s namesinthegame. the“Samegame,ourway”taglineasaway a great moment for me, personally,” “What’sreallyencouragingispeopleseem ofplacingwomen’srugbyleagueinitsown says Tiffany Slater, senior manager tobeunderstandingwhatwe’retryingtodo

Robb Cox/NRLPhotos.com Robb lane, without completely detaching it from ofthewomen’seliteprogram. in 2018 and the strategy behind it and they’re what it is at the core: footy. And fans are “Tojustgo,‘Thisiswhatwewereworking also really excited for what may come in the

PHOTO: embracing it. towards and this is why we’re doing it.’ future,” she adds.

34BIGLEAGUE2018 Finals Week Three GAMEDAY

AARON WOODS CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS

MINUTES LESS 6PER GAME When you’ve played at Origin and Test level, leavingyournewclubtotakeaninterchange spot at another might not seem like the most enticingidea–butit’sworkedwondersfor WoodssincehismovefromBelmoretothe Shire. Even though he’s averaging fewer minuteseachweek,hisinputhasn’tdecreased, withanoticeableboostinmetresgainedand tackle-breaks–he’sonlygonebelowhisseason average for metres three times in 11 games at the Sharks. Though his tackle rate hasn’t moved,hismissedtackleshavedecreased,and hiserrorratehasalsotakenahitinconjunction with the smaller number of offloads he attempts.WhileWoodsarrivedattheSharks under strange circumstances, it looks like ShaneFlanaganhadaspecificroleforhimin the Sharks’ devastating pack, and it’s one he’s embracing with aplomb. Gregg Porteous/NRLPhotos.com Gregg PHOTO:

Finals Week Three BIG LEAGUE 2018 35 DATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 VENUE: AAMI PARK KICK-OFF: 7.50PM REFEREE: GERARD SUTTON ASSISTANT REFEREE: BEN CUMMINS TOUCH JUDGES: BRETTSUTTOR&CHRISBUTLER V SENIOR REVIEW OFFICIAL: JARED MAXWELL REVIEW OFFICIAL: LUKE PATTEN CHANNEL 9 & FOX LEAGUE: 7PM PTGPTS #NRLStormSharks PTGPTS LIVE RADIO: ABC, 2GB, TRIPLE M, CROCMEDIA

185020 Billy SLATER 1 25 22 27 142 STORM SHARKS 2nd (38) 4th (36) 565 552 21 15 0 60 Suliasi VUNIVALU 2 Sosaia FEKI 158032 391 464 ATTACK 17 4 0 16 William CHAMBERS 3 19 10 0 40 90 92 76% 77% 229036 4 24 3 0 12 54 61 17 21 19 10 23 17 0 68 Josh ADDO-CARR 5 Edrick LEE 18 12 1 50 DEFENCE 65 76 22 4 2* 22 Cameron MUNSTER 6 Matt MOYLAN 23208 49 55 15 17 102518 Brodie CROFT 7 26 5 62*143 14 MATCH AVERAGES 18000 8 253012 44 33 23 21 24 1 92*189 Cameron SMITH (C) 9 Jayden BRAILEY 253012 16 18 165 173 22104 10 Matt PRIOR 26104 323 309 1477 1553 44 195020 11 Luke LEWIS 16 3 0 12 10 12 44 22128 Joe STIMSON 12 Kurt CAPEWELL 181014 81% 74% HEAD-TO-HEAD 16 1 0 4 13 Paul GALLEN (C) 22104 AT AAMI PARK INTERCHANGE WINNING FORM 2018 23104 14 14104

24 2 0 8 15 25104 PAST 8 CLASHES 2018 –

† 20208 16 25104 2017 –

224016 Nelson ASOFA-SOLOMONA 17 Jayson BUKUYA 20208 2016 –

RESERVES 2015 – BIGGEST HEAD-TO-HEAD WINS 16 0 0 0 Brandon SMITH 18 146024

11 2 0 8 Jahrome HUGHES 19 Ava SEUMANUFAGAI 13000 CASUALTY WARD

14104 Sam KASIANO 20 Joseph PAULO 20000

84016 Cheyse BLAIR 21 Kyle FLANAGAN 100 0

*Field Goals:CMunster2,CSmith1 *FieldGoals:CTownsend4 †Played 14 games for Canterbury-Bankstown COACHES Craig BELLAMY Shane FLANAGAN PENALTIES SCRUMS PENALTIES SCRUMS 1234 1234 5678 5678 9101112 9101112 13 14 15 16 13 14 15 16

36 BIG LEAGUE 2018 Finals Week Three GAME ONE: Melbourne v Cronulla-Sutherland 39 tackles in Finals Week 1

Form:

Best Bet?

Money-spinner:

Danger sign: History:

HEAD-TO-HEAD LEADERS

DALE FINUCANE RICKY LEUTELE BRACING FOR THE STORM Cronullahadtodigdeepto overcome Penrith, but now they’vebookedadatewiththeir biggest rivals. By MARTIN GABOR

DidValentineHolmestellanyone Q.about that short kick-off? Ididn’tseeitcoming,butValbacked A.himself and it came off. I’ve never seen himdoitattraining,somyfirstthoughtwas, “I hope this comes off.” When it did, we were abletogetdowntheirend,applypressure andcomeawaywiththefieldgoal.Itwas a huge play, so we’re just happy he nailed it.

Therewasnothingeasyaboutthe Q.winningfieldgoal,butChadTownsend made it look like a piece of cake… That’sjustChad–he’scalmunder A.pressure.He’stheonewhocallsthe shotsandhelovestostepupinthebig moments.He’skickedafewfieldgoalsthis season so we’re always confident when he puts his hand up when the game’s on the line.

Can you talk us through your rivalry Q.with the Storm? We’ve had some pretty fierce clashes A.sincethe2016GrandFinal,andwe’re expecting nothing less down there. Both teamsarecoachedtogrindgamesout,and theresultisusuallydecidedinthefinalfew minutes.We’vewonbothourgamesagainst them this year, but we know it won’t be awalkinthepark.We’reexpectingthemto throweverythingatus.Theywereverygood against the Rabbitohs, and we’re expecting them to be fired up after the week off.

AreyouexpectingWillChambers to Q.come out all guns blazing? He’sarepresentativecentresoI’mgoing A.to have to be at my best. He’ll be fired upafterafewweeksoutsoIknowI’llhave tobeon-songindefencebecauseyoucan’t slackoffagainsthim.He’soneofthoseguys who loves the big games, but so do I. It’ll be a good contest.

Thiscouldbeyourfinalgamebefore Q.youlinkupwiththeToronto Wolfpack. Has that crossed your mind? I’vejustgottofocusondoingmyjob A.fortheteam.I’mstillaSharksoIhave toprepareasIalwaysdoandtakeeachweek asitcomes.Whathappensnextyearwilltake care of itself, but for now, my sole focus is on Porteous/NRLPhotos.com Gregg the Storm. PHOTO:

38 BIG LEAGUE 2018 Finals Week Three GAME ONE: Melbourne v Cronulla-Sutherland

Round 22, 2018 Round 4, 2018 Round 14, 2017 AAMI Park Southern Cross Group Stadium Southern Cross Group Stadium Cronulla 17 d. Melbourne 14 Cronulla 14 d. Melbourne 4 Melbourne 18 d. Cronulla 13

Cameron Smith heads to the sin bin.

PLAYER PICK EVERY GAME DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 VENUE: ALLIANZ STADIUM KICK-OFF: 7.50PM REFEREE: ASHLEY KLEIN ASSISTANT REFEREE: ADAM GEE TOUCH JUDGES: NICK BEASHEL & CHRIS SUTTON V SENIOR REVIEW OFFICIAL: STEVE CHIDDY REVIEW OFFICIAL: BEN GALEA CHANNEL9&FOXLEAGUE:7PM PTGPTS #NRLRoostersSouths PTGPTS LIVE RADIO: ABC, 2GB, TRIPLE M, CROCMEDIA

239036 James TEDESCO 1 Alex JOHNSTON 238032 ROOSTERS RABBITOHS 1st (38) 3rd (36) 563 623 156024 Daniel TUPOU 2 Campbell GRAHAM 157028 373 478 ATTACK 22104 Mitchell AUBUSSON 3 (C) 18 10 0 40 92 104 76% 77% 24 7 0 28 Joseph MANU 4 Dane GAGAI 24 4 0 16 55 74 25 24 12 6 25 17 6 80 Blake FERGUSON 5 Robert JENNINGS 20 19 0 76 DEFENCE 56 79 215020 Luke KEARY 6 Cody WALKER 26 12 0 48 43 53 817 24 5 0* 21 Cooper CRONK 7 Adam REYNOLDS 23 5 91* 207 59 MATCH AVERAGES 22208 Jared WAEREA-HARGREAVES 8 Thomas BURGESS 265020 44 23 23 24 25000 Jake FRIEND (C) 9 Damien COOK 24 4 0 16 15 18 167 175 221514 SioSiuaTAUKEIAHO 10 George BURGESS 26208 331 315 1603 1611 44 213012 Boyd CORDNER (C) 11 John SUTTON 264016 811 45 24 5 0 20 Isaac LIU 12 Angus CRICHTON 24 3 0 12 78% 73% HEAD-TO-HEAD 233012 Victor RADLEY 13 Sam BURGESS 22104 AT ALLIANZ STADIUM INTERCHANGE WINNING FORM 2018 710 4 Lindsay COLLINS 14 Hymel HUNT 187028

25104 Zane TETEVANO 15 Cameron MURRAY 24 2 0 8 PAST 8 CLASHES 2018 –

13000 Nat BUTCHER 16 Jason CLARK 21116 2017 – 205020 17 Dean BRITT 200 0 2016 – RESERVES

310 4 18 Braidon BURNS 510 4 2015 –

110 4 Sean O’SULLIVAN 19 Mark NICHOLLS 12000 BIGGEST HEAD-TO-HEAD WINS 110 4 Paul MOMIROVSKI 20 Junior TATOLA 23000

100 0 Sitili TUPOUNIUA 21 000 0 CASUALTY WARD

*Field Goals: C Cronk 1 *Field Goals: A Reynolds 5

COACHES Trent ROBINSON Anthony SEIBOLD PENALTIES SCRUMS PENALTIES SCRUMS 1234 1234 5678 5678 9101112 9101112 13 14 15 16 13 14 15 16

40 BIG LEAGUE 2018 Finals Week One GAME TWO: v South Sydney 239 metres in Finals Week 1

History: Danger sign: Form:

Best Bet?

Money-spinner:

HEAD-TO-HEAD LEADERS

JAMES TEDESCO ALEX JOHNSTON HARD WORK PAYING OFF Adam Reynolds may have scoredallthepoints,butit’s takenafull-teameffortforSouth Sydney to return to Week Three of the finals. By MARTIN GABOR

How good is it to know you have a guy Q.likeAdamReynoldsinyourteamwho cankickfieldgoalsintheclutchmoments? Adam’skickingisuptherewiththebest A.inthecompetition.Itmeansalottohave himinthesidebecausewhenwegetinposition weknowwecanrelyonhimtokickfieldgoals in the big moments. He puts in so much work attrainingwithhiskicking,sowe’realways confident his hard work will pay off in games.

CameronMurraywashugeagainst Q.the Dragons. How important was that striplateinthegame? He’s been massive for us. We’ve all A.knownthepotentialthathe’sgot,and everyone is starting to see what he’s capable of.He’ssuchaworkhorseattrainingandhe canjustgoallday.Whathedidagainstthe Dragons was awesome, especially that strip underfatigue.I’msohappyforhimbecause there aren’t too many people who work harder than he does.

Does it get any bigger than Q.apreliminaryfinalagainst your local, traditional rivals? We’re going to approach it like any A.other game, but there’s no denying theatmosphereisgoingtobenextlevel. It’sgoingtobeahugegameatAllianz Stadium,andbothteamsaregoingtoget alotofsupport.Allianzisprettycloseto alotofSouthSydneysupporterssowe’re expectingtoseealotofredandgreenon Saturday.WeplayedthematANZStadium inthe2014preliminaryfinalandthatwas aterrificcontest.Wegotofftoaslowstart that night but fought back well and got the win.We’llneedtoplayforthefull80minutes this weekend if we are to have any chance.

Youmustbelookingforwardtogoing Q.head-to-head with James Tedesco… I’mjusttheretoplaymybestfootyand A.nottrytofocusontheopposition–but ‘Teddy’isagreatfullbackandhe’sbeenin outstanding form this season. I’m looking forwardtoplayingagainsthim,butmyfocus will be on doing my job and helping the team try to qualify for the grand final. Porteous/NRLPhotos.com Gregg PHOTO:

42 BIG LEAGUE 2018 Finals Week Three GAME TWO: Sydney Roosters v South Sydney

Round 22, 2018 Round6,2018 Round 18, 2017 ANZ Stadium Allianz Stadium Allianz Stadium Sydney Roosters 18 d. South Sydney 14 South Sydney 26 d. Sydney Roosters 14 Sydney Roosters 14 d. South Sydney 12

John Sutton’s try put the result beyond doubt.

Adam Reynolds takes on Victor Radley.

Joseph Manu opens the scoring.

TALKIN’ SPORT

Hosted by Graeme Hughes and featuring Gavin Robertson, BrettPapworthandPeterTunks, Talkin’ Sport covers the major rugbyleagueandsportstories every weekday from 3-7pm. Covering Sydney, NSW and south-east Queensland. DATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 VENUE: AAMI PARK KICK-OFF: 5.15PM REFEREE: PETER GOUGH ASSISTANT REFEREE: JAKE SUTHERLAND TOUCH JUDGES: WYATTRAYMOND&DANIELSCHWASS V SENIOR REVIEW OFFICIAL: HENRY PERENARA REVIEW OFFICIAL: BRYAN NORRIE GEM & FOX LEAGUE: 5PM PTGPTS #NRLW PTGPTS LIVE RADIO: ABC

22620 1 Apii NICHOLLS 202 4

200 0 Julia ROBINSON 2 Langi VEAINU 200 0 PREVIEW: Warriors aim up against in-form Broncos 000 0 Kody HOUSE 3 Shontelle WOODMAN 100 0

200 0 Amber PILLEY 4 Onjeurlina LEIATAUA 200 0

100 0 Karley TE KAWA 5 Hilda MARIU 210 4

200 0 Kimiora NATI 6 Laura MARIU (C) 200 0

220 8 (C) 7 Georgia HALE 200 0

200 0 8 Crystal TAMARUA 100 0

200 0 Brittany BREAYLEY 9 Krystal ROTA 200 0

200 0 10 Aieshaleigh SMALLEY 200 0

210 4 Teuila FOTU-MOALA 11 Tanika Jazz NOBLE-BELL 100 0

210 4 Maitua FETERIKA 12 Alice VAILEA 200 0

200 0 Rona PETERS 13 Louisa GAGO 210 4

INTERCHANGE

200 0 14 Sarina CLARK 210 4

200 0 15 Lorina PAPALI’I 200 0

000 0 Tallisha HARDEN 16 Amber KANI 100 0

210 4 Ngatokotoru ARAKUA 17 Kahurangi PETERS 100 0

RESERVES

100 0 Amelia KUK 18 Sui TAUAUA-PAUARAISA 200 0

200 0 Mariah STORCH 19/20 Racquel ANDERSON-PITMAN 110 4

000 0 Lilieta MAUMAU 20/21 Lisa EDWARDS 100 0

000 0 Taylor MAPUSUA 21/24 Va’Anessa MOLIA-FRASER 000 0

COACHES Paul DYER Luisa AVAIKI PENALTIES SCRUMS PENALTIES SCRUMS 1234 1234 5678 5678 9101112 9101112 13 14 15 16 13 14 15 16 KRYSTAL ROTA

44 BIG LEAGUE 2018 Finals Week Three DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 VENUE: ALLIANZ STADIUM KICK-OFF: 5.10PM REFEREE: JON STONE ASSISTANT REFEREE: KASEY BADGER TOUCH JUDGES: JOSHUA McGOWAN & ANDREW GILCHRIST V SENIOR REVIEW OFFICIAL: LUKE PATTEN REVIEW OFFICIAL: ALAN SHORTALL GEM & FOX LEAGUE: 5PM PTGPTS #NRLW PTGPTS LIVE RADIO: ABC

200 0 1 (C) 110 4

000 0 Brydie PARKER 2 Rikeya HORNE 210 4 PREVIEW: Roosters and Dragons eyeing grand final spot 200 0 3 Jessica SERGIS 210 4

220 8 4 210 4

200 0 Taleena SIMON 5 Shakiah TUNGAI 21310

200 0 Lavina O’MEALEY 6 Keeley DAVIS 200 0

200 0 Zahara TEMARA 7 Raecene McGREGOR 200 0

100 0 8 Oneata SCHWALGER 200 0

200 0 9 Anneka STEPHENS 200 0

200 0 Elianna WALTON 10 Asoiva KARPANI 200 0

200 0 Tazmin GRAY 11 200 0

200 0 Vanessa FOLIAKI 12 Talesha QUINN 100 0

200 0 Simaima TAUFA 13 Annette BRANDER 200 0

INTERCHANGE

200 0 Maddie STUDDON 14 Holli WHEELER 200 0

100 0 Sarah TOGATUKI 15 200 0

200 0 Chloe CALDWELL 16 Teina CLARK 200 0

200 0 Victoria LATU 17 200 0

RESERVES

100 0 Botille VETTE-WELSH 18 Asipau MAFI 200 0

000 0 Kandy KENNEDY 19 Kate HAREN 100 0

000 0 Quincy DODD 20 Talia ATFIELD 000 0

200 0 21/22 Josie STRONG 000 0

COACHES Adam HARTIGAN Daniel LACEY PENALTIES SCRUMS PENALTIES SCRUMS 1234 1234 5678 5678 9101112 9101112 13 14 15 16 13 14 15 16 NITA MAYNARD REDCLIFFEVEASTSTIGERS NORTHSDEVILSVTOWNSVILLE Trai FULLER 1 David FAUID 1 Marshall HUDSON Josh BEEHAG 2 Linc PORT Fruean EASTHOPE 2 Tom McCAGH 3 Shane NEUMANN Brock DIMENT 3 Michael CARROLL 4 Marion SEVE Jack PATERSON 4 LachlanLAROSA 5 Conor CAREY Eliott VINCENT 5 James CONROY Bryce DONOVAN 6 Billy WALTERS Gerome BURNS 6 Sam MARTIN (C) (C) 7 Brayden TORPY 7 Adam COOK Nathan WATTS 16/8 Albert VETE 8 Jayden STEPHENS 9 Tommy BUTTERFIELD Kobe HETHERINGTON (C) 9 Sean MULLANY Sam ANDERSON 10 Dave TYRRELL Joseph McGUIRE (C) 10 Logan BAYLISS 11 (C) Nesta WATENE 11 Campbell DUFFY Myles TAUELI 14/12 Patrick KAUFUSI Jordan RIKI 12 Ben CONDON 13 Jack SVENDSEN Liam HORNE 13 Solomon VASUVULAGI 8 Nick SLYNEY, 12 Aaron WHITCHURCH 14ChrisOSTWALD,15JarredTUITE 14 Sosefo FILIPINE 14 Enemarki SHIBASAKI 15 James TAYLOR 16 Tino FA’ASUAMALEAUI 15 Jake STRASSER 15 Jack ALTHAUS 17 Hugh PRATT 17 Kelma TUILAGI 16 Lorenzo LEAPAI, 17 Reed YOUNG 16 Duarne DEMPSEY 19 Scott SCHULTE 18 Leon ELLIA-NIUKORE 18ZakMcGUIRE,19LionelJOHNSON 17 NathanBARRETT,18LanceFOLBIGG 22 Tom GERAGHTY 20 Sam KASIANO 20 Matthew SILA, 21 Matthew GILL 19 Brodie CHAFFEY, 21 Will FOX Scott SIPPLE Kevin NEIGHBOUR David TANGATA-TOA

Review: Dolphins and Tigers to face off in grand final. EDCLIFFE and Easts Tigers will form side of the competition in Rfaceoffinthegrandfinalthis 2018,havinglostjustsixgames Sunday at Suncorp Stadium. all season. TheTigersadvancedtothe They’re the favourites to claim deciderforthefirsttimesince their sixth premiership, but the 2014 after defeating Burleigh Tigers will be eager to stop them. by 10 points last weekend. With Storm halfback Brodie CroftsteppinguptoNRLlevel, Brayden Torpy wore the No.7 onhisbackanddidafinejob. Heslottedsixgoalsfromseven attemptsandcontrolledthegame with his swift kicking game. Townsville staged a miraculous Patrick Kaufusi scored the comeback to end Pride’s season. Tigers’onlytryofthefirsthalf, before they claimed five four- pointers in the second half. Meanwhile the Dolphins enjoyed the weekend off after beatingtheBearsinthesecond week of the finals. Redcliffe have been the Dolphins rake Jake Turpin. FINALSWEEK3RESULTS TEAM P W D L B F A +/- PTS TEAM P W D L B F A +/- PTS

EASTS TIGERS 36 (P Kaufusi, T Fa’asuamaleaui,JFoster,LPort,C Ostwald,CCareytries;BTorpy6goals) D. 26 (D Phythian, LPage,KRowe,JBerkers,JWhitbread tries; J Fogarty 2, M White goals).

46 BIG LEAGUE 2018 Finals Week Three NEWTOWNVCANTERBURY PENRITH V CRONULLA Will KENNEDY 1 Daine LAURIE 1 Luke POLSELLI Bessie AUFAGA-TOOMAGA 2 Josh BERGAMIN Thomas LOFTS 2 Chris TUPOU Aaron GRAY 3 Morgan HARPER Marlon RITCHIE 3 Reubenn RENNIE 4 John OLIVE Stephen CRICHTON 4 Bronson XERRI Sione KATOA 5 Jayden OKUNBOR Zac RYAN 5 Isaac LUMELUME Jack A. WILLIAMS 6 Josh CLEELAND Dean BLORE 6 Jayden MILLARD Kyle FLANAGAN 7 Fa’amanu BROWN Brendan HANDS 7 Braydon TRINDALL 8 Renouf TO’OMAGA Spencer LENIU 8 Cruz TOPAI AVEAI 9 Zac WOOLFORD Meni LUKE 9 Harry SMITH Ava SEUMANUFAGAI 10 Francis TUALAU Mitch REVELL 10 Monty RAPER Briton NIKORA 11 Ofahiki OGDEN Alex MYLES 11 Teig WILTON (C) Anthony MORAITIS 12 Shawn BLORE 12 Josh CARR Jaimin JOLLIFFE 13 Greg EASTWOOD Mitch KENNY (C) 13 James ROUMANOS 14 14 Bronson GARLICK 14 Adam FEARNLEY 14 Luke JURD, 15 Fine KULA 15 Matt EVANS 15 15 John TRIMBOLI 16 Blake MANOWSKI, 17 Tom CAUGHLAN 16 Braden UELE,17WesLOLO 16 Jack NELSON, 17 Chris SMITH 16 Brad GAUT 18 Jonaiah LUALUA 18 Jesse MARSCHKE 19 Zac CARDASSILARIS 17 J’maine HOPGOOD 19 Kalani PEWHAIRANGI-CHARLIE 21 Malakai HOUMA 20 Brandon WAKEHAM 18 Jack QUINN 20 Thomas HAZELTON Greg MATTERSON Steve GEORGALLIS Ben HARDEN David HOWLETT Review: Jets and Bulldogs hold on Review: Panthersproduceamiracle while to reach decider theSharkssurvivealate scare

EWTOWN have the chance gamewassetforagrandstand ENRITH pulled off one of the Ntoclaimtheirfirstreserve finish,buttheBulldogsheldon Pplays of the season to book gradepremiershipsince2012 for the win. aspotinthegrandfinalfollowing afterqualifyingforthegrandfinal The blue and whites will be apulsating30-26winover withatensewinoverdefending hoping to claim their first title the Knights. and minor premiers Penrith. since 2011. After leading 18-10 at the break, Back-rower Briton Nikora the Panthers found themselves bagged a second-half double to trailing when the Knights raced leadtheJetstoafour-pointwin. in two quick second-half tries. Aheadbyatrywithminutes Astunningindividualtry ontheclock,theJetsheldoff toDaineLauriehelpedthe afast-finishingPantherssideto mountain men reclaim the lead, reach the decider. but a spectacular diving effort from Newtown will now face the TexHoysawtheminorpremiershit Bulldogs, who defeated St George the front with four remaining. Illawarrabytwopoints. Inastunningtwist,Laurie TheBulldogsscoredfewertries broke through on the final play Shawn Blore than the Dragons, but forward of the game and linked up with RhyseMartinbootedsixgoalsfrom Thomas Lofts who crashed over as many attempts to give his side inthecornertocompletethe Cronullasurvivedalatescareto the advantage. remarkable result. edge Mounties. When Dragons centre Patrick ThePantherswillnowface Cronulla’sspinehadafield Herbertscoredacontenderfortry theSharksinareplayoftheir day but will need to fire against Aaron Gray of the year in the 76th minute, the Week One finals clash, after a Panthers side that is riding high.

FINALS WEEK 3 RESULTS TEAM P W D L B F A +/- PTS FINALS WEEK 3 RESULTS TEAM P W D L B F A +/- PTS

NEWTOWN 28 (B Nikora 2, B Aufaga- Toomaga,WKennedy,RRennietries;K PENRITH 30 (M Kenny, M Ritchie, S Blore, Flanagan 4 goals) D. PENRITH 24 (L Martin, L DLaurie,TLoftstries;BHands5goals) Coleman, R Izzard, A Keighran tries; Keighran D. NEWCASTLE 26 (SToa2,JWorley,M 4goals). Cooper,THoytries;KDark3goals). CANTERBURY 28 (R Toomaga, F Tualau, J CRONULLA 26 (ILumelume,HSmith,L Olive, M Cerruto tries; R Martin 4 goals) D. Polselli, B Trindall, J Ferris tries; Trindall ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 26 (R Garrick 2, 3goals)D. MOUNTIES 22 (HYoung2,B Facchini/mafphotography (NSW Mario Cup), Cox/NRLPhotos.com Robb Flegg) (Jersey S Sauni-Esau, S Marsters, P Herbert tries; D O’ Hagan, H Smith-Shields tries; A Niko

Nicholls 3 goals). 3 goals). PHOTO:

Finals Week Three BIG LEAGUE 2018 47 INTRUST SUPER PREMIERSHIP NSW TOP POINTSCORERS TOP TRYSCORERS TGFGPTS JORDAN PEREIRA (DRAGONS) 16 WENTWORTHVILLEVSTMARYS ADAM KEIGHRAN (PANTHERS) 10 81 0 202 WILLIAM KENNEDY (JETS) 14 KYLE FLANAGAN (JETS) 5 70 1 161 BRAD ABBEY (MOUNTIES) 12 Abbas MISKI 1 Robert VAI NATHAN DAVIS (WENTWORTHVILLE) 8 56 0 144 CONNOR TRACEY (BEARS) 12 Eli ROBERTS 2 Chris AUNESE-SCANLON (MOUNTIES) 9 52 0 140 PATRICKHERBERT(DRAGONS) 12 3 DEAN HAWKINS (BEARS) 2 57 1 123 TOP TRY ASSISTS Geoff DANIELA CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA (WARRIORS) 7 39 2 108 CRAIG GARVEY (MOUNTIES) 18 Atini GAFA 4 Marli SINI (ROOS) 4 45 0 106 WILLIAM KENNEDY (JETS) 15 Joshua MINHINNICK 5 Allan FITZGIBBON (DRAGONS) 3 45 2 104 MITCHELL CORNISH (ROOS) 14 JOSH CLEELAND (BULLDOGS) 8 34 0 100 PATRICKHERBERT(DRAGONS) 14 6 RHYSE MARTIN (BULLDOGS) 3 38 0 88 Zachary NICHOLLS Jake TOBY TOP LINE-BREAKS JAI FIELD (DRAGONS) 11 19 0 82 Beau HENRY 7 Lazarus BROWN MATT EVANS (JETS) 18 FA’AMANU BROWN (BULLDOGS) 9 18 1 73 JORDAN PEREIRA (DRAGONS) 16 Kurt DE LUIS 8 Peter BETROS JOSH DRINKWATER (WESTS) 232072 JAI FIELD (DRAGONS) 14 JACKSON HASTINGS (SEA EAGLES) 3 28 0 68 Dylan IZZARD 9 Reece GOLDSMITH PATRICKHERBERT(DRAGONS) 13 JORDAN PEREIRA (DRAGONS) 16 0 0 64 Carl WINTERSTEIN 10 Thomas ROMER ADAM KEIGHRAN (PANTHERS) 13 Jack MORRIS 11 Dylan FUAD TOP RUNNING METRES (MOUNTIES) 13 TOTAL AVERAGE GAMES TOP LINE-BREAK ASSISTS CALEB AEKINS (PANTHERS) 4,305 187 23 James GAMMIDGE 12 Joe VAEGAAU MITCHELL CORNISH (ROOS) 18 PATRICK HERBERT (DRAGONS) 3,511 160 22 Blake COOK 13 Nathan SMITH (C) CRAIG GARVEY (MOUNTIES) 16 TOM AMONE (SEA EAGLES) 3,430 156 22 WILLIAM KENNEDY (JETS) 16 14 Eparama NAVALE 14 Shanan WOOD HAME SELE (DRAGONS) 2,857 143 20 15 Rhys ARMSTRONG 15 Tevita MAPAPALANGI JOSH BERGAMIN (BULLDOGS) 2,850 114 25 TOP TACKLE-BREAKS 16 Jack MILLER 17 John FAIUMU RATU TUISESE (PANTHERS) 2,755 131 21 PATRICKHERBERT(DRAGONS) 126 24 Mana AONGA 20 Veta HENRY SEUMANU JACKSON FORD (DRAGONS) 2,745 119 23 CALEB AEKINS (PANTHERS) 111 21 Blake McDERMOTT, 23 Peter NAY JAYDEN OKUNBOR (BULLDOGS) 2,647 110 24 LUKE SHARPE (ROOS) 95 Brett COOK Brad DREW LACHLAN BURR (BULLDOGS) 2,646 120 22 SIONE KATOA (JETS) 95 BLAKE LAWRIE (DRAGONS) 2,630 146 18 JORDAN PEREIRA (DRAGONS) 94 MASON CERRUTO (BULLDOGS) 2,627 146 18 TOP TACKLERS LUKE SHARPE (ROOS) 2,610 109 24 MITCH WILLIAMS (ROOS) 868 Review: Wentworthville and St Marys through VILIAMI KAVEINGA (BEARS) 2,561 151 17 BLAYKE BRAILEY (JETS) 804 to the grand final (WARRIORS) 2,551 121 21 BILLY MAGOULIAS (JETS) 780

FTERadominantseason, teams. Expect Wentworthville half Aminor premiers Wentworthville andRonMasseyCupPlayerofthe secured their spot in the Ron Year Beau Henry to lead the way. MasseyCupGrandFinalwith TheformerKnightsandTitans anarrowwinoverGlebe-Burwood player’s experience could cause INTRUST SUPER CUP QLD Wolves last weekend. havoc for St Marys. Despite Wentworthville walking TOP POINTSCORERS TOP TRYSCORERS awaywinners,itwasafive-to- TGFGPTS MICHAEL PURCELL (JETS) 22 DANIEL OGDEN (WM SEAGULLS) 19 fourtryeffortinfavouroftheir GUY HAMILTON (MAGPIES) 5 78 0 176 KOTONI STAGGS (DOLPHINS) 12 57 0 162 LINC PORT (TIGERS) 16 opponents. However, Glebe- WES CONLON (JETS) 11 53 0 150 SCOTT DRINKWATER (TIGERS) 16 Burwood’s Addison Demetriou (PRIDE) 10 46 2 134 TOP TRY ASSISTS hadaforgettabledayonthe MARMIN BARBA (JETS) 10 44 0 128 SCOTT DRINKWATER (TIGERS) 22 boot, converting only one of his CONNOR BROADHURST (CAPRAS) 4 50 0 116 (BEARS) 20 five attempts, which proved to BRAYDEN TORPY (TIGERS) 5 47 0 114 JACK AHEARN (DEVILS) 15 be the difference. ASE BOAS (HUNTERS) 5 46 0 112 GUY HAMILTON (MAGPIES) 15 Facing Wentworthville in the TODD MURPHY (DEVILS) 4 47 0 110 SAMSCARLETT(MAGPIES) 14 big dance is St Marys, who beat (BEARS) 5 42 0 104 TOP LINE-BREAKS PAT TEMPLEMAN (WM SEAGULLS) 7 34 2 98 Cabramatta convincingly. DANIEL OGDEN (WM SEAGULLS) 23 MICHAEL PURCELL (JETS) 22 0 0 88 Five-eighthJakeTobyhad SCOTTDRINKWATER(TIGERS) 20 TYRONNE ROBERTS-DAVIS (BEARS) 11 22 0 88 astellargame,scoringadouble MICHAEL PURCELL (JETS) 20 ZACH DOCKAR-CLAY (BLACKHAWKS) 7 29 1 87 TROY LEO (BEARS) 19 andconvertingfourofsixgoals. LINDON MCGRADY (TH SEAGULLS) 3 36 1 85 This weekend’s decider will be JAYDEN CONNORS (JETS) 18 second grand final in three years. TOP RUNNING METRES a thriller between two benchmark TOP LINE-BREAK ASSISTS TOTAL AVERAGE GAMES PAT POLITONI (BEARS) 20 MARIONSEVE(TIGERS) 3,900 156 25 SCOTT DRINKWATER (TIGERS) 20 BEN SHEA (JETS) 3,753 150 25 GUY HAMILTON (MAGPIES) 19 FINALS WEEK 3 RESULTS TEAM P W D L B F A +/- PTS NATHANIEL NEALE (JETS) 3,540 148 24 SAMSCARLETT(MAGPIES) 14 (BEARS) 3,294 132 25 NICHO HYNES (CUTTERS) 14 LINC PORT (TIGERS) 3,269 131 25 ST MARYS 34 (JToby2,AFitzgibbon,B JAMES HILL (CAPRAS) 3,174 144 22 TOP TACKLE-BREAKS McDermott,RVai,LBrowntries;Toby5goals) SAMI SAUILUMA (BEARS) 2,984 130 23 SCOTT DRINKWATER (TIGERS) 156 D. CABRAMATTA 20 (J Martin 2, K Niko tries; SAM ANDERSON (DOLPHINS) 2,973 129 23 MARION SEVE (TIGERS) 134 ZMackay4goals) (WM SEAGULLS) 2,961 141 21 SAMI SAUILUMA (BEARS) 118 DAVID MURPHY (PRIDE) 2,956 129 23 GEORGE FAI (MAGPIES) 109 WENTWORTHVILLE 24 (Z Nicholls, J TYSON LOFIPO (JETS) 2,953 118 25 TOP TACKLERS Minhinnick,CWinterstein,BCooktries;B JERRY KEY (CAPRAS) 2,945 134 22 PAT POLITONI (BEARS) 922 Henry4goals)D. GLEBE-BURWOOD 22 (C JORDAN GRANT (CUTTERS) 2,944 134 22 SAMCOSTER(BEARS) 793 Schaafhausen2,RKing,ADemetriou, T Tamou JOHNNY FALETAGOA’I (CUTTERS) 2,932 147 20 JACK SVENDSEN (TIGERS) 774 tries; Demetriou goal).

48 BIG LEAGUE 2018 Finals Week Three

TOP POINTSCORERS TGFGPTS

JAMAYNE ISAAKO (BRONCOS) 11 97 1 239 ▼ LATRELL MITCHELL (ROOSTERS) 16 86 0 236 ADAM REYNOLDS (RABBITOHS) 5 91 5 207 GARETH WIDDOP (DRAGONS) 4 94 1 205 CAMERON SMITH (STORM) 1 92 1 189 JOHNATHAN THURSTON (COWBOYS) 3 77 0 166 DALY CHERRY-EVANS (SEA EAGLES) 8 65 2 164 JARROD CROKER (RAIDERS) 7 63 0 154 CHAD TOWNSEND (SHARKS) 5 62 4 148 VALENTINE HOLMES (SHARKS) 22 27 0 142 (WARRIORS) 4 61 4 142 MICHAEL GORDON (TITANS) 4 58 0 132 JAMES MALONEY (PANTHERS) 4 53 4 126 (TIGERS) 3 56 0 124 MITCH MOSES (EELS) 4 45 0 106 TOP GOALKICKERS GOALS ATTEMPTS % (BRONCOS) 97 117 83% GARETH WIDDOP (DRAGONS) 94 112 84% CAMERON SMITH (STORM) 92 113 81% ADAM REYNOLDS (RABBITOHS) 91 121 75% LATRELL MITCHELL (ROOSTERS) 86 111 77% JOHNATHAN THURSTON (COWBOYS) 77 99 78% DALY CHERRY-EVANS (SEA EAGLES) 65 83 78% JARROD CROKER (RAIDERS) 63 80 79% CHAD TOWNSEND (SHARKS) 62 84 74% SHAUN JOHNSON (WARRIORS) 61 80 76% MICHAEL GORDON (TITANS) 58 74 78% 78% ESAN MARSTERS (TIGERS) 56 73 77% CROWDS SHARKS v PANTHERS 19,211 SOUTHSYDNEYRABBITOHS 77% JAMES MALONEY (PANTHERS) 53 61 87% CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS 77% MITCH MOSES (EELS) 45 58 78% RABBITOHS vDRAGONS 48,188 TOTAL 67,399 ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 77% (PANTHERS) 40 51 78% AVERAGE PER GAME 33,700 77% YEAR TO DATE TOTAL 3,220,168 76% TOP RUNNING METRES AVERAGE PER GAME 16,263 76% TOTAL AVERAGE GAMES SYDNEY ROOSTERS 76% BLAKE FERGUSON (ROOSTERS) 5,082 203 25 CLUB HOME AVERAGES MANLY WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES 76% JAMES TEDESCO (ROOSTERS) 4,458 194 23 BRONCOS 32,123 76% JASONTAUMALOLO(COWBOYS) 4,111 179 23 SOUTHSYDNEYRABBITOHS 20,847 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK (WARRIORS) 4,105 178 23 18,974 TOP TRYSCORERS DAVID KLEMMER (BULLDOGS) 3,982 181 22 WARRIORS 17,460 DAVID FUSITU’A (WARRIORS) 23 WILL HOPOATE (BULLDOGS) 3,874 161 24 MELBOURNE STORM 17,294 VALENTINE HOLMES (SHARKS) 22 TOM TRBOJEVIC (SEA EAGLES) 3,858 175 22 17,291 ROBERT JENNINGS (RABBITOHS) 19 VALENTINE HOLMES (SHARKS) 3,844 154 25 ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 16,606 (BRONCOS) 18 MARTINTAUPAU(SEAEAGLES) 3,766 157 24 NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 15,417 KEN MAUMALO (WARRIORS) 3,550 154 23 PENRITH PANTHERS 14,432 TOP TACKLERS AARON WOODS (SHARKS) 3,493 140 25 CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS 14,159 JAKE FRIEND (ROOSTERS) 1162 ANDREW FIFITA (SHARKS) 3,393 136 25 SYDNEY ROOSTERS 14,144 CAMERON McINNES (DRAGONS) 1147 MATT LODGE (BRONCOS) 3,331 133 25 CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS 13,201 DAMIEN COOK (RABBITOHS) 1021 COREY OATES (BRONCOS) 3,330 145 23 GOLD COAST TITANS 12,807 JAKE TRBOJEVIC (SEA EAGLES) 967 MATT DUFTY (DRAGONS) 3,324 128 26 CANBERRA RAIDERS 11,854 MATT EISENHUTH (TIGERS) 963 MANLY WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES 11,229 CAMERON SMITH (STORM) 960 PARRAMATTAEELS 11,175 MOST TRY ASSISTS COMPLETED SETS JOHNATHAN THURSTON (COWBOYS) 22 758 LUKE KEARY (ROOSTERS) 19 CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS 757 BEN HUNT (DRAGONS) 17 PENRITH PANTHERS 753 ASHTAYLOR(TITANS) 17 ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 753 GARETH WIDDOP (DRAGONS) 17 MELBOURNE STORM 733 730 MOST LINE-BREAKS SYDNEY ROOSTERS 729 VALENTINE HOLMES (SHARKS) 26 CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS 718 NICK COTRIC (RAIDERS) 20 WARRIORS 705 COREY OATES (BRONCOS) 19 WESTS TIGERS 705 CODY WALKER (RABBITOHS) 19 NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 702 DAVIDFUSITU’A(WARRIORS) 19 698 TOM TRBOJEVIC (SEA EAGLES) 19 NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS 678 BLAKE FERGUSON (ROOSTERS) 19 GOLD COAST TITANS 674 CANBERRA RAIDERS 669 MOST TACKLE-BREAKS MANLY WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES 661 JAMES TEDESCO (ROOSTERS) 155 NICK COTRIC (RAIDERS) 149 COMPLETION % KALYN PONGA (KNIGHTS) 140 CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS 80% ANDREW FIFITA (SHARKS) 114 BRISBANE BRONCOS 79% TOM TRBOJEVIC (SEA EAGLES) 114 WESTS TIGERS 79% LATRELL MITCHELL (ROOSTERS) 114

Gregg Porteous/NRLPhotos.com Gregg PARRAMATTA EELS 78% ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK (WARRIORS) 112 WARRIORS 78% MATT DUFTY (DRAGONS) 106

PHOTO: NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS 78% MARTIN TAUPAU (SEA EAGLES) 106

Storm captain Cameron Smith will equal Darren Lockyer’s record of 35 NRL finals appearances. UU Greg Inglis requires

50 BIG LEAGUE 2018 Finals Week Three Compiled by Ben Everill TOP LINE-BREAK ASSISTS JOHNATHAN THURSTON (COWBOYS) 24 CODY WALKER (RABBITOHS) 19 DALY CHERRY-EVANS (SEA EAGLES) 17 MATT MOYLAN (SHARKS) 16 MOST HIT-UPS/RUNS BLAKE FERGUSON (ROOSTERS) 507 WILL HOPOATE (BULLDOGS) 431 ANDREW FIFITA (SHARKS) 415 DAVID KLEMMER (BULLDOGS) 408 JASON TAUMALOLO (COWBOYS) 408 MOST OFFLOADS ANDREW FIFITA (SHARKS) 78 MARTINTAUPAU(SEAEAGLES) 72 ESAN MARSTERS (TIGERS) 54 (PANTHERS) 50 (BRONCOS) 44 WILL HOPOATE (BULLDOGS) 43 MOST MISSED TACKLES JAMES MALONEY (PANTHERS) 161 BEN HUNT (DRAGONS) 122 LUKE BROOKS (TIGERS) 102 CHAD TOWNSEND (SHARKS) 101 JOHNATHAN THURSTON (COWBOYS) 99 MOST PENALTIES ANDREW FIFITA (SHARKS) 36 JAKE TRBOJEVIC (SEA EAGLES) 32 CAMERON McINNES (DRAGONS) 30 ANGUS CRICHTON (RABBITOHS) 29 AARON WOODS (SHARKS) 28 (PANTHERS) 28 KICKSINPLAY COOPER CRONK (ROOSTERS) 307 BEN HUNT (DRAGONS) 292 ADAM REYNOLDS (RABBITOHS) 291 ANTHONY MILFORD (BRONCOS) 288 CHAD TOWNSEND (SHARKS) 254 40/20 KICKS DALY CHERRY-EVANS (SEA EAGLES) 2 ANTHONY MILFORD (BRONCOS) 2 COOPER CRONK (ROOSTERS) 2 SAMWILLIAMS(RAIDERS) 2 BLAKE GREEN (WARRIORS) 2 TOP TURNOVER TACKLES ELLIOTT WHITEHEAD (RAIDERS) 15 ANGUS CRICHTON (RABBITOHS) 15 ISSACLUKE(WARRIORS) 14 TOP DUMMY-HALF RUNNERS DAMIEN COOK (RABBITOHS) 170 CAMERON McINNES (DRAGONS) 125 ISSACLUKE(WARRIORS) 116 CAMERON SMITH (STORM) 103 (TITANS) 98 (RAIDERS) 93 MOST INTERCEPTS (TITANS) 4 SHAUNKENNY-DOWALL(KNIGHTS) 3 KODI NIKORIMA (BRONCOS) 3 CHRISTIAN CRICHTON (PANTHERS) 3 MOST CHARGE DOWNS JAKE FRIEND (ROOSTERS) 3 CODY WALKER (RABBITOHS) 3 MOST DECOYS JAMES FISHER-HARRIS (PANTHERS) 230 THOMAS BURGESS (RABBITOHS) 220 JOHN SUTTON (RABBITOHS) 213 ANGUS CRICHTON (RABBITOHS) 204 RYAN JAMES (TITANS) 201 ANDREW FIFITA (SHARKS) 194 GAVINCOOPER(COWBOYS) 188 PAUL GALLEN (SHARKS) 187 onetrytoreach150tries in theNRL.

Finals Week Three BIG LEAGUE 2018 51 PHOTO: Gregg Porteous/NRLPhotos.com (Cleary); Mark Kolbe/Getty Images (Reynolds) 52 BIG LEAGUE 2018 52 LEAGUE BIG rsae20/33 Brisbane Rates: Completion Chelsea Goalkickers: Touch Referee: Assistant Referee: Off: Sent Sin Penalties: Scrums: Half-time: 4 ROOSTERS SYDNEY 27’,MegWard38’tries;ChelseaBakergoal) BRISBANE Penrith 23/33 Rates: Completion NathanCleary(Panthers)4from4Goalkickers: Touch Referee: Assistant Referee: Off: Sent Sin Penalties: Scrums: Crowd: Half-time: WaqaBlake68’tries;NathanCleary4goals) 20 PENRITH Holmes4goals;ChadTownsend1fieldgoal)ValentineHolmes15’,LukeLewis31’tries;Valentine 21 CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS C REVIEW: Sharks survive an toadvance scare Sharks almighty survive togrand final qualifier REVIEW: in the in-goal after Sharks fullback Valentine Valentine fullback Sharks after in-goal in the chaseddownakickandgroundedtheball but – deficit thetaskprovedtoolargethistimearound. double-figure a from back coming comebacksin2018–oneightoccasions his missed attemptfromrightinfrontmomentslater. Cleary Nathan halfback difference rival the as be to proved Townsend Chad at fans 19,211 Stadium. of Allianz front in short agonisingly fell Panthersproducedamemorablefightbackbut victory. 21-20 thrilling a with final grand the of Bin: Bin: h oeaksatdwe Cleary when started comeback The ThePanthershadareputationofmakingA72ndminutefieldgoaltoSharksplaymaker the half-time, before moments 18-0 Down comebacktoadvancetowithinonegameRONULLAsurvivedatrademarkPenrith Judges: Judges: Baker(Broncos)1from3 19,211 Nil Nil oses7-5 Roosters Cronulla-Sutherland 8-6 ee Gough Peter slyKlein Ashley Nil Nil vPANTHERS Broncos 9-7 6-all rno 10-4 Broncos rnlaSteln 18-2 Cronulla-Sutherland 14 (NathanCleary49’,IsaahYeo66’, Maddie Studdon (Roosters) 0 from 1, 0 from (Roosters) Studdon Maddie aetn oms(hrs rm5, from 4 (Sharks) Holmes Valentine (Ali Brigginshaw 21’, Teuila Fotu-Moala Fotu-Moala Teuila 21’, Brigginshaw (Ali aeSteln,Ade Gilchrist Andrew Sutherland, Jake ikBahl hi Sutton Chris Beashel, Nick Sydney Roosters 17/31, Cronulla-Sutherland 30/37, ohMcGowan Josh dmGee Adam (Isabelle Kelly 58’ try) 58’ Kelly (Isabelle Finals Week Three Week Finals Ca oned5’, Townsend (Chad D. D. South Sydney forward Jason Clark will equal Danny Williams’ record of 155 interchang of record Williams’ Danny equal will Clark Jason forward Sydney South C is3 4001 610 1 86 11 0 0 14 38 W Sims F iia6 3002 7 3 1 175 20 0 0 23 64 P Fifita M O K S M B oa 8 2 8311 3 16 11 135 1110 3 38 228 780 Total etl 01 09 1 0 98 10 0 1 14 80 Leutele oa 00242 7 5196 9 1541 173 4 29 274 1040 Total Interchange F C Interchange af 72 41110 1 101 14 0 3 28 47 Taufa AAMI Park for a place in the grand final. grand inthe aplace for Park AAMI Lewis. Luke and Holmes Townsend, position, andscoredthefirstthreetriescourtesyof field and possession dominated who goodfieldpositionforthewinningfieldgoal.atrickyshortkick-off,whichputtheSharksin 20-all. at scores the lock to throughthedefencetosetupaWaqaBlaketry remaining. minutes 13 with crashedovertoreducethedeficittosixtheSharksa20-8lead,butIsaahYeo dead. ball the usher didn’t when he blunder enormous a committed Holmes e o r e e u a a ’ a c o i M k l l g p l k o i G l y l d a 8 i 6 y t e u e 4 r e l TheSharkswillnowfaceMelbourneat Sharks, the to solely belonged half first The winning after himself redeemed then Holmes crashed Kikau Viliame set, ensuing the On give to goal penalty a slotted Townsend o w r k a y w y a a 3 n 8 n 4 i a e 3 a l d e e r l 6 y 1 l l 2 o 6 y 6 l

Minutesplayed 11 52 73 01 02 28201 61 01 011042 92 03011 51 Minutes played

Totaltackles 2101 22176 36074 0601 35097 1321 21031 53089 02043 Totaltackles

Missedtackles Missedtackles

Line-breaks Line-breaks

Totalhit-ups/runs Totalhit-ups/runs 18 29 31 11 31 3 0

Metresgained 3 Metresgained 820 012 311 400 330 020 430 600 600 100 600 200

Handlingerrors Handlingerrors

Offloads Offloads Y eeia5 0401 111 1 0 91 1 13 0 65 8 4 0 20 56 1 14 29 Feterika Lenarduzzi P alne 11 21 Ballinger N apelGlad5 7301 0 1 1 105 10 0 3 27 51 Campbell-Gillard P M A G Interchange R 9 11 1402 160 2 33 361 1040 Total L Interchange M M oa 8 3 7511 2 3 8 127 1111 5 47 230 780 Total T a e e e i r o o a l e a a a m 7 o l o a b u t e r l n k 6 i t o c i l r 6 y o s 3 a n 4 d u i h n 2 n 3 u o s 2 a e e u o 8 y 8 y 8 r 6 n

Minutesplayed Minutesplayed 44 01 01 32 050188 01 18001 01 01 08201 22 63

e appearances if he plays this week. this plays he if e appearances Totaltackles Totaltackles 2111 43032 72064 61065 73011 7601 22064 34088 40032 12076

Missedtackles Missedtackles

Line-breaks LINE: THE OF END Line-breaks Nathan Cleary. Totalhit-ups/runs Totalhit-ups/runs 21 29 17 61 Metresgained Metresgained 6 5 0 5 4 7 5 1 ...... 800 100 110 710 200 200 010 210 200 610 510 701 601 Handlingerrors Handlingerrors

Offloads Offloads

UU Warriors 19/30 Warriors Rates: Completion 2 from 1 (Warriors) Nicholls Apii Goalkickers: Judges: Touch Referee: Assistant Referee: Off: Sent Bin: Sin Penalties: Scrums: Half-time: goal) Nicholls Apii 42’, tries, 56’ Clark Sarina Anderson-Pitman (Raquel 47’tries,ShakiahTungai3goals)HoneyHireme6’,RikeyaHorne38’,JessicaSergis 22 ILLAWARRA GEORGE ST Illawarra 28/35 Rates: Completion ZacLomax(Dragons)4from4Goalkickers: Touch Referee: Assistant Referee: Off: Sent Sin Penalties: Scrums: Crowd: Half-time: ZacLomax4goals) 12 ILLAWARRA GEORGE ST Reynolds3goals;AdamReynolds3fieldgoals)SOUTHSYDNEY13RABBITOHS Sharks fullback Valentine Holmes has scored 22 tries in his past 21 games. 21 past inhis tries 22 scored has Holmes Valentine fullback Sharks S REVIEW: Lucky 13 Lucky asREVIEW: Reynolds Bunnies prelim the intothe kicks tdd’ aeln o h abth orespond to Rabbitohs Crichton Angus an the supported Reynolds when for but long points, take two didn’t it gift another potted Lomax when Hunt Ben slicedthroughtoscoretheonlytryofthehalf. halfback Dragons when half-time at intogear,andtheyfoundthemselvestrailingLomaxlevelledthingsup.goalbutweresoonpeggedbackasZacopenedthescoringviaaReynoldspenaltyastirringfightbackinfrontof48,188fans.theBunnies–ledbyAdamReynolds–producedovertheDragonsatANZStadium. TheRedVkickedclearinthe53rdminuteTheirmuch-vauntedattackstruggledtoclick Rabbitohs the comfortably, win to Tipped half, second the through midway 10-2 Down Bin: UHSde r hog otepreliminary the finalsfollowingaheart-stopping13-12win to through are Sydney OUTH Judges: 48,188 Keeley Davis (Dragons) 13’ (Dragons) Davis Keeley Nil aros6-4 Warriors tGog laar 5-3 Illawarra George St atNoyen Matt Sutton Gerard Nil Nil aros8-5 Warriors St George Illawarra 8-7 Illawarra George St rgn 12-0 Dragons tGog laar 8-2 Illawarra George St ShakiahTungai(Dragons)1from4, 3, from 3 (Rabbitohs) Reynolds Adam vDRAGONS hi ulr rt Suttor Brett Butler, Chris il rabth ailSchwass Daniel Greatbatch, Billy St George Illawarra 22/29, 22/29, Illawarra George St George St 30/42, Sydney South (AdamReynolds56’try;Adam yt Raymond Wyatt Cummins Ben (Ben Hunt 36’ try; try; 36’ Hunt (Ben (Shakiah Tungai 3’, .WRIR 10 WARRIORS D. D. the famous win. win. famous the seal to goal field third his slotted Reynolds as halfway. on hand over to ball forced the were and arm their chanced position,butwithoneminutetogo,they one-pointer. Reynolds another to led which points. two side his earn to stripped Graham Frizell Campbell Tyson before ground, the on Murray Cameron into passed McInnes Cameron season. the of periods 10-minute afieldgoal,promptingoneofthecraziest up. things tie to penalty another slotted he breaktopullhissidewithintwopoints,before W Q S B D S oa 00393 9 881 11 10 1888 196 2 34 319 1040 Total akr8 0201 0 1 0 0 109 0 15 152 0 15 2 0 20 2 80 18 GB 80 Walker Gagai H oa 7 0 281112 8 7 1127 121 8 62 201 770 Total H Interchange H 2 0 195 19 0 0 32 57 Murray Interchange G C ugs 73 71601 0 176 17 0 3 35 57 Burgess T c o r r a r o o a u h i i a h u w v r r i c t e n u htwsteivtto h une needed, Bunnies the invitation the was That field play to chance the had Dragons The own, his of strip a with up came then Murray TheDragonswerepenalisedwhenhookerTheNo.7thenputhissideinfrontwith e n h 1 t w i t h 2 s a e 4 n h 2 n r 6 e a t a g l r w o 8 m e 3 d l e 8 n g 6 r e s e l 3 s 6 l 2 r UU Minutesplayed 03 01 21 010035 71 01 041189 593054 081099 71 31 03 Brisbane star Chelsea Baker leads the NRLW in tries, points, goals, running metres running goals, points, intries, NRLW the leads Baker Chelsea star Brisbane Minutes played

Totaltackles 1301 52079 10044 03043 21087 9001 6101 0411 Totaltackles

Missedtackles Missedtackles

Line-breaks Line-breaks

Totalhit-ups/runs Totalhit-ups/runs 29 18 31 11

Metresgained 0 1 Metresgained 710 111 200 000 000 802 010 100 920 900 210 802

Handlingerrors Handlingerrors

Offloads Offloads V M V S T G M A A M adnl 05001 8 3 0 187 19 0 0 5 80 L Macdonald oa 8 7 73139283 8 912 113 3 37 173 780 Total P Interchange 7 7 1462 166 1 37 358 1040 Total Interchange F is4 4201 600 0 86 12 0 2 14 41 Sims L Adam Reynolds. BOOT: GOLDEN a e i a a a a m hM n r e a a a a m a i w f p d l l r n r a a h 820022 d e i a e i i n r a 8 n 8 i l 6 u 6 u 4 a a l l i r a 4 u r i e 3 e s 5 m ’ u 4 u 4 i 4 y o 3 a n Finals Week Three Week Finals - P i t m a 2 n

Minutesplayed Minutesplayed 11 11 011053 92 53 01 24201 83 51 01 09001 02 12

Totaltackles Totaltackles 22087 04096 75099 22176 5101 83087 1100000 72074 53098 3001

Missedtackles Missedtackles BIG LEAGUE 2018 53 LEAGUE BIG Line-breaks Line-breaks

Totalhit-ups/runs Totalhit-ups/runs 07 21 41 19 Metresgained and line-breaks. line-breaks. and Metresgained 0 1 600 700 220 500 200 300 011 000 410 210 610 810 400 Handlingerrors Handlingerrors

Offloads Offloads ROUND 1 ROUND 14 ROUND 20

ROUND 8

ROUND 21 ROUND 2 ROUND 15

ROUND 9

ROUND 22 ROUND 3 STATE OF ORIGIN – GAME II

ROUND 16 ROUND 10

ROUND 23 ROUND 4

ROUND 17 ROUND 11

ROUND 24 ROUND 5

STATE OF ORIGIN – GAME III

ROUND 12 ROUND 18

ROUND 25 ROUND 6

ROUND 13 ROUND 19

NRL FINALS SERIES

ROUND 7

STATE OF ORIGIN – GAME I

54 BIG LEAGUE 2018 Finals Week Three FOR SICK KIDS LIKE NED 196125

Since being diagnosed with leukaemia at age two, hospital has been Ned’s life. But thanks to Captain Starlight, the fun of being a kid hasn’t stopped. And it shouldn’t. Because a healthy dose of fun and happiness is essential to the health of sick kids like Ned. Donate to help more sick kids like Ned discover the power of happy. DONATE NOW starlight.org.au