The NRL Round 27 Thread

[THE RED ROOSTER]

Round 27 - The final round of the regular season and the last chance you're going to get to see any of these teams until preseason in February, that is of course assuming that sky pick up the rights to the NRL next season.

Because the NRL schedule is largely drawn up as a “made for TV” exercise and was described as such by Nick Politis the chairman of the Sydney Roosters we have a situation whereby the Penny Panthers we'll know exactly what they have to do to secure the minor premiership against West Tigers, not just the win but the margin by which they have to win by.

It's an unremarkable final round with most of the placings in the season from the wooden spoon down to the top 4 already decided the only game which has consequences is the game between Souths and the Roosters and with the Roosters resting so many players the result is not in doubt. As a result, it's very difficult for tipsters to actually pick some of the games which are to all intents and purposes meaningless as it will depend on who is motivated to turn up on the day and which coaches basically decided to rest potentially injured players.

Canterbury Bulldogs v Brisbane Broncos (Thu)

Dogs unchanged

Brisbane also unchanged

The Bulldogs gave it a dig against Penrith and unfortunately for them it was a day for Steven Crichton to have an off day. In front of a home crowd, they might want to sign off with a win but at the end of the day for the Bulldogs their slow start to the season and their points differential worked against their making into the top 8

As for the Bronx offseason turmoil awaits them. The descent of the premiership winners to being so low in the table this season has been sharp and in recent weeks you could not use the excuse of injuries in favour of the coaching staff. By common consent, there is something fundamentally wrong with the club off field which needs to be corrected in the offseason and no doubt will be the subject of speculation bar league journos with very little else to write about.

I would think the Dogs more up for this game than the Bronx at Accor stadium.

Tip - Bulldog

Gold Coast Titans v The Dolphins (Fri)

For The Titans the injured  Oliver Pascoe is replaced by Luke Sommerton at hooker, Beau Fermor comes into the second row at the expense of the benched Joshua Patson Klese Haas is benched and replaced in the front row by Moeaki Fotuaika and Chris Randall comes in at lock for the benched Cooper Bai.

Only one change for the Dolphins with the injured Selwyn Cobbo replaced on the wing by Tevita Naufahu,

What is disturbing if you were a Titans fan is not so much the outcome of the season in which the Titans have again avoided the wooden spoon and the progress that has actually been made but the fact that some of the better players at the Titans such as Philip Sami and AJ Brimson are leaving the club but it does not appear that there are any significant additions coming down to the Gold Coast. Granted the long tradition of a lack of success in the Gold Coast means that the club has to pay to get any significant players to come to Robina. But the progress that has been made will be undercut dramatically unless there are significant improvements made to the roster and that cannot be by simply relying on the locally produced juniors even though the Gold Coast is supposedly a hotbed of league

The Dolphins continue on their stealthy rise up the NRL ladder and are in the Australian parlance a “Smokey” for the grand final although we've always known that the Dolphins are capable of putting points together consecutively what has been impressive recently is the Dolphins defence and last week's game against the Roosters definitely proved that.

This could be a high scoring Dolphin win.

Tip - Dolphin

South Sydney v Sydney Roosters (Fri)

The Big news for Souths  is  Tallis Duncan Being replaced by Latrell Mitchell at centre. Jye Grey comes in for the benched Matt Dufty at fullback and Adam Elliott for the benched Euan Aitken in the second row. Jai Arrow starting at lock before being interchanged with Cameron Murray.

The Roosters make mass changes out goes  James Tedesco (fullback), Billy Smith (wing), Hugo Savala (centre) Robert Toia (centre), Mark Nawaqanitawase (wing), Daly Cherry-Evans (five-eighth), Sam Walker (halfback), Naufahu Whyte (front row), Reece Robson (hooker), Siua Wong (second row), Nat Butcher (lock)
Replaced by Cody Ramsey (fullback), Daniel Tupou (wing), Junior Pauga (centre), Tommy Talau (centre) Rex Bassingthwaighte (wing), Reece Foley (five-eighth), Toby Rodwell (halfback), Spencer Leniu (front row),Benaiah Ioelu (hooker) Egan Butcher (second row), Connor Watson (lock).

A game  South Sydney should win comfortably. At alliant stadium against the Roosters. This will give Souths a home game against Newcastle Knights once the playoffs begin and as I have posted on this forum before I do think souths are potentially a trap game for any opponent during the course of the playoffs particularly if Latrell Mitchell is playing as they do have the ability to put points on the board the question mark with South as ever is their defence.

After beating Penrith it's all falling apart for the Roosters, the shock loss against West Tigers was followed by an equally insipid game against the Dolphins at Allianz Park and the subsequent loss of Sam Walker it would appear for the rest of the season. Yet again a talented side is playing as a group of 13 individuals rather than playing as a as a team and this is very much the last hurrah for this particular squad of Roosters players for as pointed out previously a lot of the current Roosters side will be leaving at the end of the season and certain other players such as Daniel Tupou and James Tedesco don't have that much more petrol in the tank.

This game is one the Roosters have essentially conceded to Souths much to the chagrin of all in Newcastle.

Tip - Rabbit

New Zealand Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles (Sat)

Mass changes at the Wahs with the outgoing  Luke Laulilii (wing), Luke Hanson (five-eighth), Wayde Egan (hooker), Kurt Capewell (second row), Jett Cleary (halfback)

Replaced by Adam Pompey (wing), Chanel Harris-Tavita (five-eighth)m Samuel Healy (hooker), Eddie Ieremia-Toeava (second row), Te Maire Martin (halfback) and finally Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad replacing the benched Taine Tuaupiki at fullback.

Silvertails unchanged

The Wahs were carried along by the crowd against Newcastle Knights and the fact that Jacob Saifiti was sent off for Newcastle in the 13th minute of that game when Newcastle was already 10-0 up. Unsurprisingly the wires were able to exploit having a man advantage for the majority of the game to end up winners but nevertheless conceded enough points to Newcastle to act as a blueprint for any team to come and attack the warriors who to my eyes are beginning to look a little bit off the boil

The revival of the silvertail season has come too late for them to make the top 8 what they remain is a very talented attacking side and it's particularly this kind of attacking side if manly are motivated that can undo the Wahs at home. It's been very much a learning curve for Kieran Foran as head coach of the manly sea eagles and the board need to stick with him because the question is about achieving consistency and for the side not to go from boom to slump so easily.

Potentially a trap game for the Wahs as Manly is a side that can cause them problems defensively but a lot depends upon the Silvertails mindset and approach to what for them is a meaningless game.

Tip - Warrior

North Queensland Cowboys v Canberra Raiders (Sat)

North Queensland rests Zac Laybutt (wing), Griffin Neame (front row), Jeremiah Nanai (second row) replaced by  Robert Derby (wing), Coen Hess (front row) and John Bateman (second row)

Canberra sees Noah Martin replace Zac Hoskingin the (second row) and Coby Black replace Ethan Sanders in the halves.

North Queensland staggered home in the second half against the West Tigers. Eventually they're attacking prowess told but defensive frailties remain which doesn't look good for Paul Wellens in the offseason for he is their defensive coach. North Queensland have the capability to progress in the playoffs but away from Townsville they're certainly not the favourites in any game that they start.

Ricky's Rattled Raiders.  Spent this entire season recovering from that playoff game against the Broncos and the psychological trauma of that game was rubbed in by their last home game which was also against Brisbane which again they had multiple chances to win right at the death but did not. I am sure that Ricky will have them fired up for this game and because Canberra is an attacking side with pace, they are a team that can certainly trouble the Cows should they decide to cut loose.

If there is going to be a high scoring game that goes against the grain this round this could be it.

Tip - Cowboy

Cronulla Sharks v Melbourne Storm (Sat)

Cronulla rest starters Mawene Hiroti (centre), KL Iro (centre) Nicho Hynes (halfback), Blayke Brailey (hooker), Teig Wilton (second row),
Replaced by  Riley Jones (centre), Michael Gabrael (centre), Riley Pollard forming a new halves pairing with Niwhai Puru,  Hohepa Puru (hooker), and  Billy Burns (second row)

Storm unchanged

When Cronulla was in top form beating the Dolphins etc and going off on a winning run I did post at the time that premierships are actually one in late August / September not in July and since then the Sharks have lost three games out of the last four. What is becoming blatantly obvious is that it is Braydon Trindall Who is the key component in the shark side as while Nico Hines was injured trindle was able to mastermind the sharks to a win in Auckland which is no main feat in itself Nicho has been unable to repeat this feat against substantially lesser sides. Getting a win in this game is absolutely essential for Craig Fitzgibbon to restore a bit of momentum to the shark’s season

Melbourne are certainly finishing the season strongly and it's an indication of perhaps what could have been achieved at Melbourne if they hadn't had so many issues that had occurred to the club before the season even started with player unavailability. . You could argue that it has been the season that they had to have and we'll push on next season to become as normal one of the premier teams in the competition.

Cronulla finish fifth regardless of the result and Melbourne may wish to make a statement for 2027.

Tip - Storm

St George-Illawarra v Paramatta Eels (Sun)

Positional swop at the Dragons Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga moving from front row to lock replacing the benched Ryan Couchman and Blake Lawrie coming into the front row.

Only the one change for Paramatta with  Jordan Samrani (coming in at centre to replace the benched Sean Russell.

The Dragons have started leaking points recently 40 odd in their last two games and it looks very much like the end of the season for them. A lot is being made of the players that are coming into the Dragons next season and there is a comparator between them and last year's wooden spoonists the Newcastle Knights. But this is actually a false analogy because what Justin Holbrook did at Newcastle is take the same group of players that ended up with a wooden spoon and turned them into a top eight side. Dean Young by contrast will be fielding a side of players they have never played together before and it's often the case when a player is transferred into a new club that what appears to be a coup doesn't turn out that way, possibly it's down to the system that the club plays, it may be down to the players at the player is with. it could be down to the fact that the family doesn't settle in the new location but it doesn't work out so I would take a rain check on the Dragons being the most improved side next season until a ball is kicked.

Paramatta season was arguably torpedoed before a ball was kicked with the Zak Lomax saga there's also been a load of injuries at Parramatta and the Jonah Pezet experiment simply didn't work which brings into question the Jerome Lui experiment that's going to be taking place next season and whether or not having a player in your team on a one season rental works out. Certainly there is a symmetry in Parramatta seasons because they've started off the season looking like cellar dwellers notably that 50 odd points that Gold Coast put on them at the start of the season. In many respects this is quite like the start to 2025 when Parramatta were being tipped for the wooden spoon in both that season and in this season the side has demonstratively improved as the season has gone on and has finished strongly whether that is enough to prevent questions being asked about Jason Ryles coaching is another matter however.

This is very difficult to pick especially as played at Wollongong but form would suggest the Eels to finish on a high.

Tip - Eel

Penrith Panthers v West Tigers (Sun)

Two changes for the Panthers, with  Izack Tago replaced at centre by Luke Garner and
Mitch Kenny coming in at hooker for the benched Freddy Lussick.

For Wests, Livai Saukuru replaces Solomone Saukuru at centre  and Sione Fainu replaces Tony Sukkar in the second row.

The more things change the more they stay the same and in this case it's likely that the Penny Panthers will remain minor premiers the same way it's been for the last few seasons as the dominant side in the competition and certainly you can feel that the machine is coming together at last. It does not mean however that the Panthers who were in red hot form to start off the season are still good enough to beat their opponents in the play-offs as both the Warriors and the Roosters have beaten them the Dolphins took them to extra point and as I have said I would really fancy Souths in a one-off game to potentially cause an upset

West Tigers have surprised many people particularly myself in the way that they have responded over the last few games having had a terrible uh losing streak I bounced back to beat the Roosters and we're certainly well in the game against north QLD and in doing that they were powered by their veteran players and to a degree Jerome Lui, But I expect more Tuger trouble come the off season which I'm sure is something that the Sydney journalists will be looking forward to.

Tip - Panther

 

[Futtocks]

Payne Haas with a typical try in his last Broncos game.

[Futtocks]

1 hour ago, Futtocks said:

Payne Haas with a typical try in his last Broncos game.

Okay, he's also been sinbinned, but it looks like Brisbane will be sending him off with a win.

CBY 10:32 BRI with 24 minutes to go.

[Futtocks]

Dolphins having their usual sluggish start. At some point in the finals, that habitual weakness may end their campaign prematurely.

[Futtocks]

Titans 20:24 Dilphins at FT.

[Futtocks]

Emotional scenes as Jai Arrow takes to the field for his 100th appearance.

[Futtocks]

Someone on Bluesky is saying Sky cut to a gambling ad during Arrow's farewell. I'm on WatchNRL so can't verify it, but that's a truly crass decision.

[Cheadle Leyther]

How many decisions did the bunker get wrong in the Titans game?

[Futtocks]

The Bunnies honoured Jai Arrow by gubbing a much-weakened Roosters side 50:20.

[Futtocks]

2 hours ago, Futtocks said:

Someone on Bluesky is saying Sky cut to a gambling ad during Arrow's farewell. I'm on WatchNRL so can't verify it, but that's a truly crass decision.

Sky Sports New Zealand, apparently.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/361029369/viewers-enraged-sky-sport-plays-betting-ad-over-jai-arrows-emotional-nrl-farewell 

[Anita Bath]

7 hours ago, Cheadle Leyther said:

How many decisions did the bunker get wrong in the Titans game?

Yes, further evidence for Jason Ryles claims last week. 

[Futtocks]

A close one between the Wahs and the Sea Eagles, with a drop goal winning it for the hosts. The Warriors are currently in Minor Premiership position, but it isn't nailed on yet.

Now it is the Cowboys v the Raiders, with the very first tackle seeing Cotter binned and Papali'i sent for an HIA in his final game.

[Futtocks]

Debutant #7 Coby Black's looking like a fine prospect for the Raiders so far.

[Futtocks]

A try for Bateman in his last NRL game. Just one of the five tries in 25 frantic minutes.

[Futtocks]

Bit mad, this.

[Futtocks]

Big Papa gets a farewell match try too!

[Futtocks]

NQL 12:30 CAN at HT, with Black scoring 14 of the Raiders' points.

[Futtocks]

Hat-trick for Savage!

[Futtocks]

Coby Black has already broken the record* for points scored in a NRL debut. And there's still 15 minutes left.

24 points so far, passing Amos Roberts' 22.

Edited September 5 by Futtocks

[Futtocks]

NQL 30:50 CAN at FT

26 points for Black in the end, not to mention tormenting the Cowboys with his kicking, try assists and all-round quality play.

[Futtocks]

If you missed that match, the highlights and/or full-length replay will be up on the NRL YouTube account within hours, so give yourself a treat!

[Graham]

Last minute win for Storm with a killer move and a cracking pass from HarryGrant involved.