SNAPSHOT FROM ROUND 22 OF THE NRL:
THEY SAID IT: “It was embarrassing to be honest. We just had not enough people up to first grade standard out there.” Warriors coach Andrew McFadden had some strong words for his players following their 36-0 loss to St George Illawarra.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Corey Parker’s eight points in Brisbane’s 18-16 loss to Canterbury were enough to lift him to 1192 career points, a record tally for the Broncos, ahead of club legend Darren Lockyer.
MAN OF THE ROUND: Melbourne winger Matt Duffie scored two and had another disallowed against the Titans in strong signs his career is finally back on track. After debuting in 2010, he has scarcely been sighted in first grade because of a horror injury run that has included two knee and two shoulder reconstructions.
MAGIC MOMENT: The Penrith-Parramatta clash in Darwin was short on highlights, but Eels fullback Reece Robinson provided one of the best plays of the round when he raced 75 metres from dummy-half to seal a 10-4 win for his side.
TALKING POINT: Where exactly do we stand on the shoulder charge? During the week the NRL announced any player who commits a shoulder charge “with force” will be automatically charged by the match review committee. Yet over the weekend Ben Matulino, Willie Mason and Jayson Bukuya all hit opponents with a shoulder but were not penalised.
JUDICIARY WATCH: Rabbitohs – Glenn Stewart (high tackle); Sea Eagles – Willie Mason (shoulder charge); Warriors – Ben Matulino (shoulder charge); Sharks – Jayson Bukuya (shoulder charge); Cowboys – James Tamou (high tackle).
KEY INJURIES: Sea Eagles – Steve Matai (broken nose); Broncos: Corey Oates (knee); Bulldogs – Michael Lichaa (knee); Warriors – Manu Vatuvei (shoulder); Dragons – Benji Marshall (hamstring); Will Matthews (shoulder); Eels – Will Hopoate (hamstring); Knights – Beau Scott (foot), Tyler Randell (eye).
UNDER PRESSURE: The Knights playing group. Two weeks since Rick Stone was sacked as coach, they turned in yet another dreadful performance against the Roosters which will only increase pressure on club bosses to put a broom through the roster.