Red and Black Report: Edition No.20
Each week we’ll be keeping you up to date with how our Canterbury Rugby League products are performing in Australia’s elite and lower-grade competitions.
Here’s how they went in Rounds 20:
NRL
Round 19 debutant Jamayne Isaako dropped out of the Brisbane Broncos’ squad, but Burnham Chevaliers junior Kodi Nikorima returned to the starting line-up in the fullback spot Isaako occupied a week earlier, marking a sound performance in the No.1 jumper with his fifth try of the year and 147 running metres.
Hornby Panthers product Fa’amanu Brown made his third straight start at hooker for Cronulla Sharks and scored his second NRL try in his 21st appearance, burrowing over from dummy-half in the defending premiers’ 26-12 win over South Sydney.
Halswell old boy Matt McIlwrick was back in Wests Tigers’ starting line-up, making four runs for 42 metres and 32 tackles in 63 minutes of game-time at hooker as the joint venture went down to Parramatta 17-16. McIlwrick has played all 18 games for the Tigers this year, taking his career tally to 47 appearances.
Riccarton’s favourite son, Lewis Brown, remains sidelined with injury for Manly Sea Eagles, who were hammered by St George Illawarra on Sunday.
INTRUST SUPER PREMIERSHIP
Jayden Nikorima was back for Wyong Roos on the weekend, featuring at halfback in a 51-10 loss to Mounties.
Christchurch-born Pita Godinet scored a try and kicked three goals from five-eighth in Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles’ 42-30 defeat at the hands of Canterbury.
Jazz Tevaga was pitched into the halfback role for the Warriors’ ISC team after Mason Lino’s call-up to first grade, but his side went down 38-12 to Newtown Jets.
INTRUST SUPER CUP
Rulon Nutira came off the bench for Redcliffe Dolphins as they racked up a 42-6 win over Central Queensland Capras, who featured Ken Tofilau on the wing and Phil Nati from the pine.
After missing out on the Broncos’ final 17, Jamayne Isaako returned to Souths Logan Magpies and scored a try and four goals in a 32-18 victory over Tweed Heads Seagulls. Isaako is fourth on the ISC’s point-scorers’ table with 152.
Mackay Cutters pulled off a 22-all away draw against PNG Hunters, with Nathan Saumalu playing centre and Setaimata Sa featuring in the second-row for the visitors.
NYC
Joseph Taipari made his fifth appearance for Parramatta Eels’ NYC side on Sunday, kicking two goals, making 10 runs for 96 metres and 16 tackles, and recording a line-break and two try assists in an outstanding all-round display as the blue-and-golds beat Wests Tigers.
