RED AND BLACK REPORT 2018: EDITIONS NO.13 & 14
Each week the Red and Black Report will keep you up to date with how our Canterbury Rugby League products are performing in Australia’s elite and lower-grade competitions.
NRL
The Brisbane Broncos were humbled 32-16 in Melbourne on Sunday, but Aranui Eagles product Jamayne Isaako kept up his prolific scoring rate with a try and two goals.
From the scrum!#NRLStormBroncos 2-12 after 23 minutes. #TelstraPremiership #NRL pic.twitter.com/poozTumx5t
— NRL (@NRL) June 10, 2018
Isaako has scored 115 points in 13 games, including eight tries – five of which have come in the past four rounds. With David Fusitu’a committing to Tonga and Jordan Rapana ruled out through injury, the 22-year-old has rocketed into the frame for a Kiwis call-up later this month.
Broncos halfback and Burnham Chevaliers junior Kodi Nikorima had a hand in Isaako’s try and notched a later try-assist in the loss.
Short ball from Nikorima = try time for @JordanKahu! #NRLStormBroncos 20-16 with 15 minutes to go. #TelstraPremiership #NRL pic.twitter.com/9bNNDR6BXr
— NRL (@NRL) June 10, 2018
Pita Godinet received a late call-up to Wests Tigers’ bench after Benji Marshall was ruled out injured. The utility made 12 tackles and one run in a stint at dummy-half as the Tigers went down 24-16 to Cronulla.
Lewis Brown was given a hero’s welcome in his return to Christchurch with the Manly side but he was left out of Trent Barrett’s game-day 17 – a selection move that back-fired when hooker Api Koroisau departed early against the Warriors with a broken foot.
Riccarton Knights junior Brown requires two more games for 200 in the NRL.
"To showcase my team and what I do for a career on my own home turf is pretty amazing." says proud Christchurch man Lewis Brown.
📝- https://t.co/HBGiBCoVee#WeAreManly pic.twitter.com/XCEAKYk7IO
— Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (@SeaEagles) June 5, 2018
Meanwhile, Burnham Chevaliers junior Jazz Tevaga was ruled out of a trip to Christchurch after a cancer scare. The in-form utility underwent shoulder surgery to remove a cancerous growth.
The operation was a success and he is in line to return to the field this weekend.
'I was shitting myself': Warriors forward Jazz Tevaga recovering after cancer scare https://t.co/oFzlU89Bke
— 1895 @1895.bsky.social (@1895blog) June 8, 2018
INTRUST SUPER PREMIERSHIP NSW
Former Hornby and Rockcote Canterbury Bulls playmaker Tevin Arona slotted in at halfback for the Warriors and kicked three goals in a 36-6 win over Wentworthville in Round 13 of the ISP.
The Warriors then had the bye last weekend, allowing Arona to return home and participate in the Warriors’ Christchurch community programme in the lead-up to the Manly game.
Halswell product Matt McIlwrick started at hooker in Western Suburbs Magpies’ 26-18 win over Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles as he patiently waits for another NRL opportunity.
INTRUST SUPER CUP QLD
Nathan Saumalu started at centre for Mackay Cutters in back-to-back 14-point losses to Wynnum Manly and PNG Hunters in Rounds 13 and 14 of the ISC.
Sheldon Pitama has missed Redcliffe Dolpins’ past two games.
JERSEY FLEGG (NSW U-20s)
Daniel Sakisi and Sua Aiiloilo featured in Canterbury’s 32-16 loss to Cronulla in Round 13, but the Bulldogs’ Flegg clash with Norths last weekend was postponed.
Patrick Elia scored a try and Graeme Patu Vaeaga’au made his Warriors debut off the bench in a 32-16 win over Parramatta at Sydney’s Ringrose Park in Round 13. The Canterbury juniors backed up in a 32-12 loss to Mounties last weekend.
HASTINGS DEERING COLTS (QLD U-20s)
Jalen Tangiiti-Turner was on the wing for Wynnum Manly Seagulls in a 22-all draw with Mackay Cutters in Round 13; his team had the bye in Round 14.
Jordan Riki’s rise at Broncos feeder club Norths Devils continues, starting in the second-row in hard-fought losses to Victoria Thunderbolts and Redcliffe Dolphins in the past fortnight.