RED AND BLACK REPORT 2018: EDITION NO.16
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
It was a big week for Aranui junior Jamayne Isaako, kicking three goals in a solid New Zealand Test debut against England in Denver and backing up with yet another star showing in the Brisbane Broncos’ come-from-behind win over Canberra.
Isaako landed five goals in the vital 26-22 victory against the Raiders, including three booming sideline conversions that proved crucial to the end result. The 22-year-old has racked up 133 points this season and looks a shoe-in for Dally M Rookie of the Year honours.
Kodi Nikorima also featured in the Denver Test/Broncos-Raiders double, laying on the Kiwis’ opening try and playing a steady hand in Brisbane’s comeback.
Hornby product Fa’amanu Brown marked his return to Canterbury’s first-grade line-up for the first time since Round 3 with a try, coming off the bench and burrowing over from dummy-half as the Bulldogs thumped Newcastle 36-16.
Nu Brown forces his way over!#NRLKnightsBulldogs 16-30 with 5 minutes to go.#NRL pic.twitter.com/grLOp0EsTY
— NRL (@NRL) June 30, 2018
With Robbie Farah switching mid-season to join an already congested hooker queue at Wests Tigers, Matt McIlwrick has taken the opportunity to link with South Sydney in a virtual swap with Farah.
The Halswell junior, who has played 56 NRL games for four clubs but has predominantly been playing ISP with Western Suburbs Magpies this season, will be the understudy to NSW No.9 Damien Cook and has signed with the Rabbitohs until the end of 2019.
Rabbitohs sign Matt Mcllwrick effective immediately
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to announce the signing of hooker Matt McIlwrick until the end of the 2019 season today, effective immediately. pic.twitter.com/3A2ZWEDAft
— ScottyRLS2018 (@ScottTwomey17) June 30, 2018
All the best Kiwi!! Thanks for the way you wore our colours this season as well @Matt_McIlwrick 👍🏼 pic.twitter.com/aRYA4zFN8H
— Wests Magpies (@westsmagpies) June 29, 2018
INTRUST SUPER PREMIERSHIP NSW
The only Canterbury product in ISP action on the weekend, Pita Godinet featured at halfback as Western Suburbs went down 22-18 to St George Illawarra.
INTRUST SUPER CUP QLD
Nathan Saumalu was back for Mackay Cutters in Round 16 of the ISC, playing on the wing in a 20-6 loss to Central Queensland Capras.
Sheldon Pitama came off the bench as the second-placed Redcliffe Dolphins hammered Wynnum Manly 50-18.
HASTINGS DEERING COLTS (QLD U20s)
Jordan Riki starred in the second-row as Norths Devils took Western Mustangs to the cleaners, winning 66-10.
Jalen Tangiiti-Turner’s Wynnum Manly Seagulls were overwhelmed 24-8 by Redcliffe on Sunday.
*Jersey Flegg (NSW Under-20s) had a bye weekend.
