RED AND BLACK REPORT 2024: EDITION NO.18
The Red and Black Report shines a spotlight on Canterbury Rugby League juniors featuring in Australia’s elite and lower-grade competitions.
Canterbury products were in action in the latest rounds of the NRL, NSW Cup, Queensland Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup (NSWRL under-21s).
NRL
Aranui product Jamayne Isaako ran for 145 metres, kicked four goals from as many attempts and slotted a go-ahead field goal for the Dolphins on Saturday night, but it wasn’t enough to prevent his team from going down 26-25 to Canberra in golden point.
In-form five-eighth and Burnham Chevaliers junior Kodi Nikorima was a late withdrawal for the Dolphins.
Match Highlights 🎥 – #NRLDolphinsRaiders
The right boot of Jordan Rapana secured the Raiders’ golden point victory over the Dolphins! pic.twitter.com/Bku86UGeyY
— NRL (@NRL) June 1, 2024
West Coast Kiwi and former Halswell junior player Griffin Neame toiled for 85 metres on 10 carries and 29 tackles as Origin-depleted North Queensland pulled off a remarkable 18-16 comeback win over Sydney Roosters.
Burnham Chevaliers junior Siua Wong returned to the Roosters’ bench and managed four runs for 46 metres and 16 tackles in 25 minutes of game time.
NSW CUP
Aranui product Daejarn Asi returned to NSW Cup duty at Parramatta with Mitchell Moses coming back from injury, producing a try assist, 11 runs for 84 metres and 19 tackles, as well as kicking a goal in the Eels’ 34-18 loss to Newtown Jets.
The Warriors’ ex-Canterbury front-row duo again played a prominent role in a gutsy win for their depleted NSW Cup line-up.
Halswell prop Tanner Stowers-Smith churned through 12 runs for 129 metres and 22 tackles and Linwood hooker Makaia Tafua reeled off 39 tackles in 53 minutes as the Warriors ran down the Roosters 24-16 in Sydney.
QLD CUP
Former Hornby and Canterbury Bulls powerhouse Caius Faatili made another sizeable impression off the pine for Sunshine Coast Falcons, racking up 13 runs for 105 metres and 14 tackles in 35 minutes in a 28-20 victory over Redcliffe Dolphins.
Northern Bulldogs product Sheldon Pitama contributed 39 tackles and six runs from the second-row for the Dolphins.
JERSEY FLEGG
West Coaster Callum Donaldson, who spent time in Halswell’s juniors, started at lock in Canterbury-Bankstown’s resounding 32-4 win over Newcastle.
Hornby prop Felix Faatili lined up at prop for Cronulla in a 26-16 loss to Parramatta.
Riccarton prop K-Ci Newton Whare played his third straight game at prop for Melbourne in a 22-18 win over Manly.
Versatile ex-Halswell back Oliver Lawry returned for the Sea Eagles in the centres.
