Red and Black Report: Edition No.8
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 Round 8:
NRL
Lewis Brown featured in Manly’s dramatic golden point win over Canberra, playing a season-high 50 minutes off the bench and making six runs for 57 metres, 16 tackles and producing a try assist to put his hand up for a spot in David Kidwell’s ANZAC Test team.
Kodi Nikorima played a solid hand at halfback in Brisbane’s controversial defeat of South Sydney on Friday night, making nine runs and 17 tackles in the come-from-behind success.
Matt McIlwrick again played a key role as Wests Tigers’ resurgence continued, playing 48 minutes at hooker during the thrilling 18-12 win over Canterbury. McIlwrick reeled off 29 tackles and four runs for 42 metres in his eighth straight starting appearance. The 25-year-old, who has had stints with Canberra, Sydney Roosters and Cronulla since debuting in 2012, has already equalled his highest NRL appearances tally for one season.
INTRUST SUPER PREMIERSHIP
Hornby product Fa’amanu Brown and ex-Burnham Chevaliers youngster Jayden Nikorima squared off in Round 8 of the ISP, with Nikorima scoring a try and kicking two goals as Wyong Roos edged Brown’s Newtown Jets 19-16. Brown also kicked two goals, while another former Hornby player, Penani Manumalealii,came off the bench for the Jets after originally being named at five-eighth.
The super-versatile Pita Godinet started at five-eighth on the weekend, but his Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles side went down 28-20 to Wests Tigers.
Burnham Chevaliers junior Jazz Tevaga, still looking for his first NRL opportunity of 2017, came off the bench in the high-flying Warriors’ 24-6 defeat of North Sydney.
INTRUST SUPER CUP
Central Queensland Capras got back in the winner’s circle with a 34-22 defeat of Wynnum Manly Seagulls, and Ken Tofilau was among the try-scorers while Phil Nati came off the bench.
Canterbury products Nathan Saumalu and Setaimata Sa both crossed for tries as Mackay Cutters thumped Easts Tigers 33-10 to climb back into the top eight.
Bruising prop Rulon Nutira again came off the bench for the ladder-leading Redcliffe Dolphins as they accounted for Sunshine Coast Falcons 46-28.
