RED AND BLACK REPORT 2018: EDITION NO.15
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
Boom winger Jamayne Isaako kicked four goals and ran for 96 metres while halfback Kodi Nikorima chalked up 92 running metres in Brisbane’s vital 20-16 win over fellow finals hopefuls Cronulla on Saturday.
Both Canterbury juniors were rewarded with call-ups to the Kiwis squad on Monday. Burnham Chevaliers junior Nikorima has eight Tests for New Zealand to his name, while Aranui Eagles product Isaako – who has scored 131 points and is the 2018 Dally M Rookie of the Year favourite – is in line to make his international debut against England in Denver this weekend.
Halswell old boy Matt McIlwrick returned to NRL action for the first time since Round 3, starting at hooker in Wests Tigers’ home clash with Canberra on Sunday.
McIlwrick racked up 15 tackles and three dummy-half runs but was overshadowed by Raiders rake Josh Hodgson, who led the visitors to an emphatic 48-12 win.
INTRUST SUPER PREMIERSHIP NSW
Tevin Arona slotted three crucial conversions as the Warriors edged out Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday.
The rivals scored four tries apiece but the former Hornby and Rockcote Canterbury Bulls half’s boot proved the difference.
Leapfrogged in Wests Tigers’ hooker pecking order, Pita Godinet played at halfback in Western Suburbs Magpies’ 12-10 eclipse of North Sydney Bears.
Out of favour for the first grade team despite Manly’s injury crisis, Riccarton Knights’ favourite son Lewis Brown featured in the second-row as Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles’ 20-12 win over St George Illawarra Dragons.
INTRUST SUPER CUP QLD
Sheldon Pitama came off the bench for Redcliffe as the Dolphins held onto third place on the ISC ladder with a 28-14 victory over Souths Logan Magpies.
JERSEY FLEGG (NSW U-20s)
Daniel Sakisi started at prop and Sua Aiiloilo came off the bench as Canterbury Bulldogs’ Under-20s went down 10-8 to Penrith Panthers.
Patrick Elia started at centre for the Warriors but it was a trip to Newcastle to forget, with the Knights racking up a 54-6 victory. Timaru junior Ofa Manuofetoa played opposite Elia in the centres and scored a try.
