RED AND BLACK REPORT 2019: EDITION NO.26
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
Kodi Nikorima made 89 running metres and 22 tackles in the Warriors’ final match of the season, but the five-eighth was relatively quiet in the 24-20 upset of Canberra Raiders.
Fellow Burnham Chevaliers junior Jazz Tevaga was typically industrious in 54 minutes at lock, leading the Warriors’ forwards with 146 metres and racking up a game-high 41 tackles.
Aranui product Jamayne Isaako kicked one goal from three attempts and ran for 99 metres in Brisbane Broncos’ dismal 30-14 loss to the also-ran Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday night.
The eighth-placed Broncos face a sudden-death showdown with Parramatta Eels this weekend.
CANTERBURY CUP NSW
Halswell junior Matt McIlwrick helped Wentworthville Magpies keep their season alive, topping the tackle count with 39 in a 34-16 finals win over Penrith Panthers. The hooker also had a try-assist in a fine 80-minute display.
Hornby old boy Fa’amanu Brown’s Bulldogs let a double-digit lead slip and eventually went down to St George Illawarra 24-22 in a golden point qualifying final.
McIlwrick and Brown are set to square off in a sudden-death semi-final this Saturday.
INTRUST SUPER CUP QLD
Hooker Sheldon Pitama topped Redcliffe Dolphins’ tackle count with 28 in a heart-stopping 25-24 elimination final win over Twee Heads Seagulls.
Jordan Riki played 80 minutes in the second-row – notching 92 metres on 12 carries and 29 tackles without a miss – but his Norths Devils side were bounced out of the ISC playoffs 24-20 by Easts Tigers.
Daejarn Asi was called up for the biggest game of his young career to date, starting at centre in Townsville Blackhawks’ 20-12 upset of top-of-the-table Sunshine Coast Falcons. The tyro, making just his third appearance at ISC level, had seven runs for 64 metres, two tackle-breaks and 12 tackles.
JERSEY FLEGG CUP (NSW U20s)
Front-rower Sua Ailoilo scored a crucial second-half try as the Bulldogs edged Newcastle Knights 22-18 in a sudden-death finals clash.
Canterbury meets Sydney Roosters on Saturday for a spot in the preliminary final.
A penalty goal in extra time gives the Dragons a 24-22 win.#CanterburyCup #proudtobeabulldog https://t.co/MuzCXADIyl
— Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (@NRL_Bulldogs) September 8, 2019
HASTINGS DEERING COLTS (QLD U20s)
Jalen Tangiiti-Turner featured on the wing as Wynnum Manly Seagulls advanced to a preliminary final appearance with a 24-19 victory over Burleigh Bears.
Griffin Neame came off the bench as top-of-the-table Townsville Blackhawks were stunned 24-4 by Sunshine Coast Falcons. The Blackhawks – who will be hoping to have the service of Daejarn Asi and Zinzan Martin this weekend – get another bit of the finals cherry against Mackay Cutters on Saturday.