Players could sue Bombers, says lawyer

Players ... Essendon could be liable of the health of players was overlooked. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

ESSENDON and key officials could face legal action from the club's own players, according to the lawyer representing former Cronulla Sharks player Isaac Gordon.

James Chrara, of Shine Lawyers, said the health and well-being of players would become a focus as the supplements saga dragged on.

He said it was possible the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation, which was continuing, could turn up evidence that showed the club or club officials had failed in their duty of care to players.

It is understood there is effectively no time limit on when a player could bring action. It is possible that ill-effects from supplements could emerge at a much later date.

Some Essendon players are known to have expressed concern about the possibility of future health problems since the supplements program was brought to light in February.

Essendon coach James Hird on Tuesday maintained "none of our players have (been) shown to take performance-enhancing drugs, none of our players have shown that they've been harmed by anything that's been given".

The AFL on Tuesday night laid disrepute charges against the club, Hird, senior assistant Mark Thompson, club doctor Bruce Reid and football manager Danny Corcoran.

The charges will be heard at an AFL Commission hearing on August 26.

The league could also lay future charges under its rules against former Essendon high performance staff Dean Robinson and Stephen Dank, although any sanction would be moot as neither is now working in the AFL.

Dank has maintained that no Essendon player was given a performance-enhancing or harmful drug.

The AFL said that on the evidence it had, no doping charges would be brought against individual players.

Future infraction notices may be issued as ASADA continues to investigate.

It is understood that a lack of clarity around which players were given what could make charges unlikely - but would not mean they were not exposed to potentially harmful supplements.

Gordon was at the Sharks in 2011 - the period which is under ASADA investigation - and claims that as a result of the supplements program there, he suffered a blood-thinning disorder, severe bruising and was told by doctors that a blow to the head could have been fatal.

Chrara said each player's case had to be weighed on merit.

"We're focused on the outcomes for the players - our view is there may be multiple causes of action available to the Essendon players against their club, coaching staff and players," he said.

"It would depend on the players' individual circumstances in the program.

"I understand there was some tailoring of supplement programs for individual players, what they were exposed to, so you need to assess every case on its merits.

"It is pretty clear that Essendon's management and coaches and trainers have got a legal duty to the players - this is to do all they responsibly can to prevent the players being injured or exposed to harm."

Chrara would not say if Shine was representing any Essendon players.

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Legal army could cost Dons, AFL $4mil

Battle ... James Hird has his own legal team. Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

ESSENDON will be forced to increase its $5 million debt to pay for skyrocketing legal costs as it fights a charge of bringing the game into disrepute.

The real winners from the legal battle are the lawyers working for the AFL and the Bombers, with some estimates suggesting the eventual combined legal cost could reach $4 million.

The AFL has retained Minter Ellison, while Essendon and James Hird are using separate representatives.

The cost of the fight would escalate if Essendon takes its battle to the Supreme Court, where barristers and senior counsel who charge as much as $10,000 a day would be needed.

If the club is found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute, it could also face a multi-million-dollar fine from the AFL.

The Bombers are also protecting lucrative sponsorships with Kia Motors and True Value Solar, with large companies increasingly demanding get-out clauses for controversies.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou this year called Kia to give it what he called "code perspective" and assure it the Dons were complying with the AFL-ASADA investigation.

The Bombers had already warned their fans the club could take on some debt to bridge a funding shortfall for its high-performance centre at Melbourne Airport.

Essendon said in its annual report last year it had secured $19 million of $25.5 million funding for the centre.

But "as a result of the likely capital shortfall the club will take on a manageable amount of debt to complete construction by the middle of 2013".

The club reported a $401,429 profit last year and at that time forecast it would pay down its debt by 2015.

For the first time in many years Essendon finds itself owing a significant sum - about $5 million - due almost exclusively to the Melbourne Airport development.

Hird has hired Ashurst industrial law expert Steven Amendola, human rights lawyer and QC Julian Burnside, veteran spin doctor Ian Hanke and has been advised by barrister friend Nick Harrington.

Linked to Essendon are QC Jack Rush, leading criminal lawyer Tony Hargraves, and communications firm The Shannon Company.

Essendon and the AFL will be using their legal representatives to potentially broker a deal and run the case before the AFL Commission, but lawyers will hit pay dirt if the case goes to court.

Legal experts said a standard pay structure meant if a barrister or senior counsel charged $10,000 a day, their hourly rate would be $1000.

One of Essendon's coterie groups is the Law Dons, a legal group of Bomber supporters formed by judge Tony Howard in 1999, so it has no shortage of legal experts among supporter ranks.

The Bombers recently projected a profit in a series of figures provided to AFL chief executives at a two-day conference in Creswick - one of a minority of clubs to be able to do so - but acknowledged potential fines and legal costs were yet to be factored in.

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Sterlo: Bunnies still in the hunt

George Burgess and Ben Te'o celebrate a try against the Storm. Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

The one thing that never crossed my mind when I left AAMI Park last Friday night was to put a line through the chances of South Sydney in relation to this season's title.

In fact despite the 26-8 score-line on the back of four tries to one, I left the Storm's home ground almost as impressed by the vanquished as I was the victors.

Melbourne did what Melbourne do, especially south of the border.

Gain the early ascendency, turn that into points and then defend that lead better than anyone else.

However to my eye there were large periods in the second half when the Rabbits were coming to get them. Unfortunately those periods were soured by some tough calls and a degree of misfortune.

There's no doubt the better side won but I certainly wasn't disappointed in Souths' effort and despite having now lost three of their last four games, I haven't abandoned the bandwagon.

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Tune into Sterlo LIVE on Fox Sports 1HD from 7.30pm Thursday, as rugby league's best analyst previews all the big games in round 23 and gets inside the world of Johnathan Thurston.

---

The visitors couldn't have gotten away to a worse start, conceding two "soft" tries in the opening eight minutes.

Especially soft in that the hard work had been done and should never have led to opposition points.

Cooper Cronk exploring on the 5th tackle only to fling the ball blindly back when his run ended, should have led to Melbourne being closed down after a rare, poor last tackle decision.

Instead the laziness of inside defenders allowed Will Chambers to waltz through almost untouched to open proceedings.

No excuse at all for Souths but a reinforcement that you can never tune out, even when you see the ball is going the other way. In the NRL it will invariably come back and find you out.

The second try was just as poor in that the Rabbits had defended Melbourne's attack and kick only to have Dylan Farrell gang-tackled back into his own in-goal and forced into error.

Kudos to the Storm defence but both of these tries should have been prevented.

At this stage things looked particularly ominous for Souths and a big defeat stared them squarely in the face.

This was a test of character and in my opinion they passed.

Ten minutes into the second half the Storm led 14-8 but the Rabbits were physically on top.

Sam Burgess was then penalised for tackling Billy Slater in the air. He wasn't.

Six tackles later, after a sublime Cronk pass, Sisa Waqa was ruled to have scored. He didn't.

Again Souths should have been able to defend disappointment but even at 18-8 the run of general play indicated that they were still very much alive in the contest.

That was until they were dealt a double blow with an injury to Dylan Farrell.

Not only was the young winger eventually carried from the field but the time it took for extended medical assistance definitely helped Melbourne's cause.

While they maintained a 10-point lead going into the final quarter of the game they were looking particularly fatigued and a substantial punctuation in play was extremely beneficial.

Again Melbourne reacted better to the situation to regather and soon after ice the game with a try to Justin O'Neill.

Now much of this might sound like a litany of excuses for the South Sydney performance but I just felt that the final margin wasn't a true reflection of the contest I witnessed.

There are definitely a number of areas that need to be addressed as a result of their trip to the southern capital but I do think they would have returned to Sydney more encouraged than discouraged.

Their credentials will get another significant test tomorrow night against a Manly team gathering good momentum as the play-offs approach.

The Eagles may be positioned back in third spot but they are already playing a finals style of football and come off a comfortable victory over the Warriors.

Souths' chances are obviously enhanced with the return of big guns Greg Inglis and John Sutton but the absence of Sam Burgess is a blow.

There's no defence for the big Englishman whose frustration would have been better vented by a defensive shoulder to an attacker's rib cage than an indiscretion lower down.

What is hard to fathom is the thought that a silly action like that would not be picked up by the numerous camera angles that are focussed in on every aspect of play.

Twenty-four hours before that game I'm delighted and excited to continue an inside look into the inner sanctum of the NRL.

On my show on Fox Sports on Thursday night at 7.30pm you will see and hear the game's best player Johnathan Thurston wearing a microphone as he produces another five-star, man-of-the-match performance against the Panthers.

Two weeks ago with Kevin Kingston we dipped our toe into the unknown. This week we dive right in.  

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Stats aren't pretty in Carter absence

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Carter won't feature in either of the opening two Bledisloe matches. Source:AAP

THE All Blacks arrive in Sydney on Thursday night for another Bledisloe Cup campaign and the fact Dan Carter is at home injured majorly improves the Wallabies' chances of victory, right? Surely?

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Sorry, but wrong.

Brace yourself long-suffering Wallaby fans, but statistics suggest the All Blacks are harder to beat in trans-Tasman clashes without Carter than when the Kiwi superstar plays against Australia.

Of the six clashes against Australia that Carter has missed since his debut in 2003, the Kiwis have only lost one: the Rugby World Cup semi-final later that year.

The no-Carter winning percentage is 83%, but overall, when the brilliant All Blacks star is playing, the percentage drops to 75%.

Of his 24 Bledisloe Cup clashes with the Wallabies, Carter has won 18, lost five and drawn one.

The figures aren't hugely complimentary for the Wallabies on other score but the evidence of New Zealand's ability to cope without their star playmaker is still not the encouraging material Australian rugby would have hoped for this week.

Carter was ruled out for a month with a calf injury on Tuesday, meaning he'll miss the opening Bledisloe Cup clash on Saturday night and the return clash in Wellington next weekend.

Given Carter's knack for driving a stake through Wallaby hearts over the last decade, it's only logical to assume his absence would have been quietly welcomed by Ewen McKenzie and his players.

But as with the 2011 Rugby World Cup, when Carter was lost before the finals after tearing a groin, the All Blacks camp has remained confident they have sufficient depth.

The Wallabies were unable to beat the Carter-less Kiwis in the semi-final of that tournament and the ability of his replacement, Aaron Cruden, has skyrocketed in the two years since.

Cruden led the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles just two weeks ago, and has been in superb form in the back half of 2013.

So impressive has he been, in fact, the first seeds of an unthinkable debate began in New Zealand: has Cruden passed Carter?

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The Wallabies said Cruden was enviable cover and All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said with usual bluster that Carter's injury was "no big deal to me".

"We are really fortunate that we have more than one world-class five-eighth," Hansen said.

"Aaron has been on top of his game all season and has just going through two major (Super Rugby) matches with a lot of intensity and pressure.

"He's ready to rumble and he's also played a couple of Tests this year so he understands what we're trying to do. He's part of the leadership group so it's business as usual."

So does this all point to the Bledisloe Cup drought stretching to an 11th year? Not necessarily.

Statistics also show Carter is not a man you simply replace, particularly against Australia.

His prolific pointscoring – mostly through deadly accurate goalkicking – has repeatedly sunk the Wallabies, including at Homebush. In 2009 he kicked a 77th minute penalty for a 19-18 victory.

Of 18 wins over Australia, Carter's boot accounted for the All Blacks' winning margin 10 times, and either equalled or beat the Wallabies' entire points tally on his own nine times. He has averaged 13.4 points per game against Australia.

Despite losing only once without him, the All Blacks' average winning margin over the Wallabies dropped from 14 with Carter to just seven points without him.

This could suggest that despite Cruden's competence, the All Blacks are not as efficient in scoring points with Carter. If there is one worry in New Zealand about Cruden, it's his goalkicking.

It can be fairly described as ordinary so far in 2013, with an average success rate of just 69.4% in Super Rugby a long way off Carter's 86.4%, and behind the 78.5% of Wallabies kicker Christian Lealiifano too.

Cruden has generally got the job done with the boot when needed, including in the final, but his tendency to have off-nights would be a "big deal" to Hansen.

In nine games with kicking duties for the Chiefs this year, Cruden kicked less than 60% of his goals. In the round 20 showdown with the Blues, Cruden couldn't hit a barndoor with a cowbell, kicking one from five.

With no other recognised kickers in the All Blacks side, Cruden will have the job on Saturday night.

All Blacks v Wallabies

When Carter is MISSING: W:5, D:0, L:1. %: 83.3. Avg For: 21.7. Avg Aga:17.8

When Carter is PLAYING W: 18, D:1, L:5. %:75. Avg For: 26.4. Avg Aga: 17.

All Blacks Overall

When Carter is MISSING: W: 32, D: 0, L: 6. %: 84.2. Avg For: 35.2. Avg Aga: 14.9.

When Carter is PLAYING: W: 83, D: 1, L: 11. %: 87.4. Avg For: 35.7. Avg Aga: 14.5

Courtesy of Fox Sports Stats

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Video: Ashes fourth Test report card

Australia's cricketers have much soul-searching to do before the fifth Ashes Test. Source: AP

ANOTHER epic batting collapse saw Australia grab defeat from the jaws of victory in the fourth Ashes Test in Durham.

News Corp Australia chief cricket writer Malcolm Conn rates the performances of Australia's players, and tells us which players should be looking over their shoulder.

Chris Rogers
8 out of 10

Outstanding Test with his maiden first innings hundred then a century opening stand with Dave Warner.

David Warner
6 out of 10

An uncertain first innings was overtaken by an excellent 71 to top score in the second innings.

Usman Khawaja
3 out of 10

Another disappointing Test. Needs to make more of his opportunities, they are running out.

Michael Clarke
3 out of 10

Played a bad shot in the first innings and received the ball of the match in the second.

Steve Smith
2 out of 10

After teasing at Old Trafford another Test of soft dismissals coupled with a dropped outfield catch.

Shane Watson
6 out of 10

Excellent batting and bowling in the first innings unfortunately hampered by injury later in the match.

Brad Haddin
3 out of 10

Another poor Test with the bat. Needs to find more consistency if he is to hold his place long term.

Peter Siddle
4 out of 10

Always wholehearted, he is clearly feeling the strain of four successive Tests, claiming just one wicket.

Ryan Harris
8 out of 10

The standout player for Australia in this series, he continues to deny his medical history. Has never bowled better.

Nathan Lyon
7 out of 10

Excellent performance with seven wickets for the match bowling first in generally unhelpful conditions.

Jackson Bird
3 out of 10

Was reasonable in patches and unlucky at times but lacked penetration on a wicket expected to suit him.

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Downing signs for West Ham

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has signed a four-year deal with West Ham. Source: AFP

WEST HAM United on Tuesday announced the signing of England international winger Stewart Downing from Premier League rivals Liverpool for an undisclosed fee.

Downing, 29, has signed a four-year contract with the east London club and follows striker Andy Carroll in moving from Liverpool to Upton Park.

"I'm very excited. It's a great opportunity for me being here, it's a great club and I'm really excited to get going,'' Downing told the club's official website.

"I'm ready and I'm fit for the first game against Cardiff City (on Saturday). I've played a decent few games for Liverpool in pre-season, so there will be no problems on that front.''

The left-footed wide player becomes West Ham manager Sam Allardyce's fifth new signing of the close season, after Carroll, Romania captain Razvan Rat, Spanish goalkeeper Adrian and midfielder Danny Whitehead.

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Lions left lost after Voss sacking

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The Brisbane Lions players are in apparent shock after the sacking of Michael Voss (far left). Source: Darren England / News Limited

BRISBANE players were left shocked and stunned by the axing of senior coach Michael Voss on Tuesday.

Lions players were told of Voss' demise at a special meeting at 3.30pm, and a sombre mood prevailed over the playing and coaching group as they entered the club's Gala Auction function at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

It was a noticeably awkward atmosphere at the usually laid-back, fun-filled function. It was more like a wake than a fundraiser.

Brisbane great Simon Black said he felt for his former teammate, good friend and fellow Brownlow Medallist.

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Black and Voss shared in three premierships as teammates and made up two of the club's famed "Fab Four'' in Brisbane's glory years. 

"I didn't see it coming at all,'' Black told The Courier-Mail.

"It was a complete shock.

"Vossy has been an enormous part of my life.

"I think the world of him.''

Voss was cleaning out his desk at the Gabba as guests were ushered into the function.

He said the overwhelming emotion was disappointment.

"I'm disappointed that in the end, I didn't get to finish what I started,'' he told The Courier-Mail. "We were improving which makes it all the more disappointing.'' 

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Earlier on Tuesday Voss said, "I don't know how I feel''.

"Tomorrow I will wake up and don't go to work and that's all I know,'' he said.

"I have loved more than anything else, and the club is dear to me, but I have gone every day and there has been something to improve in our players. That is what I will miss the most.'' 

It is understood that chairman Angus Johnson, CEO Malcolm Holmes and football manager Dean Warren delivered the news to Voss early in the afternoon after the board held an unscheduled meeting in the morning. 

Voss is yet to address the Lions playing group but hopes to speak to them on Wednesday.

He felt he was meeting the criteria of blooding young players and closing the gap on the top eight after winning 10 games in 2012. 

Brisbane defender Daniel Merrett said the news was still sinking in.

"Everyone is absolutely shocked,'' he said. "We didn't see it coming at all,'' he said.

He paid tribute to Voss for helping shape his career. Merrett played his 150th senior match last weekend after making his debut in 2005 when Voss was still Lions captain. Merrett was part of the club's leadership group when Voss took over as senior coach. 

"I can't say enough about what a great mentor he was to the players,'' Merrett said. "I've known Vossy for a long time.

"I've played with him. I've been coached by him. He's had a massive impact on my career.''

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Selectors must 'pick and stick': Waugh

Phillip Hughes has been hard done by, according to former Test captain Steve Waugh. Source: AFP

CRICKET legend Steve Waugh says selectors need to pick and stick with the nation's top six Test batsmen if they're to have any chance of putting Australian cricket back on the winning path.

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He says the axe hanging over the heads of Australia's fringe batsmen is preventing them from relaxing and playing their natural game.

"Look at Phil Hughes, he's been up and down the order and has been dropped three or four times in 20 Tests. That doesn't give you much confidence," Waugh said.

"Usman Khawaja is another example.

"Selectors have got to say: 'We're going to go through some tough times, but these are the six or seven batsmen we believe in and we're going to back them even if they don't succeed straight away'."

Waugh's comments to ABC's 7.30 program came the same day Australia's batting order crumbled once again to hand England the fourth Test in Durham and a 3-0 series victory.

Chasing 299 to win the Test, Australia was in the box seat to win at 0-109 before collapsing to be all out 224.

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The 168-Test former captain says he has experienced first-hand the benefits of selectors showing faith, as he didn't win a Test match until his 13th Test and failed to score a ton until his 26th Test.

However, he then flourished into one of Australia's most successful batsmen and captains, accumulating 10,927 Test runs with an average of 51.06 and leading Australia in 15 of their record breaking 16 consecutive Test victories.

"It took a long while for me to get it right as well," Waugh said.

"But I had the benefit of getting it wrong.

"Right now, the selectors need to pick and stick and show confidence in players."

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Elliott scores maiden Test ton

Sarah Elliott brought up her hundred early on day two of the women's Ashes Test. Source: AAP

SARAH Elliot knew this was her moment.

Having not played for Australia since 2011, the 31-year-old had to make her mark in her one opportunity for the Southern Stars this Ashes campaign.

So, after an interrupted sleep thanks to her touring partner - nine-month-old son Sam  - the gritty right-hander dug in and delivered on day one of the sole Test match against England.

She fought her way to 95 not out at the close of play on day one, leading Australia to 3-243 after it won the toss and elected to bat on a flat track at Wormsley.

And tonight she topped the hard work with her maiden international century – her ton coming off 269 balls in just under six hours- before she was caught at cover point for 104.

Vice captain Alex Blackwell resumed on 29 tonight and arrived at the crease with an aggressive mindset, she shot to 54 off 169 balls before she was out LBW off the bowling  of spinner Laura Marsh (2-74).
Australia declared at 6-331, 20 minutes before lunch, with Ellyse Perry (not out 31 off 24 balls ) - showing class well above her No. 8 batting position- alongside Erin Osborne (10 no).

Perry opened the bowling attack and appeared to get good movement early. England was 0-16 at lunch, after four overs, with Heather Knight (10) and Arran Brindle (0) at the crease.

With Elliott out in the tenth over of the day, captain Jodie Fields joined Blackwell.

Fields came out firing, but was out bowled by Katherine Brunt (1-48) for six.

Elliott was patient and determined, buoyed by spying husband Rob with Sam wandering around the picturesque ground at stages - her lunch break was spent expressing milk.

She admitted to feeling a sense of relief after facing 245 balls in just over five hours at the crease on day one.

"There was definitely some, `OK, they've picked me, they've flown me all the way here, so let's hope we can cash in','' she said.

"It's really nice to make the most of the opportunity.''

The innings has given Elliott, not selected for the one-day or Twenty20 teams this tour, a taste of international cricket again.

She is keen to break back into the shorter-form sides for the Australian summer.

"It's definitely exciting,'' said Elliott, who has lived in Darwin for three years but continued playing for Victoria.

"It's hard work; it has been hard work training and those sorts of things to get back to this,'' she said.

"But when you get a little bit of success it gives you that little bit of extra drive to say, `Hang on a minute, I'm enjoying this and I want to do more of it'.''
Victorian opener Meg Lanning was run out on 48 just after lunch on day one.

Werribee's Jess Cameron played an entertaining innings before falling lbw the ball after she reached 50.

English pace bowler Anya Shrubsole (2-57) took the wicket of opener Rachel Haynes (10), bowled  in the 10th over and also snared the wicket of Elliott.

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'Dogs not the same without Kasiano

Trouble ... Sam Kasiano injures his ankle in the Bulldogs loss to the Titans. Source: Grant Trouville / AAP

IN his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts on round 22 of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.

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Storm v Rabbitohs at AAMI Park

South Sydney fans should walk away from Friday's game knowing they can get into the fight with Melbourne. You put John Sutton and Greg Inglis back in the side, the Rabbitohs not only gain match winning players but most importantly they get confidence. Luke Keary was outstanding and may throw a twist into how the side looks when Sutton returns from injury. Perhaps we will see Sutton in the back row earlier than we thought which is a huge advantage to have come finals if a half goes down injured. Playing against a side like the Storm, you need to make sure you capitalise on your opportunities because when they sniff out a chance to poll points they will take it. Cooper Cronk produced some beautiful passes to catch his old teammate Matt King out on a number of occasions. The Storm have set a statement over the last few weeks that they are still contenders and you should write them off at your own peril. 

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Eels v Tigers at Parramatta Stadium

Jarryd Hayne's return to the Parramatta side was the difference. He is the calming influence that the Eels can play off the back of. The players would have had confidence with Hayne back in the side and their forwards have been performing well. They have a big strong pack but lack a genuine ball player which is why they struggle. Fortunately for the Eels they end a 10 game losing streak while Tigers fans have nothing to be excited about. The club is filled with drama from Benji Marshall leaving to Mick Potter's coaching career under a lot of doubt. Who knows when the dramas will stop at the Tigers but one thing we know is that a loss is the last thing they needed.

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Roosters v Raiders at Allianz Stadium

Trent Robinson wouldn't be overly happy with the way the Roosters played. Canberra applied plenty of pressure after responding well from what was a 60-point thrashing the week before. The Raiders played with plenty of pride but probably gifted the Roosters 18 points with some soft tries and you can't gift points to quality sides. The Roosters were very controlled and patient led by two halves who have a great kicking game. Roger Tuivasa-sheck showed why he will be the Roosters long-term fullback while the Raiders will be pleased by Blake Ferguson's return. Ultimately poor execution and inability to come up with the right plays at the right time hurt the visitors. 

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Sharks v Knights at Remondis Stadium

It was the battle of two in-form halves with Todd Carney and Jarrod Mullen coming head-to-head. It was the sneaky victory Newcastle needed to keep their season alive. The lead changed throughout the game but with the Knights playing for Danny Buderus' record breaking 250th game probably gave them the motivation to get them home in the end. Andrew Fifita was good for the Sharks while the return for Luke Lewis and Paul Gallen playing his second game back from injury would have brought confidence to their side. But there are still a lot of dramas in Cronulla. They wouldn't have liked that loss at this time of the year but for the Knights they stay alive and in the top eight. The emergence of Jarrod Mullen over the last few weeks shows he can steer around the side and kick them to a victory on the back of a big forward pack and some exciting outside backs. 

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Sea Eagles v Warriors at Blue Tongue Stadium

In 2011 the Stewart brothers stared for Manly in the grand final against the Warriors and the same happened again on Sunday. Glenn Stewart has returned to form after an injury troubled him for a large part of the season while his brother Brett Stewart has been terrific over the last five weeks. Manly continue to remind us that we can't write them off. They are a fit and aggressive side. There were a lot of errors in that game but the sea Eagles were never frustrated and while points didn't come early, they were able to run away with it in the end. Being a Warriors fan, player or coach must be a frustrating job. They can be absolutely brilliant or they can switch off and come up with something horrible.

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Broncos v Dragons at Suncorp Stadium

It was a very important game for Brisbane to keep their semi-finals hopes alive. The Broncos were very good while the Dragons had plenty to play for. The Broncos showed they had more class and depth than the opposition to get the win. Justin Hodges received some dreadful news for that he will be sidelined for 10 months with a snapped Achilles but they covered the loss well by moving Matt Gillett into the centres. With Josh Hoffman pushing back to fullback and Ben Hunt leading the attack at half, the Broncos were very classy. Sam Thaiday showed his gamesmanship, trying to milk a penalty and scoring off the next play. The Dragons can hold their heads high. They had their chances led by their young gun Adam Quinlan. The Dragons fans now look forward to next year to an improved roster but what they have unearthed are some match winners in Quinlan and Josh Dugan who were not in their plans at the start of the season. 

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Panthers v Cowboys

Two weeks in a row they have scored more than 30 points. Neil Henry's future was decided before the South Sydney game and with that came a return to form. The Cowboys were a little patch against Penrith but the more Johnathan Thurston was involved, the better the rest of the team played. Thurston capped his night off by becoming the 22nd player in history to break 1300 points.He is the key to the Cowboys playing well. Ray Thompson scored his first try of the season and finished with a hat trick while Kyle Feldt scored his first try in the NRL. The game was a little scrappy at times but it was nice to see Sam McKendry return for Penrith after breaking his neck in round seven. In the end the Panthers were blown away. With 25 minutes to go they had lost interest in the game and waved the white flag. The Cowboys now play three of their next four games in North Queensland. It would be amazing to think they could finish on 28 points and make it into the semi-finals. They certainly have a talented roster and look to have their defensive attitude back. 

Bulldogs v Titans

It was a sloppy performance from the Bulldogs but it was one of the upsets of the season from Gold Coast. The Titans have a habit of doing this, and they go to the games where everyone writes them off and they're undermanned and they just drag you down and get you in a trance and make you fight for everything. The Bulldogs didn't have their foot on the throttle but don't take anything away from the Titans because they were very good. Mead at fullback was superb and the Titans forwards outplayed the Bulldogs forwards. However, without Albert Kelly and Jamal Idris they won't trouble the top sides. The Bulldogs were lucky to come away with the win against St George last week. There have been a lot of injures this round and poor Sam Kasiano has picked up an ankle injury. One thing for sure about the 'Dogs, they're not the same side when there's no Kasiano or Ben Barba for that matter.

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