The Good: Mams Passes Eels Test, Knights Defence Shines Again
The absence of veteran half-back Adam Reynolds casts a long shadow over the Broncos for the next three months. Yet, there's a flicker of optimism on the horizon.
Ezra Mam seized his opportunity on Friday night, delivering a performance that suggests he's more than capable of filling the void left by Reynolds' injury. Mam's display could be the turning point the Broncos need to navigate this testing period. Turns out betting apps were right for not making any drastic changes to the odds they are currently offering on Brisbane to win in 2024.
The expectation was that coach Kevin Walters would push Ezra Mam into the number seven position. However, Walters opted to give rookie Josh Rogers his first taste of NRL action. While Rogers did a commendable job, it was Mam who truly ignited the Broncos' attack.
The Sydney man orchestrated the Broncos' opening try and added his own name to the scoresheet with a well-executed chip and chase, proving he can thrive even without the mercurial Broncos captain by his side.
Newcastle also secured their third victory in succession without skipper Kalyn Ponga, overcoming the Tigers 20-14 in a gruelling encounter at a rain-soaked Tamworth. Dismissed by many following Ponga's injury just under a month ago, the Knights have unearthed a newfound defensive resolve. Over the last three weeks, they’ve conceded only 36 points.
The Bad: Rabbitohs and Warriors Fail to Arrest the Slump
St. George-Illawarra dealt another blow to South Sydney's already turbulent season with a commanding 28-14 win at Kogarah Oval on Saturday evening. It's a tough pill to swallow for the Rabbitohs, who now hold the unwanted record of allowing their opponents to hit the 28-point mark or beyond in eight out of nine NRL clashes this season.
Andrew Webster's woes continue as his New Zealand outfit fell to a heavy defeat. The Roosters ran riot at Allianz Stadium, racking up 22 points in a dominant opening quarter. Trent Robinson's men held on for a comfortable 38-18 win, marking the Kiwis' fifth consecutive loss.
The Ugly: Trbojevic Picks Up Another Hamstring Injury
Tom Trbojevic's State of Origin hopes are in tatters after scans on his troublesome hamstrings revealed a likely seven-week absence. The Manly fullback picked up the injury in a collision with a cameraman during Thursday night's defeat to the Dolphins. Sea Eagles medics feared a layoff of six to eight weeks, and those fears have been confirmed.
The Gold Coast Titans face an anxious wait on the fitness of four key players, after Kieran Foran and Phillip Sami joined the NRL's growing list of hamstring casualties. Foran limped from the field clutching his hamstring in the 58th minute of Sunday night's match. The injury cut short a tremendous performance that saw him block at least a pair of tries.
Ezra Mam spearheaded the Broncos’ attack as his regular partner Adam Reynolds looks at a long injury layoff. The Rabbitohs and Warriors fell to yet another disheartening defeat, which has become somewhat of a norm in recent weeks.
