A recap of the NRL round three action that saw the Raiders record a remarkable comeback over the Titans and Parramatta score a dramatic golden point win over Melbourne.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Canberra’s stunning comeback from 22-0 down to beat Gold Coast 24-22 marked the equal-biggest in the NRL club’s history. They trailed the Tigers 22-0 at Leichardt Oval in 2015 before coming back to win 30-22 and also trailed 22-0 against the Knights at GIO Stadium in 2016 before winning 29-25.
RAIDERS’ MOMENT OF THE ROUND: There were several to choose from with the likes of Jack Wighton, Matt Timoko and Tom Starling all having big moments, but it was a massive shot from Semi Valemei late in the match that sealed the win. With Gold Coast having one last crack at finding a match winner, Valemei sprinted out of the line and delivered an enormous hit on AJ Brimson, forcing a knock on.
MAN OF THE ROUND: Nicho Hynes’ adaptation to the halves jersey at Cronulla continues to bear fruit. A week after kicking the match-winning goal against Parramatta, he set up a try and scored another in the Sharks’ big 36-12 win over St George Illawarra.
QUOTE OF THE ROUND: “They were looking at the wrong head. I got kicked in the balls,” Mann told ABC Sport post-game.” – Kurt Mann after being forced off for a HIA after copping a knock to the groin in Newcastle’s 38-20 loss to Penrith.
BITTER SWEET: Ray Stone’s golden-point try for Parramatta over Melbourne was both the best and worst moment of the weekend. The utility stepped off his right to collect a Mitch Moses field goal attempt that had bounced off the upright to beat the Storm in Melbourne. Unfortunately, Stone tore his ACL scoring the match winning try and will miss the rest of the season.
TALKING POINT: How long will Mitchell Barnett cop for his elbow to the jaw of Chris Smith, which came off the ball in the Knights’ loss to Penrith? And on the subject of judiciary, how did Nelson Asofa-Solomona escape a ban for his shot to the back of Makahesi Makatoa’s head?
CASUALTY WARD: Sharks – Matt Ikuvalu (ankle), Connor Tracey (groin); Tigers – Stefano Utoikamanu (ankle); Knights – Tyson Frizell (knee), Panthers – Chris Smith (jaw); Eels – Bailey Simonsson (concussion), Ray Stone (knee) – season; Cowboys – Coen Hess (shoulder), Broncos – Jordan Riki (ribs); Bulldogs – Jack Hetherington (shoulder).
JUDICIARY WATCH: Dragons – Jaydn Su’A (high tackle); Sharks – Jesse Ramien (high tackle); Wests Tigers – Jake Simpkin (crusher); Knights – Mitchell Barnett (dangerous contact); Storm – Nelson Asofa Solomona (high tackle); Titans – Moeaki Fotuaika (dangerous contact); Broncos – Jake Turpin (high tackle) .
UNDER PRESSURE: Michael Maguire again. He had every right to be furious after a possible try to Luciano Leilua was not sent to the bunker in his team’s 16-12 loss to the Warriors. But the Wests Tigers are now 0-3 and desperately needing a win to take the pressure off the coach.
With AAP
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