SNAPSHOT FROM ROUND SEVEN OF THE NRL:
THEY SAID IT: “It gives us the opportunity to set up the season. It gives us a new template. It is amazing what desire and hunger can help you achieve.” – Coach RICKY STUART on the Raiders’ record breaking come-from-behind win over the Tigers.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Canberra recorded the club’s greatest comeback against Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, claiming a 30-22 win after trailing 22-0 after 25 minutes.
MAN OF THE ROUND: Jake Granville’s hat-trick steered the Cowboys to a come-from-behind 28-24 win over the Warriors in Townsville.
MAGIC MOMENT: Cooper Cronk calmly slotted a 80th minute field goal to give Melbourne a 17-16 win over the Roosters, hoisting the Storm to the top of the NRL ladder and the Tricolours crashing to their third successive defeat.
TALKING POINT: What’s wrong with the Roosters? Three losses on the trot has one of the premiership favourites reeling ahead of a crucial Anzac Day clash with the Dragons.
JUDICIARY WATCH: Bulldogs – Tony Williams (high tackle); Dragons – Dylan Farrell (dangerous contact); Raiders – Jack Wighton (dangerous throw)
KEY INJURIES: Bulldogs – Josh Morris (ankle), Tony Williams (ankle); Sea Eagles – Jamie Lyon (ankle), Kieran Foran (hamstring) ; Roosters – Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (pec); Tigers – Robbie Farah (shin), Keith Galloway (shoulder); Panthers – Elijah Taylor (knee), Josh Mansour (knee), Brent Kite (calf); Titans – Nate Myles (calf); Dragons – Benji Marshall (eye); Broncos – Justin Hodges (hamstring), Alex Glenn (face); Parramatta – Richie Fa’aoso (concussion).
UNDER PRESSURE: Daly Cherry-Evans. Speculation the representative playmaker has had cold feet about his move to the Gold Coast hasn’t been dampened by a less-than convincing denial about the talk on Saturday. If he does renege, it could have ramifications for a number of other players and clubs, and again highlights problems with the NRL current transfer rules.