What Caught Our Attention from the Weekend

– The Cronulla Sharks bursting the Titans bubble.

– Penrith demonstrating yet again they are never beaten until the final whistle blows.

– Tommy Turbo in fine form as Manly head for a finals berth.

– The Bulldogs celebrating another victory at a packed Sydney suburban ground.

– A thumping performance by Kotoni Staggs helping the Broncos to an unlikely victory in Townsville.

– Sean O’Sullivan kicking a superb two point field goal to win the match for the Dolphins in Golden Point. The Warriors clawed their way back from 20-6 down at half time to be deadlocked at 32 all at the end of 80 minutes

– Kalyn Ponga dropping the ball and putting it on the toe before it hits the ground leading to a try in Newcastle’s win over the Tigers

– Former NRL player Moses Mbye nailing a couple of key moments in a golden win for St Helens over Salford in the Super League. The first was a mammoth effort to make a last ditch covering tackle on Salford’s Deon Cross in the final minutes when the scores were locked at 16 all. Then in extra time he kicked the winning field goal to give St Helens a much needed win. However the Player of the Match medal went to 18 year old Harry Robertson who made his debut for the club last month.

– Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peat admitting “there is a lot to fix” after his team lost 30-4 to Leeds Rhinos.

Matt Peet shared his thoughts with the press following this afternoon's defeat to Leeds Rhinos. 👇#WWRL #SLLEEWIG https://t.co/P3tGiGAKCr

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) August 10, 2024

Bear Necessity

The Western Bears partnership sits well with most old North Sydney fans. In reality it is the only way the club could have a stake in the big time again. The home match at North Sydney Oval will be something to look forward to in 2027.

Swiss Delight

Some good news for Swiss born Tiger Tim Johannssen after he agreed to a two year deal with the Wests Tigers. The 196cm tall 22 year old started the year playing Sydney Shield for Ryde Eastwood before scoring a sensational solo try in NSW Cup for Wests Magpies in their win over the NZ Warriors earning him his NRL debut against the Cowboys recently.

Expect the Unexpected

Tonga international and former NSW player Tevita Pangai Junior has taken an unconventional approach to his rugby league career. After quitting the Bulldogs last year to go full tilt at boxing,, declaring he had finished with rugby league, Tevita popped up at the South Logan Magpies earlier this season before finding his way to Wayne Bennett and the Dolphins, rediscovering his best form. There was speculation he would follow Wayne to the Rabbitohs or stay at the Dolphins however French Super League club Catalans Dragons snuck under the guard of both clubs to sign the damaging forward to a one year deal. He will join fellow Aussies Luke Keary and Nick Cotric, as well as Englishman Elliot Whitehead in Perpignan next season.

Gallic Injection

French women’s captain Elise Akpa has been training with the Wests Tigers NSW Premiership team for the past couple of months. Unfortunately she picked up a shoulder injury in the recent international between France and England. She is back into full contact training now and will hopefully make her club debut in the very near future. Akpa, who previously had a stint with UK Super League team York Valkyrie, follows in the footsteps of fellow French women internationals Laureane Biville and Perrine Monsarrat who have traveled to Australia to further their rugby league careers.

Had a great chat with @whitelock_keith from the @ERLEAGUE podcast around one of my favourite subjects @GreekRLF The opening commentary still gives me goosebumps! @EuroRugbyLeague @IntRL https://t.co/gHw4WYsY6q

— Stuart McLennan (@Discomclennan) August 7, 2024

Greece to Vegas

The Greek men’s and women’s rugby league teams will play international matches against the USA in Las Vegas on 28 February 2025 adding to a festival of rugby league that will see four NRL clubs, two UK Super League teams and women’s international between Australia and England in Sin City early next year. The Greek teams will field a mixture of domestic and heritage players with a possibility of American Greek players being added. They plan to train with the LA Roosters who are supported by Greek rugby league sponsor and East supremo Nick Politis. It will be the first time these two countries have met in a rugby league international. The USA played a 16 all draw with Canada in the match prior to the Las Vegas extravaganza earlier this year.

Our New Podcast

Speaking of Greek Rugby League, Everything Rugby League has a new podcast featuring discussion and news from the world of rugby league. During the week your ‘Kick to the Corners’ correspondent had a chat with podcast host Keith Whitelock for an episode featuring all things rugby league in Greece. Check it out here https://open.spotify.com/episode/1i0djMkN0tvLPDSElhTbiF?si=uiw6f3BEQ4-iuEgr-J5YTA&t=560 and please like and follow the Everything Rugby League podcast.

State vs State, Student vs Student

The NSW Universities Rugby League is seeking eligible males (i.e enrolled in a recognised tertiary course and playing rugby league) to nominate for the NSW team to play QLD on 19 October 2024 at Cbus Stadium on the Gold Coast. Past players in the state and Australian universities teams speak highly of the experience and many have gone on to have successful rugby league careers. Interested players should head to www.metroleaguerl.com.au and follow the representative link to complete the form.