The numbers that matter
The big winners of Round 25
We now know (primarily but not solely) why the Canterbury Bulldogs looked so sluggish in last weekend's 22-6 loss to South Sydney Rabbitohs that has their campaign on life support.
Five of their players tested positive for Covid the Monday after defeat, and with Matt Burton also rushing home to Dubbo to be with an ailing grandmother, the Bulldogs found the steely nerve to come through and rack up 44 points against St George Illawarra Dragons, who despite their ladder position (17th) have been on the up under new management.
It was nothing short of a must-win game given eighth-place North Queensland were guaranteed two points through a bye, and they remain in with a sniff as a result.
Things don't get easier for the Doggies after news broke this Monday that ten players - not all from the senior squad - missed light training on Monday due to Covid, including Jacob Preston and Josh Curran.
It's anything but ideal preparation going into a must-win game with Penrith on Friday, but the important thing is that the team is still in with a chance - and it was only a month ago that they kept the Warriors to just six points in another crucial outing.
The big losers of Round 25
South Sydney Rabbitohs are almost certain to be heading into the finals because of their superior points differential of +63 - meaning they'll edge out both North Queensland and Canterbury should their points be tied at the end of the season - but their chances of advancing further look shot after another disappointing start against stronger opposition.
Wayne Bennett's side have now lost five of their last six games against current top-eight clubs since Round 10 (W 36-12 v Cronulla), and on almost every occasion the game had gotten right away from them before half-time.
Conceding 26 first-half points to the Warriors was just another chapter in a frustrating story for Bennett that included an 18-6 half-time deficit to Cronulla, 18-6 to the Cowboys and 20-0 against the Dolphins, all the sorts of teams they're going to have to get the better of to go any further than Week 1.
Bennett placed the blame squarely on his players - again - demanding they "fix what's between their ears".
He attributed three of the Warriors' four first-half tries to Rabbitohs mistakes, telling reporters after the game that he believes the only team to beat the Rabbitohs this year are themselves.
“I’m never disappointed with their effort, okay?” he summarised.
Team of the Week
Try of the Week
Who scored a brace this week?
Alex Johnston's double in South Sydney's loss to the Warriors saw him move level with Penrith's Tom Jenkins to potentially win the medal that could one day be named after him.
Brian To'o crossed 100 tries for the Panthers with his hat-trick in Melbourne on Thursday night.
Josh Feledy's hat-trick off the bench saw him score his first three tries for Manly in ten appearances this year.
The backs dominated for the Dolphins as Jamayne Isaako and Herbie Farnworth grabbed two each, as did Sharks wingers Ronaldo Mulitalo and Sione Katoa.
Elsewhere, there were also braces for Grant Anderson (Broncos), Fletcher Hunt (Knights), Matthew Feagai (Dragons), Matt Burton (Bulldogs) and Billy Smith (Roosters).
The naughty boys
Four players face bans this week unless they can overturn their charges from Round 25, as do up to three more players if they unsuccessfully challenge their $3000 fines.
Potential suspensions:
Jack Cogger (Panthers) - Grade 2 Careless High Tackle - 3 matches (guilty plea) or 4 matches (if guilty after challenge)
Jonathan Sua (Bulldogs) - Grade 2 Dangerous Contact - 1 or 2 matches
Dom Young (Knights) - Grade 2 Dangerous Contact - 1 or 2 matches
Tyson Frizell (Knights) - Grade 2 Dangerous Contact - 1 or 2 matches
Victor Radley (Roosters) - Grade 1 Careless High Tackle - $3000 fine or 2 matches
Jermaine McEwen (Knights) - Grade 1 Careless High Tackle - $3000 fine or 2 matches
Jack Cogger (Panthers) - Grade 1 Dangerous Contact - $3000 fine or 2 matches
Potential fines:
Pat Carrigan (Broncos) - Grade 1 Careless High Tackle - $1800 or $2500 fine
Jock Madden (Wests Tigers) - Grade 1 Careless High Tackle - $1000 or $1500 fine
Siua Wong (Roosters) - Grade 1 Careless High Tackle - $1000 or $1500 fine
Jaeman Salmon (Bulldogs) - Grade 1 Careless High Tackle - $1000 or $1500 fine
Jake Turpin (Bulldogs) - Grade 1 Careless High Tackle - $1000 or $1500 fine
Will Penisini (Eels) - Grade 1 Careless High Tackle - $1000 or $1500 fine
Jacob Kiraz (Bulldogs) - Grade 1 Dangerous Contact - $1000 or $1500 fine
Briton Nikora (Sharks) - Grade 1 Dangerous Contact - $1000 or $1500 fine
Josh King (Storm) - Grade 1 Dangerous Contact - $1000 or $1500 fine
Tom Flegler (Dolphins) - Grade 1 Dangerous Contact - $1000 or $1500 fine
Jack Bostock (Dolphins) - Grade 1 Dangerous Throw - $1000 or $1500 fine
Next weekend's fixtures
The Bulldogs will continue to fight for their season when they take on Penrith in a blockbuster Friday night match.
Aaron Murphy has been with Flashscore since 2018 and, as the founding editor of the Australian newsdesk, has reported on-site at several major events in Melbourne including the Australian Open, State of Origin, A-League, NBL and international cricket. You can read his pieces here and contact him on X or LinkedIn.
