NRL.com wrap: Knights downed by Dogs in second trial

Full-time: The Rabbitohs have held firm to stun the Dragons and reclaim the Charity Shield. South Sydney fielded a youthful side and were heavy underdogs heading into the contest but were full of energy and forced their opponents into multiple costly mistakes. Former Dragon Matt Dufty was superb in his first game back in Australia, while Jamie Humphreys pulled the strings after Jonah Glover left the contest early with a broken jaw. Dragons 24 - Rabbitohs 28.

78th minute: This game could have one last twist left in it as St George Illawarra keep their hopes of a miraculous comeback alive. Hayden Buchanan made a break down the left flank to put his side back on attack. The Rabbitohs were scrambling to get back onside, the Dragons shifted right and Mat Feagai scored out wide to keep his side alive. Dragons 24 - Rabbitohs 28. 

68th minute: The Dragons have gifted another try to South Sydney and the Rabbitohs are one step closer to victory. A loose pass by Lyhkan King-Togia saw the ball hit the deck, Jordi Mazzone charged through, scooped it up and raced 35 metres to score. Dragons 18 - Rabbitohs 28.

65th minute: Rabbitohs have now lodged a Captain's Challenge, however it is quickly dismissed by the Bunker. Salesi Ataata conducted a one-on-one strip, however he knocked the ball forward in the process and the Dragons have a fresh set of six in attacking territory. Dragons 18 - Rabbitohs 22. 

62nd minute: We're off to the Bunker, with the referee ruling no try after a contest for a bomb. While initially knocked backwards by the Dragons, Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Siegwalt knocked it forward and the on-field ruling is confirmed. Dragons 18 - Rabbitohs 22.

60th minute: The Rabbitohs have wrestled back control of this contest, with Matt Dufty producing a pair of excellent kick returns to get his side on the front foot. The fullback has now been handed an early rest, but South Sydney continue to roll down the field and have received a penalty to help them out of their own end. Dragons 18 - Rabbitohs 22.

52nd minute: The Dragons have got one back after Luciano Leilua pounced on a Damien Cook grubber. The try came after St George Illawarra somehow managed to keep the ball alive on the last tackle before receiving a repeat set after it bounced off a South Sydney arm. The hosts were in a few players later, with Cook identifying space behind the play the ball for his back rower. That will likely be the hooker's final play of the game, with the veteran heading to the sidelines for a breather. Dragons 18 - Rabbitohs 22. 

46th minute: South Sydney can sense a boil-over and they have their second try in the space of three minutes. Jamie Humphreys put up a bomb that was caught by Dragons winger Setu Tu. The youngster was quickly wrapped up and attempted a miracle offload as he was being tackled. The ball went to ground, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape scooped it up for a gift four-pointer. The Rabbitohs are up and about as they chase a shock victory. Dragons 12 - Rabbitohs 22.

 

44th minute: It's a dream start to the Rabbitohs who immediately capitalised on a Tyrell Sloan error. The knock on gave the visitors prime field position and Latrell Siegwalt didn't need a second invitation, getting on the outside of his opposite defender and sliding over. Ball control has proved costly for the Dragons tonight, Shane Flanagan's men making eight errors to South Sydney's two. Dragons 12 - Rabbitohs 16. 

Kick-off: The players are back for the second half and Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has left most of his big names on the field in their final hit out before travelling to Las Vegas. He has made a handful of changes, with Tyrell Sloan entering the fray at fullback and Clint Gutherson earning an early shower. Jaydn Su'A has also left the field after copping a knock to the hip in the first half. Dragons 12 - Rabbitohs 12. 

Half-time: We are all locked up at half-time, with the match evenly poised after 40 minutes. The Dragons largely controlled the territorial battle but the Rabbitohs were lethal when they entered attacking territory. St George Illawarra were left to rue a number of missed opportunities, while Rabbitohs recruit Matt Dufty scored late to level the scores. Dragons 12 - Rabbitohs 12.

36th minute: A couple of errors have opened the door for South Sydney to get back in the contest and it was a former Dragon who made the hosts pay. Matt Dufty put a kick through, regathered the rebound and muscled his way through three defenders to get the ball down. Dragons 12 - Rabbitohs 12

30th minute: We're into the final 10 minutes of the first half and some crushing news has come through for the Rabbitohs. Halfback Jonah Glover has suffered a suspected fractured jaw, with the youngster set to be sidelined for the opening weeks of the season. On the field, the Dragons had a golden chance to extend their lead, but the last pass was dropped by Damien Cook and the margin remains six. Dragons 12 - Rabbitohs 6.

22nd minute: South Sydney levelled the scores and then almost immediately opened the door for the Dragons to hit straight back. The Rabbitohs spilled the ball in the first set after the kick-off, allowing the hosts to go on the attack. Clint Gutherson came close to scoring, Damien Cook spotted a marker out of position, spun out of one tackle and scored the try. Dragons 12 - Rabbitohs 6.

20th minute: It didn't take long for the Rabbitohs to capitalise on the penalty, with a set restart handing the visitors a fresh set of six in attacking territory. After working their way to the left edge, South Sydney shifted back to the right and Talanoa Penitani got on the outside of opposite man Moses Suli to cross for the Bunnies. The centre is the younger brother of Jillaroos star Tiana Penitani Gray and shapes as a future star. Dragons 6 - Rabbitohs 6

18th minute: St George Illawarra have largely controlled the past 10 minutes but they've opened the door for the Rabbitohs by conceding a penalty for offside in front of the kicker. South Sydney now have a chance to hit back. Dragons 6 - Rabbitohs 0.

10th minute: The Dragons have the opening points of the match and marquee recruit Dan Atkinson played a key role in the try. Winger Setu Tu danced off his right foot and past multiple defenders before linking up with Atkinson. The halfback burst through a gap before linking up with Clint Gutherson for the four-pointer. Dragons 6 - Rabbitohs 0.

4th minute: The brutal start to this contest continues, with Rabbitohs halfback Jonah Glover leaving the field in considerable pain after receiving a shoulder to the face while attempting to tackle Luciano Leilua. Meanwhile Hame Sele has been ruled out for the remainder of the match after failing his HIA. Dragons 0 - Rabbitohs 0.

2nd minute: We have an early stoppage in just the second set of the game after Hame Sele got his head in the wrong spot while making a tackle. The lock has left the field for an HIA, with Hamish Stewart stepping on to the field in his place. Dragons 0 - Rabbitohs 0.

Kick-off: We are underway in the Charity Shield, with the Rabbitohs kicking off to the Dragons. Shane Flanagan has named a near full-strength side, while the Rabbitohs will field a host of emerging youngsters for what promises to be a fascinating contest. Dragons 0 - Rabbitohs 0.

Late Mail

Dragons: David Fale comes into the starting line-up in place of Valentine Holmes (hamstring) whilst Joseph O’Neill and Ryan Hutchinson join the interchange as Ha’ele Finau drops off.

Rabbitohs: No late changes for Wayne Bennett's team.

 

Knights v Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium

Case of the fumbles: The Knights' ball control deserted them as they completed just 27 of 42 sets at 64 per cent. With 16 errors on the night this was not the Vegas tune up the Knights were looking for even though they have Kalyn Ponga to come back. One shining light for the Knights was winger Greg Marzhew with 19 runs for 208 metres and nine tackle breaks.

Full-time: The Bulldogs have shut out the Knights and looked ultra impressive in a four-tries-to-nil win. With seven players running for more than 100 metres the Bulldogs were too committed and too relentless for the Knights. 

78 min: Desperate defence from Sean O'Sullivan to deny Jermaine McEwen who seemed certain to score. A posse of Bulldogs turned up to help O'Sullivan as Canterbury's scramble defence came to the fore.

75 min: A cold drop by Fletcher Hunt on the halfway line and Cooper Toy swoops on the loose ball and races away to grab the fifth try of the night for the Bulldogs. Sean O'Sullivan converts. Bulldogs 28-0.

69 min: Greg Marzhew at his powerhouse best down the left wing and picks up Sandon Smith who sends it on to Francis Manuleleua who is dragged down just short and still the Knights can't get across the stripe.

65 min: The Bulldogs make the Knights pay when Viliame Kikau gets down low and powers over from close range despite the attention of three defenders. Sean O'Sullivan converts. Bulldogs 22-0.

63 min: The Knights' attention to detail lets them down again as Greg Marzhew makes a mess of playing the ball and the Dogs go on the attack again.

53 min: Bradman Best comes up with an error as he attempts to play the ball and the Knights are under pressure again.

49 min: The Bulldogs opt to run the ball on the last and Jermaine McEwen comes up with a bell ringer to stop Josh Curran in his tracks.

46 min: Another concern for the Bulldogs on top of Burton's injury with Josh Curran placed on report for a hip drop.

Half-time: The Bulldogs completed 21 of 23 sets at 91 per cent and converted that into three tries while holding the Knights scoreless. The Bulldogs made four line breaks to one and looked slick for long periods of the opening term.

40 min: A great play from Bulldogs prop Harry Hayes who gets back to knock a Dylan Brown grubber kick over the dead ball line just as the Knights chasers looked set to get to the ball first.

38 min: Sean O'Sullivan bursts into the back field and the Bulldogs look set to score again but Josh Curran puts the ball down on the right edge.

35 min: Jaeman Salmon scores for the Bulldogs after putting Sitili Tupouniua into a hole and then taking a return pass to dot down under the posts. Stephen Crichton converts. Bulldogs 16-0.

33 min: News from the Bulldogs medical staff that star playmaker Matt Burton is out for the rest of the game with a hamstring injury and will be sent for scans. They are hopeful he has not torn his hamstring and will be able to play in Vegas.

28 min: The Bulldogs have a set scrum in the middle of the field but come up with a mistake on tackle one through Bronson Xerri and the opportunity is lost.

26 min: Great defence by the Knights to hold out consecutive sets on their line before youngster Wilson De Courcey gathers a Bulldogs kick and races 50 metres upfield.

20 min: A no-look pass from Stephen Crichton puts Jonathan Sua into space again and the left winger kicks back inside expertly for Matt Burton to follow through and score the Dogs' second. Crichton adds the extras. Bulldogs 10-0.

16 min: Slick hands from the Bulldogs on the left edge as Lachlan Galvin, Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau combine to put Jonathan Sua over in the corner. Crichton pushes the conversion across the face. Bulldogs 4-0.

14 min: Bulldogs lock Jaeman Salmon is penalised and placed on report for a dangerous tackle.

13 min: A penalty against Bailey Hayward for pressure on the neck on Dom Young allows the Knights to get out of their own end. 

8 min: Dylan Brown goes to the line again but his short pass to Thomas Cant is put down by the back-rower and the Bulldogs hang on.

7 min: Dylan Brown digs into the line and picks up Fletcher Hunt who offloads for a rampaging Dom Young to score in the corner. The try is ruled out by the bunker for obstruction on Stephen Crichton as he came up to make a tackle. The first infringement was Crichton being offside before the collision so the Knights get the penalty.

5 min: Lachlan Galvin goes to the air, Connor Tracey soars above Fletcher Hunt but loses control of the ball and it rolls dead. The Knights come away.

Late Mail

Knights: Fullback Fletcher Sharpe is a late out with a hamstring issue so Fletcher Hunt goes to fullback and William De Courcey comes into the centres. 

Bulldogs: Sam Hughes starts at prop in jersey No.16 and Harry Hayes slides to the bench. 

 

Wests Tigers v Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium

Tom time: Roosters flyer Tom Rodwell had 18 runs for 204 metres and bagged a try as well to show his promise. Fullback Rex Bassingthwaite (116 metres) and forward Taylor Losalu (127 metres) were also strong for the Tricolours.

Full-time: Wests Tigers sweep the full 15 points on offer with 12 for the win and three bonus points for five or more tries (8), five or more line breaks (9) and 10 or more offloads (13). Plenty of good signs for Benji Marshall with playmakers Jock Madden and Javon Andrews coming up with some nice touches while Luke Laulilii racked up 135 run metres. The Tigers' completion rate of 34 of 38 at 89 per cent would also have pleased the coach.

78 min: The Roosters have the final word with Jackson Stewart getting free on the left wing, chipping over the top of the fullback and regathering just inside the dead ball line to score. Tigers 42-26.

70 min: Faaletino Tavana comes up with a spectacular leap to defy gravity and score in the left corner. In the same class as Xavier Coates' outrageous try for the Storm last year this was an absolute cracker from the 21-year-old. Tigers 42-22.

66 min: Tigers prop Kit Laulilii takes the ball 25 metres out and explodes through Toby Rodwell and Rex Bassingthwaite to cross for his team's seventh try of the day. Will Craig makes a meal of the easy conversion but the lead is out to 16 points. Tigers 38-22.

65 min: The Tigers move up quickly in defence to put the heat on Toby Rodwell who comes up with a forward pass as a result.

61 min: Another nice touch from Jock Madden as he puts Charlie Murray into a hole from close range. Murray had put the Tigers on the attack with a great offload in traffic and he gets his reward with a four-pointer. Madden adds the extras. Tigers 34-22.

57 min: On the back of a dropped ball by Junior Tupou the Tigers take a centre field scrum and Jock Madden heads right where Logan Deininger is on hand to burst through a couple of tackles and put Benji Marshall's men back in front. Madden converts. Tigers 28-22.

53 min: Egan Butcher surges into a hole from close range and gets over for a try. The bunker checks whether Taylor Losalu made contact with a Tigers defender to create the hole but the ruling is that the Charlie Murray instigated the contact. The try stands. 22-22.

47 min: Javon Andrews and Heamasi Makasini combine again on the left edge with the five-eighth delivering a perfect pass for the giant teenager to power into the left-hand corner. That's a hat-trick for Makasini who is proving a real handful for the Roosters. Jock Madden converts. Tigers 22-16.

42 min: Jock Madden drifts across field and bamboozles the defence before finding Javon Andrews who sends it on to Heamasi Makasini for an early strike for the Tigers. Madden fails to convert. 16-16.

Metre eaters: Tom Rodwell racked up a game high 173 metres in the first half and bagged a try while impressive fullback Rex Bassingthwaite had 11 runs for 85 metres and laid on a try. Hugo Savala also looked good in attack for the Roosters.

Half-time: The Roosters got the jump with the first three tries before Wests Tigers finished strongly on the back of some classy touches from Heamasi Makasini (10 runs for 83 metres and four tackle breaks), Jack Attard (four tackle breaks) and Charlie Murray. 

40 min: A brilliant offload in traffic from Charlie Murray finds Jared Haywood who dances around a couple of tackles to slam the ball down under the sticks. Jock Madden converts. Roosters 16-12.

37 min: A mistake by Taylor Losalu coming out of his own end hands the Tigers a late shot at points and they go left where Tommy Talau knocks down a pass to keep the Roosters' line intact.

31 min: Footwork and power from Heamasi Makasini as he powers through Tommy Talau and carries Rex Bassingthwaite over the line to post the Tigers' first try. Jock Madden converts. Roosters 16-6.

30 min: Tigers fullback Jack Attard tries desperately to get to a kick on the full but the ball spills free as he hits the ground and Junior Tupou picks up the scraps and puts Junior Pauga in for his second try. The try is overturned by the bunker however with Roosters chasers ruled to have gone inside the 10 metres after being in front of the kicker. Roosters 16-0.

28 min: Jock Madden grubbers into the in goal but Rex Bassingthwaite shows great speed to come across and tidy up and get back into the field of play.

25 min: Benaiah Ioelu jumps out of dummy half from close range and crashes through Jack Attard to score. Hugo Savala converts. Roosters 16-0.

20 min: The Tigers come up empty with Heamasi Makasini spilling a tough pass that came to him down low.

18 min: The Tigers get a chance to hit back after Sione Finau produces a great shot on Egan Butcher to force the ball loose.

16 min: From the ensuing scrum the Roosters go right through Rex Bassingthwaite and the ball finishes with Tom Rodwell who crosses in the corner. Hugo Savala converts. Roosters 10-0.

15 min: The Roosters look dangerous again but Faaletino Tavana knocks the final pass down to keep the Tigers' line intact.

14 min: Some slick moves from Rex Bassingthwaite as he wrongfoots Tony Sukkar and earns a penalty for high contact.

8 min: The Roosters strike first with Hugo Savala delivering a perfect pass for Junior Pauga to score on the left edge. Savala pulls the conversion left. Roosters 4-0.

6 min: Tristan Hope scoots out of dummy half for the Tigers but is quickly wrapped up and the ball comes free in the tackle.

4 min: The Roosters shift to the right and Tommy Talau puts in a chip kick which is too heavy and rolls dead.

Late Mail: A pair of late changes for the Wests Tigers, with Jack Attard coming into the side to start at fullback and Christian Taupau-Moors promoted to lock. Heath Mason and Charlie Murray revert to the interchange as a result. No changes for the Roosters, who will start 1-13.

Warriors v Sea Eagles at McLean Park, Napier

Full-time: A young Sea Eagles squad has shocked the Warriors to claim an impressive 33-18 Pre-Season Challenge victory in Napier. Emerging halfback Joey Walsh was superb and putting the finishing touches on the win with a field goal as time expired, while five-eighth Onitoni Large was also dangerous with ball in hand. Teenage prop Simione Laiafi was dominant up front and ran for more than 150 metres to help lay the platform for his team. There were glimpses of brilliance from the Warriors, but ball security let them down and they struggled to build pressure throughout the match. Warriors 18 - Sea Eagles 33.

78th minute: The Sea Eagles have slammed the door shut on the Warriors' comeback attempt, forcing an error in the set after the kick off. From there, they went to work on attack and Zaidas Muagututia darted from dummy half to burrow his way over the line and seal an impressive victory. Warriors 18 - Sea Eagles 32

75th minute: The comeback is well and truly on, with the Warriors coming home with a wet sail. A quick play the ball provided a chance for hooker Makaia Tafua to run from dummy half and he stepped his way past multiple defenders to slam the ball down out wide. Harry Inch's conversion attempt clattered into the post and the hosts need two tries in less than five minutes to pull off a miraculous comeback. Warriors 18 - Sea Eagles 26.

71st minute: The Warriors are back in this as they attempt a late comeback, with Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi latching on to a superb cutout pass to cross in the corner. With less than 10 minutes remaining, time is against the hosts but they are playing with plenty of confidence. Warriors 14 - Sea Eagles 26.

67th minute: It's the Warriors turn to lodge a Captain's Challenge after they were penalised for a player picking up a loose ball in an offside position. The ball was deflected forward by a Manly player in a tackle, negating the offside ruling. It's a successful challenge and the Warriors have an attacking scrum, 10-metres out from the try-line. Warriors 10 - Sea Eagles 26.

63rd minute: Another Captain's Challenge by the Sea Eagles, with Navren Willett calling for a strip. The referee ruled a knock on but the Bunker has determined the Warriors defender stripped the ball out. A big let off for the visitors and they will go on the attack as conditions deteriorate in Napier. Warriors 10 - Sea Eagles 26.

60th minute: Blake Wilson has picked up a loose ball and raced 55 metres to the try-line but it looks like the Bunker will take a closer look at this. The Manly winger jammed in to force an error by Warriors centre Caelys-Paul Putoko, the ball bounced off Wilson before he got to his feet, picked up the loose ball and scampered away. The Bunker has reviewed the footage and it bounced off the winger's legs, with the try confirmed. The four-pointer came out of nowhere, with the Warriors starting to build some pressure on their opponents before the error occurred. Warriors 10 - Sea Eagles 26. 

46th minute: Now it's Manly's time to lodge a Captain's Challenge after the ball popped out of Jackson-Levi Shereb-Schmidt's hands while two Warriors defenders were laying on top of him. There looked to be a Warriors hand forcing the ball out and the Bunker agrees with Manly, awarding the visitors a penalty for a strip. The Sea Eagles have another chance to attack. Warriors 10 - Sea Eagles 20.

44th minute: It's a dream start for the Sea Eagles, who received a penalty to go straight on to the attack. Joey Walsh is again in the thick of the action, producing a grubber that looked short off the boot. It turned out to be perfectly placed, with Hugo Hart getting down low to scoop the ball up and score his second try of the day. Warriors 10 - Sea Eagles 20. 

Kick-off: The second half is underway, with the Warriors eager to keep the momentum rolling after scoring in the final play of the first half. Coach Andrew Webster has turned to his bench, handing a number of his top players a rest, while the Sea Eagles have largely stuck with the side that impressed in the opening 40 minutes. Warriors 10 - Sea Eagles 16.

Half-time: The Warriors have the final say of the first half, with five-eighth Luke Hanson launching another bomb towards Manly winger Navren Willett. The youngster soared through the air but was unable to complete the catch, the ball fell straight into Ali Leiataua's breadbasket and he scored his second of the day. It was an intriguing half of football, with the Warriors controlling the first 30 minutes but unable to capitalise on the territorial advantage. A young Manly side eventually settled into the contest to jump out to a 12-point lead before Leiataua's try narrowed the margin to six at the break. Warriors 10 - Sea Eagles 16.

35th minute: The Sea Eagles have taken flight in the past few minutes and they have their third of the afternoon. The wet weather hasn't prevented them from throwing the ball around, with halves Onitoni Large and Joey Walsh linking up on the righthand side before Walsh through a cutout ball to Blake Wilson. The winger passed back inside before he was bundled into touch and Clayton Faulalo was there in support to score the try. Warriors 4 - Sea Eagles 16.

31st minute: Manly have spent much of the last 10 minutes inside their own half, but once they get into attacking territory they have capitalised immediately. Joey Walsh produced a pinpoint bomb, the ball was tapped back by winger Navren Willett and Hugo Hart was on the spot to gather the loose ball and extend his side's lead. Warriors 4 - Sea Eagles 12.

27th minute: The Sea Eagles are chancing their arm and throwing the ball around, but the wet conditions is making handling challenging. Manly have eight errors to hand the Warriors repeated attacking opportunities. The visitors, however, have been up to the task defensively and just successfully repelled another Warriors set of six to maintain a two-point lead. Warriors 4 - Sea Eagles 6.

19th minute: The hosts have lodged the first Captain's Challenge of the day after referee Ashley Klein ruled a knock on by Tanah Boyd. The halfback was attempting to latch on to a Jackson Ford offload amid traffic from the Manly defenders. Boyd is convinced the ball did not touch his finger, with the Sea Eagles eventually kicking the loose ball dead. The replays are unclear, the Bunker has ruled the on-field decision will stand and the Warriors retain their challenge. Warriors 4 - Sea Eagles 6.

18th minute: The Warriors forward pack has aimed up in the past few minutes and Jackson Ford has forced an error with a dominant tackle to earn his side an attacking set of six. It's not all positive for the host, with prop Demitric Vaimauga leaving the field for an HIA after copping a knock in a tackle. Warriors 4 - Sea Eagles 6.

12th minute: The Manly youngster have steadily found their feet, with halves Onitoni Large and Joey Walsh moving the ball around and taking on the defensive line. A well-placed Walsh bomb earnt a repeat set before dummy half Brandon Wakeham linked up with a charging Paul Bryan who ran a superb line and scored the try. Warriors 4 - Sea Eagles 6.

5th minute: It's been an end-to-end start to this contest and it's the Warriors who strike first. Ball handling is proving challenging in wet conditions in Napier, with Tanah Boyd launching a cross-field bomb that was always going to be hard to handle. Manly winger Navren Willett spilled the ball, Ali Leiataua scooped it up and put his side in front. Warriors 4 - Sea Eagles 0.

Kick-off: We are underway in Napier, with the Warriors rolling out a star-studded squad for their opening Pre-Season crash of the year. Manly fans will get a glimpse into the future, with coach Anthony Seibold fielding a youthful squad led by emerging halves Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large. It's a dream start for the hosts, with Demitric Vaimauga charging off the back fence and earning his side a penalty in the opening tackle of the game. Warriors 0 - Sea Eagles 0.

Late Mail: Both teams have been forced into changes after midweek injuries, with the Warriors losing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to a hamstring injury. Motu Pasikala replaces the veteran on the wing, with Jacob Auloa the new face in the squad. Sea Eagles lock Caleb Navale has also been ruled out after tearing his ACL during the week, prompting a minor reshuffle. Corey Waddell moves from the backrow to lock, with Hugo Hart coming into the starting side in the second row. Tom Summer has been added to the extended bench in jumper No.21.