Home SPORTS NRL Round 4 Review: Bulldogs Continue Winning Streak

NRL Round 4 Review: Bulldogs Continue Winning Streak

Read

Get the latest NRL news and updates from Round 4, including the Broncos' win over the Dolphins and the Panthers' struggles. Find out who's leading the Dally M leaderboard and more.



The Daly Cherry-Evans saga did not appear to have any adverse effects on Manly's on-field performance, as they secured a convincing victory over Parramatta. Cherry-Evans was instrumental in the Sea Eagles' win, delivering a standout performance that helped his team solidify their position in second place on the ladder.




The defeat, on the other hand, has left Parramatta as the new favorites to claim the wooden spoon. The Eels' struggles this season have been well-documented, and their loss to Manly has only added to their woes. In contrast, the Sea Eagles' win has kept them hot on the heels of the unbeaten Bulldogs, who remain the team to beat in the competition.


Broncos Bounce Back

The Brisbane Broncos have rebounded strongly from their Round 2 loss to the Raiders in the nation's capital. That defeat served as a wake-up call, and Michael Maguire's team has responded with two impressive performances in Queensland derbies against the Dolphins and Cowboys. In both matches, the Broncos took control early, racing to 10-0 or 12-0 leads in the first half, ensuring they didn't relinquish control as they did against the Raiders.


With Kotoni Staggs returning from injury and Gehamat Shibasaki excelling as his partnering centre, the Broncos are building momentum. Shibasaki's outstanding performance earned him the Battle Medal as player of the match in the derby victory over the Dolphins. The Broncos will face tougher tests ahead, including clashes with the Roosters, Tigers, and Bulldogs, but they are well-positioned to make a strong run, potentially taking a 5-1 record into their bye week.


The Canterbury Bulldogs, meanwhile, are enjoying their best start to an NRL season, having last begun a campaign 4-0 in 1993. That year, they won their first five games en route to the preliminary final.


Roosters' Injury Woes Deepen

The Sydney Roosters are facing a crisis, both on and off the field. Their medical team and physiotherapists will certainly have their work cut out for them, as Victor Radley has become the latest addition to the Roosters' lengthy injury list, which currently stands at a league-high ten players. Radley's latest head clash has sparked concerns about his long-term health, with some pundits and supporters urging him to consider retirement.


The Roosters' injury woes are compounded by the fact that many of these injuries are medium to long-term, offering little respite for the immediate future. As a result, the team is off to its worst start to a season in ten years. Head coach Trent Robinson was visibly angry following their 30-12 loss to the Gold Coast Titans, slamming the performance as below NRL standard. With a crucial derby against South Sydney looming, the Roosters must find a way to regroup and rebound, or risk falling into further turmoil.


Panthers Still in the Hunt

While the Penrith Panthers' 1-3 start to the season may have raised some eyebrows, it's essential to remember that they're not yet out of the running. Despite their slow start, the Panthers remain third-favourites to win the Premiership, behind Melbourne and the Bulldogs. This is a testament to their strength and resilience, which has seen them overcome similar starts in previous seasons.


The Panthers have a history of rebounding from slow beginnings. In 2020, they won only three of their first five games but went on to become minor Premiers. Similarly, their Premiership-winning runs in 2023 and 2024 were also preceded by sluggish starts. With a home game against the Cowboys this weekend, the Panthers have an opportunity to get back on track. A win would likely see them just one victory outside the top eight, reigniting their title aspirations.


The Panthers will be without Brian To'o for up to a month due to an aggravated hamstring injury. However, there is some positive news on the injury front, with reports suggesting that Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards, two crucial members of their recent success, are set to return this weekend. Their comeback would provide a significant boost to the Panthers' chances of overcoming the Cowboys and getting their season back on track.


Dally M Leaderboard Update

Jye Gray, the South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback, has surged to the top of the Dally M leaderboard following an outstanding performance over the weekend. Gray's impressive stats included 172 metres gained, a line break, a break assist, and six tackle breaks. However, his reign at the top may be short-lived, as head coach Wayne Bennett has confirmed that Latrell Mitchell will reclaim the number one jersey next weekend, relegating Gray to the bench.


The latest round of voting saw three players receive the maximum six votes: Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles), Tom Dearden (Cowboys), and Wayde Egan (Warriors). Meanwhile, Jacob Preston (Bulldogs), Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Titans), and Gehamat Shibasaki (Broncos) each received five votes, further shuffling the leaderboard as the competition heats up.


Try of the Week: Round 3

Bronson Xerri's powerful try for the Bulldogs against his former team, Cronulla, epitomized the strength of their victory. Xerri's bulldozing run to the try line, which put the Bulldogs ahead 8-6 on the stroke of half-time, was a defining moment in the match.




Tags :

No comments:

Leave comment here

Subscribe to: Post Comments ( Atom )
Powered by Blogger.