Holden Cup 2015

[Big Pete]

Results Round 26

MELBOURNE STORM 48 (Nicoll-Klokstad 5, Leaupepe 2, Stimson, Turpin, Robinson tries; Robinson 4 goals) defeated BRISBANE BRONCOS 12 (Arrow, Spaander tries; Byrnes 2 goals)

SYDNEY ROOSTERS 22 (Tuivasa-Sheck, Garvey, Taylor, Mitchell tries; Mitchell 3 goals) drew SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 22 (Goolagong 3, Gardiner tries; Hedges 3 goals)

PENRITH PANTHERS 36 (Cleary 2, Filino 2, May, Leota, Edwards; Cleary 4 goals) defeated NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS 18 (Robson, Faitotoa, Saifiti tries; Donovan 2, Lamb goals)

WESTS TIGERS 30 (Seve 2, Kharwin, Marsters, Cassel tries; Woods 4, Mapesone goals) defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 26 (Gallagher, Herbert, Garrick, Carr, Fletcher; James 3 goals)

GOLD COAST TITANS 30 (Tuisau, H. Schwass, McGrady, Torpy, Kelly, Wright tries; Torpy 3 goals) defeated NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 20 (Carruci, Smith, Mosby, Carey tries; Bambling 2 goals)

CANBERRA RAIDERS 44 (Going 3, Cronan 2, Pangai Jr 2, Hickson tries; Woolford 3, McGrath 2, Solomon goals) defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 18 (Dockar-Clay, Miski, Davis, Gafa tries; Dockar-Clay goal)

MANLY SEA EAGLES 52 (Demetriou 2, Bogle 2, Bainbridge, Thomas, Parker, Hynes, Knight tries; Demetriou 8 goals) defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 6 (Nisbit tries; Cummins goal)

WARRIORS 28 (Aoake 3, Clark, Tualima tries; Abbey 4 goals) defeated CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS 14 (Montoya 2, Keighran tries; Hamilton goal)

 

[Big Pete]

FINAL LADDER
1. PENRITH PANTHERS - 44
2. NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS - 43
3. BRISBANE BRONCOS - 39
4. MANLY SEA EAGLES - 33
5. WESTS TIGERS - 29
6. SYDNEY ROOSTERS - 29
7. WARRIORS - 28 (+94)
8. CANBERRA RAIDERS - 28 (-165)
-----------------------------------------
9. MELBOURNE STORM - 25
10. CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS - 24
11. NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS - 24
12. GOLD COAST TITANS - 22
13. PARRAMATTA EELS - 22
14. ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS - 20
15. CRONULLA SHARKS - 20
16. SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS - 18

 

[Big Pete]

​

Finished: 16th
Won: 6
Lost: 16
Drawn: 2

LOST BRISBANE BRONCOS 36 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 10
WON SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 24 defeated SYDNEY ROOSTERS 22
WON SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 24 defeated WESTS TIGERS 20
LOST PARRAMATTA EELS 28 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 26
LOST CANETBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS 20 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 18
LOST NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 38 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 24
LOST CRONULLA SHARKS 26 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 22
WON SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 36 defeated CANBERRA RAIDERS 22
WON SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 26 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 24
LOST MELBOURNE STORM 38 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 26
DRAW SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 26 drew PARRAMATTA EELS 26
WON SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 30 defeated GOLD COAST TITANS 26
LOST WARRIORS 34 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 24
LOST WESTS TIGERS 28 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 22
LOST MANLY SEA EAGLES 38 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 12
LOST PENRITH PANTHERS 22 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 8
LOST ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 26 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 18
LOST NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS 24 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 22
LOST PENRITH PANTHERS 34 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 10
LOST MANLY SEA EAGLES 26 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 18
LOST NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 44 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 30
LOST CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS 26 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 24
WON SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 26 defeated BRISBANE BRONCOS 24
DRAW SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 22 drew SYDNEY ROOSTERS 22

Player List
Joe Besgrove - Prop - 5 Games
Aaron Booth - Hooker - 21 Games
Liam Coleman - Hooker/Half - 22 Games
Tevita Cottrell - Centre - 9 Games
Angus Crichton - Backrow - 6 Games
Tim Davis - Prop - 7 Games
Josh Ellison - Wing/Centre - 19 Games
Joseph Gardiner - Backrow - 12 Games
Damon Goolagong - Wing - 17 Games
Brock Gray - Second Row - 9 Games
Gabe Hamlin - Lock - 13 Games
Jordie Hedges - Half/Fullback - 21 Games
Haimona Hiroti - Backrow/Centre - 23 Games
Tom Hughes - Wing - 1 Game
Treyvon Leuluai - Prop - 8 Games
Eli Levido - Halfback - 15 Games
PJ Los'e - Prop - 4 Games
Devon Makoare-Boyce - Fullback - 16 Games
Jacob McCudden - Backrow - 18 Games
Zane Musgrove - Prop - 6 Games
Chad O'Donnell - Halfback - 14 Games
John Olive - Centre - 5 Games
Tom Perrin - Fullback - 7 Games
Hayden Preece - Backrow - 16 Games
Toby Rudolph - Prop - 6 Games
Tulsa Saumamao - Backrow - 6 Games
Irae Simone - Back Utility - 18 Games
Eden Syme - Backrow - 17 Games
Siosifa Talakai - Centre - 12 Games
Wallace Tangiiti - Backrow - 18 Games
Dominic Timoteo - Backrow - 8 Games
Cheyne Whitelaw - Backrow - 1 Game
James Widders-Leeces - Backrow - 6 Games
Clayton Williams - Prop - 18 Games

 

[Super Freak]

NRL uploaded a Holden Cup season highlights video..

Not a single Broncos try.

 

[Big Pete]

Sydney Roosters v New Zealand Warriors
Allianz Stadium, Friday 11 September 2015
Kickoff 5:15pm
Referees: Matt Noyen, Kasey Badger; Sideline Officials: Rohan Best, Joshua McGowan; Video Referees: Steve Clark, Steve Folkes;

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Charlie Taylor 3. Joseph Manu 4. Jake Steadman 5. John Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Connor Watson 7. Grant Garvey 8. Billy Tsikrikas 9. Joey Lussick 10. Richard Skelton 11. Vincent Leuluai 12. Reuben Porter 13. Jack Hetherington
Interchange: 14. Nat Butcher 15. Misieli Vaikeli 16. Poasa Faamausili 17. Sukamanu Raki 20. Shaq Mitchell

1. Brad Abbey 2. Tomas Aoake 3. Marata Niukore 4. Semisi Tyrell 5. Paul Ulberg 6. Kauri Aupouri 7. Erin Clark 8. Tualima Tualima 9. Casey Lafaele 10. Paul Tuli 11. Ofahiki Ogden 12. Matiu Love-Henry 13. Jazz Tevaga
Interchange: 14. Tyler Mohi 15. Mattais Heimuli 16. Amoni Tufui 17. Lewis Soosemea
Match Hashtag: #NYCFinals

---

Penrith Panthers v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
ANZ Stadium, Saturday 12 September 2015
Kickoff 3:10pm
Referees: Adam Gee, Lawrence McDonnell; Sideline Officials: Clayton Sharpe, James Vella; Video Referees: Dave Munro, Daniel Irvine;

1. Brent Naden 2. Christian Crighton 3. Corey Harawira 4. Maliko Filino 5. Dylan Edwards 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Oliver Clark 9. Soni Luke 10. Moses Leota 11. James Fisher-Harris 12. Reed Izzard 13. Tyrone May
Interchange: 14. Cowen Epere 15. Thompson Tuigamala 16. Paea Pua 17. Kade Ellis

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jesse Bogle 3. Addison Demetriou 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Mitch Thomas 6. Will Pearsall 7. Nick Hynes 8. Liam Knight 9. Hugh Pratt 10. Nick Hynes 11. James Parker 12. Billy Bainbridge 13. Darcy Cox
Interchange: 14. Riley Travers 15. Luke Garner 16. Dallas Koen 17. Jyi Seymour
Match Hashtag: #NYCFinals

---

North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos
Suncorp Stadium, Saturday 12 September 2015
Kickoff 5:15pm
Referees: Jon Stone, Phil Henderson; Sideline Officials: Belinda Sleeman, Anthony Elliott; Video Referees: Chris Butler, Steve Folkes;

1. Kayln Ponga 2. Gideon Mosby 3. Akeripa Tia-Kilifi 4. Conor Carey 5. Scott Schulte 6. Kyle Laybutt 7. Cooper Bambling 8. Viliame Kikau 9. Brandon Smith 10. Braeden Uele 11. Coen Hess 12. Temone Power 13. Jordan Kenworthy
Interchange: 14. Mitchell Dunn 15. Kieran Quabba 16. David Munro 17. Ross Bella 18. Bill Cullen 19. Trey Kemp

1. Paul Byrnes 2. Nikau Terupe 3. Jordan Drew 4. Jarryd Dodd 5. Dan Russell 6. Will Brimson 7. Logan Spaander 8. George Fai 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Keegan Hipgrave 11. Lachlan Lanskey 12. Alex Barr 13. Jai Arrow
Interchange: 14. Kalolo Saitaua 15. Sam Gee 16. Keenan Palasia 17. Sam Lavea
Match Hashtag: #NYCFinals

---

Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders
Allianz Stadium, Sunday 13 September 2015
Kickoff 1:30pm
Referees: Peter Gough, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Sideline Officials: Tim Roby, Chris Treneman; Video Referees: Dave Munro, Daniel Irvine;

1. Sione Alofi 2. Ryland Jacobs 3. Obed Karwhin 4. Marion Seve 5. Jayden Wheelhouse 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Jeremy Marshall-King 8. Junior Tatola 9. Jacob Liddle 10. JJ Felise 11. Matthew Woods 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Tyler Cassell
Interchange: 14. Vieru Mapasone 15. Pio Sokobalavu 16. Ray Stone 17. Esan Marsters

1. Chevy Ellis 2. Thomas Cronan 3. Jack Williams 4. Jack Hickson 5. Cameron Booth 6. Lachlan Lewis 7. Dylan McGrath 8. Morgan Boyle 9. Zac Woolford 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Jared McIlwrick 12. Kalani Going 13. Luke Bateman
Interchange: 14. Adam Lucas 15. Daniel Dole 16. Jordan Aiono 17. Cleveland McGhie 18. Taniela Moa 19. William Samuel 20. Ezra Howe

 

[Big Pete]

Finals Week 1 Results

WARRIORS 32 (Niukore 3, Mohi, Aupouri, Ulberg tries; Abbey 4 goals) defeated SYDNEY ROOSTERS 22 (S. Mitchell, Lussick, Skelton, Garvey tries; Mitchell 3 goals)

PENRITH PANTHERS 44 (Luke 2, Crichton, Harawira, Filino, Fisher-Harris, May, Pua tries; Cleary 6 goals) defeated MANLY SEA EAGLES 24 (Demetriou, Hynes, Ramien, Trbojevic tries; Pratt 4 goals)

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 36 (Mosby 4, Laybutt 2, Kikau tries; Laybutt 4 goals) defeated BRISBANE BRONCOS 24 (Collins 2, Berrell, Byrnes tries; Byrnes 4 goals)

WESTS TIGERS 24 (Marshall-King 2, Martin, Seve, Mapesone tries; Woods 2 goals) defeated CANBERRA RAIDERS 22 (Booth 2, T. Williams, Lewis, Going tries; Woolford goal)

 

[Big Pete]

​

Finished: 15th
Won: 7
Lost: 15
Drew: 2

LOST CANBERRA RAIDERS 34 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 32
LOST BRISBANE BRONCOS 36 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 22
LOST MELBOURNE STORM 44 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 12
WON CRONULLA SHARKS 30 defeated GOLD COAST TITANS 12
LOST SYDNEY ROOSTERS 68 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 6
LOST NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS 22 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 18
WON CRONULLA SHARKS 26 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 22
LOST PENRITH PANTHERS 34 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 4
WON CRONULLA SHARKS 23 defeated WARRIORS 22
WON CRONULLA SHARKS 18 defeated GOLD COAST TITANS 16
WON CRONULLA SHARKS 30 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 24
LOST SYDNEY ROOSTERS 40 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 24
WON CRONULLA SHARKS 24 defeated NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS 10
LOST NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 56 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 10
DRAWN CRONULLA SHARKS 22 drew MANLY SEA EAGLES 22
LOST CANBERRA RAIDERS 24 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 22
LOST CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS 38 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 10
WON CRONULLA SHARKS 22 defeated WARRIORS 20
LOST NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 32 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 22
DRAWN CRONULLA SHARKS 28 drew MELBOURNE STORM 28
LOST WESTS TIGERS 46 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 20
LOST PARRAMATTA EELS 34 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 32
LOST MANLY SEA EAGLES 52 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 6

Player List
Josh Addo-Carr - Fullback - 17 Games
Jayden Brailey - Hooker - 20 Games
Jaiden Brown - Five Eighth - 4 Games
Jaden Clarke - Five Eighth - 12 Games
Ryan Cummins - Fullback - 13 Games
Brad Deitz - Hooker/Halfback - 20 Games
Travis Edwards - Five Eighth - 3 Games
Tepa Fuiava - Prop - 14 Games
Patrick Hasson - Prop - 11 Games
Valentine Holmes - Fullback - 1 Game
Jamayne Isaako - Centre - 11 Games
Jaimin Joliffe - Prop - 4 Games
William Kennedy - Fullback - 2 Games
Francis Laloua-Tui - Backrow - 11 Games
John Leger - Prop - 5 Games
Tuli Leota - Centre - 5 Games
Thomas Levi - Prop - 1 Game
Daniel Liddicoat - Prop - 9 Games
Billy Magoulias - Backrow - 9 Games
Jayden McDonough - Backrow - 17 Games
Anthony Moraitis - Backrow - 19 Games
Harrison Muller - Prop - 17 Games
Ashley Nisbet - Backrow - 19 Games
Monson Paewai - Centre - 9 Games
Jack Rogers - Wing - 1 Game
Jesse Savage - Backrow - 9 Games
Curtis Scott - Centre - 6 Games
Levy Sopi - Wing - 18 Games
Alec Susino - Prop - 18 Games
Connor Tracey - Halfback - 4 Games
Leon Tupuola - Prop - 5 Games
Daniel Vasquez - Prop - 1 Game
Semisi Vea - Wing - 16 Games
Zane Woolford - Backrow - 4 Games
Jayden Walker - Backrow - 4 Games
Jack Williams - Backrow - 4 Games
Keenan Yorston - Centre - 4 Games

 

[Big Pete]

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers
Allianz Stadium, Friday 18 September 2015
Kickoff 5:15pm
Referees: Matt Noyen, Jon Stone; Sideline Officials: Lawrence McDonnell, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Henry Perenara;

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jesse Bogle 3. Addison Demetriou 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Mitch Thomas 6. Will Pearsall 7. Nick Hynes 8. Liam Knight 9. Hugh Pratt 10. Jyi Seymour 11. James Parker 12. Billy Bainbridge 13. Darcy Cox
Interchange: 14. Riley Travers 15. Luke Garner 16. Dallas Koen 17. Moses Noovao-McGreal

1. Vieru Mapasone 2. Ryland Jacobs 3. Obed Karwhin 4. Marion Seve 5. Jayden Wheelhouse 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Jeremy Marshall-King 8. Junior Tatola 9. Jacob Liddle 10. JJ Felise 11. Esan Marsters 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Matthew Woods
Interchange: 14. John Tohi 15. Pio Sokobalavu 16. Ray Stone 17. Thomas Grealy
Match Hashtag: #NYCFinals

---

Brisbane Broncos v New Zealand Warriors
1300SMILES Stadium, Saturday 19 September 2015
Kickoff 5:00pm
Referees: Adam Gee, Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Adam Elliot, Belinda Sleeman; Video Referees: Jared Maxwell, Luke Phillips;

1. Jonas Pearson 2. Nikau Terupe 3. Jordan Drew 4. Jack Tuttle 5. Dan Russell 6. Will Brimson 7. Keenan Palasia 8. Lachlan Lanskey 9. Jayden Berrell 10. Keegan Hipgrave 11. Jaydn Sua 12. Alex Barr 13. Jai Arrow
Interchange: 14. Kalolo Saitaua 15. Sam Gee 16. George Fai 17. Lindsay Collins

1. Brad Abbey 2. Tomas Aoake 3. Marata Niukore 4. Semisi Tyrell 5. Paul Ulberg 6. Ata Hingano 7. Erin Clark 8. Bunty Afoa 9. Casey Lafaele 10. Paul Tuli 11. Ofahiki Ogden 12. Matiu Love-Henry 13. Jazz Tevaga
Interchange: 14. Tyler Mohi 15. Mattais Heimuli 16. Amoni Tufui 17. Tualima Tualima 18. Kauri Aupouri
Match Hashtag: #NYCFinals

 

[Big Pete]

I didn't really think much of the Warriors win against the Roosters.

They kept it simple, one off the ruck runs, work a play on the edge and see what comes of it. As it turns out, that's all they needed to do as the Roosters didn't have a lot to show in offence or defence but it was far from a convincing win for the defending premiers. I thought defensively they looked very vulnerable down their right edge with Clark and Niukore's decision making being exposed on a number of occasions. In fact, I'd dare say the Warriors were lucky that Joseph Manu struggled with his knee as he was looking quite dangerous down that right hand side before the knee clearly hampered him. Last tackle plays were also a concern. Outside of a couple of kicks that Abbey was able to strike sweetly, the Warriors handed the ball over far too cheaply and really let the Roosters off the hook when they could have extended their margin and really built their confidence heading to North Queensland on Saturday. Still, they always kept the Roosters at arms length, they got through their sets well and had key personnel missing so there were plenty of positives to take out of the performance.

Meanwhile, I thought the Roosters were more like sitting ducks. If they were going to challenge the Roosters, it was going to be through their backs and I thought they were quite poor on the evening. Star Fullback Latrell Mitchell struggled to get involved, Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck bombed a try and gave up a fairly easy one, Taylor gave up a try, Manu struggled with injury and made some poor choices. Steadman was solid, but given this was his 3rd game in Holden Cup, he struggled to provide the same impact as a Taane Milne or a Paul Momirovski. However, they were always going to be doing it tough, especially after their five eighth, Connor Watson, was withdrawn from the game so he could get surgery ahead of pre-season training with the first grade.

Watson is another name that makes me question Nikorima's decision to sign with the Roosters. I brought his name up initially, but had forgotten about it in recent weeks sticking with Hastings and Matterson. Honestly, I'm struggling to see where they will all fit in and if Nikorima wanted to play first grade at a good club, then why didn't he link with Melbourne? Considering the amount of interest they showed in the media, I doubt it was a poor offer from them. There's something suspicious about the deal...but I've talked it to death.

Back to the game, without Watson, the Roosters were shot for structure and last tackle plays. In Watson's stead, they had lock Nat Butcher fill his place. I thought Butcher was one of the best players on the park, but he played more like a loose forward than a playmaker, which left a lot of the work to Grant Garvey. It was a really tall ask of Garvey as well, he's a dummy half and doesn't really have the skills-base or the knowledge to play at halfback and it showed here. To go into an Elimination Final without your starting halves pairing and shift one of your strengths into a position of weakness is just a recipe for disaster and it showed here.

On the brightside for the Roosters, I thought the forwards had some moments. Skelton, Leuluai, Porter, Faamisili all made a positive impact on the game and the Roosters looked really dangerous playing off the back of them. Skelton, a former Bronco, in particular looks like somebody with a bit more seasoning could be a really handy addition to the Roosters squad. Hell, he could be a handy addition to any pack as long as clubs are prepared to be patient with him.

Overall, I thought it was a fairly even contest. The difference was the Warriors played simple football and took their opportunities when they presented themselves. Sydney came up with too many mistakes at key moments, bombed a lot of opportunities, gave some easy ones up and paid the price. There's still plenty to like about them moving forward, but I'd have to think a few of their players are still a year or two off before they can seriously consider first grade football.

Up-Next: Penrith v Manly.

 

[Big Pete]

Semi-Final Results

MANLY SEA EAGLES 28 (Garner 2, Saunders 2, Knight tries; Pratt 4/5, Demetriou 0/1 goals) defeated WESTS TIGERS 22 (Seve 2, Kharwin, Marsters tries; Woods 2/3, Mapesone 1/1 goals)

WARRIORS 45 (Tyrell 3, Abbey, Clark, Tevaga, Tuli, Ulberg tries; Hingano 6/8 goals; Abbey goal) defeated BRISBANE BRONCOS 10 (Arrow, Drew tries; Tuttle 1/2 goals)

 

[Big Pete]

Penrith Panthers v New Zealand Warriors
Suncorp Stadium, Friday 25 September 2015
Kickoff 5:15pm
Referees: Matt Noyen, Jon Stone; Sideline Officials: Belinda Sleeman, Lawrence McDonnell; Video Referees: Jared Maxwell, Luke Phillips;

1. Brent Naden 2. Fuimanu Enise 3. Corey Harawira 4. Maliko Filino 5. Dylan Edwards 6. Tyrone May 7. Jarome Luai 8. Oliver Clark 9. Soni Luke 10. Moses Leota 11. James Fisher-Harris 12. Reed Izzard 13. Paea Pua
Interchange: 14. Shane Kiel 15. Thompson Tuigamala 16. Kade Ellis 17. Jake Ennis 19. Dylan Fuad

1. Brad Abbey 2. Tomas Aoake 3. Marata Niukore 4. Semisi Tyrell 5. Paul Ulberg 6. Ata Hingano 7. Kauri Aupouri 8. Bunty Afoa 9. Erin Clark 10. Paul Tuli 11. Ofahiki Ogden 12. Matiu Love-Henry 13. Jazz Tevaga
Interchange: 14. Tyler Mohi 15. Mattais Heimuli 16. Amoni Tufui 17. Tualima Tualima 18. Christopher Sio
Match Hashtag: #NYCFinals

---

North Queensland Cowboys v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
AAMI Park, Saturday 26 September 2015
Kickoff 5:00pm
Referees: Adam Gee, Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Adam Elliot, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Henry Perenara;

1. Kayln Ponga 2. Gideon Mosby 3. Akeripa Tia-Kilifi 4. Conor Carey 5. Scott Schulte 6. Kyle Laybutt 7. Cooper Bambling 8. Ross Bella 9. Brandon Smith 10. Braeden Uele 11. Coen Hess 12. Temone Power 13. Jordan Kenworthy
Interchange: 14. Andrew Niemoeller 15. Mitchell Dunn 16. Kieran Quabba 17. David Munro 18. Bill Cullen

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jesse Bogle 3. Addison Demetriou 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Mitch Thomas 6. Will Pearsall 7. Riley Travers 8. Liam Knight 9. Hugh Pratt 10. Jesse Maxwell 11. Luke Garner 12. Billy Bainbridge 13. Darcy Cox
Interchange: 14. Nick Hynes 15. James Parker 16. Dallas Koen 17. Moses Noovao-McGreal
Match Hashtag: #NYCFinals

 

[Big Pete]

First game of the Holden Cup Prelim finals sees minor premiers Penrith Panthers taking on defending premiers the Warriors in what should be a thriller. Penrith go into the game without Australian Schoolboys halfback Nathan Cleary (rep duties) and Junior Kiwi Sione Katoa (suspended). Both will be big blows for the Panthers, but if they've shown anything, it's that they have plenty of depth and will welcome back Oliver Clarke who should help with their go forward. There's also rumours that Robert Jennings could play for the Panthers, so if he does, Penrith could reverse their fortunes somewhat and turn a precarious position into one of strength.

Warriors haven't announced any changes to the team that trounced Brisbane 45-10. There are some concerns surrounding the fitness of prop forward Bunty Afoa who failed to complete last week's contest and left the field early and his progress will be interesting to track as the Warriors middle has come under criticism through out the season.

I think the Warriors have done remarkably well to get where they're at. Watching them late into the season, it seemed like they had hit a flat spot before they eliminated both Brisbane and Sydney. However, I also think they've been flattered somewhat by the quality of those sides and the lack there of, and wouldn't be surprised to see them outclassed by Penrith here. Penrith by 10.

Then in Melbourne, the Sea Eagles have a chance to qualify for their first ever NYC Grand Final when they take on North Queensland at AAMI Park. 2015 has been the Sea Eagles best ever post-season in the Holden Cup and with Trbojevic, Demetriou and others on board they have the makings of a team that can go all the way.

Standing in their way is the North Queensland Cowboys who find themselves in this position for the first time since 2011. The Cows were only one result shy of taking the minor premiership, and many believe they would have taken it if they decided to play their best players against the Gold Coast Titans. Looking through their strengths, the Cowboys have plenty of talent across the park but their high points maybe the form of Kalyn Ponga and Gideon Mosby. Despite being 17 years old, Ponga has really set the Holden Cup alight since he debuted late in the season and does a great job of getting the Cowboys set off on the right foot. With Mosby out-wide having the best season of any Holden Cup winger, period the Cows can match any team on offence.

If the Sea Eagles are to play them, they really need to challenge their pack. Take a few big boppers up and get Trbojevic around the middle. If his presence isn't enough to create space out-wide, then utilise him there. I think both packs are fairly even and if Demetriou can continue to put his hand up and power through the middle, the Sea Eagles could gain a good early ascendency, especially as the Cows enter the game without try scoring freak Villiame Kikau.

Based on everything I've seen, it's hard to go past the Cowboys. I think they'll have too much strike for Manly who have been guilty of leaking points. I'm going to say, Cows by 8 in a high-scoring game (even for 20s standards).

 

[Big Pete]

Preliminary Final Results

PENRITH PANTHERS 50 (Edwards 2, Ellis, Enise, Ennis, Harawira, Jennings, Luke, May tries; Edwards 6/6, Izzard 1/3 goals) defeated WARRIORS 16 (Niukore, Aoake, Tevaga tries; Hingano 1/2, Abbey 1/1 goals)

MANLY SEA EAGLES 25 defeated NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 24

 

[Harry Sack]

Preliminary Final Results

PENRITH PANTHERS 50 (Edwards 2, Ellis, Enise, Ennis, Harawira, Jennings, Luke, May tries; Edwards 6/6, Izzard 1/3 goals) defeated WARRIORS 16 (Niukore, Aoake, Tevaga tries; Hingano 1/2, Abbey 1/1 goals)

MANLY SEA EAGLES 25 defeated NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 24

Ouch

 

[Big Pete]

NYC Grand Final
Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles
ANZ Stadium, Sunday October 4 2015
Kick Off: 12:30pm

1. Brent Naden 2. Fuimanu Enise 3. Robert Jennings 4. Maliko Filino 5. Dylan Edwards 6. Tyrone May 7. Jarome Luai 8. Oliver Clark 9. Soni Luke 10. Moses Leota 11. James Fisher-Harris 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Reed Izzard
Interchange: 14. Kaide Ellis15. Thompson Tuigamala 16. Paea Pua 17. Jake Ennis

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jesse Bogle 3. Addison Demetriou 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Mitch Thomas 6. Will Pearsall 7. Riley Travers 8. Liam Knight 9. Hugh Pratt 10. Jesse Maxwell 11. Luke Garner 12. Billy Bainbridge 13. Darcy Cox
Interchange: 14. Nick Hynes 15. James Parker 16. Dallas Koen 17. Moses Noovao-McGreal

 

[Big Pete]

Sorry for the delays folks. There's only been one game of footy on my mind for well over a week. It doesn't help that my interest in either team isn't particularly high, but it is what it is.

On the surface, it's Penrith by how many. They've been the best defensive side and in this competition where momentum is everything, being able to defend sets on your line and turn it into attack should be enough to get you the win.

There's plenty of talent for them to draw on. Obviously Robert Jennings has already played NRL and is one to keep an eye on but the contributions by Naden, May, Clarke, Fisher-Harris, Harawira and Leota really make them a handful and they're really difficult to defend against once they get a roll on. For mine, deserved favourites and I'm fairly confident they'll be too strong for Manly.

In saying that, a ball hasn't been kicked yet and anything can happen in a grand final. If it was for commitments in NRL level, I believe Trbojevic would have been the Holden Cup player of the year and deservedly so. He's just a step above all the other backs physically and his speed is right up there with anyone else in the competition. If he lets loose, it could just swing the game for Manly. He'll require plenty of support, so if Manly are to win, look for Demetriou, Knight, Pearsall and Ramien to chip in.

I'm going to say Penrith by 16, and expect it to be a fairly breezy start to the afternoon.

 

[Big Pete]

​

Finished: 14th
Won: 8
Lost: 16

LOST MELBOURNE STORM 34 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 8
LOST WEST TIGERS 50 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 26
LOST CANBERRA RAIDERS 60 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 10
LOST MANLY SEA EAGLES 24 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 22
WON ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 46 defeated NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS 36
LOST CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS 41 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 12
LOST BRISBANE BRONCOS 36 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 20
LOST SYDNEY ROOSTERS 50 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 14
LOST SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 26 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 24
WON ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 24 defeated CANBERRA RAIDERS 20
LOST CRONULLA SHARKS 30 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 24
LOST CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS 31 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 18
WON ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 34 defeated SYDNEY ROOSTERS 12
LOST PARRAMATTA EELS 18 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 8
LOST NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 30 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 24
WON ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 26 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 18
WON ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 26 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 18
LOST MELBOURNE STORM 40 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 18
WON ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 48 defeated NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS 18
LOST WARRIORS 26 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 18
LOST BRISBANE BRONCOS 34 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 22
WON ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 28 defeated PENRITH PANTHERS 16
WON ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 48 defeated GOLD COAST TITANS 18
LOST WEST TIGERS 30 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 26

Player List
Abraham Attallah - Backrow - 17 Games
Bessie Aufaga-Toomaga - Wing - 6 Games
Tom Carr - Wing - 12 Games
Adam Clune - Halfback - 18 Games
Josh Daley - Hooker - 10 Games
Rhys Davies - Five Eighth - 10 Games
Matt Dufty - Fullback - 18 Games
Donte Efaraimo - Fullback - 1 Game
Ryan Fletcher - Hooker - 14 Games
Thomas Freebairn - Hooker/Backrow - 14 Games
Jay Gallagher - Backrow - 14 Games
Reuben Garrick - Centre - 5 Games
Dee Jay Harris - Wing - 7 Games
Patrick Herbert - Wing - 6 Games
Leigh Higgins - Wing - 5 Games
Bronson Hoani - Prop - 4 Games
Jacob Host - Backrow - 22 Games
Drew Hutchinson - Five Eighth - 5 Games
Matthew Jurd - Prop - 9 Games
Jack Kavanagh - Prop - - 16 Games
Paora Kemp - Five Eighth - 5 Games
Rowland Kotobalavu - Wing - 8 Games
Blake Lawrie - Prop - 21 Games
Nathan Leatigaga - Backrow - 11 Games
Luciano Leilua - Backrow - 8 Games
PJ Los'e - Prop - 10 Games
Jack Payne - Halfback - 9 Games
Hame Sele - Backrow - 18 Games
Lachlan Stein - Centre - 8 Games
Kelly Tate - Prop - 20 Games
Topi Taufa - Centre - 15 Games
Izaac Thompson - Wing - 14 Games
Will Tom - Wing - 6 Games
Heheako Tuima - Backrow - 4 Games
Keelyn Tuuta-Edwards - Centre - 3 Games
Netane Vi Afu - Hooker - 2 Games
Logan Yates - Backrow - 1 Game

 

[Big Pete]

​

Finished: 13th
Won: 8
Lost: 14
Drew: 2

LOST MANLY SEA EAGLES 54 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 26
WON PARRAMATTA EELS 30 defeated CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS 10
LOST WARRIORS 38 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 10
WON PARRAMATTA EELS 28 defeated SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 26
LOST WESTS TIGERS 42 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 10
LOST GOLD COAST TITANS 40 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 22
WON PARRAMATTA EELS 46 defeated NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS 4
LOST BRISBANE BRONCOS 50 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 28
LOST MELBOURNE STORM 34 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 32
LOST WARRIORS 46 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 16
DREW PARRAMATTA EELS 26 drew SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 26
LOST PENRITH PANTHERS 36 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 12
LOST NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 54 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 6
WON PARRAMATTA EELS 48 defeated MELBOURNE STORM 12
WON PARRAMATTA EELS 18 defeated ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS 8
WON PARRAMATTA EELS 20 defeated WESTS TIGERS 18
DREW PARRAMATTA EELS 16 drew CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS 16
LOST NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 50 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 6
WON PARRAMATTA EELS 35 defeated GOLD COAST TITANS 22
LOST PENRITH PANTHERS 36 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 12
LOST SYDNEY ROOSTERS 38 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 26
LOST MANLY SEA EAGLES 18 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 16
WON PARRAMATTA EELS 34 defeated CRONULLA SHARKS 32
LOST CANBERRA RAIDERS 44 defeated PARRAMATTA EELS 18

Player List
Josh Aloiai - Backrow - 8 Games
Tom Amone - Prop - 22 Games
Jack Anderson - Backrow - 3 Games
Dane Aukafolau - Wing - 1 Game
Alec Bush - Hooker - 5 Games
Mason Cerruto - Fullback - 10 Games
Troy Dargan - Halfback - 4 Games
Nathan Davis - Centre - 17 Games
Zach Dockar-Clay - Halfback - 17 Games
Michael Doolan - Five-Eighth - 11 Games
Fairouz Elkander - Backrow - 10 Games
Craig Field - Backrow - 6 Games
Bevan French - Fullback - 20 Games
Tyrell Fuimaono - Backrow - 19 Games
Atini Gafa - Wing - 16 Games
Josh Grant - Hooker - 11 Games
Dylan Izzard - Five Eighth - 19 Games
Paula Kafusi - Prop - 9 Games
Anthony Layhoun - Fullback - 1 Game
Jeff Markus - Backrow - 16 Games
Abbas Miski - Wing - 22 Games
Tepai Moeroa - Backrow - 2 Games
Jack Morris - Backrow - 9 Games
Jordan Muna - Prop - 11 Games
Tui Oloapu - Centre - 13 Games
Aaron Pene - Prop - 17 Games
Brandon Raeli - Prop - 22 Games
Faimanifo Seve - Hooker - 1 Game
Reimis Smith - Wing - 6 Games
Jamie Stowers - Backrow - 4 Games
Suliasi Suli - Wing - 4 Games
Tepai Tepu-Smith - Prop - 17 Games
Denzal Tonise - Backrow - 7 Games
Jason Vidal - Five Eighth - 3 Games