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NRL news 2022: Penrith Panthers suffer rare defeat in heavyweight bout with Melbourne Storm

NRL news 2022: Penrith Panthers suffer rare defeat in heavyweight bout with Melbourne Storm

It was touted as a heavyweight bout between two sides who hate each other and it even featured some late biff in the Riff, but it was Melbourne who issued a Storm warning that should strike fear into the rest of the NRL.

It was less than a month ago that Craig Bellamy said he was unsure whether the Storm could turn things around to go on a famous premiership run after they’d just lost their fourth game on the trot.

But the legendary Storm coach might need to be a bit more arrogant after three-straight wins, including a statement victory over the defending premiers on Thursday night that has them primed for a top-four finish.

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“It was important for us because we’ve been hanging around the bottom of the top four,” Bellamy said.

“I thought that was our best performance for quite some time. That’s as well as we’ve defended for a year or two.”

The Storm were without halfback Jahrome Hughes (shoulder) but they smelled blood in the water and feasted on the makeshift Panthers spine in a performance reminiscent of years gone by when they were the NRL’s apex predators.

It was a night to remember for the small contingent of Storm fans at BlueBet Stadium, and it was Melbourne’s biggest human who stole the show with a brutal display in an unfamiliar role.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona was like a wrecking ball on the right, terrorizing Penrith’s edge defenders while at the same time blunting Viliame Kikau’s impact by simply clogging up gaps in the line.

The man mountain relished the extra room out wide with 62 meters, five tackle busts and three offloads in a barnstorming 37-minute stint as the visitors racked up an insurmountable 16-0 lead by halftime.

While he did plenty in attack, his most telling play was in defense when he somehow denied a rampaging Kikau over the line, which then led to David Nofoaluma’s first try in Storm colors from the ensuing set.

Injuries mount for mountain men

They’ve enjoyed one of the smoothest years imaginable, but things are starting to look a bit rough for the Panthers just a few weeks out from the finals.

The defending premiers were missing starting halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai as well as powerhouse prop James Fisher-Harris, while they were also dealt a massive blow before kick-off when courageous fullback Dylan Edwards was ruled out after he copped a battering in Canberra last week.

Things got worse on Thursday night with NSW representative Liam Martin rolling his left ankle so badly that he had to be helped from the field by two trainers and was on crutches in the dressing room.

Penrith’s depth is the envy of the league but even they can’t win the comp if they continue to rack up injuries every week, and Thursday’s performance will give their rivals hope that they are in fact fallible.

The mass changes took their toll with the Panthers producing their worst half of football at home since 2017.

They enjoyed the bulk of possession and territory after the break but couldn’t cross the stripe as they were held scoreless at home for the first time since 2015 against who else but the Storm.

“I thought there were some combination issues for us tonight,” Ivan Cleary said. “It was a good lesson for our younger guys.”

Precious Olam

Justin Olam has failed to match his dazzling form of 2021, but the center built of granite produced his best game of the season as a replenished Storm backline showed how potent it can be when the troops are back on deck.

The hitman produced two monstrous shots in defense that Jaeman Salmon and Brian To’o will be feeling for weeks, but it was his dazzling speed that caught the Panthers by surprise.

Olam scorched his way down the sideline to set up the returning Nick Meaney with a pinpoint chip kick and nearly produced an identical play for Cameron Munster to end the half.

oh so close

Waqa Blake produced the finish of the year last week but it would’ve been a short time at the top if Xavier Coates had been able to pull off the most miraculous grounding of all time.

The Storm winger’s body was in Melbourne yet he somehow managed to stretch his arm towards the line, only for the ball to come free an inch from the line after a big shot by Charlie Staines.

It wasn’t the only unique piece of play with Tui Kamikamica playing a big part in Brandon Smith’s try when he pushed ‘the Cheese’ into a hole before he sped straight past Staines.

—NCA NewsWire

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Cameron Munster at fullback, positional switch, Jahrome Hughes return, Melbourne Storm team, highlights

Cameron Munster at fullback, positional switch, Jahrome Hughes return, Melbourne Storm team, highlights

It was only a few weeks ago that Craig Bellamy made a stunning admission, telling reporters he was “not confident” Melbourne could turn a worrying form slump around.

The Storm had slumped to a fourth-straight loss for the first time in seven years and even Bellamy was unsure if this champion team had it in them to rise to the top again.

It was on the playing group to prove Bellamy wrong and while wins over the Warriors and Titans were certainly needed, Thursday night was their chance to make a statement.

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Sure, the Panthers were severely understrength but so were the Storm and yet a defensive masterclass paved the way for a 16-0 shutout victory over the defending premiers.

Now in a strong position to wrap up a spot in the top four, Melbourne is right back in the title picture and Bellamy has a secret weapon up his sleeve that keeps everyone guessing.

Even Cameron Smith was fooled on Thursday morning, questioning why playmaker Cameron Munster had been moved back to the halves after a starring game at fullback the week prior.

“I was a little bit surprised, I thought he may have kept him there,” Smith admitted on SEN 1170 Radio.

Storm sizzle poor Panthers | 02:01

Bellamy did keep Munster there, although it was not necessarily always going to be the plan as the Storm coach revealed in his post-game press conference on Thursday night.

“It worked pretty well last week as well,” Bellamy said.

“We weren’t quite sure earlier in the week on which way we were going to go. We trained both of them there. I think we will probably look at it on our opposition and what we think the best way to use Munster and the best way to use Nick and their strengths [is].

“I’m not quite sure we’ll actually stick with Munster at fullback all the time but we need to have a bit of a chat about that with the leaders, obviously our halves and see what the coaches think.”

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That in itself spells trouble for the rest of the competition.

It is already hard enough to defend Munster but not knowing where exactly he will be playing in the lead-up to a game makes that tougher, you only have to ask Ivan Cleary.

The Panthers coach was asked after Thursday’s defeat “what sort of threat” Munster posed at fullback, to which Cleary could only laugh.

“A lot,” he said.

“I don’t know whether fullback is much different. I suppose he doesn’t have all the defensive work to do. He’s just playing really well, definitely dangerous and he still seemed to come up with big plays when they needed it tonight. He’s definitely a threat.”

There was a similar response from Panthers great Greg Alexander, who was asked pre-game by Jess Yates which Melbourne player he was most worried about.

“Well, Cameron Munster, Cameron Munster and Cameron Munster,” Alexander replied.

That and “who ended up playing fullback”.

Unfortunately for Alexander and the Panthers, that also ended up being Munster and he backed up last week’s three-try effort against the Titans with another impressive display.

Munster ran for 142 meters at the back to go with five tackle busts two linebreak assists and also kicked for 537, filling the void left by halfback Jahrome Hughes.

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Cameron Munster starred at fullback. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

“It’s been handy this year,” Bellamy said of having the option of playing Munster at fullback.

“The last few months or so with Paps being out and Nick missing a week. He’s certainly a different character Munster but he’s a great guy to have around the club and obviously one hell of a player.

“We’re fairly lucky to have him. The other big thing about him is he’s such a competitor. He just competes in everything at training and in games. That’s what makes him what he is.”

Bellamy admitted there may have been a point earlier in Munster’s career where he may have wanted a greater say in what position he played.

But this is a more mature Munster, one who is “just happy to play a role that’s best for the team”.

‘Ludicrous’ – Brandy hits back | 01:49

“Earlier in his career he’d probably have a say or opinion on it,” Bellamy said.

“But I think now, and I haven’t actually spoke to him too closely about it, he just usually says wherever you think I fit best in the team, I’m going to do that.

“Wherever the team needs him, he’s quite happy to do that. I think he really enjoys playing fullback because it gives him a little bit more freedom but he’s just happy to play a role that’s best for the team. It just shows how much he’s matured.”

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Brandon Smith’s sledge at Cameron Munster, Melbourne Storm beat Penrith Panthers, video, highlights

Brandon Smith's sledge at Cameron Munster, Melbourne Storm beat Penrith Panthers, video, highlights

Cameron Munster put on another masterclass at fullback on Thursday night in a 16-0 win over Penrith and earned plenty of praise, along with a cheeky dig, from teammate Brandon Smith.

speaking to Triple Mpost-game, Smith was at his hilarious best in what James Graham described as a “refreshing” interview from the Melbourne Storm forward.

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“He’s [Munster] as thick as pig s***,” Smith laughed.

“He’s the dumbest bloke in the world but when he gets on the field, he’s a genius. It’s outstanding. I’m glad I’m playing with him and not against him. He’s the most annoying bloke on planet earth but he’s one of my good mates so you’ve got to love him.”

As impressive as Munster was, Smith himself was key to the win, helping Melbourne dominate up front and allowing its playmakers to work their magic in the red zone.

Smith said that it was all part of the plan for the Storm, who had a relatively simple strategy for Thursday’s night game.

“Our whole game plan was to stay in the fight and let our superstars go and put the points on,” Smith said.

The Storm were able to put 16 on the board in the first half, although they could not breach the Panthers’ line in the second, restricted to just 37 per cent of the ball.

Storm sizzle poor Panthers | 02:01

The fact Melbourne was able to hold Penrith (55 tackles in opposition 20) scoreless would have certainly pleased coach Craig Bellamy though.

“I know he’ll be super happy with the zero on the Panthers’ board but still a lot of things we have to work on in attack,” Smith said.

“We had Nick Meaney and Cooper Johns partnering together I think for the first time with Munster at fullback.

“Munster and Justin Olam and Marion Seve, the two centers, deserve massive raps they were outstanding.”

Remembering Paul Green’s amazing career | 08:32

Smith was not just at his cheeky best post-game, also getting under Panthers front rower Spencer Leniu’s skin in the latter stages of the second half as the two sides briefly came together.

“I didn’t say anything,” Smith said of his exchange with Leniu.

“I just pushed him to let him know that… I think it was an accident but still, he hit me in the head and I wasn’t happy.”

“It still bought about 30 seconds off the clock,” he added, laughing, “that was pretty handy.”

“It was a tough game out there tonight. I don’t think I’ve come off the field with these many bumps and bruises.”

Brandon Smith scuffles with Spencer Leniu. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

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Penrith Panthers Greg Alexander blasts ‘ludicrous’ twist in Melbourne Storm wrestling claim, NRL, what they said

Penrith Panthers Greg Alexander blasts 'ludicrous' twist in Melbourne Storm wrestling claim, NRL, what they said

Penrith legend Greg Alexander has shut down claims he was sent in by the Panthers to fire a premeditated attack on Melbourne ahead of Thursday’s clash between the clubs.

Speaking after Patrick Carrigan’s ugly hip drop tackle on Tigers star Jackson Hastings, Alexander sparked controversy when he claimed the Storm were to blame for the wrestling tactics which have infiltrated the NRL.

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Carrigan’s tackle led to Hastings breaking his leg and the Broncos forward copping a four-match suspension.

Storm legend Cameron Smith and Melbourne boss Matt Tripp have fired back in the bitter stoush with Alexander but the footy great is standing firm.

Journalist Brent Read suggested on NRL 360 on Wednesday night Alexander’s comments were timed to add spice to Thursday’s clash and the upcoming finals series.

“I don’t think the club’s gone to Brandy and said, ‘Hey Brandy, how about you go on radio this week and give it to Melbourne’,” Read said.

“But I’m sure there’s a little something in him in the argument that it’s a good time to bring it up, to raise it and point the finger at Melbourne.”

Alexander replied on Thursday, saying “even (Read) didn’t believe what he was saying, the rest of the panel certainly didn’t tumble into it”.

Alexander shut down suggestions he was launching a media campaign against the Storm on behalf of the Panthers.

“It’s ludicrous to think there was any planning in the comments I made,” Alexander told SEN Breakfast. “We made the comments based on our listeners and what they were saying.

“It was about the Patrick Carrigan hip drop and the no-charge to Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

“That’s how the story came about. I just mentioned a couple of things thinking it wasn’t any great revelation. Cam Smith had his say of him, I had my say.

“End of story, there was no planning and nothing to do with Penrith, it was just me.”

Brandy hopes that’s the end of it. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

It comes as relations between Alexander and the Storm sour, following Tripp’s stinging public rebuke of the Penrith co-chairman. .

Alexander said he was “surprised” by the initial backlash, adding: “I thought it was just a general consensus that over the last 20 years that all the tackles, the wrestling techniques had come out of Melbourne.

“I might be generalizing or even jumping to a conclusion, but I don’t think I am.

“These tackles over the last 20 years, all the different types of techniques, they appear in the game and it takes the game a little while to catch up to them.”

Smith had labeled Alexander’s comments “really unfair” but Tripp went much further, claiming Alexander has been “a Melbourne Storm detractor for many years, to the extent that when he’s commentating one of our games, most of us down here in Melbourne have to watch it with the volume turned down because he’s so biased and so one-sided and so anti-Melbourne that not only is he embarrassing himself, but he’s embarrassing the broadcasters he represents”.

Tripp added the accusation was “beyond absurd”, then doubled down.

“For the deputy chair of one of our biggest competitors, a week out from having to play them, to make unfounded and stupid comments as he has done, just goes to the arrogance of that club and their perceived status in the game at the moment ,” he told The Ageadding it was “borderline defamatory” and “I can’t believe that his continued witch hunt for us for over 20 years still goes on to this day”.

Cameron Smith defended his former club. Photo by Mike Owen/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Alexander hit back at those comments.

“I wasn’t even aware that in Round 22 Penrith were playing Melbourne on Thursday night. I haven’t got enough room in my brain to think about weeks ahead,” Alexander said on Monday.

“I’m a journalist that chases clickbait stories? If there was someone in the game chasing headlines at least, I might fall into that category with a number of others.

“Another claim was that I’ve been singling out and campaigning against the Melbourne Storm for years.

“That’s just garbage, it’s just fanciful and it’s in the fairytale realm that I speak about sometimes, that’s just made up.”

Others have also come to Alexander’s defence.

His SEN co-host Andrew Voss said “Melbourne is the best at it” when it comes to wrestling tactics.

The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis told NRL 360: “There’s no doubt the Storm have a chip on their shoulder as soon as anyone mentions the word wrestle.”

Braith Anasta added: “You know what I think about Melbourne, I think they only hear the negative.

“We sit here every week and we commentate their games and we praise them every week about the powerhouse they’ve been since they’ve come into the competition.

“The success they’ve had, their continued success year after year after year under Craig Bellamy and their organization and the head honchos has been unbelievable and unrivalled.

“But if anyone criticizes or criticises Melbourne in any way, shape or form it’s Sydney against Melbourne and we’re attacking Melbourne Storm.”

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Phil Rothfield, Buzz, NRL 360, Melbourne Storm, Paul Kent, wrestle, Craig Bellamy, Anasta Braith, Michael Carayannis, Cameron Munster

Phil Rothfield, Buzz, NRL 360, Melbourne Storm, Paul Kent, wrestle, Craig Bellamy, Anasta Braith, Michael Carayannis, Cameron Munster

The Storm have been accused of having a “chip on their shoulder” after the club blew up over claims they are responsible for an influence of dangerous tackles in the game.

Penrith legend Greg Alexander targeted the Storm after Broncos star Patrick Carrigan was banned for a hip-drop tackle that broke the leg of Tigers playmaker Jackson Hastings.

Melbourne legend Cameron Smith bit back at Panthers deputy chairman Alexander before Storm owner Matt Tripp exploded at the accusations.

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“For the deputy chair of one of our biggest competitors, a week out from having to play them, to make unfounded and stupid comments as he has done, just goes to the arrogance of that club and their perceived status in the game at the moment ,” Tripp told The SMH.

That prompted the NRL 360 panel on Monday night to slam the Storm for being too sensitive, as Phil Rothfield’s called Tripp’s comments a “brutal response”.

“There’s no doubt the Storm have a chip on their shoulder as soon as anyone mentions the word wrestle,” Michael Carayannis said on NRL 360.

“You know what I think about Melbourne, I think they only hear the negative,” Braith Anasta said.

“We sit here every week and we commentate their games and we praise them every week about the powerhouse they’ve been since they’ve come into the competition.

Kenty dives deeper into Sticky situation | 03:02

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“The success they’ve had, their continued success year after year after year under Craig Bellamy and their organization and the head honchos has been unbelievable and unrivalled.

“But if anyone criticizes or criticises Melbourne in any way, shape or form it’s Sydney against Melbourne and we’re attacking Melbourne Storm.”

Melbourne have enjoyed unparalleled success in the NRL over the past two decades under Bellamy.

They’ve played finals in every season they were eligible since 2002 and in the past decade have clinched nine top-four finishes.

But Paul Kent questioned if they would have been as successful without “the wrestle”.

“Are they in decline the Storm, do you think?” Kent questioned.

If Munster leaves are Storm in decline? | 00:53

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“Depends what happens with Cameron Munster,” Phil Rothfield answered.

“If Munster leaves I think they are definitely in a serious decline.

“If he stays, I know they’ve lost a couple of forwards who are getting on but I think they’re going to be ok if Cameron stays.”

“Ironically their defense on the weekend was not what you’d expect out of Melbourne,” Kent said.

“16-0 to let the Titans of all teams back in.”

“I think some of the forwards they’re losing are at the right age to lose them though,” Carayannis said.

“They’re going to be hard to replace and they’ve given them great service but they’re on the back end of their careers.”

“We’ve just talked about their success over a long time, this is going to be their biggest challenge,” Anasta said.

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Cameron Munster, contract, future, Melbourne Storm, Dolphins, Craig Bellamy, Brandon Smith, Felise Kaufusi

Cameron Munster, contract, future, Melbourne Storm, Dolphins, Craig Bellamy, Brandon Smith, Felise Kaufusi

news corp Journalist Phil Rothfield fears that if Cameron Munster leaves the Storm, the club will be in a “serious decline.”

Munster is contracted to the Storm until the end of 2023 but from November 1 rival clubs can officially table the star five-eighth offers.

The Dolphins, who join the competition next year, have made their interest in Munster no secret, however even if they were to land him it won’t be until 2024 with the 27-year-old reiterating his commitment to the Storm in July.

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Munster, nor his manager Braith Anasta, have given any indication of where the Queensland Origin star’s future lays beyond next season.

But Rothfield suggested on NRL 360 that the Storm could not afford losing Munster.

Asked if the Storm are on a decline off the back mixed form this season, Rothfield said: “Depends what happens with Cameron Munster.

“If Munster leaves I think they are definitely in a serious decline. If he stays, I know they’ve lost a couple of forwards but I think they’ll be OK if Cameron stays,” he added.

Fair to criticize Storm for tackling? | 02:04

The Storm will farewell Brandon Smith, Felise Kaufusi and the Bromwich brothers at the end of the season with the former joining the Roosters and the others joining the Dolphins.

fellow news corp Journalist Michael Carayannis acknowledged that losing Kaufusi and the Bromwich brothers shouldn’t hurt the Storm too much.

“I think some of the forwards they’re losing are at the right age to lose them,” he said.

“They’re going to be hard to replace and they’ve given them great service but they’re in the back end of their careers.”

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However NRL 360 host Anasta believes this next chapter “is the biggest test in their history.”

“We just spoke about their success over a long time, this is going to be their biggest challenge and I think they’re a little bit worried about that,” Anasta said.

“Every other year, over the past couple of decades, they’ve had the depth in the club, they’ve had leaders there, they’ve had successful players that can carry them through this.”

Paul Kent added: “And Craig Bellamy only has one more year.”

One game suspension harsh on Ricky? | 03:27

Bellamy signed a five-year extension in 2021 that allows him to decide each season whether he will continue as head coach or move into a coaching director role.

In May Bellamy, who has steered the club to three premierships, committed to coaching again in 2023.

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Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans live score, updates, stream, start time, teams, Supercoach scores, backline replacements, Craig Bellamy, news

Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans live score, updates, stream, start time, teams, Supercoach scores, backline replacements, Craig Bellamy, news

The Titans have kicked off the scoring in the second half, courtesy of a pinpoint grubber to find Brian Kelly.

The Storm still hold the upper-hand as the score sits 22-14, but are without star halfback Jahrome Hughes who didn’t take the field after halftime due to a shoulder injury.

MATCH CENTER: Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans, live scores, teams

44TH MINUTE

AJ Brimson has delivered a pinpoint grubber to open the scoring in the second half, finding Brian Kelly.

Jahrome Hughes has remained off the field after halftime due to a shoulder injury, with Tyran Wishart slotting into the halves.

“All of a sudden the Titans are up and about,” Dan Ginnane said.

30TH MINUTE

Titans forward Herman Ese’ese scored his side’s second try, charging onto an AJ Brimson short ball to spark a comeback.

“What is going on?” Dan Ginnane said.

“It hasn’t been fancy but it has been strong and powerful,” Shane Flanagan said.

But, Storm gun Cameron Munster stopped Holbrook’s side in their tracks, slicing through to score his second.

15TH MINUTE

After making a late switch to fullback, Cameron Munster has crossed for his side’s second try of the night to make the score 10-0.

Halfback Jahrome Hughes put in a cross-field kick, finding Munster flying high to score untouched.

“I think he will like the challenge at fullback,” Shane Flanagan said.

“This is ominous,” Dan Ginnane said.

Only moments later, backrower Kenny Bromwich crossed for a four-pointer of his own before Titans gun Beau Fermor scored the Titans first.

10TH MINUTE

Storm debutant David Nofoaluma has come desperately close to scoring only seven minutes into the Titans contest, before the returning Xavier Coates crossed.

After arriving in Melbourne last week, the 28-year-old almost opened his scoring tally for his new club.

Gold Coast winger Jojo Fifita swiped at the veteran’s hands to dislodge the ball.

But, only moments later Harry Grant spotted winger Xavier Coates in space finding his man to score untouched.

“Finally Melbourne have it,” Dan Ginnane said.

“Just too good, Harry Grant, I knew he had it,” Shane Flanagan said.

PRE-MATCH WRAP

Craig Bellamy is set to unleash his new look backline against a struggling Titans outfit.

Young Tonumaipea returns to the NRL after a 1,483 day hiatus, having last played in the first grade competition for the Gold Coast in 2020.

Meanwhile, mid-season recruit David Nofoaluma will make his debut for his new club on the wing, alongside Cameron Munster who made a late switch from the halves.

Cooper Johns has slotted into five-eighth, while Tyran Wishart has moved to the bench.

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MATCH CENTER: Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans, live scores, teams

Holbrook’s Titans have struggled so far in 2022, but the Gold Coast side will be looking to young gun Jayden Campbell to provide spark from the back.

AJ Brimson also makes up a new halves pairing with Tanah Boyd, who will play in the No.7 jersey.

As it stands, the Titans sit outright last on the competition ladder recording only three wins in 2022 — and with another defeat at the hands of the Storm could find themselves even further away from the pack.

15th place Tigers take on the Knights, who sit in 14th place, and with a win could cement a two-win gap in the wooden spoon race.

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Keep up with all the action in our live blog below, if you can’t see it click here!

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Reason rep star Ken Maumalo turned down Melbourne Storm

Ken Maumalo isn’t going anywhere. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Wests Tigers winger Ken Maumalo has revealed a chat with cousin Nelson Asofa-Solomona almost convinced him to head to the Storm on loan for the rest of the season, but in the end, his young family kept him in Sydney.

Maumalo and teammate Daine Laurie were reportedly some of the players the Storm chased before the August 1 deadline as they looked to bolster their outside backs after long-term injuries to Ryan Papenhuyzen, Reimis Smith and George Jennings.

And while Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma did make the move south, his teammates stayed put.

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David Nofoaluma has settled right in with teammates Brandon Smith and Xavier Coates. Picture: Tony GoughSource: News Corp Australia

“They’re looking for some players at the moment, but I just said that I’ve got a family and it’s too much of a move for me,” Maumalo said.

“’Nofa’ is the perfect person to go over because he’s got no family, no kids, so it’s better for him.

“I got my cousin who called me from Melbourne – Nelson – and he said that Craig (Storm coach Craig Bellamy) mentioned my name to him.

“He said I should keep it on the backburner and just see where things are at. I said if things go well and to plan, then why not, but it was too much of a move.”

Maumalo said the lure of playing football finals and potentially winning a premiership was tempting, but he couldn’t turn his back on the Tigers who are looking to bring back the glory days under Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall.

“It’s a good opportunity to go over and be in a good system and a system that has been good for a number of years now,” he said.

“That was the exciting part of it, but I’m doing this for my family, myself and my teammates here. I’m trying to build this club up again to where it was back in 2005.”

Tigers fullback Daine Laurie was also linked with a move to Melbourne, but the youngster says that may not have been entirely true.

Daine Laurie denies he was ever linked to the Storm. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“I didn’t know anything about it. I only saw it in the media,” he said.

“I saw it on Instagram and I was kind of confused about it because I hadn’t heard anything off my manager.

“I would’ve been shy as if I’d gone down there. If that opportunity had come, then I probably would’ve wanted to stay here anyway.”

Maumalo’s focus remains on helping the Tigers finish strongly in 2022, but he does have one eye on the World Cup at the end of the year.

The 28-year-old has represented both New Zealand and Samoa, but says he’s ready to commit to the Kiwis.

Ken Maumalo is hoping for more of this in the UK. Picture: AAP Image/David RowlandSource: AAP

New Zealand has lost a number of players, including Jason Taumalolo, to second-tier nations over the past few years, but Maumalo says the team is getting back to its best as they look to dethrone the Kangaroos at the World Cup.

“The Kiwis jersey sort of lost itself around 2016-17 when those players were jumping ship to play for Tonga and Samoa,” he said.

“I was lucky enough to debut in 2018 to help build that jersey with the number of players that were there.

“The jersey is in a good spot now where it should have been for the past couple of years, and now I’m keen to push that jersey and keep building on that jersey.

“There’s so much depth now in the Kiwis squad, so no matter who turns to Tonga or Samoa, we’ve still got a big roster with a number of good Kiwis playing across the NRL and the UK.”

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Reserve grade wrap, NSW Cup, Queensland Cup, stats, Tony Pellow, Melbourne Storm injuries, Tony Pellow, Dane Aukafolau

Reserve grade wrap, NSW Cup, Queensland Cup, stats, Tony Pellow, Melbourne Storm injuries, Tony Pellow, Dane Aukafolau

Oliver Gildart, who will finish the season at the Roosters, was handed a big challenge — playing in the halves for the first time in his career after a 20-minute crash-course — and remarkably he didn’t look out of place at all .

Meanwhile, a gun fullback could help solve some of the Storm’s injury woes and there’s a 194cm, 95kg beast with footwork to boot that is yet to be picked up by an NRL club.

Read on for the latest Reserve Grade Wrap.

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ALL EYES WERE ON…

Oliver Gildart lined up at five-eighth for the Magpies on Saturday and although they were defeated 36-24 by Mounties, he proved his worth as a versatile backline player, before sealing a loan move to the Roosters this week.

Gildart is primarily a center but has had a taste of fullback in the New South Wales Cup and now the halves.

The 25-year-old proved to be one of the Magpies’ most important players and his willingness to take on the line saw him set up two tries, get a linebreak, a linebreak assist, four tackle busts and 158 running meters.

Gildart told Fox League the last time he played in the halves was when he was 11-years old so he got a quick refresher in Friday’s captain’s run.

”I got a 20-minute session yesterday at captain’s run so I was a bit clunky but you get your hands a lot more on the ball so I enjoyed that side of the game… I’ve got a lot to learn in this position that’s for sure,” he said.

Parramatta’s Nathan Brown continues to put pressure on coach Brad Arthur with another standout performance in reserve grade. The 29-year-old NRL veteran set up a try, got a linebreak assist, two tackle busts and ran for 206 metres. He also made 32 tackles with two misses in the Eels’ one-point loss to the Panthers.

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STANDOUTS

Dane Aukafolau’s performance would have caught the attention of NRL clubs in Mounties’ win over the Magpies.

At 194cm and 95kg, he cuts an imposing figure while playing in the second row but after a history in the centres, Aukafolau has the footwork to catch his opposition off guard.

Aukafolau stunned with a try, a try assist, a linebreak, two linebreak assists and seven tackle busts as well as 17 tackles with two misses.

Mounties are made up of majority part-time players like Aukafolau and he couldn’t be proud of their efforts this season.

“Being one of the senior players I needed to step up so I just try and do what I can,” he told Fox League.

“These boys, day-in, day-out, their efforts are unreal. It’s good to see part-time footballers bringing that contest up to the level of these (full time) guys. It shows a lot.”

Dane Aukafolau was a standout for Mounties. Credit: Knock on Effect NSW Cup Instagram.Source: Instagram

Still on Mountains, Tim Simona wound back the clock to show he still has what it takes to play first grade.

Simona scored a double, got four linebreaks, three tackle busts and 169 running meters in the centres.

Penrith escaped with a one-point win in which the craftiness of hooker Soni Luke was on show. The 26-year-old, who got an NRL debut earlier this season, scored a try, set up two more, got a linebreak, four linebreak assists, six tackle busts and 112 running meters.

A couple of Panthers forwards were equally impressive and dominated on both sides of the ball.

The soon-to-be Eel J’maine Hopgood showed his future club what they can look forward to, with a try, two linebreaks, nine tackle busts, four offloads and 214 running meters, while also making 41 tackles with just two misses.

Meanwhile, the highly-regarded Lindsay Smith finished with 227 running meters, five tackle busts and 38 tackles with two misses.

There wasn’t a lot to smile about for Dragons fans over the weekend, but their reserve grade side bagged an important 30-18 win over the Raiders to keep their final hopes alive.

Michael Molo starred in the win, notching up a try assist, a linebreak assist, three tackle busts and 167 meters while also making 34 tackles with just one miss. Meanwhile, jackson ford finished with 141 running meters and a season-high 10 tackle busts.

Competition leaders, Newtown, seem to be getting better and better each week and with a fairly simple run home they are the favorites to claim the minor premiership.

half-back Braydon Trindall starred in their 42-18 win over the Rabbitohs on Saturday, having a hand in FIVE tries (one try and four assists). He also got four linebreak assists, three tackle busts and ran for 82 metres. Trindall also had a perfect day on the boot, slotting seven goals from seven attempts but on the flip side, he did miss five tackles.

Mawene Hiroti had a day out in the centres, scoring a try, setting up two more and getting two linebreaks, a linebreak assist and five tackle busts to go with his 185 running metres.

There were some good performers for the Bunnies though with five-eighth Jack Campagnolo, who guided Wynnum Manly to the Queensland Cup grand final last year, setting up two tries, as well as getting a linebreak assist and five tackle busts. And workhorse lock james hasson notched up 128 running meters and made 23 tackles with zero misses — he was the only Rabbitoh to not miss a tackle.

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UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

The Storm’s Nick Meaney has been cleared of a serious shoulder injury but has to pass concussion protocols to play in Friday’s Titans clash.

Craig Bellamy has already conceded his backline stocks are running very low, but a fullback at one of the Storm’s Queensland Cup feeder sides has put his hand up over recent weeks to come into consideration.

Brisbane Tigers’ Tony Pellow stunned in their 32-18 win over Ipswich with two try assists, two linebreak assists and 221 running metres.

It was only two weeks ago that 25-year-old Pellow came up with a clutch play in the final four minutes to steal his side a four-point win over Souths Logan. Pellow received the ball from a scrum 10 meters out from his own line, found a gap, palmed off a Magpie, ran 70 meters and then put a cross-field grubber in for Jayden Nikorima to score.

Pellow, a St Johns Dubbo junior, joined the Tigers this season from the Dragons and spent eight weeks training with the Storm during pre-season.

Tony Pellow has been in red-hot form for the Brisbane Tigers. Credit: Margie_13InstagramSource: Instagram

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SPOTTED

Out-of-favor Wests Tigers hooker JJacob Liddle played lock for the Magpies over the weekend. Coach Wayne Lambkin had limited options and had to pick a couple of players out of position to fill gaps. Liddle, who is reportedly set to sign with the Dragons, finished with 93 running meters, two tackle busts and 35 tackles, but had six misses.

rising star Kade Dykes didn’t feature in Newtown’s big win because he was 18th man for NRL. With Will Kennedy out for the next six weeks, it’s assumed Locky Miller will step into the No.1 jersey but don’t be surprised to see Dykes get his NRL debut at fullback. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon will have a headache of the good kind when deciding who fills in for Kennedy.

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Knights coach under pressure, Adam O’Brien, sacked, press conference, Buzz Rothfield, coach fired, news, highlights, NRL 360

Knights coach under pressure, Adam O'Brien, sacked, press conference, Buzz Rothfield, coach fired, news, highlights, NRL 360

Knights coach Adam O’Brien has reportedly conceded the club’s 2022 campaign is over — putting a timeline on his own tenure as the man to lead Newcastle forward.

The Knights have struggled this season, recording only five wins from 19 games, with pressure mounting on the men from the Hunter to turn their fortunes around.

O’Brien’s future as the club’s head coach has been firmly thrust into the spotlight, and now the 44-year-old has admitted he may have “six to eight weeks” at the start of the 2023 season to save his job.

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“I spoke to Adam O’Brien this morning, he asked me ‘how are the punters seeing it from outside’,” The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield said on NRL360.

“I said I think everyone is happy that you are safe for the rest of the year, I then said I think you have six to eight weeks at the start of next year.

“I have agreed, 100% I have agreed.”

But NRL360 co-host Paul Kent disagreed, questioning why the club would take a gamble on a coach that has failed to meet expectations in 2022.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have signed Peter Parr as the director of football, handing over control of the Knights’ football operations.

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Kent believes that Parr won’t be willing to gamble at the start of next season as beginning each year strong is crucial to slotting into the top eight.

“If that is the case, I would now shorten that, Peter Parr has now come into the club, why would Newcastle take a gamble on the start of next year?” Kent asked.

“If you gamble the first six to eight weeks next year, after that it is all over.”

“What he is saying is this season is over, what he is saying is that the patience and the loyalty that he expects from the board will go for six to eight weeks next year,” Rothfield said.

NRL360 host Braith Anasta likened O’Brien’s situation to that of embattled Titans coach Justin Holbrook — who is also facing the ax after a tumultuous 2022 campaign.

Both made the decision to dump experienced halfbacks in Mitchell Pearce and Jamal Fogarty, and both are paying the price.

“The start of next year is just everything for both coaches,” Anasta said.

“The six weeks to start next year is going to be everything.”

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“The halfback, Mitchell Pearce going, he took them to finals two years in a row and he walked,” Rothfield added.

Meanwhile, O’Brien came under fire for referencing his resume as an assistant after the club’s poor performance against the Bulldogs.

O’Brien worked under Craig Bellamy during a successful period for the Melbourne Storm, explaining he knows how to win premierships.

“Previous to getting this job here I was involved in four grand finals,” O’Brien said.

“I know how those teams prepared. I know the systems they used defensively.

“You don’t unlearn that knowledge. Applying it and getting it ingrained is clearly going to take some time.”

Kent slammed O’Brien’s claims, explaining there is a major difference between watching someone else teach a system and implementing it in your own team.

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“If Adam O’Brien had his chance again he would have shut up and said nothing,” Kent said.

“And what he said there is irrelevant because it doesn’t matter if you have seen it… you have got to start being the head coach and making decisions.

“There is a big difference between being the assistant and the head coach, to know what it looks like doesn’t mean you can teach it.

“Everyone just looks at what everyone is doing, okay we will start coaching that.

“We spoke about it earlier in the year when Trent Barrett was trying to integrate Penrith’s style of attack into Canterbury.

“They are two different playing groups and sometimes you can’t just sit down and teach a fifth grader four-unit maths, you need to take the stepping stones to get there.”

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