With the race to the finals heating up in the NSW Cup and in the QLD Cup, every moment counts for the sides battling to make the semi-finals with just three rounds to play.
This week saw plenty of thrills, spills and some massive moments that shifted the dynamic of the finals race in the state-based competitions.
Parramatta's young gun makes a statement
Despite a poor season for the Parramatta Eels at the NRL level, with injuries and other factors taking their toll, Eels supporters (despite what you see from some social media fan groups) can be optimistic heading into the coming seasons.
That is off the back of a brilliant performance from junior phenom Lorenzo Talataina in the Eels shock 28-26 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Redfern Oval. The talented half was best-on-ground as the Parramatta side battled hard against a Rabbitohs side boasting several players with NRL experience.
The 19-year-old was in everything, setting up the first try of the match with a clever cross-field kick that was weighted perfectly. Meanwhile, his ability to pass at the line is ultra impressive for a player of his age, having his hands all over the second try with a 20-metre pass to catch the Rabbitohs' edge defence on their heels.
As with all young halves, defence will be a little work in progress, with his ability to read the play defensively at times not up to scratch, as was evident in Souths' third try before half-time. However, when the game was on the line, the Eels had complete faith in their young playmaker. Inside the final ten minutes, the 2025 SG Ball Player of the Year delivered a no-look short ball to Tyresek Lokeni to streak away and complete the upset victory.
The scary part for the NRL world is that he is still eligible to play in Jersey Flegg. Even with Jarome Luai coming next season, there is a strong possibility that Talataina is the next man up for Jason Ryles should chaos strike with injuries, with Ronald Volkman likely to hit the open market.
PNG flyer nabs five as NRL clubs come knocking
Despite a quiet start to the season, Townsville Blackhawks flyer Dudley Dotoi has made a spectacular return to form, crossing for five tries in the Blackhawks' biggest-ever QLD Cup victory, thrashing Souths Logan by 60 points on Sunday afternoon.
Initially starting in the pre-season with the Cowboys on a 'train-and-trial' deal, Dotoi was cut loose early by the club due to, among many factors, poor training habits as he struggled to make the jump from a part-time player to a professional. It seemed that the shock of professionalism carried over into his early-season form, with the Papua New Guinea representative dropped to local A-Grade at the start of the season.
Having returned to the squad in Round 8, the 22-year-old has quietly regained his confidence and form along with his Townsville side as they continue their charge to the finals this year. So good is his form, he has scored 21 tries in his last 13 matches; even more remarkably, 12 of those have come in their last three matches.
Dotoi is a risky proposition for clubs, with a clear regimen needed to keep him focused on the professional side of the game, which has deserted him in recent seasons. However, if you get the best of the international winger, you are in for an absolute machine of an outside back.
He has speed to burn in the backfield and can finish off tries spectacularly. With the PNG Chiefs continuing their audacious recruitment drive heading into the 2028 season, if this rediscovered form and attitude can present itself, it might be the wildcard signing that proves everyone wrong as PNG enter the competition.
Other talking points
The New Zealand Warriors have blown the NSW Cup finals race wide open after a 34-24 upset win over the Panthers on Friday night. Future Titans half Luke Hanson had his hand in everything, setting up three tries in a dominant second half.
Also to shine was backrower Kayliss Fatialofa. With his future now settled after Zero Tackle revealed his decision to sign a three-year deal with Manly, the rampaging edge back-rower was at his dominant best against the competition's premier team. Fatialofa ran for just under 200 metres, busted nine tackles and was ruthless with ball in hand while holding his own in defence with 25 tackles.
Meanwhile, Newtown continued their charge to the finals with a dominant 36-12 win over the Dragons. Winger Sam Stonestreet was playing with a point to prove, torching the Dragons right-edge defence all afternoon. The 28-game NRL player had four linebreaks and over 200 running metres in a display worthy of an NRL recall.
The young spine featuring Liam Ison and Riley Pollard has continued to dominate, with the pair frequently combining in attack, capitalising on Pollard playing in his preferred position in the halves after weeks of confusing coaching decisions which saw him play at hooker.
In QLD, the Brisbane Tigers continued their rise up the ladder with a 42-12 victory over the Northern Pride. Despite a mid-season coaching change that saw Jim Lenihan take up the post at Super League side Huddersfield, the Tigers have rallied to move inside the top-four following the weekend's results. With an alliance with the Perth Bears planned for 2027, players are trying to fight their way onto a train-and-trial spot for the inaugural pre-season.
The improvement at the Western Clydesdales under the coaching of Ben and Shane Walker continues with the club recording its most wins in a season since their return to the QLD Cup in 2023. Their 42-32 win over Tweed marked their fifth win of the season.
It was little surprise that the catalyst behind their win was the sparkling individual performance of Christopher Woodbridge, who scored 22 points, set up three tries and kicked a 40/20 in a terrific display. His try before half-time was a piece of solo magic when he intercepted a pass from the base of a scrum inside Tweed's half.
Also impressing is lock Darcy Clifton, who again ran for over 150 metres and made over 25 tackles as he's emerged as a quiet achiever for the Clydesdales this season. With a solid season behind him. it wouldn't surprise us if NRL clubs monitor his progress to allow him to upskill his development in an NRL system.
NSW Cup Round 23 Results
New Zealand 34 def Penrith 24
Parramatta 28 def South Sydney 26
Newtown 36 def St George Illawarra 12
Roosters 32 def Bulldogs 24
North Sydney 48 def Western Suburbs 16
Melbourne 26 def Manly 18
Newcastle 20 def Canberra 18
QLD Cup Round 20 Results
Burleigh 24 def Wynnum Manly 20
Brisbane 42 def Northern 12
Redcliffe 32 def PNG 0
Sunshine Coast 36 def Mackay 12
Central QLD 44 def Norths 18
Townsville 66 def Souths Logan 6
Western 42 def Tweed 32
