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.
Sharks half shines with the ball, but defence continues to be a problem!
With the crushing shoulder dislocation to Sharks five-eighth Braydon Trindall, all eyes were on Sharks backup half Niwhai Puru to see how he would perform in Newtown's unconvincing 42-30 victory over the Raiders.
The future Perth Bears playmaker will partner Nicho Hynes in an unaccustomed position of the six. But as has been the case this season, generally whoever plays in the six at the Sharks is the dominant half, as Hynes injects himself as a five-eighth wearing the seven.
In a 12-point win, Puru had two try assists and dominated the early exchanges, punishing the Raiders as they had a commanding 30-6 lead before the wheels fell off in the second half with the 2025 Halfback of the Year missing five tackles as Canberra got into the game. As shown in the highlights package, his reads in defence were disappointing, with his contact on Chevy Stewart particularly concerning on several occasions throughout the Raiders' comeback.
If you look at the attacking stats alone, Sharks supporters would be satisfied to get a player of Puru's stature, as he can create tries from anything. His kicking game in an attacking position hits the mark more often than not, while his pass selection and ability to dominate on the ball best suit his new combination with Hynes.
The concerns have remained about Puru's defensive ability since graduating from age competitions. Since arriving at the Sharks in 2023, the 24-year-old has missed 345 tackles in 83 NSW Cup games, leading the competition in this statistic in each of the last three completed seasons. More positively for Sharks fans, in his limited sample size at the NRL level, he has only missed ten tackles, with six misses against the Dragons the most glaring part of that number.
All Puru will have to do in the next few weeks whilst Trindall is on the sideline is be a foil for Hynes. The most challenging part of his game is reading defences and adjusting in first-up contact. That's a fact that should have the Titans, Eels and Melbourne licking their lips and Sharks fans anxious.
Brisbane's out-of-favour half launches contract audition
Whilst season 2026 has been a disaster for the Brisbane Broncos, it's been especially tough on some of their depth players. Given the Broncos' losing streak and horror luck with injuries, chances have been there for the taking for the likes of half Josh Rogers.
But the Western Australian junior has struggled for game time at the NRL, playing just four matches this season. What makes that figure even more upsetting for the 30-year-old is that he has played out of his preferred position in the halves for each of those four matches.
That being said, Rogers is pushing his case to prove he can be a strong backup half for an NRL club that needs depth in that position next season. He put together a man-of-the-match performance as Broncos feeder side Burleigh put together a 32-16 victory over the Northern Pride in Cairns.
The 11-game NRL player had his hands in everything, having three try assists and three linebreak assists as Burleigh solidified their position in the QLD Cup top four. Whilst Rogers isn't the most flashy player going around in the second-tier, what he brings is reliability and he could be vital for an NRL side who needs a playmaker to be an NRL version of a pinch-hitter when they need restricted relief due to injury.
Around the Grounds
The Roosters have shaken up the NSW Cup finals race, upsetting the Penrith Panthers by 13 points to kickstart the round. After not playing in their last two NRL matches, forward Egan Butcher had a strong showing, running for over 150 running metres, four tackle busts, a linebreak and a try assist. Butcher and backrower Max McCathie dominated the Panthers pack, which featured the likes of Kalani Going and Luke Garner.
After initial fears of a season-ending ACL rupture, Manly Sea Eagles forward Caleb Navale made a shock return to the field this weekend. The Fijian international got through 40 minutes and impressed enough to earn his first NRL game of the season. The only concern that presented itself was one defensive misread that led to Luke Hanson's try midway through the half.
Meanwhile at Lidcombe Oval, St George Illawarra put Wests' finals hopes to sleep after upsetting the Magpies by 36-24 on Sunday afternoon. After a rookie season full of ups and downs, Heamasi Makasini had a strong showing with a four-try haul. Meanwhile, Dragons prop Josh Kerr had his best performance in what's been a disappointing season, crossing for two tries, busting seven tackles and having five offloads.
Redcliffe kept their inside track on a top-two finish alive with a 46-16 victory over the Brisbane Tigers. Trai Fuller was in everything, scoring a try and having his hand in two others while busting 14 tackles in a commanding display at the back. Winger Tevita Naufahu was equally as impressive, busting 12 tackles and running for over 200 metres to steer the Dolphins home.
Ipswich moved back inside the QLD Cup finals race with a 19-16 win over Souths Logan. Titans backrower Arama Hau earned a recall to the NRL with a strong performance on both sides of the ball. Having been dropped from first grade due to defensive lapses, the soon-to-be 22-year-old scored a try, running for over 150 metres, busting four tackles and made over 30 tackles with just one miss in a commanding performance.
NSW Cup Round 24 Results
Roosters 25 d Panthers 12
Canterbury 24 d Souths 18
Warriors 18 d Manly 12
Newtown 42 d Canberra 30
St George Illawarra 36 d Wests 24
Norths 36 d Parramatta 24
QLD Cup Round 21 Results
Burleigh 30 d Northern Pride 16
PNG 18 d Western 12
Mackay 32 d Townsville 14
Redcliffe 46 d Brisbane 16
Ipswich 19 d Souths 16
Sunshine Coast 36 d Wynnum 20
