Sam Burgess ... of the Rabbitohs celebrates scoring a try. Source: Mark Nolan / News Limited
In his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts on round 16 of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders at ANZ Stadium
South Sydney truly deserve their favouritism tag. Following the weekend's results, the Rabbitohs are way out in front on the ladder and it is because they are a big, mobile side that make no mistakes. This is a side with sparkle over the field and a great kicking game to top it off. But on Friday for the opening 25 minutes, the Raiders did almost everything right and led by two for around 16 minutes, they had entered into a good arm wrestle. However, when the Raiders began to make some errors and their heads dropped, the Rabbitohs seized their opportunities. 16-2 at half time, the game was far from over but the Raiders' energy levels showed they had been worn down and the second half followed the theme of the first. The Raiders have been disappointing the last two weeks and with injuries to Sandor Earl (dislocated elbow) and Jack Wighton (hip flexor) it won't be any easier to turn things around although they desperately need to if they want to feature in finals football.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
Wests Tigers v Melbourne Storm at Leichhardt Oval
Melbourne missed Cameron Smith and his left foot kicking game. This was the difference between these two sides. Robbie Farah's left boot was all class in a game plan which was built for wet weather football. The Tigers played patient while the Storm were frantic in attack. Cooper Cronk appeared to be overplaying his hand, making the Storm's attack look erratic at times. As a result they weren't able to build any pressure and the Tigers record against the Storm at Leichhardt lives on. It's funny to think earlier in the year, the Tigers were being booed and people were calling for Mick Potter's head and following a trip away, they have now they won four of their last five games. They are now on the fringe of the eight and reaping the rewards thanks to a handful of young guys in Tim Simona, David Nofoaluma and Sauaso Sue who were looking for an opportunity to shine in a team depleted by injury. They have great leg speed, are powerful ball runners and confident under the high ball which has made the Tigers a force to be reckoned with in recent weeks.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
Penrith Panthers v St George Illawarra Dragons at Centrebet Stadium
Penrith deserve a lot more credit than they have been given. They are traveling really well and are going to continue to trouble teams. Their young fullback, Matt Moylan is a genuine football player who has a knack of appearing at the right time. He is a star and showed good sleight of hand on Saturday night. Mose Masoe created the go-forward for the Panthers and James Segeyaro asked questions of the Dragons ruck which allowed Luke Walsh to shine. Walsh's greatest strength is his kicking game and ability to steer a side around if they can get on the front foot. Unfortunately for the Dragons it's the same old story – they are unable to score points. They can defend the house down but you can't do it for 80 minutes and when pressure mounts you leak points and that has been the Dragons biggest issues since Wayne Bennett left the club. Basic errors and being unable to mount pressure in attack is a genuine concern for the club.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans at Hunter Stadium
Is this the start of Newcastle's run into the semi-finals? The Knights hadn't played well the last six or seven weeks while the Gold Coast were travelling well. I know there was torrential rain but what happened in the opening 30 minutes? Jamal Idris got injured early in the match and the Titans failed to get into the game. Jarrod Mullen was wonderful leading the side, Darius Boyd led the kick-chase while Danny Buderus provided plenty of spark in his return from a back injury. James McManus had a field day finishing the game with four tries as the Knights preferred attacking down his edge. Willie Mason brought energy to the team in a side which is almost back to full strength. The Titans were courageous for scoring three tries at the end of the game but they will be extremely disappointed with their performance.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
Warriors v Brisbane Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium
This was a wonderful game. A few weeks ago we saw the Warriors put 60 points on Brisbane and now they have gone on to win five games straight. It is amazing how Matt Elliott has turned this club around when you consider at the start of the year his head was resting on the chopping block. They are a big strong side and Shaun Johnson is beginning to show maturity in his game which has made a big impact on the side. Brisbane should hold their heads high in what was a gutsy performance. Sam Thaiday was outstanding for the visitors but a length of the field try to Konrad Hurrell was the difference. Corey Parker missing a penalty goal from 45 metres out in the 80th minute to send the game to golden point but the Broncos will go home proud of their effort.
Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks at 1300SMILES Stadium
The North Queensland of old returned on Sunday. While Cronulla didn't deserve the blowout score line, an inability to mount pressure cost the Sharks dearly against an impressive Cowboys side. Robert Lui and Johnathan Thurston were creative but it was controlled as they created pressure in their attack. The Cowboys stayed patient while the Sharks overplayed their hand and came up with poor kicks and poor options when on the try line. Defensively both sides were very strong but you cannot defend for 80 minutes when you continue to make mistakes and expect to survive the attacking onslaught of an NRL side. The points came late for the Cowboys in a game which saw Matt Scott and James Tamou return to form. Their left edge of Gavin Cooper and Kane Linnett worked hard while Brent Tate was outstanding on the other side of the field. This week they face Canberra but will travel to Canberra Stadium full of confidence and looking continue their new found form before losing their starts to State of Origin.