NRL Snapshot: Round 6

The Roosters and Knights finally got their first wins of the 2016 NRL season, the Dragons' attack continued to struggle, while the Panthers had their sixth game in a row decided in the final three minutes. Here's a quick look back at Round 6.

The Dragons were kept scoreless for the second week in a row as the Broncos left it late to crush St George Illawarra’s resolve. The Red V’s 12 errors and eight penalties killed any chance of victory, but their lack of attacking strikepower will be the major talking point. It was the third game in just six rounds that the Dragons have been kept to just two points or less. With just 40 points from six games at an average of 6.6 points per game, pressure is starting to mount.

Dylan Napa was a one-man wrecking crew as he almost single handily destroyed Sam Burgess and the rest of South Sydney’s forward pack in one of the best performances from a prop in recent memory. Napa led from the front in a dominant 80-minute performance as the Roosters finally notched their first win of the year.

Parramatta jumped out of the gate early thanks to some Kieran Foran brilliance as Michael Jennings started to find his mojo at his new club. Beau Scott also had a massive day out, terrorising the Raiders. Canberra were flat compared to their last start victory over the Bulldogs at Belmore Oval five days earlier. 

The Sea Eagles bounced back from a tough loss to South Sydney, with Apisai Koroisau and Dylan Walker playing a lot better in the halves while Daly Cherry-Evans is missing from an ankle injury. The Warriors pack was over powered by Manly and it was a pretty comfortable victory. 

Another game for Penrith, another match decided in the final three minutes. Unfortunately for the Mountain men it was ex-Panther Lachlan Coote with a crucial field goal before Kyle Feldt scored the sealing try in the final minute. There is no shortage of effort or talent from the Panthers, but they have just struggled to find the big play with the game on the line so far this season.

Cronulla looked set for a big victory over the Titans, but as they have done all season, the Gold Coast outfit continued to fight above their weight and refused to yield. They managed to comeback and tie the scores before Chad Townsend kicked a field goal and Valentine Holmes crossed for a late try to snatch the two competition points. Cameron Cullen impressed on debut for the Titans, while Greg Bird (careless high tackle) and Luke Lewis (shoulder charge) are both facing a week suspension after being cited by the match review committee.

Newcastle finally got their first win of the season and their 200th at Hunter Stadium with a victory over the Wests Tigers. There was a little controversy when early in the second half two balls on the field appeared to change the course of momentum, resulting in a try to the Knights moments later. But the referees made the right ruling and the Tigers refused to even consider the moment as an excuse for their loss. The big talking point was an ankle injury to Aaron Woods which will rule him out for up to six weeks, meaning he'll miss the Australia v New Zealand test match.

The Bulldogs extended their winning streak over the Melbourne Storm to six matches with an 18-12 win at AAMI Park. The Bulldogs defence was outstanding with Sam Perrett making a number of try-saving tackles on Storm flyer Marika Koroibete. Des Hasler only used 16 men with forward Adam Elliot spending the whole 80 minutes on the bench. While Craig Bellamy will be hoping his side’s attack improves in the coming weeks. 

NRL Ladder after Round 6: