NRL Snapshot: Round 11

The Broncos and Cowboys added another thrilling chapter to their rivalry with a third consecutive game decided by just one point - the first two sides to do so since 1928. The Panthers lost another game inside the final three minutes, while Adam Reynolds played himself into a NSW Origin jumper with a commanding kicking performance against the Dragons. 

A superb kicking game from Adam Reynolds controlled the game for a stuttering Rabbitohs outfit who threatened to fumble their way to another loss. The Rabbitohs made 11 errors to five and had eight more missed tackles than their opponents, but still had too much in attack for the Red V.

Josh Dugan injured his arm during the second half on the eve of State of Origin, while Rabbitoh Cody Walker was a surprise performer at fullback, scoring a great individual try on the stroke of half-time. 

The Broncos looked in control at 18-6, but the Cowboys fought back in another epic between the two sides with Johnathan Thurston picking himself off the canvas to kick the match winning field goal. It is the first time since 1928 two sides have played three consecutive one-point games. 

The Broncos lost Corey Oates (dizzy spells) and Jack Reed (head knock) before half-time and appeared to run out of legs at the end of the game. It was Thurston's 250th game for the Cowboys.

The Wests Tigers were reduced to 15 men when Ava Seumanufagai (twice), Elijah Taylor and club debutant Matt Ballin were all subject to concussion tests throughout the game. Ballin came off the bench for his first game in Wests Tigers colours, almost scored with his first touch only to ground the ball dead in goal, before being concussed after just four minutes and taking no further part in the game.

Both clubs were much improved on their last outing. The Knights broke their 211-minute point scoring drought, but it wasn't enough to earn them a win.

The Raiders took control early and led 22-0 by half-time in a totally dominant performance. Warriors coach Andrew McFadden labelled his team's display unacceptable and strongly hinted that players would be dropped for their next game. 

"We showed some real softness tonight, obviously our defence just gave up too many soft points," McFadden said.

"I thought we had half a dozen blokes who didn't show the urgency or the desire you need to play first grade tonight; it's embarrassing.

"I need to find people who are willing to put their body on the line. It's wearing pretty thin to be honest with you… I think the talk, it's time for something else."

The Sharks looked to be comfortably in control until an ill-advised chip and chase late in the first half invited Manly back into the contest.

A try on the stroke of half-time and then one immediately following the break gave the Sea Eagles all the momentum, but Jamie Lyon failed to kick a conversion and it proved costly as the Sharks won the game by eight points, despite it ending three tries a piece.

Andrew Fifita had a dominant display up front with 170 metres and four tackle breaks, as the Sharks made it 6-0 at home and eight on the trot to go top of the NRL ladder for the first time since 1999. 

Nathan Pears made his Gold Coast debut off the bench after leaving the Eels and scored an important try out of dummy-half as the Titans snatched victory at the death against the Panthers.

Penrith led on four different occasions but couldn't finish the job, losing another game in the final three minutes with Titans' Anthony Don scoring the match winner in the 78th minute. 

Peta Hiku was stretchered off the field with a suspected ACL injury just before half-time, while James Fisher-Harris suffered a broken thumb. 

The Bulldogs raced to an 18-point lead and were never going to be run down from there, with Tyrone Phillips claiming a hat-trick. It is going to be incredibly tough for the Tricolours to make the finals after another loss.

They were sparked to life by Latrell Mitchell who tried his best to inspire his team despite being sin-binned and showed that he is every bit as good as the hype. The Bulldogs continue to do what they do best and are well placed coming into the tricky Origin schedule. 

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was put on report for dangerous contact.  

Parramatta's season is all but over after going down to the high flying Storm 18-6 at Pirtek Stadium on Monday night.

The win was Melbourne's fifth straight and took them back into a share of the competition lead alongside the Sharks, while the Eels will need to win a miraculous 12 of their final 13 games (assuming the loss of 12 competition points) to feature in the finals.

It was a clinical performance from Melbourne with another double to Fijian sensation Suliasi Vunivalu. 

There were injury concerns for Beau Scott who left the field in the opening 10 minutes and didn't return, while Cameron Munster bravely battled on after appearing to hyper extend his arm. 

Kieran Foran made his return from personal leave, but also looked to be struggling with a shoulder injury.

NRL Telstra Premiership after Round 11