Match Report

After an error riddled opening half the Central men were able to regroup and pulled away in the second half.

After registering their first win of the season against EMK Sepik Pride in Round 5, Gulf Isou have continued to struggle to remain consistent in the competition. This was evident in their last three games losing streak to Hela Wigmen, Vipers and Dabaris.

Sunday’s clash against Dabaris was a must win game for Isou despite their mediocre form of late and the lack of confidence in the game.

Going into Sundays block buster both teams were sharing top spot in their pool with 10 points apiece with Vipers edging Gurias out on percentage.

Foundation clubs Rabaul Gurias and Port Moresby Vipers took to the Santos National Football stadium on Sunday to replicate and show off their wares why they are still the benchmark teams of the national rugby league.

The physicality and pace of top of the Pool B classic was next level that kept the vocal crowd cheering their teams on throughout the intriguing match-up.

Running out to a packed home crowed at the Santos National Football, the Hunters had everything to play for and they rose to the occasion. Despite conceding first points through experienced NRL halfback Toby Sexton, the Hunters held their nerve to quickly drag the game into a grind. 

In his second season back with the Warriors after three years at the Sharks, Johnson turned the clock back the golden days of 2014 when he collected the Golden Boot as the world's best player.

The home side got off to a flyer in the sixth minute when Johnson produced a superb solo try from close range, leaving Dolphins skipper Jesse Bromwich in his wake with slick footwork.

The Warriors threatened to go further ahead in the 11th minute but some desperation defence by Euan Aitken around the legs and Tesi Niu up high denied Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

With Junior Paulo on NSW Origin duty and Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Shaun Lane and Ryan Matterson injured, the Eels this week signed Ofahengaue from Wests Tigers but he suffered a calf injury just 10 minutes into his club debut.

Hooker Reed Mahoney and forwards Isaiah Papali'i, Marata Niukore, Oregon Kaufusi and Nathan Brown have all joined rival clubs.

With Ofahengaue injured, Wiremu Greig was forced to play 47 minutes in just his 14th NRL appearance and he led the Eels forward pack as the home side withstood a late Cowboys fightback, sparked by fullback Scott Drinkwater.

Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako marked his 100th NRL game with a personal haul of 18 points to help his side beat the Dragons 26-12 on Thursday night in Redcliffe. 

Most of the damage was done in a six-minute period midway through the first half, during which time the Dolphins scored 18 unanswered points to set up a 18-12 half-time lead which they never looked back from. 

Earlier the Dragons kicked a penalty goal and crossed through Jack Bird to take the initial lead, but from that point on Toby Couchman's try right before the break was all they had to cheer for. 

Isou kept Gurias in check for the entire contest only to let go in the last 10 minutes.

From the get go Gurias had all guns blazing launching  numerous raids into Isou’s attacking zone only to be denied  by Isou’s unwavering defense.

Gulf’s defensive resolve appeared to have frustrated the Gurias set plays forcing a number of scoring opportunities into errors.

Midway through the first half Gurias were able to calm the storm, this time using their skill and speed out wide rather than grinding through the middle.

They chased down a 22-point lead and almost coming away with the result in a 28-24 loss to the Wynnum Manly Seagulls on Saturday afternoon.

The form the Hunters displayed in this game was in complete contrast to their Round 9 performance the previous week.

Wigmen beat Moni Plus NCDC Vipers 22-20 at the Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday.

After a horror start to their title defense, accounting for a draw and 3 disappointing losses, the 2022 premiers showed glimpses of what a quality side they can be on their day, after picking up their first win of the season at the expense of Vipers. 

After trading conservative sets in the opening exchanges, Vipers struck first in the 5th minute when big Stanton Albert burrowed his way over from close range, to put his team on the front foot 6-0.

Gurias scored 3 tries in quick succession setting up a commanding lead of 22 points to 4 before Dabaris clawed their way back into the contest. 

The highly anticipated round 5 clash was the main drawcard in pool B as fans gathered in the stands to cheer them on.

It was a game of two halves with Gurias dominating the first before Dabaris showed their resilience and class in the 2nd half.