Match Report

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. 

Ponga, playing in his first game at McDonald Jones Stadium since July last year, responded to criticism received last month with a try and two try assists as the Knights ran in four tries in 15 minutes to blow the Titans away.

The Knights trailed 12-6 before half-time until Ponga sprung to life and placed a kick for Tyson Frizell to cross. He then linked with Bradman Best on the left edge for a 22-18 lead and then broke through himself for the side's fifth of the afternoon.

A seven-minute first half flurry – which saw North Queensland run in three tries while Jayden Sullivan was in the sin bin – put the game beyond doubt early on with the Cowboys consigning the Dragons to their sixth straight defeat.

Having become just the 47th player to reach the 300-game mark, the night started in perfect fashion for Hunt, with the versatile veteran setting up Jack de Belin for the first points of the game after just three minutes.