Crichton hits form as Mahoney revels in wind-up antics

By: George Clarke Time published 2024-05-05 at 06:19 PM (GMT +10:00)

A snapshot of round nine of the NRL where Angus Crichton re-established himself as one of the game's premier forwards and Canberra pipped Manly.

ANGUS CRICHTON of the Roosters is challenged during the NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Sydney Roosters at Panthers Stadium in Penrith, Australia.
ANGUS CRICHTON of the Roosters is challenged during the NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Sydney Roosters at Panthers Stadium in Penrith, Australia. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

SNAPSHOT OF ROUND NINE OF THE NRL SEASON

PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Angus Crichton has begun to hit form when it matters, the powerful back-rower scoring two tries in the Sydney Roosters' 40-18 away win over Brisbane. Crichton is recapturing the form which made him a State of Origin regular for NSW and, given he's off-contract, would only have increased his value on the open market.

QUOTE OF THE ROUND: "People get big man syndrome, they don't like little people talking up to them. Maybe that's their fault, not mine." - Diminutive Canterbury hooker Reed Mahoney after sparking a running battle with Alex Seyfarth, which led to the Wests Tigers forward going to the sin-bin.

TALKING POINT: Was Jason Demetriou's three-year contract extension, given to him late last year, the worst deal in the history of NRL coaching? Demetriou got the sack this week after a 1-6 start before the Rabbitohs fell to a 42-12 defeat to Penrith on Thursday. He only coached seven games of his deal and although Souths powerbrokers covered their backs with a payout clause, it invites further scrutiny over decision-making at Maroubra.

MAGIC MOMENT: Is there anything more emblematic of the Canberra Raiders than not leading for 77 minutes, trailing by 20 points away to Manly and then snatching a 26-24 win? No wonder Ricky Stuart looked like the cat who got the cream after Hudson Young's dramatic late try sunk a knife through Manly.

STAT THAT MATTERS: North Queensland's defence is deplorable and Todd Payten's men have now conceded 20 points or more in each of their last seven games. Only once (2010) have the Cowboys had a worse run of leaking that much (eight games).

CASUALTY WARD: Souths - Dean Hawkins (quad), Jye Gray (ankle), Cameron Murray (hip); Brisbane - Adam Reynolds (bicep), Jesse Arthars (jaw), Gold Coast - Tanah Boyd (wrist), Manly - Lachlan Croker (concussion), Warriors - Kurt Capewell (calf), Melbourne - Ryan Papenhuyzen (ankle), Sua Fa'alogo (knee), Jahrome Hughes (calf)

JUDICIARY WATCH: Canterbury - Sam Hughes (contrary conduct), Reed Mahoney (dangerous throw and contrary conduct), Wests Tigers - Aiden Sezer (dangerous contact), David Klemmer (contrary conduct), Alex Seyfarth (striking), Gold Coast - Chris Randall (high tackle), Melbourne - Joe Chan (dangerous contact), Dolphins - Felise Kaufusi (high tackle), North Queensland - Scott Drinkwater (dangerous contact), Brisbane - Deine Mariner (shoulder charge), Canberra - Emre Guler (high tackle), Morgan Smithies (crusher tackle), Manly - Nathan Brown (dangerous contact), Penrith - Izack Tago (dangerous contact), Souths - Jacob Host (dangerous contact).

UNDER PRESSURE: Just how much will Adam Reynolds' injury derail Brisbane's pursuit of premiership redemption? The club says the halfback could miss up to 14 weeks while 2023 grand finalists Brisbane are 5-4 to start the year. Jock Madden is about to become the most-scrutinised playmaker in the NRL.