NRL REVIEW Round 18

The Bulldogs were the big winners this week when they took advantage of an under strength Melbourne Storm side to smash them 39 - Nil at ANZ Stadium on Sunday in beautiful sunshine.

Last year the victory against the Storm was the turning point for the Bulldogs as they stormed into the semi finals, no pun intended.

Sure, Melbourne didn't have Cronk, Slater or Smith, but they are still a good team without them as they have shown already this year, and the Bulldogs weren't able to contain other sides under strength previously.

But they threw the ball around from start to finish like it was the entertainers of old and it was a delight to watch every minute.

I haven't seen them play like this all year and Josh Reynolds showed just how stupid Laurie Daley is by taking the bull by the horns in a massive display of defense and attack.

But what about Tony Williams... he was amazing... I'm still in shock over that... but good on him.

And my favourite player Sam Perrett stole the show with a hatrick that was totally deserved as he gives 110% week in week out.

Tim Lafai was on fire and Benny Barba nabbed a try finally after disappointing last week in Mackay.

All in all it was a comprehensive effort for 80 minutes and I hope they roll this on into the finals.

With the BYE this week and a following round against the Eels which they should win, the Bulldogs will be giving that 4th spot a real shake, so the Sharks and the Sea Eagles should watch out.

It was the Sharks who stole a one point win on Friday night against a fast finishing Broncos outfit 19-18, but the Broncos do seem to be heading for the second year ever of missing the finals.

The Panthers had to work really hard to hold out the Eels to win 17-10 in a local derby as well.

Finally on Monday night the Sea Eagles had a comprehensive win over the Cowboys 34-14 and held their 4th spot position over the Sharks.

All other teams had BYES and so the Top 8 has become quite a tussle indeed.

Here is the ladder after 18 rounds.

32 RABBITS
28 ROOSTERS
25 STORM
23 SEA EAGLES
22 SHARKS
20 KNIGHTS (77)
20 PANTHERS (65)
20 BULLDOGS (10)
20 Titans (-5)
20 Raiders (-58)
18 Warriors
16 Tigers
14 Broncos
14 Cowboys
14 Dragons
10 Eels


Go the Doggies

J G S