NRL REVIEW ROUND 19

The Roosters were the big high flyer's in Round 19 when they obliterated a very humbled Sharks outfit 40-0.

The win was quite comprehensive with the absence of star player Sonny Bill Williams and the score line was not indicative of a Top 8 clash. The Roosters are now within striking distance of the Minor Premiership while the sharks have slipped down towards the rim of the 8.

The round kicked off on Friday with a very solid performance by the Warriors who overcame a lacklustre Tigers side 24-14. The win kept the Warriors on target to stay in the finals race and give the Top 8 a really good shake.

Canberra maintained their unbeaten record at home with a 14-0 win over the Eels which was quite respectable given the difference between their performances this year. The win cemented the Raiders position in the Top 8 as well.

On Sunday the Knights showed a very professional performance in another Top 8 challenge when they convincingly defeated a strong Panthers side 32-14 in Penrith. This win puts the Knights in the top spot of the second tier of the top 8 and their for and against record is one of the strongest in the NRL.

The other Sunday game saw the Sea Eagles convincingly topple the Titans at Brookvale 38-20 after the Titans tried to mount a comeback from 24-4. This result not only cemented the Sea Eagles top 4 placing but it also pushed the Titans well out of the top 8.

Finally to wrap up the Round on Monday Night Football, the St George Dragons stunned the entire NRL world especially the South Sydney Rabbitohs, when they stole victory from the Bunnies in Golden Point to win in a huge upset 22-18. This loss has relinquished the outright control the Bunnies had on the Minor Premiership but they still hold a two point lead.

All other Clubs including the Bulldogs had a bye this round which completes the byes for the season and full rounds will now ensue right up until the finals.

So with 7 more games left of the regular season here's how the ladder currently stands. A clear top 8 has emerged with 3 others contenders still in the race. Forget the rest.

32 RABBITOHS
30 ROOSTERS
27 STORM
25 SEA EAGLES
22 KNIGHTS (95)
22 BULLDOGS (10)
22 SHARKS (-41)
22 RAIDERS (-44)
20 Panthers (47)
20 Titans (-23)
20 Warriors (-71)
16 Broncos
16 Cowboys
16 Dragons
16 Tigers
10 Eels

J G S