Greg Bird ... Noddy says the captaincy is having a positive effect on his form. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited
In his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts on round four of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.
Manly Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers, Blue Tongue Stadium
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It was a scrappy opening twenty minutes with Wests Tigers given plenty of opportunity to put points on early. The most bizarre thing to come out of this game, other than the try to Daly Cherry-Evans was Robbie Farah was replaced at four nil and didn't return until the game was almost over. Farah had a great kicking game which was building pressure so I'm not sure while you would replace your most creative player who didn't seem tired or injured. With Farah off the field, the Sea Eagles halves began to build some shape in their attack and off the back of that, Brett Stewart was able to get out the back and cause headaches for the defence. While Manly weren't great they played ugly and grinded out a win.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v South Sydney Rabbitohs, ANZ Stadium
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This match was billed as a big game and it lived up to expectations. With the return of Ben Barba and Frank Pritchard, Canterbury got off to a flying start and they will only improve when Sam Kasiano and James Graham return. Once again, Josh Reynolds was outstanding but with the game in the balance, the loss of Michael Ennis threw the side out of whack. That was a turning point and the Rabbitohs began to wear them down. In the second half they steamrolled them all over the park from the forwards to the outside backs. Add the exceptional kicking game of Adam Reynolds and they give their opposition very little to play off. Michael Maguire also sent a message to all his players by dropping skipper Michael Crocker.
Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm, Suncorp Stadium
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I expected Melbourne to win this game by more than 40 points after seeing the first 10 minutes. Brisbane surprised me with their ability to fight back. I believe the Broncos were robbed of a penalty when Sam Thaiday was held back in a scrum which resulted in a try to Billy Slater. They showed great character for a club under pressure. Corey Norman was outstanding at fullback and I'm sure the club is gutted he has signed for Parramatta. Their halves still need work but improved on last week, however the Storm's ability to shut out a game was the difference.
Cronulla Sharks v St George Illawarra Dragons, Sharks Stadium
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They say form goes out of the window in a local derby. I should know, I've played in enough of them and I've always found the underdog tends to get the points, which is what happened on Saturday. No club was more under pressure than the Dragons and they stood up. They played an adlib style of football and while they normally struggle to make metres, against the Sharks they marched up the field. The halves ran the football and kicked well, which is something they had been missing in the opening rounds. Jamie Soward was a standout and his goal kicking was phenomenal. They showed glimpses of the Dragons side which won the competition in 2010, although the Sharks were very poor. Ultimately the Sharks errors cost them in the end.
Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans, Centrebet Stadium
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Some players grow when they are given a captaincy role and this has definitely been the case for Greg Bird. Having overcome dramas at a number of other clubs, he has stood up with the extra responsibility. He seems very happy on the Gold Coast and looks as if he has the confidence to pull off any play he wants, be it in defence or attack. The Titans halves continue to impress and the more time they spend together, the better they will become. The Titans wore Penrith down. The home side had ample opportunities but errors and a beefy forward pack were too much.
Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders, Hunter Stadium
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I thought whoever had the momentum and lead the physical battle was able to score points. Newcastle scored two early tries off the back of a great kicking and passing game from Jarrod Mullen. Halfway through the first half the momentum changed and Canberra were able to get the momentum in their favour, but errors from the visitors stopped them from building any pressure. The Knights were patient and drained the fuel out of Canberra which forced them to defend their big pack. Wayne Bennett showed tremendous faith in Tyrone Roberts by leaving him in the halves and he was repaid with a brilliant performance which included a solo try that sealed the victory.
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