The Mole: Cameron Ciraldo Employs Maroons Strategy to Neutralise Nathan Cleary in Stunning Upset

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo adopted strategies reminiscent of the Queensland Origin team to neutralise the Panthers’ star playmaker Nathan Cleary during Thursday night’s surprising result at Accor Stadium.

The Canterbury forwards effectively stifled Cleary’s influence, applying relentless pressure and restricting his time and space on the ball.

This tactic mirrors the successful approach used by the Maroons against Cleary over several years.

As a result, Cleary experienced his quietest performance of the season, contributing only one try assist via a crisp kick to the exceptional Tom Jenkins as the Bulldogs surged to a commanding 32-16 victory.

From the very first whistle, it was evident that the Bulldogs were hungrier for victory, playing with greater intensity and commitment in defence.

In an impressive statistic, 13 Bulldogs each surpassed the 100-metre mark in running, including their entire backline – a rare feat indicative of their dominance.

The Panthers, who had been formidable in the opening five rounds, will bounce back – it’s challenging to sustain such high levels of intensity week after week, and they still remain the team to beat.

ROOSTERS’ WIN COMES AT A COST FOR HOOKER

While the Roosters celebrated a contentious victory against the Sharks in Perth, one local player may have faced a setback.

After relinquishing a 16-point lead in the second half, the Sharks saw the Roosters clinch a commendable comeback win with a final score of 34-22, spearheaded by veteran Daly Cherry-Evans.

However, with State of Origin on the horizon, Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey emerged as a clear standout over the current incumbent, Rooster Reece Robson.

If the Blues select their squad based on form – a significant ‘if’ – Brailey should be among the top picks. He notched three try assists in the first half alone and demonstrates more creativity from dummy half than Robson, who is more renowned for his defensive work rate.

This match will be memorable for the shocking bunker decision that prevented Rooster Robert Toia from scoring a try, being labelled a ‘disruptor’ – a ruling so contentious that the NRL amended its interpretation mid-round.

WHY THE TITANS MIGHT BE DARK HORSES IN THE COMPETITION

In today’s ‘six again’ era, pure speed can determine the outcome of matches, and the Titans should not be overlooked as potential finalists.

They boast one of the fastest squads in the NRL, potentially only behind the Dolphins, featuring sprinters like Keano Kini, Jayden Campbell, Phillip Sami, AJ Brimson, Sialetili Faeamani, and Jojo Fifita.

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They decimated the struggling Eels in a remarkable 52-10 triumph, showcasing their attacking prowess.

After a slow start to the season, Josh Hannay’s side is finding their rhythm, and some of their tries in the recent match were as exciting as any this season.

Kini impressed from the back with his rapid pace, proving to be one of the quickest fullbacks in the league when on form. This victory also marked the end of a year-long winless streak for the Titans in Sydney and handed the Eels their worst loss at CommBank Stadium.

If the Titans’ forwards can contain opposing packs as effectively as they did recently, this team could secure many victories leading up to September.

The Eels were duly booed off the field by their own supporters, marking their second loss by 50 points or more in the opening six rounds.

Meanwhile, the Storm have endured their share of defeats over the last two decades, but it’s uncommon for them to be physically subdued as they were by the Warriors on Saturday night.

Melbourne’s fourth consecutive loss was delivered by a Warriors side that outmuscled them in a way not seen lately.

WHAT’S GOING WRONG IN MELBOURNE?

The Storm appeared a mere shadow of the formidable team Craig Bellamy has built into a powerhouse at AAMI Park.

Bellamy could sense trouble brewing, as dressing room footage captured him delivering a stern message to his players.

Yet, it had little effect as the Warriors ramped up their performance in the second half, ultimately winning 38-14 in decisive fashion.

Led by the industrious prop Jackson Ford, the Warriors displayed unmatched desire and determination against a Storm side struggling with injuries and lacking confidence.

The Warriors now present themselves as a significant threat to the title contenders, Penrith, and with their past struggles in Melbourne behind them, their confidence is soaring.

RABBITOHS NEED TO REEVALUATE WESTERN TRIP

In today’s football landscape, money drives decisions, but Souths need to weigh the cost of annually transporting a home game to Perth.

The Rabbitohs have made the arduous journey across the Nullarbor six times in recent years, returning without a single victory.

Considering they lost a close match against the Raiders 36-34 on Saturday, hosting that game on their home turf could have yielded a different result.

While the Rabbitohs deserve praise for promoting the game nationwide, those two premiership points lost may prove costly.

The Raiders were desperate for a win and played brilliantly in the first half, though lapses in concentration nearly saw them squander it.

Souths surged back in the second half, scoring the most points they’ve ever achieved since their inception in 1908 without securing a win, and came agonisingly close to snatching a victory in the final moments.

Canberra can thank the tireless Hudson Young for their second win of the season, as he was the standout performer in the thrilling contest out west.

PAYTEN FINALLY REAPING BENEFITS FROM BOLD MOVE

When Todd Payten became the Cowboys’ coach in 2021, one of his initial decisions sparked discord in the far north.

He opted to reduce the playing minutes of marquee man Jason Taumalolo to prolong his career.

Having already spent over a decade in the professional game, Payten was concerned that consistently deploying his star forward for extensive minutes could diminish his effectiveness.

Fast forward five years, and the Cowboys are now benefiting from Payten’s controversial strategy.

In the highly anticipated Queensland derby against the Broncos on Friday night, Taumalolo shone brightly.

The 32-year-old recorded 18 runs for 238 metres, including 85 post-contact – his best tally since 2022.

In his 17th NRL season, this performance was nothing short of remarkable, playing a crucial role in the Cowboys’ thrilling win over a weakened Broncos side.

ROOSTERS HIT YET ANOTHER RECRUITMENT JACKPOT

The Roosters rarely miss the mark when it comes to recruitment and appear to have struck gold again with Reuben Garrick.

Although the 28-year-old seemed set to end his career at Brookvale after eight seasons with the Sea Eagles, the Roosters made their move.

Garrick, set to join Sydney’s eastern suburbs next season, was sensational as the Sea Eagles kept an improved Dragons team at bay in Wollongong on Friday night.

He scored two tries, including a superb length-of-the-field effort from the kick-off, and ran for more metres than any other player on the field.

Garrick is also a proficient goal kicker, although he has ceded that role to Jamal Fogarty this season.

Manly faced adversity when a series of penalties caused them to relinquish a 16-0 lead, but Garrick and Tom Trbojevic showed glimpses of brilliance that ultimately secured their victory.

Manly has now claimed back-to-back away wins under interim coach Kieran Foran, but questions linger – where was this form during their first three home games under Anthony Seibold?