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

Canterbury Bulldogs’ coach Cameron Ciraldo utilised tactics reminiscent of the Queensland Origin strategy to neutralise the Panthers’ star playmaker Nathan Cleary during Thursday’s stunning upset at Accor Stadium.

The Bulldogs’ forward pack effectively shut Cleary out of the contest, applying relentless pressure to reduce his time and space on the field.

This approach has proven effective for the Maroons against Cleary over the years.

As a result, Cleary endured his quietest performance of the season, managing just a single try assist with a perfectly placed kick for try sensation Tom Jenkins while Canterbury roared to a convincing 32-16 victory.

From the very first whistle, it was evident that the Bulldogs were hungrier for victory, showing greater intensity in their defensive efforts.

Remarkably, 13 Bulldogs players managed over 100 running metres, including every member of their backline—a level of dominance seldom seen.

While the Panthers have been impressive in the opening rounds, they will bounce back. Maintaining such intensity each week is a challenge, and they remain the contenders to beat.

ROOSTERS’ VICTORY CAME WITH A HOOKER’S LOSS

The Roosters may have celebrated a contentious victory over the Sharks in Perth, but for one Bondi player, the outcome could have dire consequences.

The Sharks squandered a 16-point lead in the second half, allowing the Roosters to triumph 34-22, with seasoned veteran Daly Cherry-Evans spearheading the charge.

With State of Origin looming next month, Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey clearly outperformed the current holder, Rooster Reece Robson.

If the Blues are to base their selections on form – and that remains a significant *if* – Brailey should definitely be among the first choices.

He notched up three try assists in the first half alone, showcasing greater creativity from dummy half compared to Robson, who is a consistent worker with defence being his strong suit.

This match will be remembered for the shocking decision from the bunker that denied Rooster Robert Toia a try for being deemed a ‘disruptor’—a decision so egregious that the NRL revised the rule interpretation mid-round.

WHY THE TITANS COULD BE THE SURPRISE PACKAGE OF THE COMPETITION

Speed is a game-winner in the ‘six again’ era—so don’t discount the Titans from making a surprising finals run.

The Titans are arguably the second fastest side in the NRL, following the Dolphins, with players like Keano Kini, Jayden Campbell, Phillip Sami, AJ Brimson, Sialetili Faeamani, and Jojo Fifita

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They dismantled an underperforming Eels team yesterday, racking up a massive 52-10 victory.

Josh Hannay’s squad started the season slowly but have found their rhythm, with some of their tries yesterday being among the best seen all season.

Kini was outstanding at fullback, demonstrating elite speed. This win not only snapped a year-long winless streak in Sydney but also marked the Eels’ heaviest defeat at CommBank Stadium.

If the Titans’ forwards can match the intensity they exhibited yesterday, this side will accumulate plenty of wins leading into September.

Parramatta’s own fans booed them off the field, marking their second 50-point loss in just the first six rounds.

The Storm have seen their fair share of defeats over the last two decades, but rarely have they been so physically overwhelmed as they were by the Warriors on Saturday night.

Melbourne’s fourth consecutive loss came at the hands of a Kiwi side that outmuscled them like few have in recent memory.

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MELBOURNE?

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

Bellamy knew his players were struggling as dressing room footage revealed him giving an intense telling-off to his squad.

However, his efforts had little effect as the Warriors cranked up the pressure in the second half and secured a deserved 38-14 victory.

With the underappreciated prop Jackson Ford leading the charge, the Warriors displayed far more determination and purpose than a Storm side struggling with injuries, lacking both confidence and momentum.

The Warriors now emerge as a significant threat to title favourites Penrith, and after a lengthy stretch of losses in Melbourne, they will be riding high on confidence.

RABBITOHS SHOULD RECONSIDER THEIR WESTERN TRIP

While football has become increasingly commercialised, the Rabbitohs may need a reality check regarding their annual trip to Perth.

Having crossed the Nullarbor six times in recent seasons, the Rabbitohs have returned home without a single victory.

Considering they narrowly lost to the Raiders 36-34 on Saturday, it’s likely a match played at home could have seen them secure a win.

Full credit to the Rabbitohs for promoting the league’s message nationwide, but those two precious premiership points lost could ultimately cost them dearly.

The Raiders entered the contest desperate for a triumph and played remarkably well in the first half, although moments of distraction almost cost them the game.

Souths mounted a strong comeback in the second half, noting the most points scored in a match since their formation in 1908 without clinching a win, and they nearly snatched victory in the final 10 seconds—it was that close.

The Raiders owe their second win of the season to tireless back-rower Hudson Young, who was undoubtedly the standout player in the thrilling western shootout.

PAYTEN FINALLY RECEIVING JUST REWARDS FOR HIS SURPRISE DECISION

When Todd Payten took over as Cowboys coach in 2021, one of his first actions stirred the pot in the far north.

Payten opted to reduce the playing time of marquee player Jason Taumalolo to prolong his career.

Having been in the game for over a decade, Payten was concerned that subjecting his star forward to heavy minutes week in and out would diminish his effectiveness.

Now, five years later, the Cowboys are reaping the rewards of Payten’s bold decision.

During the intense Queensland derby against the Broncos on Friday night, Taumalolo shone.

The 32-year-old recorded 18 carries for 238 metres, including 85 post-contact, marking his highest tally since 2022.

For a player in his 17th NRL season, this was an outstanding performance, critical to the Cowboys’ thrilling victory over a depleted Broncos outfit.

ROOSTERS STRIKE GOLD WITH ANOTHER MASTERSTROKE

Typically, the Roosters are shrewd in their recruitment, and they seem to have hit the jackpot again with Reuben Garrick.

The 28-year-old seemed set to finish his career at Brookvale after eight seasons with the Sea Eagles until the Roosters came calling.

Garrick put in a stellar performance as Manly withstood an improved Dragons side in Wollongong on Friday night.

He scored two tries, including a spectacular long-range effort from a kickoff, and accumulated more metres than any player from either side.

Additionally, he’s a proficient goal kicker, although this season he has conceded that role to Jamal Fogarty.

Manly appeared in trouble when a series of penalties saw them relinquish a 16-0 lead, but moments of brilliance from Garrick and Tom Trbojevic secured the victory.

Having now recorded back-to-back away victories under interim coach Kieran Foran, one must still question why this form eluded them during the first three home matches under Anthony Seibold.