Souths have given Jason Demetriou time to turn the team around, but with clashes against the Storm and Panthers up next, is it also more time to find a replacement?
Meanwhile, Zac Lomax continues to put speculation around his future to the side and deliver for the Dragons. His start to the season has been so red-hot for the Red V that his name has been thrown into the Origin conversation.
The Roosters’ fullback debate has ignited again after Joey Manu’s blinder in the No.1 jersey, while Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has some big selection calls ahead of him.
Read on for the key Talking points from Round 6.
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DEMETRIOU SPARED FOR NOW AS SOUTHS FINALLY SHOW SOME FIGHT
Under siege Souths coach Jason Demetriou was given a stay of execution after the Rabbitohs’ improved display in their 34-22 loss to the Sharks, but how long will it last?
Souths showed genuine fight for one of the few times this season against Cronulla, but with a bye followed by clashes against title heavyweights the Storm and Panthers, it remains to be seen how long Demetriou has to keep the wolves at bay.
Greg Alexander was not surprised Demetriou has kept his job in the short term, but he warned it could be a case of the club giving itself time to find a replacement.
“I’m not surprised and I will just go back to what Chairman Nick Papas said,” Alexander explained.
“He is highly respected and when Nick Pappas says something I take notice of it. Sometimes when you look at the people within the club, they know a little bit more about the situation than what we the commentators do.
“Nick Pappas said almost as much as Blake Solly on Sunday. That it is not win or loss as far as this weekend. If we see a bit of effort, some desire and determination and the hallmarks of what a team is built on.
“If we see that we will give Jason some time and time is I guess time to turn it around or time for the club to come up with someone to replace him.
“I’m not surprised that there is a stay of execution after last night because I think they did turn it around in terms of their effort.
“They lost players throughout the game and they lost Cameron Murray at halftime, so if you were going to sack him on that performance alone I think that would have been unfair, particularly given what Nick Pappas said prior to the game.”
However, Braith Anasta believes Souths changing their stance after the noise around Mal Meninga potentially being interim coach is fishy at best.
“It just seems like a big shift to me,” Anasta said.
“Last week, all this talk about Mal Meninga, and let’s be honest, that couldn’t have just popped out of nowhere.
“There was obviously some discussions there or a conversation there. No one’s really come out and confirmed or denied it. But we were hearing quite solid information that it was on the money.
“And then all of a sudden now, it’s back to, we’re going to stick by JD. It’s a bit, I don’t know, I honestly don’t know.”
Corey Parker can’t see Souths beating the Storm or the Panthers, so it remains to be seen what will change in the next three weeks?
“Yeah, I’m the same. Really hard to keep up with what’s going on,” Parker said.
“Last week he had 80 minutes to save his job. They go on and put in a performance. Yes, they turned up. Yes, they had a crack, but ultimately they still lost the game.
“And this week, Jason will be given the time he needs. What is that time? What does that time look like? They go to a bye then they go into Melbourne, then they go into Penrith.
“So if they get lapped by Melbourne and Penrith, is that enough time that he needs? Does he need the whole rest of the season?
“I think they’ve got hard decisions to make anyway.”
Alexander believes Souths are giving both sides time to make a plan for the club’s future.
“Well, maybe, people do things to suit themselves too,” Alexander said.
“Is the club doing this now because they’re not sure which way they want to go with someone to replace Jason Demetriou?
“That could be an option too, about what they’re thinking. That gives them time.”
Anasta agreed Souths seem to be giving the club time as well as Demetriou.
“All the time he needs is just something that I can’t comprehend because given the circumstances and where South Sydney are at and everything that’s come out from the club over a long period of time now, that’s a very open statement to make,” Anasta said.
“If they lose the next three games, will he be given all the time he needs?”
Alexander believes Souths will continue to be judged on their effort rather than results, but losses have a habit of catching up with coaches.
“No, because depending on in what manner they lose,” Alexander said.
“Depending on what sort of performance they put in. Like, if they get beaten by Penrith and Melbourne, but there’s effort there.
“I don’t even want to guess what the score line needs to be or the difference between the two sides.
“But they’re in the bunker at South Sydney. They know exactly what’s going on and whether the problems can be fixed or can’t be fixed.
“And maybe this is just them giving themselves a little bit of time.”
Parker pointed out that Souths’ struggles are not restricted to the 2024 season.
“If they need more effort and improvements in those areas with the roster that they have to give him more time they need to then go on and keep him as head coach, they either make a decision or they don’t,” Parker said.
“Not… Oh, we’ll give you a little bit more time. Five games in 18, five wins out of 18 games. And they’ve beaten the bottom four sides that we saw in last year. Throw the Warriors in there also. But it’s not pretty.
“Last year in Round 11 they were sitting first in the competition and they’ve slid off the hill.”
Mitchell Pearce questioned the unity among the playing group even if the coach doesn’t have the backing of his players.
“I think the confusing thing is you just haven’t heard any of their senior players come out over the last six weeks,” Pearce said.
“There’s hardly any been anyone commenting on what a real issue is there. And obviously, all the talk about young Ilias, Latrell, from a former player, it would have been nice for one of their senior players to at least come out and defend one or the other.
“If they’re all off the coach, you can understand that they don’t want to come out and publicly back him, if that’s the problem.
“But I haven’t even seen much support within the playing group. And that’s been the confusing thing watching.
“You’re seeing all this stuff fall apart, but there’s no real answers. It’s a tricky situation.”
Sharks down injury-ravaged Bunnies | 02:20
LOMAX ENTERS ORIGIN CONVERSATION AFTER RED-HOT START TO SEASON
Zac Lomax is playing exceptionally well for a guy that doesn’t want to be a winger. In fact he’s been in such good form his name is starting to be included in State of Origin conversations.
Lomax was once touted as a future Origin star but has struggled in recent seasons to meet expectations.
New Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has moved him to the — much to Lomax’s displeasure — and it’s brought out the best in the 24-year-old.
Lomax has scored five tries in six games this season and is averaging 168 running metres per game. In just six games he has already recorded more offloads and linebreaks than what he did in 20 games last season.
But the wing is not where Lomax wants to be. He sees himself as a centre, which is why he has been granted a release from the remaining two years of his contract to go elsewhere.
Speculation on his future has surrounded Lomax, who will reportedly sign with the Eels, for the first six weeks of the season but it hasn’t impacted him on the field at all and he was once again one of the Dragons’ best on the weekend.
“He was great from start to finish, he was their x-factor. His kick-chase, his carries of his own end and his big moments, he was the difference,” Braith Anasta said.
Corey Parker also applauded his “energy and desire,” while also saying he’s had an “outstanding start to the season.”
And while Lomax continues to perform on the flank, the topic of his departure will continue to be brought up.
“I never doubted Zac’s ability that’s for sure and his decision to leave the club not ours,” Flanagan said about Lomax.
“That’s life. Players leave clubs, players come to clubs. We’ve got him for this year and we’ll make the most of it…
“But he’s doing an outstanding job on the wing isn’t he? He’s an athlete and a great player.”
Lomax’s form has put him back into the Origin conversation and not many know more about that arena than his captain, Ben Hunt.
“As a Queenslander I wouldn’t want him in there (for NSW). He competes hard on everything, I think he suits it (Origin) to be honest,” he admitted.
‘Never doubted Zac’s ability!’ | 06:16
MANU’S FULLBACK MASTERCLASS… AND THE TEAM WHO SHOULD BE WATCHING CLOSELY
Fullback is clearly Joey Manu’s best position, and he becomes one of the game’s most dangerous attackers when he wears the No.1 jersey.
It was no surprise to see the New Zealand international deliver a jaw-dropping performance against the Knights, leading the way at the back.
Manu ran for a ridiculous 307 metres and broke five tackle, while also recording two line break assists and a try assist.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Roosters coach Trent Robinson kept it short and sweet when asked about his display.
“He’s always going to touch the ball at the start of the set, at the end of the set and when it’s needed,” he said.
Robinson’s bluntness could come from the fact he’s resigned to losing the superstar outside back after the 2024 season.
The 27-year-old is reportedly set to join French rugby in 2025 on a deal worth around $1.2 million per-season, making a cross-code switch.
Speaking in February, Robinson was confident Manu will return to the club in the future, potentially when James Tedesco’s tenure at fullback ends.
“He has been here since he was a kid. He wants to go and experience another country. He grew up playing union so he wants to do that,” the coach said.
“I don’t think it’ll be his last year (with us). I think he’ll always be a Rooster and he will come back at some point when he’s done.”
But with no contract officially signed, there’s still time for NRL rivals to do what they can to sign Manu and one club has a war chest ready to throw at stars.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has made no secret of his desire to sign Manu and even said he could have free reign in the side.
“I’m really, really doubtful he’ll leave the Roosters, but I just wanted his management to know that if he wanted, he could be captain, fullback, do whatever he wants,” Flanagan said in November.
The fact Manu is now prepared to leave the Roosters, the club he’s called home for over a decade, Flanagan could make a desperate bid for his services.
With Zac Lomax departing in 2025, and over $800,000 being cleared on their salary cap on top of what they already had to spend, the Red V could table Manu a mammoth contract.
And, if he can deliver performances like he did against the Knights on Thursday night in the No.1, he’d be worth every cent.
Manu or Teddy – Roosters number 1 debate | 01:36
DEFIANT DOLPHINS IMPRESS DESPITE INJURY WOES
The Dolphins went down to the Broncos in the battle of Brisbane, but Wayne Bennett’s side lost no admirers.
The NRL newcomers have been ravaged with injury and lost three key stars — Herbie Farnworth, Tom Flegler and Felise Kaufusi — ahead of their Round 6 clash.
What made matters worse is superstar fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow also injured his hamstring, forcing the Dolphins to make wholesale spine changes.
The Dolphins sat atop the NRL ladder heading into this round of action and both Mick Ennis and James Graham were very impressed with their display, despite their injury woes.
“I think the fact they were beaten comfortably by the Cowboys in the opening game, then they played the Dragons, Titans then the Tigers heading into this game,” Ennis said.
“I’m not going to write them off because of the injuries they had, it’s been a really tough fortnight for them.
“To lose Tom Flegler, Herbie Farnworth and Felise Kaufusi, three really important players in their side for so many different reasons.
“Now to lose Hamiso and the there’s talk Kodi Nikorima has done his hamstring too, and that makes things very difficult because he’s been the one to plug holes.
“We saw him at fullback tonight, he’s played in the centres, at five-eighth and at hooker, he’s been so valuable.”
“Even with the injuries, if they could have found a pass or if Brisbane weren’t as desperate defensively they likely get out to a lead,” Graham added.
“Lets not forget the Brisbane Broncos are one of the premier teams in the competition… they’d be very pleased with that performance.”
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Bennett produced a wry smile when asked who was going to fill the void left by Tabuai-Fidow.
“I’ve been doing this job a long time, we’ve had a lot of injuries across my coaching career. Just trust me we will deal with it,” he said.
So who are the options to wear the No.1?
Kodi Nikorima is the obvious option, but is nursing a calf complaint himself that Bennett said shouldn’t see him miss any games.
Jamayne Isaako and Jake Averillo could also move to the back, showing the Dolphins have ample depth to fill the role.
But where they don’t have the numbers is in the halves, with Nikorima potentially moving out opening up a place for Sean O’Sullivan to return.
He has only played a single game this season, losing his No.7 jersey to young gun Isaiya Katoa who has been in fine form.
Outside of him Anthony Milford is the man to fill the role, but he’s been used sparingly by Bennett in the starting side.
Bennett reveals extent of Hamiso injury | 03:50
CIRALDO’S BIG SELECTION HEADACHE AFTER STORM THRILLER
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has found himself in a peculiar position — and is facing some big selection calls — after his side delivered arguably their best performance of the season.
Sure, the Dogs put 32 unanswered points on the Titans in Round 3, but on Friday night they were the better side for majority of their clash with heavyweights Melbourne Storm — despite losing by two points.
And that was without regular starters Jacob Preston (jaw), Blake Wilson (illness), Kurt Mann (hand), Max King (wrist), Kurtis Morrin (suspension) and Blake Taaffe (head knock).
Ciraldo was forced to shuffle his team to cover those absences and that has uncovered a red-hot backline that could be the way forward.
Josh Addo-Carr bagged a hat-trick, Jacob Kiraz had a blinder on the wing, while Bronson Xerri got a second game in the centres — and this time looked a lot better off a full week of preparation. Xerri, who was thrust in last round with minimal notice, finished with a try assist, a linebreak assist, two linebreaks, four tackle busts and 174 running metres. His natural speed off the mark was a noticeable asset for the Dogs too.
Many assumed Stephen Crichton would shift to fullback to cover for Taaffe but instead Ciraldo went with Connor Tracey and it was a masterstroke. Tracey, who notched up a linebreak assist, three tackle busts and 126 metres, was tough, reliable and his work-rate had similarities to that of Dylan Edwards. And that was with a calf niggle, which he picked up in Round 5.
Taaffe is due to return from a concussion in Round 7 but does he walk back into the fullback role? Many will say no.
And that’s not the only selection head ache Ciraldo will have this week. Calls for Drew Hutchison to be dropped for Toby Sexton are growing louder and it’s something the coach can’t ignore for much longer.
Sexton was brought to the club mid-2023 for his footy smarts and because he’s a genuine halfback but fell behind Hutchison on the pecking order coming into this season.
New recruit Hutchison thrived in the Roosters system as a back-up playmaker because all he needed to do was nail the basics when he played in the halves. But it’s a much bigger job at the Bulldogs and after six weeks the jury is out on whether he is the right answer at No.7.
The Bulldogs had several opportunities to seal the game at AAMI Park but blew them with their questionable end-of-set options — like the two occasions Hutchison passed to Crichton on the last tackle with the star centre forced to put in grubbers.
Sexton has been patiently waiting in the wings — he’s been 18th man for three games — but perhaps it’s time to see what he can do.
Ciraldo praises players despite loss | 06:24
‘WORLD-CLASS’ CNK PROVES WEBSTER’S CALL WAS THE RIGHT ONE
Is Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad still one of the NRL’s most underrated players?
You could certainly make a case for it given the way he has returned from injury this season, putting an end to any suggestions Taine Tuaupiki could replace him or even Roger Tuivasa-Sheck may be moved to the back.
Nicoll-Klokstad topped 330 running metres and nine tackle busts in the Warriors’ draw with Manly on the weekend and is now averaging 290 metres and seven tackle breaks this season.
Obviously it is a short sample size as Nicoll-Klokstad has only played two games after missing the first four weeks of the season with a hamstring injury.
But from the valuable metres Nicoll-Klokstad provides to get the Warriors’ sets off to a strong start to the effort areas in defence, the 28-year-old is clearly the club’s first-choice fullback.
He may not have the flashy footwork that made Tuivasa-Sheck a human highlights reel during his time in the No.1 jersey but Penrith’s Dylan Edwards is proof that a strong workrate is the foundation for a successful fullback.
Tuivasa-Sheck himself was full of praise for his teammate earlier this week, telling reporters that Nicoll-Klokstad is “not a good NRL player” but a “world-class player”.
“And I back him 100 per cent,” the former Dally M medallist added.
“He’s our fullback, our coach has said he’s our fullback, he believes he’s the best fullback, and I believe it too. I’ve been training in the centres, but if I need to play anywhere else, I’ll do it.”
Coach Andrew Webster was always adamant Nicoll-Klokstad would return at fullback when fit, describing the energy he provides the Warriors every week as “unbelievable”.
Wahs force OT after late-game penalty | 01:05
RONALDO COMES UP TRUMPS AGAIN
The Sharks are low-flying at the moment, moving to the top of the NRL ladder with their win over the Rabbitohs on Saturday, and a big reason why they find themselves in first is the play of winger Ronaldo Mulitalo.
Mulitalo delivered with a huge performance against the Bunnies, scoring two tries in addition to eight tackle busts, a line break and 115 running metres.
The polarising winger is tied in the lead for tries scored this season with six from five games, and has recorded 12 in his past 10 games.
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon credited Mulitalo for improving the “little details” of his game during the off-season.
“Ronny’s been delivering most of the year to be honest,” Fitzgibbon said post-match.
“He’s got the finishing skills and the highlight reel stuff but the little details in around where he positions himself, and carrying it out of the back field, and rolling the sleeves up for his teammates. He’s been pretty strong all year.
While his talent and effort have never been questioned, Mulitalo isn’t prone to a poor error or conceding penalties which have proven costly to his team.
Fitzgibbon says his winger has been “working hard” on improving that aspect of his game, and results are clearly showing.
“He’s just working hard on himself,” Fitzgibbon said.
“Emotional stability he’s working on to control it and direct it in the right direction for us.
“He’s working really hard for himself Ron.
“He absolutely loves the club, represents our club. He has that emotional side that can flare a bit, but he’s trying to control that.”
Ronaldo goes berserk against Bunnies | 01:00
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