Luke Kelly offloads during the Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers game at Parramatta Stadium. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited
IN his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts on round 18 of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.
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Brisbane Broncos v Cronulla Sharks at Suncorp Stadium
What a way to keep off the round, with an extremely close game. We haven't seen too many games this year that have been nil all at half time but once the second half hit, Cronulla really impressed. Both teams were very good defensively throughout periods of the game but the difference was Cronulla had Todd Carney who has made some statements over the past few weeks in some great individual games. Leading 18-6 late in the second half, a Carney field goal sealed the game for the Sharks and they became comfortable with the gap of more than two converted tries. Through some pride Brisbane clawed back into the match with two late tries which made things exciting but I don't think the Broncos were ever really a genuine chance of winning. Sharks coach Shane Flanagan will be pleased that when his captain Wade Graham went down injured, his team lifted. Carney's maturity and class was the difference between the two sides which is a little surprising when you would expect the Broncos halves to have that. The saving grace for the Broncos is Anthony Griffin has been assured his position for this season.
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Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers at Parramatta Stadium
I have to admit I expected Penrith to win comfortably but Parramatta put up a fight in what transpired into an entertaining game. The Panthers produced some great football for their first try while their second to Kevin Kingston was soft defence but the Eels fought back and when Luke Kelly crossed at half time it made for an exciting second half. The unfortunate thing for the Eels is that they made errors and gave away penalties at crucial times. The Panthers have bought into Ivan Cleary's plan and simplified their game. They are known the fifth best attacking team in the competition and sixth best defensively, sneaking under the radar while they are doing it. Luke Walsh's kicking game eased any pressure the Eels were unable to put on and whenever they needed a magical play they didn't have the calibre of player to pull it off. One player the Eels need to stick with is Luke Kelly in the halves. He is the future. He builds structure which the Eels can play a game plan off the back of what Kelly brings in composure and leadership. Willie Tonga returned to the side for the first time this year so Eels fans will hope he can return to some of the form he has shown in previous years. For the Panthers Dean Whare is exciting, James Roberts is a speedster and David Simmons is a try scoring machine and the leading try scorer in the competition. Penrith now host Newcastle this week in what is a massive game for both sides.
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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Melbourne Storm
It was disappointing that a match as highly anticipated as the grand final replay is didn't have the recognition it deserves with a host of stars missing. For Canterbury-Bankstown this match may have been a kick start to their season. In the second half the Bulldogs they started to find their passes with players pushing up in support. Whether Sunday's game lifts the Bulldogs into that next echelon and starts their run to the semi-finals will show over the next few weeks. I though the Bulldogs were very classy and I know the opposition was a little down but you can only player whoever is in front of you. To win 36-0 against a quality Storm side even without their key players it is nice to see the Bulldogs return to their defensive best which is what Des Hasler built last season. I'm not sure how much the Storm will take out of the loss due to the fact their stars will return from State of Origin duties after Wednesday night.
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