British Players Shine in Mixed Bag for NRL’s International Contingent in Round 5
The fifth round of the 2024 NRL season saw a mixed performance from the league’s British players, with some standout displays as well as a few disciplinary issues. As part of our weekly “Brits Down Under” feature, we take a closer look at how the NRL’s British contingent fared in Round 5.
Sydney Roosters
Sydney Roosters winger Dom Young had a game of two halves, impressing with 78 metres from 7 carries before being sent off for a high tackle. The England international is facing a 2-3 match suspension, depending on whether he enters an early guilty plea. Teammate Victor Radley also saw yellow for a dangerous tackle, but still managed 161 metres and 33 tackles in the Roosters’ narrow defeat to the Bulldogs.
Newcastle Knights
Over at the Newcastle Knights, Kai Pearce-Paul continued his excellent start to life in the NRL, running for 135 metres and making 30 tackles in their win over the Dragons. Fellow England international Tom Burgess was typically solid for the Rabbitohs, running for 90 metres and making 23 tackles in their loss to the Warriors.
Dolphins and Raiders
Herbie Farnworth’s strong form for the Dolphins was unfortunately cut short by an AC joint injury, which will see him miss at least 4 weeks of action. John Bateman’s game for the Raiders was also disrupted by a failed HIA assessment, but Morgan Smithies put in another impressive 80-minute shift, making 41 tackles and running for 150 metres.
Overall, it was a mixed bag for the NRL’s British contingent, with some standout individual performances offset by disciplinary issues and injuries. Fans of rugby league, both in the UK and Australia, will be eager to see these players continue to make their mark on the world’s premier club competition.
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