Round 21 of the NRL delivered upsets, breakout performers, and a few big warning signs. Here are the three biggest takeaways every fan needs to know — and what they mean for the weeks ahead.
1. The Bottom Four Shakes Up The Ladder
With six rounds until the finals, the top eight is starting to take shape, but the bottom four sides will ensure there’s no easy games: especially the Gold Coast Titans and Parramatta Eels.
The Gold Coast celebrated Des Hasler’s 500th NRL game as coach with a win over the fourth-placed NZ Warriors (putting the Warriors’ double-chance hopes in jeopardy) and Parramatta beat fifth-placed Brisbane.
The Titans broke a four-game losing streak, and they still have good footy in them, scoring 24 straight points in 45 minutes against the Warriors.
Jason Ryles’ patient rebuild is paying off and Parramatta are competing each week: they led at half-time against Canberra last weekend and overcame a 14-12 half-time deficit against Brisbane.
2. Souths Show Some Resistance
With Souths’ horrific injury run, they could be excused for clocking off and thinking about 2026. But their defensive display against Cronulla-Sutherland was incredible: they held the Sharks to just two second half tries and made 412 tackles – nearly 100 more than the Sharks – with 89% effective tackles. Cronulla had 61 tackles in their red zone to Souths’ four, which underlines the Rabbitohs’ resistance.
Though Souths will have to do without Jack Wighton out for at least three weeks (due to suspension) and are still in the frame for the wooden spoon: the first for master coach Wayne Bennett. The other question: can Alex Johnston pass Ken Irvine this season?
Embed from Getty Images3. The Dragons’ Heartache
It’s been a rough season for St George Illawarra Dragons, with nine of their 12 losses by eight points or less (including a 38-32 loss to North Queensland on Friday). They’re six points outside of the top eight and finish with games against top eight sides Canberra, Cronulla, the Warriors, and Penrith. While Shane Flanagan has been vocal about certain refereeing decisions costing them games, that losing record shows that they haven’t helped themselves either.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat stood out most for you in Round 21? Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media, and check our full [Power Rankings] and [Predictions] for where teams stand heading into Round 22.
