Around the Grounds: Round 14

Author: Dan Talintyre
Timestamp: Mon 17 Aug 2020, 06:19 AM

Wests Tigers have kept their finals hopes alive with a determined 29-28 win over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Bankwest Stadium to close out a thrilling Round 14.

Luke Brooks' late field goal was the difference in the end for Michael Maguire's side, who were forced to come from behind despite leading 22-6 earlier in the contest.

The result was one of many thrillers throughout the round, with the Dragons, Rabbitohs and Knights all getting home by two points or less.

Penrith and Melbourne continued their winning streaks to sit first and second respectively on the ladder, while defeat for the Sydney Roosters mean there's just four points separating them in fourth and the rest of the top eight.

At the other end of the ladder, Brisbane's woeful run continued with a heavy defeat to Canberra while Kevin Proctor's controversial dismissal against the Sharks also saw the Titans go down as none of the bottom five sides managed a win.

Post-Match: Jacob Liddle

ROUND 14 RESULTS

Melbourne Storm 24 def. Sydney Roosters 6
Penrith Panthers 18 def. New Zealand Warriors 12
St. George-Illawarra Dragons 14 def. Parramatta Eels 12
Cronulla Sharks 30 def. Gold Coast Titans 18
South Sydney Rabbitohs 31 def. North Queensland Cowboys 30
Canberra Raiders 36 def. Brisbane Broncos 8
Newcastle Knights 26 def. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 24
Wests Tigers 29 def. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 28

LATEST INJURY NEWS

The defending premiers Sydney Roosters will likely be without Luke Keary (rib), Lachlan Lam (ankle) and Mitchell Aubusson (wrist) for the immediate future after they picked up knocks in their loss to Melbourne, while the Titans also lost Queensland Origin representative Jai Arrow to a shoulder injury.

Manly fullback Brendan Elliott's season is likely over after he suffered a suspected ACL while Broncos hooker Jake Turpin broke his hand against Canberra.

Kieran Foran and Benji Marshall both battled ankle injuries in their match on Sunday but are expected to be fine for their respective fixtures in Round 15.

See all the latest injury news here.

JUDICIARY CHARGES

Gold Coast Titans forward Kevin Proctor has been referred straight to the judiciary after being sent off for biting in his side's loss to Cronulla.

Proctor will vehemently deny the claim, and will make his case regarding the contrary conduct charge before the judiciary on Tuesday night.

If found guilty, his suspension will be determined by the judiciary panel.

Broncos forward Payne Haas is also facing several weeks on the sideline after he was charged in the final minutes of his side's loss to Canberra.

He will join Rabbitohs forward Liam Knight and Dragons forward Tyrell Fuiamaono as those suspended for Round 14 unless he successfully fights or receives a downgrade on a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact - Head/Neck charge.

See all the latest judiciary news here.

ROUND 15 FIXTURES

Thursday, August 20

7:50pm — Parramatta Eels vs. Melbourne Storm

Friday, August 21

6:00pm — Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla Sharks
7:55pm — Brisbane Broncos vs. St. George-Illawarra Dragons

Saturday, August 22

3:00pm — Gold Coast Titans vs. Canberra Raiders
5:30pm — Wests Tigers vs. Sydney Roosters
7:35pm — South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles