Around the Grounds: Round 18

Author: Dan Talintyre
Timestamp: Mon 14 Sep 2020, 06:35 AM

The top eight is officially set for the 2020 Telstra Premiership season with the Cronulla Sharks' come-from-behind win over the New Zealand Warriors confirming their spot in the finals.

With Wests Tigers going down to the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a last-gasp defeat on Thursday night, Cronulla booked their place in the finals and ensured there would be no late changes to the top eight with a tight win over the Warriors, who themselves needed to win to stay in the hunt for the finals.

Penrith and Melbourne seemingly locked a top two finish with wins over the Eels and Cowboys respectively, while Parramatta's loss has them back in fourth position and just two points ahead of a determined Canberra outfit.

At the other end of the ladder, Gold Coast consigned Brisbane to another defeat while Canterbury missed their chance to get off the bottom of the ladder — letting another strong start fade away as the Sea Eagles fought back to win.

Post-Match: Adam Doueihi

ROUND 18 RESULTS

South Sydney Rabbitohs 26 def. Wests Tigers 24
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 32 def. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 20
Penrith Panthers 20 def. Parramatta Eels 2
Canberra Raiders 37 def. St. George-Illawarra Dragons 8
Gold Coast Titans 18 def. Brisbane Broncos 6
Sydney Roosters 42 def. Newcastle Knights 12
Melbourne Storm 36 def. North Queensland Cowboys 20
Cronulla Sharks 22 def. New Zealand Warriors 14

LATEST INJURY NEWS

Manly prop Addin Fonua-Blake (knee) was the only major injury to come from Round 18, although Sydney Roosters captain Boyd Cordner will be monitored after he picked up another head knock in his side's win over Newcastle.

The Sea Eagles will also likely be without Cade Cust for the penultimate round of the regular season after he picked up a high ankle sprain against the Bulldogs.

For all the latest injury news, click here.

JUDICIARY CHARGES

Luke Brooks and Dane Gagai will both miss Round 19 after the pair were charged with striking in their Thursday night clash. The duo are set to be joined on the sidelines by Broncos prop Rhys Kennedy and Newcastle utility Kurt Mann, with both players attracting Crusher Tackle charges from their respective matches.

For all the latest judiciary news, click here.