Wests Tigers returned to winning ways with a 28-16 triumph over Canterbury-Bankstown at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
It was a vital victory for Michael Maguire’s men as they remain within reach of the top eight with four rounds remaining in the regular season.
The Knights kicked the round off with a win over the Broncos, before the Raiders and Rabbitohs scored vital victories on Friday night.
The high-flying Storm and Panthers consolidated their position atop the ladder with wins on Saturday, while the Warriors upset the Sharks to stay alive in 2021.
The Titans closed Round 21 with a victory over the Cowboys to rise to seventh on the ladder.
2021 Match Highlights: Rd.21, Bulldogs vs. Wests Tigers
ROUND 21 RESULTS
- Newcastle Knights 28 def. Brisbane Broncos 20
- Canberra Raiders 20 def. St George Illawarra Dragons 12
- South Sydney Rabbitohs 40 def. Parramatta Eels 12
- New Zealand Warriors 18 def. Cronulla Sharks 16
- Penrith Panthers 20 def. Sydney Roosters 14
- Melbourne Storm 28 def. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 18
- Wests Tigers 16 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Gold Coast Titans 36 def. North Queensland Cowboys 14
Sign up for a free NRL Account to access this video and other exclusive content.
Sign UpAlready have an NRL Account?
Not sure? Learn more about an NRL Account .
JUDICIARY CHARGES
Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu is one of 22 players to have been charged by the NRL Match Review Committee following Round 21.
Utoikamanu was cited for a Contrary Conduct offence on Bulldogs forward Ava Seumanufagai in the 36th minute of Sunday's match at Cbus Super Stadium — however the young forward can escape suspension with a $1,150 fine.
Bulldogs forwards Dylan Napa and Jack Hetherington are facing time on the sidelines after they were charged for offences on Wests Tigers players.
Napa could miss a couple of weeks after being hit with two charges — Dangerous Contact and High Tackle — while Hetherington is facing a 2-3 week suspension for his high tackle on Thoms Mikaele that saw him sent to the sin bin.
Click here for a full judiciary report.
LATEST INJURY NEWS
Wests Tigers got through Round 21 without any injury concerns, but other clubs weren’t as fortunate across the weekend.
Parramatta have been dealt a hammer blow with Reed Mahoney to undergo season-ending surgery after he partially dislocated his shoulder.
Manly are expected to be without forward Taniela Paseka after he was forced from the field against the Storm on Saturday night with a suspected syndesmosis injury to his right ankle.
Meanwhile, rising Knights star Bradman Best has been cleared of any major injuries after being sent to hospital for precautionary scans on what was believed to be a shoulder or collarbone issue.
Click here for a full injury report.
Doueihi not going out without a fight
ROUND 22 FIXTURES
Thursday, August 12
7:50pm — Melbourne Storm vs. Canberra Raiders
Friday, August 13
6:00pm — St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Penrith Panthers
7:55pm —Brisbane Broncos vs. Sydney Roosters
Saturday, August 14
3:00pm —South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Gold Coast Titans
5:30pm — North Queensland Cowboys vs. Wests Tigers
7:35pm — Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Parramatta Eels
Sunday, August 15
2:00pm —New Zealand Warriors vs. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
4:05pm — Cronulla Sharks vs. Newcastle Knights