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A snapshot of round 10 of the NRL where injuries to NSW stars Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic rocked the Blues and a Dolphins rookie continue to shine.
SNAPSHOT OF ROUND 10 OF THE NRL SEASON
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Trai Fuller. The Dolphins fullback has had to wait until age 27 for a consistent run at first grade, but it's been worth it. Fuller almost single-handedly got the Dolphins back in their match against Manly with a chip-and-chase try, sparking the hosts from 16-4 down to 30-24 winners. The Dolphins are likely to have Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow back next week, but must find a full-time role for Fuller.
QUOTE OF THE ROUND: "He's pretty shattered, actually. I'm torn between his coach and his dad right now, but it's very disappointing." - Ivan Cleary, after his son Nathan suffered a grade-two hamstring tear. Penrith's bid to win four straight premierships is suddenly looking that little bit tougher.
TALKING POINT: Could this weekend have gone any worse for NSW? Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic's problematic hamstrings have ruled the pair out for at least the first two State of Origin matches, leaving coach Michael Maguire's plans in disarray.
MAGIC MOMENT: Daniel Atkinson's field goal to put Cronulla in the lead late against Melbourne. The former Storm project player stood up for a Sharks side missing Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall in the halves, helping them to a 25-18 win in the top-of-the-table clash.
STAT THAT MATTERS: North Queensland lost their fifth game in a row with a 20-18 defeat to Gold Coast. The last time they lost five consecutive matches was in 2021 while on a 10-game losing streak.
CASUALTY WARD: Sea Eagles - Jason Saab (shoulder), Tom Trbojevic (hamstring); Panthers - Nathan Cleary (hamstring) Brad Schneider (knee); Broncos - Billy Walters (wrist); Tigers - Starford To'A (hamstring); Sharks - Nicho Hynes (calf); Warriors - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring), Bunty Afoa (shoulder), Shaun Johnson (shoulder); Titans - Harley Smith-Shields (pectoral), Kieran Foran (hamstring), AJ Brimson (groin), Phil Sami (hamstring).
JUDICIARY WATCH: Tigers - Isaiah Papali'i (tripping); Knights - Daniel Saifiti (dangerous contact);
UNDER PRESSURE: The Warriors. Last year's fairytale story of the NRL is now officially a horror show. Andrew Webster's men are stuck in 14th after a 38-18 hammering by the Sydney Roosters, with just three wins from their opening 10 games.
