Talking points

Five things we learnt from yesterday's game

Glenn Jackson So, where do you start? Well, if you're Parramatta, you clearly don't.

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League

Razor-sharp Barba cuts up Tigers as Dogs make it six straight wins

Glenn Jackson HE has been a try-saver this season and has scored some miraculous ones into the bargain. But Bulldogs fullback Ben Barba proved he could be a provider as well last night.

Broken arm could spell end of Tuqiri's playing career

Glenn Jackson THE playing future of Wests Tigers winger Lote Tuqiri is in doubt after the dual international suffered a broken arm against the Bulldogs last night, ending his season.

Once bitten, twice shy: Moltzen staying for three more years

Glenn Jackson Tim Moltzen's decision to stay with Wests Tigers last summer after agreeing to join the Dragons remains one of the most controversial about faces in recent history.

Gallen happy for Blues to share Stuart with a club

Glenn Jackson BLUES captain Paul Gallen has joined the growing list of powerful voices within rugby league in NSW calling for coach Ricky Stuart to continue in his state role next year even if he is hired by an...

Stuart finds it hard to split twins for praise

Glenn Jackson Amid all the devastation, NSW coach Ricky Stuart wandered up to Brett Morris last night, and congratulated him on the try which almost turned the match in the Blues' favour.

Big games bring out the beast, and at just the right time

Glenn Jackson THE sleeping giant was awoken. And there is no more a giant of a team than this Queensland one, waking this morning having extended their period of dominance to seven years.

League

Blues class of 2005 see the chance for history to repeat

Glenn Jackson It wasn't so long ago, was it?

Sharks may attack errant charges

Glenn Jackson CRONULLA officials are considering contesting charges laid against forwards Jeremy Smith and Wade Graham on the grounds of principle.

Train in vain: Taylor sends a message to Mal and Maroons

Glenn Jackson IN HIS regular conversations with Dave Taylor over the past few days, since he was cut by Queensland, South Sydney coach Michael Maguire knew his star player understood how best to respond.

Focused Farah won't let off-field adversity affect on-field display

Glenn Jackson BLUES hooker Robbie Farah has emerged from the toughest period in his life to declare a determination to ensure his mother's death almost a fortnight ago does not affect him in the State of Origin...

Doctor's keyhole to success has Fifita ready to go

Glenn Jackson DOWN on the sidelines during State of Origin II, NSW doctor Dave Givney was torn between two masters.

WA bid puts the argh in NRL

Glenn Jackson THEY are still a mere twinkle in the eye of the ARL Commission, yet the Western Australian Rugby League still generated some interest yesterday when it launched its logo and revealed a brand new...

Stuart scratches seven-year itch

Glenn Jackson NSW coaches and officials have spoken about a ''pick and stick'' mentality annually during Queensland's era of dominance. Finally, that advice has been heeded.

Stewart desperate to demonstrate fitness for Origin decider

Glenn Jackson INJURED back-rower Glenn Stewart is set to run with the NSW squad for the first time tomorrow but will be given his most important fitness test on Sunday.

We want it more than them - Bird

Brad Walter and Glenn Jackson SENIOR NSW players have declared the Blues are finally ready to end Queensland's six years of State of Origin domination in next week's series decider, with back-rower Greg Bird saying: ''We want it...

Hayne happy on right or left - as long as Inglis is in centre

Glenn Jackson and Michael Chammas The NSW camp sounded as much like a political debate yesterday as it did a lesson in rugby league, surely for the first time. Tell us, Jarryd Hayne, are you left wing or right wing?

ARL commissioned for AFL stoush

Glenn Jackson THE ARL Commission has been drafted into the battle for Birchgrove Oval by a Leichhardt councillor opposed to Australian football being played on the ground.

Titans pay penalty as Dragons ease pressure … for now

Glenn Jackson THIS was certainly not the St George Illawarra of old. But they scratched and fought and, ultimately, won. The pressure will be eased on the team, and their coach, Steve Price.