PREMIER LEAGUE
The round kicked off with an absolute all Queensland thriller, with the Surfers Paradise Punks proving they've come of age with a thrilling 25-22 over 'big brother' club, Brisbane. The Bulls backline was outstanding throughout, but the Punks were tenacious in defence, and held on for a crucial win.
Brisbane: Matt Bowen, Michael Crocker, Shane Tronc, and Dallas Johnson. Hannay 3/4
Surfers Paradise: Rhys Wesser, Adam Perry, Shaun Timmins, and Paul Deacon. Deacon 4/4. Campbell 1 fg.
HT Score: Surfers Paradise 12-10
Penalties: Brisbane 7-5
Completion Rates: Brisbane 64% Surfers Paradise 58%
Possession: Surfers Paradise 51%
PoM Points: Leon Bott 3, Luke O'Donnell 2, and Adam Perry 1.

The miracle continues for the Hornsby Mavericks, who today accounted for winless Capetown 24-20 in an enthralling contest. In an absolute opposite of how things should be, the heavily favoured Ravens are still winless whilst Hornsby continue to soar near the top of the pack.
Capetown: Radike Samo and Danny Orr 2. Hewat 4/4
Hornsby: Joe Roff, Matthew Rieck, Shane Millard, and Justin Harrison. Roff 4/4
HT Score: Hornsby 24-6
Penalties: Capetown 9-3
Completion Rates: Capetown 71% Hornsby 59%
Possession: Capetown 51%
PoM Points: Justin Harrison 3, Vladimir Vlostov 2, and Brent Grose 1.

The Falcons have been grounded for the second week in a row, the reigning premiers handing Adelaide their first victory of the season in front of a dismayed Central Coast crowd. The Falcons were finally sunk in the later stages of the game, Daniel Carter's field goal making it a bridge to far and leaving it at 27-20.
Central Coast: Braith Anasta, Stuart Fielden, James Manson, and Adrian Morley. El Masri 2/5
Adelaide: Rupeni Caucau, Sam Norton-Knight, Michael Cassidy, and Ma'a Nonu 2. Carter 3/5. Carter 1 fg.
HT Score: Central Coast 14-10
Penalties: Central Coast 12-6
Completion Rates: Central Coast 62% Adelaide 49%
Possession: Central Coast 52%
PoM Points: Braith Anasta 3, Ma'a Nonu 2, and Wendell Sailor 1.

A four try spectacular from Ronan O'Gara has given the Central Phoenix first place in the Premier League after three rounds, the Brian Randell coached juggernaut getting home to a narrow 26-22 victory over the Wellington Cougars.
Central: Ronan O'Gara 4 and Ned Catic. Maquina 3/6
Wellington: Brent Webb 3. Orford 5/6
HT Score: Wellington 18-14
Penalties: Wellington 9-6
Completion Rates: Central 55% Wellington 61%
Possession: Wellington 52%
PoM Points: Ronan O'Gara 3, Clyde Rathbone 2, and Brent Webb 1.

Wagga's painful initiation into the Premier League continued today in their clash against Darwin, the Cyclones showing no sympathy for the Stallions and dishing out a 30-8 towelling to 2004/2005's Division Two champions.
Darwin: Scott Donald 3, Michael Monaghan, and Andre Bowen. Bowen 5/5
Wagga: Mirco Bergamasco. Magro 2/2
HT Score: Darwin 6-0
Penalties: Wagga 11-3
Completion Rates: Darwin 65% Wagga 66%
Possession: Darwin 51%
PoM Points: Scott Donald 3, Andre Bowen 2, and Michael Monaghan 1.

Trent Pariah is back on the Dally M list, the gifted young winger playing a starring role in Northern's impressive 24-20 victory over the giant killing Melbourne Executioners. Pariah was again a feature on the scorers list as well, landing twelve points for his side.
Melbourne: Darren Albert and Toori Tatu 2. Tatu 4/4
Northern: Trent Pariah, Michael DeVere, Jason Hooper, and Ben Creagh. Pariah 4/6
HT Score: Northern 18-8
Penalties: 6 all
Completion Rates: Melbourne 60% Northern 65%
Possession: Northern 51%
PoM Points: Trent Pariah 3, Mark O'Meley 2, and David Lyons 1.

Gold Coast's uninspiring start to the season continues today, the Crusade dropping a must win game against the in form Parramatta Vikings, 25-18. It was the first time in the Vikings' history that they beat the Crusade, the win coming on the back of a remarkable performance from Nathan Hindmarsh. For the Crusade, who have their first five games away, it's back to the drawing board as they attempt to salvage a respectable start to the season.
Parramatta: Wade McKinnon, Ryan Cross 2, and David Solomona. Fitzgibbon 4/5. Marsh 1 fg.
Gold Coast: Gordon D'Arcy, Danny Buderus, and Louis Anderson. Sinfield 3/5
HT Score: Parramatta 16-12
Penalties: Parramatta 9-5
Completion Rates: Parramatta 61% Gold Coast 59%
Possession: Parramatta 54%
PoM Points: Nathan Hindmarsh 3, Tommy O'Reilly 2, and Wade McKinnon 1.

Auckland, Capetown, and Wagga continue to prop up the Premier League table following today's 'battle of the losers' between Perth and Auckland, with the Taipans proving too good for the lacklustre Pirates - running out 18-8 winners at home.
Perth: Jonny Wilkinson, Tony Puletua, and Trent Waterhouse. Wilkinson 3/3
Auckland: Phil Bailey and David Peachy. Spencer 0/2
HT Score: Perth 12-4
Penalties: Perth 4-2
Completion Rates: Perth 70% Auckland 56%
Possession: Perth 54%
PoM Points: Trent Waterhouse 3, Tony Puletua 2, and Jonny Wilkinson 1.

Wollongong have proven too good for the Sydney Oilers today at WIN Stadium, the Destructors continuing to impress in the early stages of the season with a hard fought 19-14 victory over the Oilers. The game was capped memorably, veteran prop Robbie Kearns landing a field goal to seal it.
Wollongong: Danny McGuire, Robbie Kearns, and Stacey Jones. Hodgson 3/3. Kearns 1 fg.
Sydney: Jason Robinson 2. Tupanaga-anga 3/3
HT Score: Wollongong 18-12
Penalties: Sydney 11-4
Completion Rates: Wollongong 68% Sydney 72%
Possession: Sydney 53%
PoM Points: Junior Pelesasa 3, Oliver Magne 2, and Craig Wing 1.

Team W L D For Against +/- Points
1. Central 3 0 0 82 52 +30 6
2. Northern 3 0 0 68 38 +30 6
3. Hornsby 3 0 0 84 60 +24 6
4. Darwin 2 1 0 72 36 +36 4
5. Melbourne 2 1 0 58 38 +20 4
6. Wellington 2 1 0 80 66 +14 4
7. Parramatta 2 1 0 53 44 +7 4
8. Surfers Paradise 2 1 0 61 56 +5 4

9. Wollongong 2 1 0 59 62 -3 4
10. Gold Coast 1 2 0 74 71 +3 2
11. Sydney 1 2 0 62 65 -3 2
12. Adelaide 1 2 0 51 58 -7 2
13. Central Coast 1 2 0 48 61 -13 2
14. Brisbane 1 2 0 54 69 -15 2
15. Perth 1 2 0 58 76 -18 2
16. Capetown 0 3 0 42 68 -26 0
17. Wagga 0 3 0 52 88 -36 0
18. Auckland 0 3 0 26 76 -50 0

The rumours are true, after two losses to start our season we went to the only person we could. Thank you george Carmont for your rousing speech at half time!!!

I don't like this game anymore

man what are u going to feel like when you lose next week for the third time in a row

PFFT at 2 of my players being sinbinned in the first 20 minutes to give them a 24-0 lead. PFFT...BIG PFFT

Good to see Darwin where they belong. Almost.

Since when did Darwin get demoted??


Good effort from melbourne, one more try and we would have had em!!

DIVISION TWO
Premiership contenders North Queensland have staged a tremendous second half fightback in their clash against Campbelltown, not letting the 14-2 halftime score get them down as they surged home to a dominant 30-16 victory.
Campbelltown: Chris Hicks and Trent Barrett. Hicks 3/3
North Queensland: Todd Byrne, Claude Sirvent, Nick Youngquest, Steve Carew, and Holger Mannhardt. Kirchner 5/6
HT Score: Campbelltown 14-2
Penalties: North Queensland 6-5
Completion Rates: Campbelltown 58% North Queensland 57%
Possession: North Queensland 53%
PoM Points: Claude Sirvent 3, Todd Byrne 2, and David Frame 1.

Despite the return of rampaging winger Rico Gear the Lake Heights Lightning have fallen short of upsetting the Canberra Chargers in the nation's capital, the home side holding on for a 16-10 victory.
Canberra: Gareth Carvell, Paul Mellor, and Morton Weatherall. Constipolous 2/3
Lake Heights: Rico Gear 2. Kempton 1/2
HT Score: Canberra 6-0
Penalties: Lake Heights 6-2
Completion Rates: Canberra 54% Lake Heights 74%
Possession: Lake Heights 51%
PoM Points: Rico Gear 3, Sam Isemonger 2, and Sione Faumunia 1.

A 70th minute field goal from Lee Briers gave Port Macquarie fans plenty of reasons to hope, the Welsh halfback looking to disappoint his former club by piloting his side to its second consecutive win. But it wasn't to be, a 50/50 penalty minutes later giving Daniel Ferris a gift two points to see the Ferrets home to a 26-25 victory.
New England: Akido Li, Daniel Ferris, Brent Stone, and Tom Newberry. Ferris 5/5
Port Macquarie: Joel Reddy, Brad Drew, and Damien Fields 2. Fields 4/5. Briers 1 fg.
HT Score: Port Macquarie 16-12
Penalties: New England 3-2
Completion Rates: New England 64% Port Macquarie 62%
Possession: New England 50%
PoM Points: Akido Li 3, Daniel Ferris 2, and Damien Fields 1.

Liverpool have scored their first victory of the season, the Rockets able to upset a coachless Newcastle Fear outfit 18-12 to get their 2005 account started. The absence of long suffering coach Mark Fowler is worrying for the club, who this year have a side capable of finally earning promotion if guided properly.
Newcastle: John Andrews and Stuart Reardon. Harris 2/3
Liverpool: Gus McCrae and Grant Johnston 2. March 3/4
HT Score: Liverpool 4-2
Penalties: Liverpool 7-6
Completion Rates: Newcastle 73% Liverpool 74%
Possession: Newcastle 51%
PoM Points: Clinton Crockett 3, Paul March 2, and Grant Johnston 1.

Division Two's season of draws continued again this week, Christchurch held to a 16 all draw by the tenacious Redfern All Whites. Despite the presence of a world class halfback in Brett Kimmorley, the Avalanches were overcome by the enthusiasm of the All Whites.
Redfern: Elia Tuqiri and Andy Hendersen. May 1/1. Thumper-Knox 3/4
Christchurch: Luke Branighan and Soni Ardi. Rumble 4/5
HT Score: Redfern 8-6
Penalties: Redfern 10-8
Completion Rates: Redfern 64% Christchuch 73%
Possession: Redfern 51%
PoM Points: Andy Hendersen 3, Jamie Burrows 2, and Ruben Wiki 1.

Geelong are in dire straits following the side's third successive loss of the season, the Bengals made to look foolish as they were easily beaten by the South Queensland Underdogs, 24-10. With word that the Underdogs have called in Central Coast mentor to help with recruitment, it could be necessary for a name change for the club in the near future.
South Queensland: Barry Muir, Shannon O'Reilly, Bobby Young, and Barry Liverpool. Young 4/5
Geelong: Miguel Detreaux and Brian Urlacher. Hall 1/3
HT Score: South Queensland 10-4
Penalties: 5 all
Completion Rates: South Queensland 71% Geelong 50%
Possession: South Queensland 54%
PoM Points: Barry Liverpool 3, Bobby Young 2, and Lee Hookey 1.

Tamworth City have been edged out at the last second by the Eastwood Pumas in today's clash at Scully Park, the Titans unable to snatch a draw after Matthew Gidley's second try of the game. The conversion was a difficult one, Bates' first miss of the night allowing Eastwood to hold on for a thrilling 20-18 victory.
Tamworth City: Graeme Frame and Matthew Gidley 2. Bates 3/4
Eastwood: Christian Cullen, Mtombe Msabo, and David Hodgson. March 3/4
HT Score: 6 all
Penalties: Eastwood 8-5
Completion Rates: Tamworth City 63% Eastwood 47%
Possession: Eastwood 51%
PoM Points: Christian Cullen 3, David Hodgson 2, and Matthew Gidley 1.

Tasmania have scored a crucial victory in today's match against Carnarvon, the Devils ending the Cowboys' unbeaten run with a 22-14 victory in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
Tasmania: Matthew Burke, Varasiko Tokarei 2, and Jerrie Muller. Burke 3/4
Carnarvon: Cameron Shepard and Stephen O'Reilly. Luana 3/3
HT Score: Tasmania 16-6
Penalties: Carnarvon 4-2
Completion Rates: Tasmania 56% Carnarvon 67%
Possession: Tasmania 52%
PoM Points: Matthew Burke 3, Nick Fozzard 2, and Varasiko Tokarei 1.

In a clash between two winless sides, Bondi have scored their first victory as an ASRL club, the Battlers doing what they do best to come away with a 14-6 victory.
Waikato: Brock James. Humphrys 1/2
Bondi: Garth Woods, Matt Sing, and Juan Costilio. Costilio 1/3
HT Score: Bondi 4-0
Penalties: Waikato 7-3
Completion Rates: Waikato 79% Bondi 70%
Possession: Waikato 51%
PoM Points: Heath L'Estrange 3, Juan Costilio 2, and Ben Roarty 1.

Team W L D For Against +/- Points
1. Canberra 3 0 0 88 48 +40 6
2. New England 3 0 0 79 59 +30 6
3. South Queensland 2 0 1 73 50 +23 5
4. Tamworth City 2 1 0 76 26 +50 4
5. Carnarvon 2 1 0 66 28 +38 4
6. Tasmania 2 1 0 62 38 +28 4
7. Campbelltown 2 1 0 74 56 +18 4
8. North Queensland 2 1 0 68 50 +18 4

9. Christchurch 1 1 1 44 52 -8 3
10. Newcastle 1 2 0 46 48 -2 2
11. Lake Heights 0 1 2 46 52 -6 2
12. Port Macquarie 1 2 0 55 70 -15 2
13. Eastwood 1 2 0 56 75 -19 2
14. Liverpool 1 2 0 52 77 -25 2
15. Bondi 1 2 0 40 80 -40 2
16. Redfern 0 2 1 52 66 -14 1
17. Geelong 0 2 1 24 72 -48 1
18. Waikato 0 3 0 20 74 -54 0

PARIAH! That's 12 for the season so far. Oh my. I hope he leaves some for my other rookies. Who have none between them so far.

ah rico, so close!

4. Darwin
5. Melbourne

I wouldnt be bragging after an easy draw so far mate..

its going to be a loooong season!

looking forward to my first home game....long overdue :P

da punks cant be beat, yeeeah!

OH YEAH

C'mon the Underdogs!!!

3 Games - 5 Points bring it on!

Premier League Statistics

Top Pointscorer
1. Trent Pariah (Northern) - 67
2. Paul Deacon (Surfers Paradise) - 56
3. Andre Bowen (Darwin) - 52
4. Jonny Maquina (Central) - 48
5. Jonny Wilkinson (Perth) - 44
5. Craig Fitzgibbon (Perth) - 44
7. Scott Magro (Wagga) - 42
8. Josh Hannay (Brisbane) - 40
9. Kevin Sinfield (Gold Coast) - 36
10. Joe Roff (Hornsby) - 34

Top Try Scorer
1. Trent Pariah (Northern) - 6
1. Luke Rooney (Gold Coast) - 6
3. Vladimir Vlostov (Hornsby) - 5
3. Michael DeVere (Northern) - 5
3. Julian Santarakista (Gold Coast) - 5
3. Robert Salvatori (Central) - 5
7. Braith Anasta (Central Coast) - 4
7. Clinton Schifcofske (Central) - 4
7. Gordon D'Arcy (Gold Coast) - 4
7. Ronan O'Gara (Central) - 4
(Greg Inglis, Rhys Wesser, and Danny Orr also have four)

Dally M Leaderboard
1. Trent Pariah (Northern) - 9
2. Vladimir Vlostov (Hornsby) - 8
2. Tommy O'Reilly (Gold Coast) - 8
4. Clyde Rathbone (Wellington) - 7
4. Matt Orford (Wellington) - 7
4. Justin Harrison (Hornsby) - 7
7. Braith Anasta (Central Coast) - 6
8. Sebastian Mpofu (Wollongong) - 5
8. Andre Bowen (Darwin) - 5
10. Sebastian Azema (Wagga) - 4
(Fourteen others on four)

Division Two Statistics

Top Pointscorers
1. Eron Bates (Tamworth City) - 56
2. Damien Fields (Port Macquarie) - 54
3. Daniel Ferris (New England) - 48
3. Doug Rumble (Christchurch) - 48
5. Chris Hicks (Campbelltown) - 40
6. Paul March (Liverpool) - 38
6. Ben Kirchner (North Queensland) - 38
8. Matthew Burke (Tasmania) - 36
9. Graham Luana (Carnarvon) - 30
10. Luke Ricketson (Tamworth City) - 28
(Anthony Constipolous also on 28)

Top Tryscorers
1. Luke Ricketson (Tamworth City) - 7
2. Anthony Farrah (Tamworth City) - 6
2. Matthew Gidley (Tamworth City) - 6
4. Christian Cullen (Eastwood) - 5
5. Matthew Burke (Tasmania) - 4
5. Rico Gear (Lake Heights) - 4
5. Damien Fields (Port Macquarie) - 4
5. Soni Ardi (Christchurch) - 4
10. Chris Hicks (Campbelltown) - 3
(Nine more players on three)

Dally M Leaderboard
1. Christian Cullen (Eastwood) - 11
2. Matthew Burke (Tasmania) - 6
2. Anthony Farrah (Tamworth City) - 6
2. Eron Bates (Tamworth City) - 6
2. Thomas Kempton (Lake Heights) - 6
2. Caleb Ralph (Canberra) - 6
7. Luke Ricketson (Tamworth City) - 5
7. Barry Liverpool (South Queensland) - 5
7. Daniel Ferris (New England) - 5
7. Paul March (Liverpool) - 5
(Chris Hicks also on five)

Just on your div2 stats. The kicker Young for the Sth Qld Underdogs has 32 points from 1 try and 14/16 Goals. Should be on 32 points!

I've updated my records (he'd actually kicked 15 from 17). This will be reflected in next week's updates.

just being nit picky - but we haven't lost three in a row - we drew our opening game against Lake Heights :P