Monday 11 September 2017 17:20, UK
Jenna Brooks has the latest from the NRL as finals footy gets underway and it's not without controversy. Plus Cameron Smith reaches a milestone.
Finals - Week One
Reigning champions Cronulla are out of the finals race after they lost to North Queensland by one-point in extra-time in a dramatic elimination final.
The Sharks were hoping to become the first NRL team in more than two decades to win back-to-back titles.
A Jason Taumalolo try and an extra-time Michael Morgan field goal completed the win and set up a sudden-death semi-final with Parramatta on Saturday.
The Eels pushed minor premiers Melbourne all the way in Saturday's 18-16 defeat. The win earns the Storm a week off and a place in the Preliminary Finals.
The Roosters also move to within a win of the grand final, after after they held off Brisbane 24-22.
It was a thrilling final 11 minutes, that saw the lead change twice, but it was the Sydney-based side who secured the win.
The Broncos play Penrith after the Panthers eliminated Manly with a 22-10 win on Saturday.
Finals Aftermath
Cronulla and Manly, the two teams to drop out of the finals race, have been vocal about match officials.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan hit out at the on-field officials over a number of decisive calls in Sunday's extra-time loss to the Cowboys.
Meanwhile, Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett was left seething after several Bunker decisions went against his team during their 22-10 defeat to Penrith.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg responded to the criticism and has confirmed both clubs will receive breach notices this week.
"We've just had one of the most exciting rounds of finals footy I think of all time," Greenberg said. "We're very fortunate to have a sporting contest as even as this.
"And yet, in a fantastic round of finals, it's been marred by the response of some of the losing teams. Unfortunately we've developed a culture in our game of blaming match officials for a loss.
"It sets a terrible example for fans and a terrible example to grassroots and it's got to stop. It's time for the game to grow up."
A Record-Breaking Day
On Saturday Cameron Smith played in his 356th game, which is more than any other player in the history of the NRL.
The Melbourne captain broke Darren Lockyer's record of 355 in Melbourne's two-point win over Parramatta in their Qualifying Final.
"It's been quite surreal. It's really hard to comprehend breaking the games record of what was it, 9,000 people that have played the game since 1908? I might just have a little think about that when I get home," Smith said.
Craig Bellamy, who has coached Smith for all but two of his 356 games so far, called it a remarkable achievement, and believes his captain can make it to 400.
"For him to do what he's done …. And we're extremely proud here at Melbourne that he's done it here. It's not the number one game here but what he's done for our club has been quite remarkable."
Smith, who is favourite to take out the Dally M award this year, is contracted to Melbourne for the 2018 season.
Maguire Return?
With the news on Sunday that Tony Smith and Warrington have parted company, the rumours linking Michael Maguire to the Wolves are gaining momentum.
Warrington are now firm favourites to sign the former Wigan head coach, and Peter Sterling told Triple M he expects Maguire to head to back the UK.
"I was told three weeks ago Michael Maguire was going to Warrington," Sterlo said.
The premiership-winning coach has also been linked with the vacant position at the Gold Coast Titans, but they will have a fight on their hands, as Warrington's Chief Executive Karl Fitzpatrick is on his way to Australia, hoping to find the club's new coach.
Watch this space.
