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Posted: 2024-07-14 20:16:28

Cronulla was supposed to fall apart without Nicho Hynes just like Brisbane was supposed to eventually bounce back to form, but the script got thrown out in this weekend's NRL action.

Meanwhile, Manly debutant and future Rabbitoh Jamie Humphreys impressed as the Sea Eagles ran away with things against the Knights.

Here are the biggest talking points from every game of round 19.

1. Bromwich brothers join an exclusive list of rugby league greats

Jesse and Kenny Bromwich have been superstars in the NRL for well over a decade, filled with premierships and accolades.

Kenny Bromwich and Jesse Bromwich celebrate by each holding a trophy after New Zealand defeated Tonga

Now with 250 NRL matches each, New Zealand representatives Kenny and Jesse Bromwich can be considered among the greatest brother-duos to play rugby league.(Getty Images: Hannah Peters)

The pair played handy roles for the Dolphins on Thursday in the club's eight-point win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs. 

The victory capped off a milestone match for Kenny, who was playing his 250th in the NRL.

Kenny and Jesse are now just the fifth set of brothers to play 250 first grade matches, and they join a legendary company:

  • Steve and Chris Mortimer
  • Kevin and Steve Walters
  • Brett and Josh Morris
  • Anthony and Mark Minichiello

Together they have won premierships with the Melbourne Storm, represented New Zealand, and helped the Dolphins launch their existence in the NRL.

Their resumes make them one of the truly great brother pairings to play in the NRL, made all the more special by the fact they have been with each other every step of the way.

"It's been a great ride the whole time," Jesse said after Thursday's win.

"The thing that I am happiest about in my career was that we were able to do everything together.

"Our families are able to be together the whole time."

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett told media after the game that Jesse had hurt his back during the week, but refused to sit on the sidelines for his younger brother's milestone match.

ABC player of the year votes:

3. Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins)

2. Trai Fuller (Dolphins) 

1. Tevita Pangai Junior (Dolphins)

(Votes are compiled by the ABC Sport radio commentary team after each match)

2. Sharks spine stands tall without Nicho Hynes

Cronulla needed a great outing after losing five of their previous six games, and they got that with a 52-point belting of Wests Tigers.

A man celebrates with teammates during a rugby league match

Trindall was in brilliant form at halfback for Cronulla. (Getty Images: Brendon Thorne )

The Sharks were top of the NRL less than two months ago, but a lean patch relegated them to fourth.

The loss of star halfback Nicho Hynes made matters worse, as the struggling Sharks faced at least six weeks without the Dally M winner.

But when their club needed structure, the spine of the Sharks on Friday night provided that. 

Braydon Trindall and Daniel Atkinson worked well together in the halves, controlling the attack and providing a kicking game that kept Wests on the back foot.

Hooker Blayke Brailey gave his halves brilliant service from dummy-half while fullback Will Kennedy was often involved in attacking raids while maintaining composure at the back.

Cronulla has one of the league's most dominant forward packs and needs the spine to convert the good field position as tough matches approach.

ABC player of the year votes:

3. Braydon Trindall (Sharks)

2. Blayke Brailey (Sharks)

1. Daniel Atkinson (Sharks)

3. Jayden Campbell shines on his return

Jayden Campbell runs with the ball in his hands

Jayden Campbell bossed the Titans backline with three try assists.(AAP Image: Jason O'Brien)

Three wins in a row. A bevvy of returning stars. Things are certainly looking pretty good for the Gold Coast.

In his first game back since a fractured hand knocked him out of round 16's thrashing of the Warriors, Jayden Campbell starred.

He was four-from-four off the tee, had three try assists and four tackle breaks.

He also nailed Jake Tago with a tackle that jolted the ball free, leading to another Titans try.

The only thing that looked like it might stop him was an adverse reaction to some pickle juice after he suffered some cramp in the second half, that left him gagging before he kicked for goal — a kick he still converted, by the way.

The Titans also welcomed back AJ Brimson at fullback and, although he only played 53 minutes, he got through them.

And, with him leaving the field early, that gave the supporters a chance once again to enjoy the fast feet of Keano Kini, who played 28 minutes and still ran for 94 metres and broke two tackles.

ABC player of the year votes:

3. Jayden Campbell (Titans)

2. David Fifita (Titans)

1. Jojo Fifita (Titans)

4. Brisbane must overcome history to win the premiership

Last year's beaten grand finalists must achieve something never done in the NRL if they are to go one better in 2024.

A man slumps on the ground after losing a rugby league match

Brisbane's season has totally fallen apart after six straight losses. (Getty Images: Albert Perez )

The Broncos fell to their sixth-straight defeat on Saturday night, slipping away from the top eight.

No team has ever lost six matches on the bounce and then gone on to lift the trophy at the end of the season. 

Only twice has a team lost five consecutive matches and won the grand final: Brisbane in 2006 and Melbourne in 2012.

While injuries have affected the Broncos in 2024, their position on the ladder does not reflect the side they have on paper.

"The thing that annoys me is that I know we are a so much better team than what we are doing," coach Kevin Walters said on Saturday.

"I am just disappointed that is what we throw up and I am disappointed in myself as a coach that is what is being presented consistently. That is it, not good enough. That rests on me."

ABC player of the year votes:

3. Jack de Belin (Dragons)

2. Jacob Liddle (Dragons)

1. Kotoni Staggs (Broncos)

5. Can Humphreys be the answer for Souths?

Jamie Humphreys was impressive on debut for Manly in their big win over Newcastle with the 22-year-old scoring a try and kicking three goals in a tidy display at halfback. 

His path to first grade has been an interesting one — Humphreys was moved to dummy half in the pre-season before switching back to the halves in recent weeks as Manly's depth was tested due to injuries and Origin-enforced absences. 

A man runs the ball during a rugby league match

Humphreys looked right at home at halfback on debut for Manly. (Getty Images: Jason McCawley )

In all likelihood, Humphreys may only get one or two more matches in maroon and white but his fine showing would have been well received at South Sydney. 

Humphreys has signed with the Rabbitohs for next season and the club has been looking for a permanent answer at halfback ever since Adam Reynolds departed at the end of 2021. 

Lachlan Ilias will be recovering from an awful broken leg sustained earlier this year and with incoming English import Lewis Dodd struggling with St Helens, Humphreys could end up being an unlikely answer for Wayne Bennett in 2025. 

Humphreys's strong kicking game and sound decision-making stood out against Newcastle and both qualities could serve South Sydney well in the years to come. 

ABC player of the year votes:

3. Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles)

2. Lehi Hopoate (Sea Eagles)

1. Reuben Garrick (Sea Eagles)

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