NRL round up

BY ALF WILSON

TORRES Strait

Islander players performed strongly for various teams in round seven of the NRL last weekend.

Kris Crisp In Raiders Win

A best on the ground performance from Sebastian Kris of Mabuiag descent helped the Canberra Raiders to a 20-14 win over St George Dragons on Sunday.

Lining up at fullback, Sebastian made many powerful runs and was also solid in defence.

Seb, as he is known by teammates, scored the Raiders first try at the 45th minute and ran more than 170 metres.

It was the Raiders third win of the season, and they have a bye next weekend in round eight.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart faces a tough decision the following week in round nine after Sebastian’s strong recent performances.

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Xavier Savage’s will be available for selection in round nine after returning from injury via the NSW Cup on Sunday.

Mam Try In Broncos Blitz

learning a lot from Adam Reynolds.

Cotter Stars For Cowboys

Rampaging forward Reuben Cotter was one of the best on the ground in the North Queensland Cowboys 22-14 loss to the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium in New Zealand on Saturday.

Reuben came off the Cowboys interchange bench in the 25th minute and finished the game with a wonderful 148 run metres.

Just before halftime Reuben busted the Warriors defence to score his third ever NRL try.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten will focus on defence before Saturday’s match in Townsville against the Newcastle Knights.

The Cowboys have now won just two matches from the first seven rounds.

GAGAI’S HEARTBREAK

It was heartbreak for the Newcastle Knights players, including star back Dane Gagai, when they lost 16-15 to premiers Penrith Panthers in an extra-time golden point thriller on Saturday night.

Dane set up a Knights try by firing out a precision pass to Tyson Frizell.

A crowd of 26,084 watched the game at the home ground in Newcastle and it took a field goal by Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary to seal the win.