The Mole: Benji Marshall’s Crucial Role in Preventing Tigers’ Collapse Amid Lachlan Galvin Controversy

The rookie who managed to ignite the Panthers’ engine against the Broncos on Sunday could easily have ended up in rugby union.

Luron Patea, whose try reignited the Panthers’ spirit at Suncorp, played both league and union during his formative years.

Winning selection for the Australian Schoolboys in union three years ago appeared to set him on a particular path.

His father, Ronnie, a prominent union coach in the Penrith region, was eager for his son to establish himself in the 15-a-side code.

However, Patea’s heart leaned towards league, and the Panthers are thrilled he chose this path after the 20-year-old made his mark just before half-time.

With the Panthers struggling and down 8-6, the powerful prop entered the field and bulldozed through the Broncos’ defence, unsettling the Brisbane forwards.

Just two minutes later, sensing their vulnerability, Nathan Cleary sliced through the defensive line, putting the Panthers ahead 20-8, setting them on the way to a significant victory that will bolster their confidence for the challenges ahead.

CAN BULLDOGS WINGER MAKE HIS ORIGIN DEBUT?

Could Stephen Crichton be paving the way for Bulldogs teammate Jacob Kiraz to don a Blues Origin jersey?

The duo showcased their chemistry against the Titans on the right flank of the Canterbury attack yesterday, linking up for two tries while Kiraz notched a stunning hat-trick.

All season long, Kiraz has been in the mix for selection, and his impressive showing during Magic Round may very well put him in the ‘must-pick’ category for coach Laurie Daley.

With few wingers in better form, Kiraz possesses the size, physicality, and resilience to make the leap to the next level.

HASLER’S POSITION IN DANGER DUE TO WINGER’S WEAKNESS

Alofiana Khan-Pereira embodies the Titans’ overall performance. The flashy winger can score spectacular long-range tries, as demonstrated by his 90-metre effort against the Bulldogs yesterday.

Yet, the speedster remains a liability in defence, often serving as a target for opposing teams eager to exploit his flank.

In the match against the Dogs, Khan-Pereira faltered, missing EIGHT tackles and making only three successful attempts as his team endured yet another heavy defeat.

Unless the Titans can address their defensive frailties, Des Hasler’s future remains precarious.

KUDOS FOR BENJI

Benji Marshall’s abilities in man-management are just as commendable as his coaching skills, as evidenced by the Tigers winning both matches since Lachlan Galvin’s return to the squad.

When Galvin was benched following a dispute with the club, the Tigers’ season seemed to be spiralling out of control, culminating in a loss to bottom-placed Parramatta.

An unyielding Marshall took the bold step of reinstating Galvin despite evident tensions within the team, and the Tigers have since secured impressive victories against the Sharks and Dragons.

Galvin and Jarome Luai, the player who previously clashed with him on social media, have begun to click on the field, easing previous tensions.

SJ’S VACANT BOOTS FILLED

Is Luke Metcalf the standout improvement of 2025?

The 26-year-old only made seven appearances for the Warriors in 2024, leaving little impression.

This season, however, he has truly claimed the No. 7 jersey, already doubling his try tally from last season’s three to six, while also enhancing every other aspect of his performance.

Metcalf is stepping up admirably to fill Shaun Johnson’s sizeable shoes and is guiding the Warriors towards a finals berth.

In a thrilling encounter against the Cowboys in Brisbane, he shone with two tries and numerous line breaks, proving to be the difference in what was otherwise a tight contest.

KNIGHTS COACH TAKES A GAMBLE WITH PAYOFF

Under pressure at the Knights, Adam O’Brien has pulled off one of the season’s most successful gambles so far.

Recognising that he has an abundance of playmakers, O’Brien opted to shift winger Fletcher Sharpe to five-eighth in a surprising move over the off-season.

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

In what’s been a season with few highlights, Sharpe has emerged as a revelation. His hat-trick against a depleted Souths team on Saturday was a display of agility and speed, which has temporarily eased some of the pressure on O’Brien.

ROOSTERS’ ENFORCER STEPS UP

The Roosters boast numerous superstars, yet Victor Radley has solidified his status as the heart and soul of the team’s unexpected finals charge.

After losing a wealth of experience over summer and making no major signings, 2025 appeared to be a year of transition for Bondi.

Despite significant losses during the summer and no marquee signings, the Roosters are making a play for finals with a commendable 4-5 record after nine games, bolstered by a challenging schedule early on. Radley has been at the forefront of this resurgence.

While stars like James Tedesco and Mark Nawaqanitawase attract the headlines on the flanks, Victor the Inflictor is doing the necessary hard work through the middle. In the closely contested 36-26 victory over the unpredictable Dolphins, he charged through for a try in each half, showcasing his grit and determination. As long as he maintains this level of performance, the Roosters have a genuine chance of dominating any pack in the league.

HYNES MEETS SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGE

The face-off with Mitchell Moses in an attacking showdown allowed Nicho Hynes to rediscover his best form of the season during the Magic Round opener.

Moses was exceptional for a valiant Eels side, but Hynes outshone him, assisting three tries in his team’s 28-18 victory.

Teaming up with Brayden Trindall, who has been alternating in the lead playmaker role, Hynes took the reins against the Eels at Suncorp, allowing his outside players space and opportunity to shine.

While Hynes has had a few inconsistent outings this season, his standout performance on the grand Magic stage is sure to boost his confidence as the campaign progresses.