NRL season 2013: Round 2 review

Parramatta Eels v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium
Moved to the Olympic Stadium from Parramatta Stadium in anticipation of a large crowd, this rivalry match was bizarre to say the least. A game of two completely different halves of footy, it had seven tries in the first 40 minutes accompanied by a total of 26 errors. While the first half of the game was an entertaining battle of wits, the second half deteriorated into a dropathon mixed with some great defensive moments. In the end, the high-flying Eels were brought back to Earth after their massive first round win.
Bulldogs 20 Eels 16

St George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos at WIN Stadium
I'll get it off my chest early - this game was painful to sit through. It had its moments, including a rare feat that saw both team's opening try scorers being prop forwards. But watching the Dragons lethargic attack is about as fun and enjoyable as swimming in a pool filled with razorblades. Despite crossing the line several times, they couldn't land any more points after Michael Weyman's converted try in the 30th minute. The Broncos performance was made even better considering they finished the game short on personnel.
Broncos 22 Dragons 6

New Zealand Warriors v Sydney Roosters at Eden Park
Sonny Bill Mania continued this week as he played his first game in New Zealand since returning. The move to Eden Park came about to accomodate what was expected to be thousands of fans, but also set the Roosters up for a slice of strange but true history. The Roosters were never headed in this game, getting out to 16-0 lead in the 46th minute before the Warriors showed signs of a comeback. They came within two points, but the sound of the fulltime siren saw the Roosters do the Wallabies haven't done for 25 years - win at Eden Park.
Roosters 16 Warriors 14

North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm at 1300SMILES Stadium
Firstly - that stadium name is rubbish. Call it Townsville Stadium or something - anything but that.
Now that's out of the system, a match some people think could be a grand final preview. That is exactly how it started, as they traded an early try. Even after Melbourne held a 16-6 lead at the 50 minute mark, the Cowboys fought and could've come back to win. But the class of Craig Bellamy's troops peaked above everything North Queensland could throw at them and ran out convincing winners.
Storm 32 Cowboys 10

Gold Coast Titans v Canberra Raiders at Skilled Park
It was probably the worst week in recent Raiders history.
After standing Blake Ferguson and local junior Josh Dugan down for disciplinary reasons, Canberra made a trip to the Sunshine State on a quest to restore some of their fans' faith - and to save face. What happened was the complete opposite, as the home side ran over the top of a Raiders team that probably should've just stayed in the nation's capital.
Titans 36 Raiders 0

Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers at Campbelltown Stadium
When the Panthers scored a converted try in the fifth minute of this clash, Tigers fans would've been forgiven for turning off. After their last start thrashing, the floodgates may well have opened up completely. But thoe select few that turned away wouldn't have forgiven themselves, as the team's attack clicked on the field. A two-try haul to Aaron Woods continued the try-scoring feats of front-rowers as the Tigers got up for their first win.
Tigers 28 Panthers 18

Manly Sea Eagles v Newcastle Knights at Brookvale Oval
If any team showed the biggest gap between their best and their worst you could argue it was the Knights. Coming into the game off a big win over the Tigers, Newcastle were brought crashing back to Earth at the hands of Manly. Injuries didn't help the Knights' cause, but there is no doubting how good Manly were on the night. Jorge Taufua scored three tries in the rout that left Newcastle scoreless.
Manly 32 Knights 0

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Cronulla Sharks at ANZ Stadium
A bizarre glitch in the draw is the only explanation behind Souths having an 11-day turnaround between their first two matches. It didn't look to have any effect in the opening stages of the game, as they picked up where they left off against the Roosters. Two converted tries in the first 15 minutes suggested it could get ugly, but the Sharks wrested control of the game through solid defence and inspired attack. Cronulla would score two converted tries of their own, but a penalty for holding down would prove to be the differencas South Sydney marched on.
Rabbitohs 14 Sharks 12