WHAT about some of the results over the last four days?

The 2018 competition is alive and kicking, albeit with some teams in need of improvement.

Here’s my verdict on round 10.

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Round 20

Tigers v Cowboys

Well done to the Tigers at bouncing back from three consecutive defeats, but the story remains the misfiring Cowboys.

At 12-all early in the second half a North Queensland side in any sort of form goes on and wins the match. Their last 25 minutes was just sloppy.

The corner they are attempting to turn is getting longer.

Knights v Panthers

Missed opportunity for the Knights in the first half where coach Nathan Brown’s assessment was spot on.

They probably should have been leading by 12 points but instead were down by 12.

Another valuable two points for the Panthers in a competition where plenty of would be contenders are faltering.

Bulldogs v Eels

The battle of 15th and 16th and at times that was reflected in the contest.

The Bulldogs deserved their win but did so with a little bit of luck. Parramatta will still be cursing the second half missed try for Michael Jennings, followed later by Clint Gutherson’s in goal blunder. It’s a long way back for both clubs

Warriors v Roosters

I bet Stephen Kearney didn’t see this coming, however I am not sure Trent Robinson saw such a comprehensive win for his team coming in Auckland either.

Admittedly there were injury problems both before and during the game for the Warriors, but a 32-nil loss at home is a belting with problems that need to be addressed quickly.

Storm v Titans

I can’t imagine Craig Bellamy slept too well on Saturday night after an inconsistent performance from his team, but it’s a win.

Good to see the Titans show some fight and possibly could have come close to victory.

Sea Eagles v Broncos

Welcome back Manly. Plenty to like about a winning effort that included scoring six tries.

I can’t think of too many areas, if any, where the Broncos had the better of their opponents. But for a piece of Anthony Milford brilliance in the second half, the Broncos were lethargic in the second half.

Rabbitohs v Dragons

Bravo South Sydney. Bravo.

This was a big game and they rose to the occasion. They look every bit a top four side in this competition.

The Dragons are still entitled to their position at the top of the table.

Their only losses have been against teams who have produced their best wins of the season.

Raiders v Sharks

Make it four straight wins to Cronulla and all achieved while not at full strength.

Great to see Valentine Holmes shine in this one.

The loss was a setback in the season recovery of the Raiders, but Ricky Stuart would have to concede his side was outplayed in the second half of this one.

LIKES

The Sea Eagles: At last they make their way back to the Like column. It wasn’t just a win at Suncorp on Saturday night. It was a dominant six try performance from Trent Barrett’s team.

The Morris brothers: They might not be quite the players they were, but I don’t think the Bulldogs would have won on Friday night without them. There were a host of big plays from both Brett and Josh.

Leichhardt Oval: My favourite ground in the rugby league world and another good night was had by all (except Cowboys fans) on Thursday night. Looked great on the Fox League coverage. You’d be mad not to think the home support didn’t help the Tigers.

The Rabbitohs attack: When they click, and it is happening more often, they are great to watch. I have written this year already that I believe the Rabbitohs are a more dangerous side than their premiership winning team of 2014. They just need to believe it and find consistency.

Ben Barba: And so the Ben Barba show continues in the UK. Another week, another slashing hatrick for St Helens in their Challenge Cup game against Castleford.

DISLIKES

There is just one this week

Is the Head Injury Assessment rule being exploited?

I make no apology for raising this issue and if it upsets a few people, well so be it. I watch this sport for a living and am paid to call what I see.

I am seeking an explanation from Parramatta on the issue of backrower Tepai Moeroa being replaced in the 33rd minute of Friday night’s game against Canterbury, with the Eels taking him off the field for a HIA.

I first want Moeroa’s welfare addressed. The young forward has now played eight games this year and been left the field for a HIA on five occasions.

On the face of it, that can’t be good.

But I would hate to think that his concussion history is now an opening for any possible abuse of interchange rules from a club that like it or not, has come in for scrutiny by the NRL previously.

Back in 2016 it was noted that 46 players from the Eels had undergone HIAs during the season, more than any other club; 45 of those were forwards.

At Friday night’s game, we were informed on Fox League that Moeroa passed his test during the halftime break, but when we enquired what specific incident had led to there being concern he was suffering another possible concussion, the response was, “no idea”.

If I’ve missed something, I will welcome Parramatta’s response this week and we will gladly show the video evidence on this web page.

Bevan French, Tepai Moeroa and Clint Gutherson of the Eels. Source: AAP

However, for the record here’s the preceding plays involving Moeroa that led to him being sent off for a HIA. At no stage did a trainer attend to him until the 33rd minute.

26th min: Short hit up. Gets straight to his feet.

27th min: Poor miss in defence near halfway beaten by stepping of Matt Frawley.

28th min: Makes tackle and sprint backs to line.

30th min: Makes consecutive tackles. On both occasions, gets back to feet and rushes back into line.

31st min: Another tackle. Straight back to feet.

31st min: Short dummy half run from own goaline. Gets straight to his feet to play the ball.

32nd min: Charges down a Morris kick. I admit in commentary I thought it might have struck him in the head so quickly did play unfold. Having reviewed countless replays, Moeroa blocks kick with his arms, without flinching, and continues in play. Ball goes nowhere hear contacting his head.

33rd min: Trainer comes onto field providing drink bottle to Moeroa and within seconds turns to bench and taps his head signalling player must come off for a HIA. Free interchange.

Moeroa returns at halftime break to play entire second half and 73 minutes for game.

I think both media and fans are within their right to ask a question of the Eels over this incident in the context of reviewing the match.

As reporters we are not doing our job if we don’t cover injuries sustained by players. And we shouldn’t be hesitant in doing so in ‘fear’ of questioning medical integrity.

I don’t doubt individuals in that regard but this is rugby league, where it’s all about winning and losing.

Everything that happens in the 80 minutes is open for discussion. And because of this, the integrity of the sport should be all of our priority.

What is wrong with just a little transparency on this very important issue? Explain where the head knock occurred and the process that followed and we’ll all move on.

However the fact is there will be some fans reading this who already have the perception that all clubs exploit the rule from time to time.

It has been introduced to our sport in the best interests of the welfare of the players. But its existence is also important to the integrity of the game.

Over to you Eels.

We have another big episode of THE FAN coming up at 7.30pm on Tuesday night on Fox League.

Among my guests will be Storm captain Cameron Smith in the mad minute, Kevvie Walters answers your questions in Q and A, and we track down a guest who was once rugby league’s ‘most wanted man’, The Phantom Siren!

Twitter: @AndrewVossy