The return of Michael Jennings helped the Sydney Roosters steady their premiership defence, with the NSW centre scoring two tries in their 30-22 defeat of St George Illawarra.



Jennings scored a double as the Roosters moved into the top four with their five-tries-to-four win at Allianz Stadium in front of 13,083 fans.

After four games out that included losses against Cronulla and Newcastle, Jennings’ input was vital in his first outing for the tricolours since suffering a back injury in State of Origin II.

Jennings scored the opening try in the 10th minute when Josh Dugan fumbled a James Maloney kick. He brought up his double in the 61st minute when he swooped on a Maloney grubber in an effort reminiscent of his epic touchdown that sealed last year’s grand final win over Manly.

Jake Friend, who scored the match-sealing try in the 73rd minute, was also among the Roosters’ best alongside Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Aidan Guerra, whose 46th-minute try swung momentum strongly the home side’s way after they led 12-10 at the break.

Brett Morris scored a 14th-minute try, then Joel Thompson put the visitors ahead in the 24th minute before Nene Macdonald touched down out wide in the 34th minute to put them in the lead.

Benji Marshall turned back the clock with a fantastic individual stepping effort in the 70th minute and threw a great pass for a try in the dying minutes to Josh Dugan, who was the Dragons’ best.

The Roosters achieved the win with just 42 per cent of the ball. The defeat leaves the Dragons losing touch with the top eight with five rounds to play. Waerea-Hargreaves was put on report for a high shot on Mike Cooper in the 69th minute.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Johnathan Thurston is hugged by Kane Linnett after scoring against the Titans in Townsville. Photograph: Colin Whelan/AAP Image

The top four is within reach for North Queensland after a commanding 28-8 win over Gold Coast in Townsville. And it was appropriate the Cowboys donned Thor-inspired jerseys for Saturday’s clash as part of the Marvel Super Hero round, as the win delivered a hammer blow to the Titans’ own finals aspirations.

Test prop James Tamou failed to recover from a neck injury sustained against Canterbury last week. But his absence was tempered by the return from long-term injury of Matt Scott (fractured cheekbone) and Gavin Cooper (dislocated hip). And it was like they had never been out of the Cowboys’ team.

Cooper stormed 45m upfield in the 35th minute, reviving his freakish combination with Johnathan Thurston to score untouched under the sticks. He went on to rattle upfield for 145 metres for the match. That try was the turning point, with the Cowboys taking the lead for the first time after the Titans had run out to an unlikely 8-0 advantage.

But the biggest praise was reserved for Scott, who was the best forward on the field in his first appearance since being cut down in State of Origin II, with 176 metres, 24 tackles and four tackle breaks. Michael Morgan, Tautau Moga, Kane Linnett and Thurston all crossed in the rout.

Thurston’s try was scored in bizarre circumstances with the Test five-eighth plucking the ball from between the legs of David Mead after the Titan had coughed it up while being driven towards his own touchline.

It was an ugly match at times, with the injury-ravaged Titans opting for the physical approach, which threatened to boil over in the second half when a melee erupted from the running battle between Ashton Sims and Paul Carter.

The Titans received a boost with evergreen prop Luke Bailey returning from a hamstring strain, but first-choice halves Albert Kelly (leg) and Aidan Sezer (pectoral) headline a long list of players still out injured. It could get worse for Gold Coast with makeshift five-eighth Brad Takairangi taken from the field with suspected concussion while mid-season buy Daniel Mortimer lashed out at Antonio Winterstein and it might be reviewed.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jarryd Hayne was a star performer for the Eels at Remondis Stadium. Photograph: Renee McKay/Getty Images

Full-back Jarryd Hayne inspired Parramatta to an 32-12 win over Cronulla at Remondis Stadium to keep their top eight hopes alive. Hayne scored two tries, had a hand in two others, ran for 300-plus metres, made two line breaks and six tackle breaks in a standout effort.

The Eels controlled most of the match and, just as the Sharks reduced the deficit to eight points late in the second half, Hayne went the length of the field to score and seal the result.

In front of 12,798 fans, Sharks prop Andrew Fifita continued his push for an Australian recall, topping the tackle count (38) and hit-ups (21).

The Eels went into round 21 sitting 12th and temporarily jumped into the eight with the victory. They almost scored off the kick-off but were denied by the video referee, however they were able to get on the board only two minutes later when Hayne sliced through and did it all himself.

Hayne was again in the action six minutes later when the NSW No.1 drew his outside man and put Ryan Morgan through a hole to set up Semi Radradra. Rookie Sharks winger Valentine Holmes scythed through the line to put the Eels on the back foot and, the next play, Fa’amanu Brown crossed to reduce Parramatta’s lead to 10-6 at the break.

When Eels back-rower Peni Terepo went over for his first try of the year, he pushed the buffer out to 10. Hayne was again the orchestrator, combining with Corey Norman, to put debutant winger Bureta Faraimo over in the corner to make it 20-6 with 22 minutes to play.

The Sharks began to surge and Holmes, who was outstanding in his debut, made a break down the left edge to put Jeff Robson over to get the home side within striking distance. But just when the Sharks were creeping back into the contest, Hayne put the game to bed when he picked up a lose ball and ran 90 metres.

Faraimo scored his double in the 75th minute to ensure a memorable debut and put the cherry on the cake. Chris Sandow and Junior Paulo were placed on report for separate tackles on Cronulla full-back Michael Gordon.