Latrell Makes Origin Statement, Dearden Puts Pressure on DCE – Round 10 Wrap

Round 10 served up one of the most exciting weekends of footy we’ve seen all season, with comebacks, controversy, and plenty of Origin implications ahead of team selections.

Latrell’s Origin Audition Turns Into a Headline Act

If Laurie Daley wanted players in form for his NSW Blues squad, Latrell Mitchell couldn’t have picked a better time to deliver. With the spotlight firmly on him, Mitchell put on a masterclass to help the Rabbitohs upset the Broncos — capping it off with a 50-metre field goal that sent the crowd wild. It was a timely reminder that when the stage is big, so is Latrell.

Daley has spoken about picking players who are ready now, and Latrell’s performance was impossible to ignore. Centre spot locked?

Warriors on the Rise, Metcalf Steps Up

The Warriors continue to fly under the radar — now sitting second on the ladder — and much of that is thanks to Luke Metcalf. With Shaun Johnson retired and big names like Fisher-Harris and RTS still out, Metcalf has quietly become one of the most improved halves in the competition. He was instrumental again in the win over the Dragons, controlling the tempo and keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

Canberra’s Collapse, Bulldogs Bite Back

The Raiders looked set for a statement win after a dominant first half against the Bulldogs, but the second half told a very different story. Stephen Crichton and Viliame Kikau tore through the Canberra edge defence, piling on 32 unanswered points in a brutal comeback.

Jaemon Salmon added fuel to the rivalry with a pointed try celebration aimed at Ricky Stuart, before suffering an ankle injury that now sidelines him for up to 10 weeks.

Titans Fight Back, But Is It Enough for Des?

With Des Hasler’s coaching future under the microscope, the Titans responded with a gritty comeback to snap a five-game losing streak against the Knights. Ownership was spotted watching from the sidelines, adding weight to the moment. It may buy Des time — but is it enough to secure his spot long term?

Cowboys and Panthers in Thriller, Dearden Applies Pressure

North Queensland’s clash with Penrith was pure entertainment, ending in a 30-all draw after golden point couldn’t separate them. Scott Drinkwater, Jaxon Purdue, and Tommy Dearden all impressed, but it was Dearden who stood tallest.

With Origin around the corner, his form raises genuine questions for Queensland. Is Billy Slater tempted to pick Dearden over the veteran Daly Cherry-Evans? While DCE is expected to retain the jersey, Dearden’s case is becoming harder to ignore.

Manly’s Slide Continues

The Sea Eagles slumped to a third straight defeat at home, and there’s no denying something’s off. Their cohesion is lacking, and the cracks are starting to show — not ideal timing with key players needing to perform heading into rep season.

Storm Blow Tigers Off the Park

Melbourne flexed their muscles in a 64-0 demolition of the Wests Tigers, and it wasn’t pretty. Ryan Papenhuyzen crossed for four tries, and by halftime it was clear the Tigers were out of answers.

To make matters worse, Jarome Luai’s father stirred up drama online with a cryptic post referencing a “get-out clause” — likely tongue-in-cheek, but hardly the noise the club needs after such a heavy defeat.

With State of Origin squads to be announced next week, Round 10 couldn’t have come at a better time for players looking to make a late push. Latrell, Dearden, Metcalf and more all put their hands up.

What caught your eye from the weekend?