In a display of raw power and finesse, former All Black Brodie Retallick notched up two tries this weekend, leading Kobelco Kobe Steelers to a crushing 78-19 victory over Urayasu D-Rocks. This performance cements his place at the top of the Japan Rugby League One try-scorers list, with a total of 11 tries in just 10 appearances this season, eclipsing the efforts of the Springbok World Cup-winning pair, Cheslin Kolbe and Jesse Kriel, who have collectively managed 10 tries in 16 outings.
The match itself was a testament to the Steelers' dominance. They opened the scoring within the first 11 minutes through full-back Shunsuke Uenobou and didn’t look back. Tiennan Costley’s blistering runs and a couple of quick tries from Maori All Black Ash Dixon and scrum-half Itsuki Kamimura widened the gap early. Retallick’s brute strength was on full display as he bulldozed his way over the line for his first try. By halftime, the Steelers were comfortably ahead, with the scoreboard reading 38-5.
The second half mirrored the first with Kobelco maintaining their relentless pressure. Costley and Inoke Burua both finished off hat-tricks, showcasing the team's scoring prowess across the board. Retallick added his second try of the match, further padding his stats and solidifying his reputation as a try-scoring lock. Despite a late consolation try from D-Rocks’ substitute Taisei Konishi, the game was long decided.
"Every game is an opportunity to improve and push the boundaries," said Retallick, reflecting on his performance and the team's success.
This victory places the Steelers just two points shy of the league leaders, Kubota Spears, asserting them as serious contenders for the title. Meanwhile, the D-Rocks languish near the bottom, only two spots clear of last place.
In other League One action, the Saitama Wild Knights rebounded from last week's defeat with a resounding 66-19 win over Mie Honda Heat. The game marked a significant moment for Dylan Riley, who scored his first try of the season, helping propel his team to a commanding lead by halftime. The Wild Knights' comprehensive performance sets the stage for an exciting clash with Kubota Spears after the upcoming bye week.
With the stakes increasing as the season progresses, players like Brodie Retallick are not just playing; they are making statements. Whether it's through individual brilliance or as part of a collective effort, the impact of such performances resonates far beyond the scoreboard.
2,100 posts
In a display of raw power and finesse, former All Black Brodie Retallick notched up two tries this weekend, leading Kobelco Kobe Steelers to a crushing 78-19 victory over Urayasu D-Rocks. This performance cements his place at the top of the Japan Rugby League One try-scorers list, with a total of 11 tries in just 10 appearances this season, eclipsing the efforts of the Springbok World Cup-winning pair, Cheslin Kolbe and Jesse Kriel, who have collectively managed 10 tries in 16 outings.
The match itself was a testament to the Steelers' dominance. They opened the scoring within the first 11 minutes through full-back Shunsuke Uenobou and didn’t look back. Tiennan Costley’s blistering runs and a couple of quick tries from Maori All Black Ash Dixon and scrum-half Itsuki Kamimura widened the gap early. Retallick’s brute strength was on full display as he bulldozed his way over the line for his first try. By halftime, the Steelers were comfortably ahead, with the scoreboard reading 38-5.
The second half mirrored the first with Kobelco maintaining their relentless pressure. Costley and Inoke Burua both finished off hat-tricks, showcasing the team's scoring prowess across the board. Retallick added his second try of the match, further padding his stats and solidifying his reputation as a try-scoring lock. Despite a late consolation try from D-Rocks’ substitute Taisei Konishi, the game was long decided.
"Every game is an opportunity to improve and push the boundaries," said Retallick, reflecting on his performance and the team's success.
This victory places the Steelers just two points shy of the league leaders, Kubota Spears, asserting them as serious contenders for the title. Meanwhile, the D-Rocks languish near the bottom, only two spots clear of last place.
In other League One action, the Saitama Wild Knights rebounded from last week's defeat with a resounding 66-19 win over Mie Honda Heat. The game marked a significant moment for Dylan Riley, who scored his first try of the season, helping propel his team to a commanding lead by halftime. The Wild Knights' comprehensive performance sets the stage for an exciting clash with Kubota Spears after the upcoming bye week.
With the stakes increasing as the season progresses, players like Brodie Retallick are not just playing; they are making statements. Whether it's through individual brilliance or as part of a collective effort, the impact of such performances resonates far beyond the scoreboard.