As it happened: Bulldogs edge Cowboys; Roosters, Storm win

Post-game press conferences: It was a thriller in Townsville so make sure you tune into the live stream of the post-game press conferences to hear what each side made of the clash.

Full-time: The Bulldogs have held on to claim a tense victory at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. North Queensland had one play to win it and produced multiple offloads to keep the ball alive before Tom Dearden kicked to the corner for Murray Taulagi. Jacob Kiraz won the race for the ball and tapped it dead to secure the victory.

The result snaps a two-game losing streak for Cameron Ciraldo's side, with two tries in the final five minutes of the first half enough the difference. Canterbury were still below their best and their attack was clunky at times, however their defence was outstanding and they repelled multiple waves of North Queensland attack to keep their opponents scoreless in the second half. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 12.

80th minute: The Cowboys have 30 seconds to strike, with a penalty handing the hosts one last chance to score the equaliser. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 12.

77th minute: The Bulldogs just keep scrambling. This time it's Jeremiah Nanai who burst through the line before kicking over the fullback, however Canterbury got back in time to dive on the ball and deny their opponents. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 12.

73rd minute: Tom Dearden has attacked down the right edge to send Zac Laybutt away down the right sideline, with Connor Tracey making an excellent tackle. The Cowboys were looking to play with speed, however Laybutt spilled the ball while attempting to play it and the attacking chance goes begging. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 12.

69th minute: The Bulldogs have received a major boost, with both Matt Burton and Kurtis Morrin passing their HIAs and preparing to return to the field. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 12.

68th minute: The Cowboys have another chance to attack, with Jacob Kiraz put on report for a shoulder charge. Bulldogs winger Jethro Rinakama then produced a big hit on Zac Laybutt to shut down an attacking play, but the knocked the ball down in the process and the hosts have another chance. It is not to be, however, with North Queensland spilling the ball. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 12.

61st minute: More drama at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Scott Drinkwater stepped his way past Reed Mahoney and Enari Tuala and looked destined to score. Viliame Kikau had other ideas and knocked the ball free with a desperate try-saving tackle. It's a big moment as the Bulldogs attempt to navigate the next 10 minutes with two players off for HIAs. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 12.

58th minute: There is a lot happening in Townsville. Kurtis Morrin was slow to get to his feet after copping a stray elbow, before Matt Burton was also unsteady after a heavy collision.  

While this was all happening, the Bulldogs turned the ball over and the Cowboys had an attacking set of six. The set ended with a grubber for the in-goal, with Connor Tracey colliding into the fence while knocking it dead. Both Morrin and Burton were taken off for HIAs before Canterbury restarted play with a rather poor short line dropout. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 12.

50th minute: We've had an unsuccessful challenge by the Bulldogs after they challenged a ruling of an incorrect play the ball by Reed Mahoney. The error put the Cowboys back on the attack, but they turned it over soon after to release the pressure valve as a frustrated Todd Payten watches on. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 12

48th minute: The Cowboys are the ones who can breathe easy now. Canterbury have had multiple attacking sets in quick succession, however Matt Burton kicked a grubber dead to release the pressure. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 12.

41st minute: Golden opportunity for the Cowboys to start the second, with Jethro Rinakama unable to collect a Tom Dearden kick. The error gives the host an attacking set just a minute into the half.

The Bulldogs, however, hold firm and successfully defend their line. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 12.

Kick off: We are back for the second half, with the Bulldogs looking to go on with it after finally hitting their stride in the final five minutes of the first half. The Cowboys have received some positive news at the break, with Braidon Burns passing his HIA and returning to the field. North Queensland were on top for much of the opening 40 and they are out to strike first in the second. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 12.

Half-time: And just like that the Bulldogs are in front. With the ball around halfway and less than a minute on the clock, the visitors had no thoughts of cruising to half-time. Instead, Matt Burton orchestrated a well-worked left shift to send Jethro Rinakama over for a try in his NRL debut in the final play of the half.

It was an interesting opening 40 minutes from two teams searching for confidence. Both sides struggled to find their rhythm early before the Cowboys eventually broke through via Zac Laybutt. The Bulldogs continued to battle away before a late burst saw them take the lead on the stroke of half-time. 

There was also late concern for North Queensland winger Braidon Burns, who was sent for an HIA in the final minute of the half. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 12.

36th minute: It's taken 36 minutes but the Bulldogs are finally on the board. A set restart handed the visitors a fresh attacking opportunities and they capitalised on a retreating defensive line. Toby Sexton broke a tackle on the left edge before linking up with Matt Burton who ran right and produced a grubber that sat up perfectly for back rower Jacob Preston. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 6.

30th minute: Could that be the moment that sparks the Bulldogs into action? Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi beat Toby Sexton and was charging towards the line before he was met head on by Josh Curran. Taulagi was tackled just short of the line but reached out and was penalised for a double movement. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 0.

29th minute: Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo is struggling to hide his frustration in the coach's box as his team struggles to find their rhythm in attack. A Cowboys error handed the visitors another chance to hit back, however they produced a clunky set before Jacob Preston turned the ball over. The error was compounded when Connor Tracey was unable to gather a kick at the end of the Cowboys' subsequent set and the host went straight back on the attack. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 0.

23rd minute: The North Queensland lead has been extended beyond a converted try, with Scott Drinkwater kicking a penalty goal to put his team up eight. Cowboys 8 - Bulldogs 0.

16th minute: The Cowboys have been the first team to capitalise on an opportunity, with Zac Laybutt producing some superb footwork to slice his way through the Bulldogs defensive line to score the opening points of the game. The try came on the back of a Canterbury error and North Queensland are on top. Cowboys 6 - Bulldogs 0.

12th minute: It's been a scrappy start to the game, with both sides making multiple errors through the opening 12 minutes. The mistakes have prevented either team from building sustained pressure in the face of some ferocious defence. Cowboys 0 - Bulldogs 0.

5th minute: The celebration of Tom Dearden continues. A Cowboys error put the Bulldogs on the attack and Viliame Kikau looked destined to score before Dearden cut the towering back rower in half. The visitors spilled the ball on the next play and then conceded a penalty to provide North Queensland a chance to attack. A set restart followed, before a forward pass brought the momentum to a sudden halt. Cowboys 0 - Bulldogs 0.

Kick off: Tom Dearden has received a hero's welcome from the North Queensland fans after his State of Origin heroics on Wednesday night and he'll be hoping to reproduce that performance to help a struggling Cowboys side. As for the Bulldogs, the decision to drop Lachlan Galvin has turned plenty of heads and it will be interesting to see what impact it has on a side desperate to snap a two-game losing streak. Cowboys 0 - Bulldogs 0.

Late mail

Cowboys: Murray Taulagi was named at five-eighth in Friday's team update but has shifted back to the centres for his return from a knee injury in the 60-minute update. Jaxon Purdue will start in the halves after Jake Clifford dropped out with a quad injury in the 24-hour update. Coach Todd Payten confirmed on Friday that Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai and Reece Robson would all back up from Origin Three. Forwards Sam McIntyre (calf) and John Bateman (groin) are sidelined. Jaxson Paulo is the 18th man.

Bulldogs: A couple of late changes for the Bulldogs in their final team update, with Jaemon Salmon added to the starting side and Bailey Hayward moving to the bench. Lachlan Galvin has also dropped out of the squad, with Kurtis Morrin the new face on the interchange. The changes come after skipper Stephen Crichton dropped out of the squad on Friday and will be rested after Origin Three so Enari Tuala moves to the centres and Jethro Rinakama comes in on the wing. Blues prop Max King will play but Maroon Kurt Mann will be rested.

Dragons v Roosters at Jubilee Stadium

Press conferences: There are plenty of talking points from a match that had a bit of everything at Kogarah, so make sure you tune into the live stream to hear from both coaches and captains.

Full-time: The Roosters have defended their way to a tense and crucial victory over the Dragons to climb back inside the top eight. The Dragons jumped out to an 18-12 lead after a frenetic opening 18 minutes, however the points dried up as the match went on. 

A string of errors by the visitors allowed St George Illawarra to dominate territory and possession in the second half, but they struggled to crack a defence that was significantly tighter after the break. 

Jaydn Su'A scored to pull his side within one and set up a grandstand finish, however the Roosters closed out the contest when Victor Radley crashed over from close range. Dragons 24 - Roosters 31.

78th minute: That's almost certainly the ball game. A risky last-tackle play did not pay off for the Dragons and the Roosters had more good field position. James Tedesco jumped out from dummy half, attracted the defenders and hit Victor Radley for what should be the match-sealing try. Dragons 24 - Roosters 31. 

74th minute: Time is starting to run out for the Dragons and you can sense the pressure is starting to grow. Emre Guler attempted to force an offload despite being wrapped up by multiple defenders and the ball spilled loose, handing the Roosters possession. Dragons 24 - Roosters 25.

70th minute: A chance for the Roosters to create some breathing room now. The Dragons had their opponents stretched on the right flank, however a forward pass bought an end to the attacking raid. The visitors then forced a line drop out and had an opportunity to extend their lead, only for Jacob Liddle to produce a crunching tackle on Victor Radley to force an error. Dragons 24 - Roosters 25.

65th minute: The Roosters keep on handing their opponents opportunities to attack, with another error giving the Dragons more possession in prime territory. This time they finally convert, with Jaydn Su'A charging through to score in his 150th NRL match. Kyle Flanagan kicks the goal and Sam Walker's field goal is the difference. Dragons 24 - Roosters 25.

63rd minute: The Roosters have produced multiple desperate try-saving tackles to deny their opponents and they've stopped another try with Jacob Liddle attempting to burrow his way over from dummy half. The play was sent to the Bunker with the on-field referee ruling a knock on. The replays were inconclusive and the on-field decision stands. The Roosters survive. Dragons 18 - Roosters 25.

55th minute: The Roosters goal-line defence was shaky early but it's improved significantly since then. The visitors just repelled a Dragons attacking set of six to maintain their seven-point lead. Dragons 18 - Roosters 25.

47th minute: The end-to-end action has continued in the opening minutes of the second half. Dragons fullback Clint Gutherson created a break for his side, however the attacking opportunity ended when a bomb sailed into the in goal for Billy Smith to catch. The Roosters capitalised on the seven-tackle set and Sam Walker hit Smith with a superb short ball for the first points of the second half. Dragons 18 - Roosters 25.

Kick off: We are back for the second half, with the Roosters holding a slim one-point lead. There were plenty of positives for the Dragons, however untimely errors and penalties proved costly as they saw an 18-12 lead turn into a 19-18 deficit. They have, however, shown they have plenty of points in them and we should be in for an entertaining 40 minutes. Dragons 18 - Roosters 19. 

Half-time: The Roosters will take a one-point lead to the break, with Sam Walker nailing a field goal in the final play of the half. The successful kick puts an exclamation mark on a chaotic 40 minutes, with five tries in the first 16 minutes. Walker's sin binning handed the Dragons a chance to kick clear, however their discipline let them down and it was the Roosters who struck while down a man. Dragons 18 - Roosters 19.

36th minute: Sam Walker is back on the field and the Roosters didn't just survive without their halfback, they thrived. A Rob Toia try allowed the visitors to level the scores, while they also made multiple crucial tackles the deny their opponents. Dragons 18 - Roosters 18.

31st minute: The one-man disadvantage hasn't slowed the Roosters, with the visitors capitalising on a penalty to hit back. Hugo Savala produced a pin-point kick, with Robert Toia leaping over Valentine Holmes to score an acrobatic try. Dragons 18 - Roosters 18.

25th minute: Another big moment in this contest with Sam Walker sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle. Playing his first game of the season, the halfback dived at David Klemmer's knee, with the prop immediately screaming in pain. The veteran has left the field and will be assessed by Dragons medical staff.

The penalty put the hosts on the attack, however they were not able to capisalise and Clin Gutherson dropped the ball in a heavy tackle. Dragons 18 - Roosters 12.

15th minute: The points keep flowing and the Dragons have their first lead of the night. A penalty late in the tackle count put the hosts straight back on the attack and they capitalised to score their third. It was another left shift, with Clint Gutherson producing a cut out pass for Sione Finau to score his second. Dragons 18 - Roosters 12.

14th minute: This is extraordinary. The Dragons and Roosters are going try for try and this is one of the best you'll see all season. Luciano Leilua picked up a ball around his shoe laves before producing a superb offload to send Valentine Holmes flying down the sideline. The centre drew James Tedesco to put Sione Finau over for St George Illawarra's second try of the night. Dragons 12 - Roosters 12.

11th minute: The points are flowing at Kogarah and Daniel Tupou has a double inside 11 minutes. The Dragons made an error in the first tackle off the kick off, handing the Roosters prime attacking territory and they capitalised for the second time tonight. Dragons 6 - Roosters 12.

7th minute: Much more promising signs from the Dragons. A forward pass by the Roosters handed the hosts improved field position and they've converted that into a line drop out. From there, St George Illawarra produced some slick attack and Tyrell Sloan finished off a right-edge shift to score in the corner. Dragons 6 - Roosters 6.

3rd minute: It's a disastrous start for the home side, with Moses Suli spilling the ball in the Dragons first set of six. It didn't take the Roosters long to take advantage, with Billy Smith sending Daniel Tupou over in the corner. It's exactly the start the visitors wanted after suffering a shock loss to the Wests Tigers last week and St George Illawarra must quickly regroup if they want to get back in this one. Dragons 0 - Roosters 6.

Kick off: We are underway in Kogarah, with Jaydn Su'A leading St George Illawarra out for his 150th NRL match. The clash is crucial for both team's top-eight chances, with the Roosters looking to climb back into the eight after last week's loss. The Dragons have lost three of their last four and need a win to remain in touch with the finals contenders. Dragons 0 - Roosters 0.

Stat Attack

• The Dragons have won four of their past five games at home.
• The Roosters have won 12 of their past 14 games against the Dragons.
• The Dragons have conceded 134 points in their past four games.
• Roosters fullback James Tedesco has scored nine tries in his last six games against the Dragons.
• Dragons second-rower Jaydn Su’A will make his 150th NRL appearance.

Late Mail

Dragons: Back-rowers Luciano Leilua (quad) and Hamish Stewart (concussion) return so Michael Molo reverts to the bench and Loko Pasifiki Tonga goes to the reserves. Coach Shane Flanagan confirmed on Friday that Maroons centre Val Holmes was "ready to go" after a powerful display for the Maroons on Wednesday. Second-rower Jaydn Su’A will make his 150th NRL appearance. The Dragons will line up 1-17, with Corey Allan the 18th man. 

Roosters: One late change for the Roosters in the final team update, with Spencer Leniu added to the starting side. Lindsay Collins reverts to the bench as a result. Fellow Origin reps Rob Toia, Connor Watson and Angus Crichton will also back up.  Sam Walker plays his first game since Round 25 last after a thumb injury in June delayed his comeback from a knee reconstruction. Centre Billy Smith (knee) and lock Victor Radley (concussion) also return in a further boost. Ethan King is the 18th man.

Knights v Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium

Post-game press conferences: Craig Bellamy was clearly disappointed with the first half from his team, but their second was much improved so make sure you tune into the post-game press conferences to hear what Bellamy and Knights coach Adam O'Brien made of the clash.

Full-time: Jahrome Hughes has starred to lead the Melbourne Storm to a commanding victory over the Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium. The halfback finished with four try assists, two line-break assists and a 40-20 to help his side overcome a slow start to secure a 32-14 victory. 

Newcastle were on top through the first 39 minutes and led 8-2 before conceding a try in the final play of the first half. They were then left to rue a poor start to the second, with Melbourne kicking clear with two tries in seven minutes after the break. From there, Hughes took control and put the game to bed.  Knights 14 - Storm 32.

76th minute: Melbourne have repelled the Newcastle storm and Eli Katoa has put the game to bed. The edge forward charged through some lax Knights defence to reach out and ground the ball for the match-sealing try. 

Meanwhile, Dylan Lucas is sitting on the bench with his foot in a moon boot, so his day is well and truly over. Knights 14 - Storm 32.

72nd minute: Newcastle have got one back and it's come in rather fortuitous circumstances. Dom Young was tackled by three Melbourne players and desperately flung the ball back infield as he fell to the ground. The ball bounce off Shawn Blore's leg and rolled into the in goal, with Fletcher Hunt winning the race to the ball to score the try. Jackson Hastings converted the try and Newcastle have a sniff, trailing by 12 with eight to play. Knights 14 - Storm 26.

66th minute: The Knights have confirmed Dylan Lucas is being assessed for a foot injury and is unlikely to return to the contest. Knights 8 - Storm 26.

62nd minute: Make that four try assists for Jahrome Hughes. The halfback followed up his 40-20 by producing a superb cut out pass to send Kane Bradley over in the corner. At first glance it looks easy, but replays show how much skill was involved in the pass and Greg Alexander is reiterating how impressive Hughes' pass was. Knights 8 - Storm 26.

61st minute: Jahrome Hughes' afternoon just keeps getting better. He's already got three try assists and now he's produced a 40-20 to put his side back on the attack as they look to close this contest out. Knights 8 - Storm 22.

59th minute: Melbourne have shown today why they are the masters of turning defence into attack. Newcastle were hot on attack in the red zone, only for Eli Katoa to take an intercept and race 70 metres before being dragged down by Dom Young.

The Storm didn't panic and quickly transitioned into their attacking patterns, with Jahrome Hughes taking on the defensive line a few plays later to send Trent Loiero over for his second try of the game. In more concerning news for the Knights, Dylan Lucas has limped from the field. Knights 8 - Storm 22.  

49th minute: Melbourne have found their stride now, with another Newcastle penalty putting the visitors straight back on the attack. Jahrome Hughes produced another perfect kick, with Kane Bradley leaping through the air to take a spectacular catch and ground the ball despite a heavy landing on the turf. 

The Knights led 8-2 with 90 seconds left in the first half. They now trail 16-8 nine minutes into the second half, having conceded three tries in the space of 10 minutes. Knights 8 - Storm 16.

45th minute: The Knights repelled the initial attacking opportunity but it didn't take long for Melbourne to get back into prime field position and this time they made the most of it. Kane Bradley outjumped Dane Gagai in a contest for a bomb before offloading and Harry Grant kicked a grubber into the goal post. The ball bounced straight into Trent Loiero's hands, who scored under the posts. Knights 8 - Storm 12.

Kick off: We are back for the second half. Newcastle were in control for the vast majority of the opening 40, however they have just a two-point lead to show for it after conceding a late try and they've put themselves under pressure early in the second by giving away a penalty in the opening set of six. Knights 8 - Storm 6.

Half-time: The Knights dominated the first half but they could be left to rue a late lapse in concentration. A series of good runs put the Storm on the attack with 90 seconds left to play and Jahrome Hughes produced a pin-point kick for Eli Katoa to pluck out of the air and score in the final play of the half. Nick Meaney missed the conversion and Newcastle lead by two at the break. Knights 8 - Storm 6.

32nd minute: The Knights have come agonisingly close to a third try after Bradman Best broke through down the left edge. The centre offloaded the ball before Jahrome Hughes made a desperate tackle. Newcastle immediately shifted the ball to the right, however Dom Young could not reel it in and Melbourne breathed a sigh of relief. Knights 8 - Storm 2.

28th minute: Dom Young has a double and the Knights are flying in Newcastle. The hosts attacked to the right down the short side, with Melbourne looking to cover it well, however Young bumped Grant Anderson out of the way before outmuscling Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart to slam the ball down. Knights 8 - Storm 2.

24th minute: A Dane Gagai error has put Melbourne on the attack and they're piling the pressure on the Knights. Multiple set restarts were followed by a penalty after Jahrome Hughes was tackled without the ball, with the Storm opting to take a tap and push for the try. The attacking opportunity, however, came to an end when Eli Katoa spilled a short ball and Newcastle survived. Knights 4 - Storm 2.

17th minute: Newcastle have a fresh chance to attack after some daring play from the Storm inside their own half. Jahrome Hughes attempted a cutout pass for winger Kane Bradley, but the ball missed the mark and sailed over the sideline. 

The attacking opportunity did not lead to points, however, with the Knights spilling the ball. Knights 4 - Storm 2.

12th minute: Dom Young has continued a remarkable try-scoring run at McDonald Jones Stadium, finishing off a long-range effort to score his 25th try from his last 25 games at the venue. The winger sprinted down the right edge before chipping over Nick Meaney and receiving a fortunate bounce to ground the ball millimetres inside the dead ball line. Knights 4 - Storm 2

10th minute: It's been a fairly frenetic start to the contest, with plenty of end to end attacking action. Melbourne have first points, with Nick Meaney kicking a penalty goal after Jahrome Hughes was hit late while kicking. Knights 0 - Storm 2.

Kick off: We are underway at McDonald Jones Stadium, with the Knights eager to snap a concerning recent record in Newcastle. The hosts currently sit five points outside the eight and need to string some wins together to keep their finals hopes alive. Melbourne are firmly entrenched in the top four, but require a win to keep in touch with Canberra as they chase the minor premiership. Knights 0 - Storm 0.

Pre-game: With the teams warming up on the field, Adam O'Brien has had an interesting chat with the Fox League commentary team. The Knights coach confirmed Dane Gagai will play fullback, despite being named in the centres, with young gun Fletcher Hunt shifting to the centres. 

Stat Attack

• The Knights have won their last two games against the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium.
• The Storm have won 12 of their past 14 games against the Knights.
• The Knights have lost six of their past seven games at home.
• The Storm have scored 147 points in their past five games.
• Knights winger Dominic Young has scored 24 tries in his last 24 games at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Late mail

Knights: A couple of big ins with Greg Marzhew (arm) and Leo Thompson (suspension) back on deck. Thompson's return from a four-game ban sees Tyson Frizell revert to lock, Phoenix Crossland go to hooker and Jayden Brailey to the bench. With skipper Kalyn Ponga sidelined by a foot injury, young gun Fletcher Hunt wears the No.1 jersey for the second time having played there in Round 15 against the Roosters. Newcastle will line up 1-17, with Thomas Cant the 18th man. 

Storm: A major boost for Melbourne in the 60-minute update, with Origin stars Harry Grant and Stefano Utoikamanu added to the starting line up. Nelson Asofa-Solomona drops back to the bench as a result, with Bronson Garlick reverting to 10th man. Maroons captain Cameron Munster won't play, but Trent Loiero will back up from the interchange. Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has failed to recover from calf tightness so Nick Meaney will fill in again. Jack Howarth has recovered from appendicitis and is the new centre and Kane Bradley comes onto the wing with last week's debutant Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown moving to 18th player.