After the frustratingly long off-season, last Thursday saw the return of the NRL. And it was good.
Brisbane’s performance against a plucky Parramatta was one of their poorer showings since Wayne Bennett retook the Broncos’ reins, but he would have been happy with the two points – if not much else.
I won’t dwell on the game too much because it was a snooze-fest, especially in the second half.
James Roberts showed none of his trademark pace, Corey Parker’s kicking was woeful and Greg Eden seemed to have left his hands back in Wigan given how often he dropped the ball.
Nevertheless, it was a solid performance from the forwards and the backrower-cum-winger Corey Oates, whose sensational running made him best on ground.
Ultimately, Brisbane stuck to their gameplan and held out an Eels side that lacked direction once Corey Norman left the field. Combined with the late scratching of star signing Kieran Foran, Parramatta’s attack was rudderless.
With a handy eight-day turnaround, Brisbane tonight host the New Zealand Warriors, the most disappointing team of Round 1.
Yes, the Roosters were beaten far more soundly than they were expected to be, but the ‘experts’ that disappear after each pre-season had already written them off as a finals team.
Meanwhile, New Zealand had recruited superbly to gain what many have called the best spine in the competition. They would surely have no problems against wooden spoon contenders the Wests Tigers?
Instead, the Tigers ran out to an early 28-0. Despite a late fightback in the second half, Wests held on for a proper upset victory.
Compared to the magician of last year, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck looked like a nervous teenager on the first day of high school. As for Issac Luke, the Kiwis’ first-choice rake made one dummy-half run during the match. Once Tuivasa-Sheck and Luke were properly contained, the pressure on Shaun Johnson became too great for him to save the match.
However this was just stage fright. The Warriors are too good to not make sixth place or higher, and it will surely be a matter of time before they begin to click.
Furthermore, they will be bitter after last week, ready to fire against a flat Broncos side.
For many years the Warriors have had the makings of a top-four side, but haven’t achieved the necessary results. Whether it’s conceding points early or giving up a huge lead, the boys from across the ditch are always tipper’s nightmare.
Were this game being played in Auckland, I would be leaning towards the Warriors, but the home crowd support coupled with two extra days of preparation should see the Broncos prevail.
The welcome returns of Jack Reed and Jordan Kahu – who has recovered from his quad strain much earlier than expected – will add cohesion to a Broncos backline brimming with talent but lacking in chemistry.
This could be a game with half a dozen lead changes. I will be watching with interest to see how Andrew McFadden’s unpredictable style compares to Bennett’s ‘old reliable’ gameplan of taking the hit-ups and then spreading the ball near the tryline.
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