Ben Southcombe's Roar Profile

Just thought I’d chime in real quick after tonight’s matches… Kieran Foran showed yet again why he’s a superhero brilliant defensive efforts all night, and great try assist, perfectly timed pass that putt Snake (Brett Stewart) through a hole. Another man of the match performance! And Jamie Lyon- scored a try, set up another for Hiku.

Meanwhile, Penrith’s Segeyaro scored a double, and Moylan crossed for a try in their impressive victory over the Bulldogs. James Graham was solid as usual.

It wasn’t such a good night for Corey Parker however, whilst he carted the ball over 100 mtrs with some impressive hit ups, he coughed up possession twice, conceded 2 penalties, and missed 5 tackles. Proving sometimes superheroes have bad days.

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Terry Campese should definitely consider retirement. At least from playing at an NRL level. I read over comments asking why shouldn’t he keep running round if he enjoys it?

How about the fact that he’s close to peerless in regards to those thrilled at how he’s running? More to the point, to put Campese and running in the same sentence is a rarity. His running game is just about non existent. And I’m sure it has something to do with those knees of his. Perhaps those limb attachments that are so necessary for forward momentum are trying to tell him something. “Terry! Down here. We, your knees, we got together and had a chat. And, well, how do you put this? You’re not cut out to play first grade. We’re sorry we aren’t as strong as we once were. Please don’t be mad. I’m sure Ricky cause use some help coaching. How are you at carrying water bottles?’.

In conclusion, Campo has lost it, his knees have spoken.

How do players know when it’s time to go?

When it was reported the Dragons were front runners to nab his signature I was far from convinced it would be the case. Wayne did his time there, and achieved what he was lured there to do, win a premiership. No, other than the Broncos, the Titans would have been the next best thing for a man with his family based in QLD. But with the review of the Titans far from over, Cartwright was sure to remain at the helm for the interim at the very least.

How the playing group will take to the Broncos most successful mentor remains to be seen. I fail to see how the Broncos could fit Boyd under their cap, and if they can how they’d utilise him. Likely on the wing. Although he does seem to play best in a maroon jersey, so maybe it’s the perfect fit.

Broncos axe Griffin for Bennett: report

Manly appear to remain a tight knit group. I truly hope players do not start to walk away from the club. I think the core group will continue to stick together. And even if a few do leave, the club’s culture remains intact.

No bad blood at Manly, insists Hasson

Dragons have been all over Manly in opening 10. careless with discipline to give away penalties. Eagles lucky they’re only down by 2.

[VIDEO] St George-Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles: NRL highlights, sores, blog

The build up to that game was huge. It’s a pity the Knight’s didn’t get the win on the day. But, the end result was a day the rugby league community can be proud of. The Hunter rose for Alex, and just how much Alex means to his team mates and the local fans was there for all to see. You see, emotion can get the better of people, and it did just that to a Knight’s side it in spades. Alex will remember the overwhelming support he received the rest of his life, whilst the result of the game will fade into obscurity.

McKinnon overwhelmed by support

Thanks Andrew! Appreciate the feedback. And I agree, it looks ridiculous watching the cameras pan across a vast wave of empty seats at ANZ stadium. It’s on the verge of being an embarrassment to the brand the NRL are so desperately peddling to broader more ‘globalised’ audience, that they are losing sight of where the game came from, where the pride and passion lies, and where real atmosphere is created.

Well said Pelican! I too am an avid Sea Eagles fan who was fortunate enough to attend st Augustine’s, just a stone throw away from the Fortress. And it’s disappointing to see what’s become of a ground that the most successful team over the last quarter of a century calls home.

Agree on all points. Tomkins is finding his own in a team with several exciting players. Milford is going to leave a hole in the Raider’s attacking prowess. There’s no doubt he’s their X-Factor. Meanwhile, move over SBW, the NRL has a new biggest makeshift 5/8. T-Rex did well considering he’s not a natural playmaker. Some of his kicks were found wanting, but Williams was consistent in running into and often over the opposition. A bold yet effective move by Hasler who knows all too well how solid the Sea Eagle’s defence can be. Their former mentor unfortunately also knows where they are vulnerable, and having extra forwards acting as playmakers proved too much for Manly’s forward pack.

Round 18 talking points

Copley was brilliant , Barba went missing in that game, with Hoffman shifting to fullback. And Reed is not up to scratch this year. Either time for a rest or to be dropped. The Broncos have the depth out wide to cover his absence.

Copley stars as Broncos beat Warriors

Totaly with you on your point about giving the team the shield after they win the series. I was at game 2 and like 95% of the people there, would’ve loved to witness Gal lift the shield up.

The impact Cronk had in game 3 was huge. A profound influnece on the direction of a team, who struggled for points in the opening 2 games, in attack.

There’s no denying that NSW were derserved winners of the series, on the back of true grit and determination in defence. Yet with the series wrapped up, and a few faces in the side, that same resolve was lacking. Were it 1 a piece going into game 3, I shudder to think who may’ve ended up lifting that trophy.

Five talking points from State of Origin III

Sure they can win it. So can any of the nine teams currently above them. Anything’s possible! But quite frankly, I don’t see it happening. With only 1 win on the road after 19 rounds, it would take a minor miracle to topple teams in finals matches that’ll surely be played primarily in NSW, on the way to the GF.

Graham: Cowboys can win it in 2014

I was thinking the same regarding the Storm a few weeks back. However, with Cronk’s earlier than expected return, it’s hard to ride off a team with him, Slater and Smith. They’re still a chance of making the 8. If they do, I don’t see them progressing very far in the finals. Personally, I hope they miss out. Only time will tell.

Previewing your NRL team's run home: Seventh to ninth

The crowd really got into this game. The build up was impressive. The emotion overwhelming for a clearly touched and teary Alex McKinnon. It was set to be the pinnacle of a very special round. Unfortunately, on the field the Knights did not rise to the challenge. Whilst the build up during the week would have been a focal point, it would surely have provided much distraction to the playing group’s preparations. The problem with emotionally driven is players can tend to overplay their hand, and that’s pretty much how they started. The attack disjointed as the Titans, led by a barraging Dave Taylor who steam rolled down field all afternoon, were too strong on the day. A disappointing result for the Knights, all things considered. But boy did the Newcastle community really rise for Alex.

Knights prepare for biggest day in their history

Agreed. Ticket prices have priced many out of attending matches. I’m a sea eagles supporter, and while some still consider our team silvertails and the people on the northern beaches as affluent, it simply isn’t the case. One look at brookie oval after a downpour, and you’ll see the make shift cow paddock doesn’t reflect an area with cash to burn. Many friends and collegues are avid fans but when asked ‘are you heading to brookie oval tonight?’, reply with, ‘no. I can’t afford it’. It’s a growing concern. One the NRL needs to seriously consider.

Price is not right for NRL fans

You’re right guys. Maranta was super under the high ball. When i wrote it I cut that sentence on maranta short and forgot to go back to it. His attacking effort wasn’t poor, rather he had limited opportunities and was shut down with little room to move.

Thanks for the feedback. In future i’ll make sure i read over it before submitting.

some great ideas here. the betting agencies associated with the game have cast a formidable shadow for far too long. if the match officials can use the technology to police the 10 metres, then they should go for it. And the only amendment I’d like to see made in regards to captain’s talking to refs. Bringing in the captains challenge to help stamp out howlers like the Nofoaluma ‘no-try’ decision. Other than that, designated vice-captains for each club, in case the captain is injured or benched so the refs know know in advance who they’d need to address.

10 common sense changes the NRL should make

Well said Tim It’s definitely a great initiative. And while it’s been met with some scepticism, a few have described it as the NRL ‘cashing in on a tragedy’ because the initiative of donating $1 from every ticket sold will reap greater profits from increased crowd numbers.

It is a bit odd that it’s taken so long to come about given the incident occurred in round 3. But it’s a step in the right direction.

NRL's ‘Rise For Alex’ round turns a black eye into a triumph