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My report for the weekend’s NRL action was all but completed the other night, with four minutes remaining in the Rabbitohs versus Roosters “local” derby at “ANZedfern Oval”. But then the NRL did what it does best: provide unexpected stimulation with a wacky finish.
South Sydney did what they’ve mostly done best since they were readmitted to the competition: give their fans buyer’s remorse. What a weekend. AFL and rugby union are fast developing the appearance of reserve-grade lawn bowls in comparison.
Here are my grades, handed out in no particular order:
D Roosters’ fans.
I know your team lacks some pizazz this year (more on that shortly) but this game is supposed to be a grudge match for you people. Last night only 18,000 were present, the majority of them Bunnies fans. Get on the train and go support your team, mediocre as it is.
C Roosters’ premiership chances.
Actually, forget the premiership; just qualifying for the semis looks is out of reach for this crew. Even with the return of Braith Anasta the Roosters feel like a kiss on the lips from your sister: not much excitement, a little awkward, and uncertainty about where to take things from here. Souths’ genetic code (more on that shortly) gifted the Roosters two lucky points.
C- Souths’ genetic code.
This team has the look of seventh or eighth about it: an excellent, skilled pack, with some powerful backs (albeit with a young half) and an attacking dummy half in Isaac Luke when he returns. The problem, however, is that this club has an inferiority complex, and are still feeling fortunate to be asked to the dance post-2002. “We’re not worthy” reared up and poked them last night when it mattered.
A+ Manly versus Warriors, Tigers versus Sharks.
The two most shining aspects of the NRL were on display in these games. At Eden Park, the skill and speed of the game received a glittering showcase. On Sunday, grit and gladiatorial splendour pulsated for 80 minutes, before winding down with three minutes of inanity.
E Golden Point.
Must be fixed. Make it Golden Try or just ditch the whole thing. They may as well play a best-of-three of tiddlywinks to decide the matter.
D Lewis and Lockyer as commentators.
Wally Lewis has been a boring, pedestrian “analyst” since he retired. He has burdened us all with his presence for years now. The man has nothing to offer, not a shred of insight. Now we have to put up with Darren Lockyer as well, who possesses a voice tailor-made for the silent era. Champion players do not always possess champion intellects.
B+ Todd Carney.
If a NSW five-eighth emerges to claim the Blues number six, this guy could put Mitchell Pearce under pressure for the Blues’ halfback spot. I’m not a big fan of Pearce, believing him to be overrated. Todd Carney’s presence has given the Sharks a chance at a top 11 finish this year.
A Anthony Griffin.
Replacing the greatest five-eighth the world has seen (with due respect to Daley, Fittler, Lewis and Kenny, among others) is not easy, even when you still have a very good team across the park. Brisbane’s fluidity was impressive on Friday night, blending athletic and skilful forward play with timely spreads to their three-quarters. Such precision comes from the top.
B- Parra’s prospects.
Even with Jarryd Hayne and Willie Tonga returning, Parramatta look like triers without much hope for glory. Their forwards look like a pack from the ’80s compared to Brisbane’s: one-out runs, few offloads, not much speed or agility. Ben Roberts does not look like the answer at six.
A+ Akuila Uate.
The Rolls Royce of wingers right now. To watch this man is akin to watching a horse glide across a meadow. Alright, that might be slightly overwrought but you get my drift. He is simply superb to watch in motion.
C The Warriors’ mistake rate.
This one is touchy, because the Warriors’ problem is also their greatest strength: their willingness to chance their arm and throw the extra pass. But the fact remains that were it not for the now-defunct McIntyre “system” they would have been cuddling up to their favourite sheep last October. Knowing when to maintain discipline and when to explode into action is a problem familiar to Major League baseball hitters, who tackle the problem every time they step up to bat: to swing for the fences or to wait? The Warriors are going to have to get that balance right in order to contend.
The final stand-out performance of the weekend came from yours truly. I scored five from eight in my tipping comp. Given today’s NRL, that’s no mean feat.
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