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The Eels and Bulldogs kicked off the round two hostilities with their blockbuster showdown at ANZ Stadium last Thursday night.
Crowd attendances and TV ratings reflect the new Thursday night time slot that is being warmly embraced by the public.
For the first four weeks of this season, supporters only have to sit out two days of the week until a new game of rugby league is played.
From a fan’s perspective, high-rotation footy is brilliant.
Continuing with the early season positives, it’s time for a wrap to the men in the middle, our esteemed whistleblowers.
Of the games played to date, I can’t recall a single clanger.
This is certainly a refreshing change from the frustrations and game changing judgements that dogged the previous ‘Hollywood Harrigan’ regime.
The 2013 vintage of referees are more likely to make on-field decisions rather than going upstairs for the bloke with the TV screen to “check everything”. The speed of the ruck is an improvement with zero tolerance shown for any hand on ball carrier infringements.
For me, the current crop of referees generally appear much more resourceful and dynamic.
One criticism, the manner they wear their shorts. It is bordering on the ridiculous. Referees please – drop the daks down a bit and don’t be ashamed to show a bit of neck.
Eels 16 lost to Bulldogs 20
36 points were scored in the first 40 minutes, thereafter it became a stalemate. Both teams turned up for this game and accounting for the error riddled second half, the closeness of scores ensured this was an exciting affair.
Credit to the Eels, who despite being behind on the scoreboard, can take positives out of the enthusiasm they had for the cause.
For the Bulldogs, they go home with the crucial two points. Des Hasler may not have been waxing lyrical about the performance post game, but he’d have been a whole lot grumpier had they left ANZ empty handed.
Josh Jackson deservedly was awarded Man of the Match with a colossal 80 minute display.
St George Illawarra 6 out-gutsed by Brisbane Broncos 22
For all the possession and territorial dominance enjoyed by the Saints, they were only able to muster a lone four-pointer. At one stage they enjoyed 19 sets to the Broncos nine, yet never looked like being capable of crossing the opposition line.
Compounding the attacking impotence displayed by the hosts, they were competing against 12 men when Hodges was binned for committing a professional foul.
The Saints aren’t short for accomplished finishers out wide in Morris, Nightingale and Cooper; however they are not getting any quality ball from the playmakers inside.
Onto the Broncos and this was a courageous win.
They were playing with a reduced roster having to cover for the injured McGuire and Hodges. Alex Glenn also sustained an injury throughout the match but like his team mates, refused to give the Saints a sniff.
Big troubles for the Red V. If they make the top eight this year, I’ll deadset walk backwards to Wollongong while wearing a Dragon suit.
NZ Warriors 14 edged out by Sydney Roosters 16
This was a much better performance by the Warriors who came within a whisker of snatching their first win in 10 games.
When Aubusson strolled untouched past five Warriors players, I thought it may have been a sign of worse things to come for the Aucklanders.
Rather than dropping their bundle, New Zealand showed some resolve and enterprise and at the final siren were not far from taking the chocolates.
Of note, the tri-colours from Bondi fielded a team with a high proportion of double barrelled names in Sonny Bill Williams, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Frank Paul Nuuausala.
North Queensland 10 done by the unstoppable juggernaut that is the Melbourne Storm 32
This game deserved match of the round status with a number of Maroons representatives on show in the tropics of North Queensland.
The Cowboys gave a good account of themselves however the Storm, in ominous early season form, were too much to handle.
Melbourne, who had travelled to Leeds, before backing up in oppressive heat at home last start, to once again on the road at Townsville, have overcome another significant challenge to their 2013 campaign.
For them to play in their upbeat and ruthless manner is a credit to coach Bellamy and his fitness management.
Cooper Cronk has taken his game to a new level and in a match brimming with star power, he shone like a beacon.
While Cronk is perhaps not the most naturally gifted of players, he is without doubt one of the most determined competitors. Love watching this bloke play and he has started off this season with a bang.
Gold Coast Titans 36 thumped the Canberra Raiders ZIP
Firstly, a memo to the NRL match day schedulers – it is always hot and humid this time of year on the Gold Coast, particularly during the afternoon. Stadium floodlights have been installed for a purpose.
This game, played in more beach weather than footy, was the 150th for the Gold Coast in their current Titan reincarnation. It also marked a record breaking celebration on the field.
Canberra, reeling with off field controversy, notably the Dugan and Ferguson ‘Breezergate’ debacle were, to be blunt – rubbish.
Wests Tigers 28 defeated Penrith 18
Big turnaround for the boys from Balmain, Concord, Campbelltown (including any other geographical area(s) they hail from that I may have overlooked), on their previous first-up loss to the Knights.
The Tigers brought a noticeably different attitude to round one and came away with five tries and two competition points.
Flying Fijian Marika Koroibete had the locals out of their seat when he clicked the after burners into gear and was sonic booming down the main grandstand sideline.
More of the same in the future please Marika, nomination for 2013 NRL crowd pleaser.
Both camps take away potentially serious injuries with Coote from Penrith and Galloway from the Tigers, expected to have a lengthy stint on the sidelines
Manly 30 shut out Newcastle NIL
This was a simply dominant performance by the Sea Eagles from the first to the final whistle.
The Manly forwards outmuscled their fancied counterparts with uncompromising and rugged defence.
Playing as front runners on the scoreboard, the Sea Eagles completed the rout in the second half as the floodgates opened.
Tafua on the wing ran in a treble while Brett Stewart scored his obligatory try (67 from 70 games) in front of a healthy crowd at Fortress Brookvale.
Manly remain undefeated and looking sharp, while it’s back to Benny’s drawing board for the Knights.
Finally, I fear for the post career health of Steve Matai. Like him or loathe him, the sight of him prone on the ground is becoming more and more an occurrence.
Souths 14 pipped Sharks 12
The Rabbits came out of the blocks early racing in two converted tries from kicks within the first 14 minutes.
Credit goes to the Sharkies who were always within reach, but nonetheless came up short at the final whistle.
Both coaches might have had a few choice post game words about respect for the pill, with poor completion rates from each camp.
The Rabbits join Manly and Melbourne as the only unbeaten teams and have announced themselves as a force to be reckoned with. They are crafty around dummy half with Merritt and Inglis popping up with free licence.
On the Burgess brothers front, only one in action tonight, that being George. Sam was suspended, Luke on the injury list, Tom earning his stripes with the Bears feeder team and Baby John rumoured to be launching a comeback with Wheel of Fortune.
On that note, you’re only as good as your last game.
Twitter @philwoywoy
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