With the NRL season almost at the halfway mark and mid-Origin, it’s a good time to recap the season’s highlights so far.
Here’s my top ten.
10. Monday Night with Matty Johns
With Matthew Johns at his comic best, a strong panel and a well-timed slot at the conclusion of the round, this show has been a hit.
With Monday night football participants regularly out of sorts, Monday Night is almost becoming the main event.
9. Pat Richards’ amazing field goal versus Knights
An amazing return for the big winger after many years in Super League. If he had been able to replicate his 2005 form the Tigers would have been ecstatic, but he has returned a far better player and is a leader of this young Tigers team.
His field goal at the weekend is just one of many Pat Richards highlights, but really underlines what a unique player he is. The Ron Jeremy of league!
8. Luke Brooks
Unless his form drops off a cliff, he is a dead certainty for Rookie of the Year. His performances have been superb and he only needs some more time to mature and improve his defensive game to join the elite.
7. Bulldogs’ form
Not fancied at the start of the year, the masterful Des Hasler has again reinvented a team that has all the Hasler hallmarks – stingy defence, hard to beat and innovative in attack. The Doggies faithful are in full voice.
6. Souths versus Warriors
An incredible game showing just how far the Warriors have come and that the never-say-die Rabbitohs are back.
The Warriors would have likely got the result had it not been for courageous performance across the park by the Bunnies and strong leadership by Dylan Walker, John Sutton and Sam Burgess to overcome a shocking injury toll.
5. Sam Burgess and Sonny Bill Williams
Every minute we are able to watch these two players before they leave at the end of the year is a highlight.
This weekend SBW was in everything for the Roosters, while Burgess stood up and led a decimated Souths team to victory. While not without their critics, no one can deny that these are two exceptional, rare and irreplaceable players.
4. Josh Morris’ aerial try
One of the greatest tries we will ever see, this try is reminder of how much Josh Morris will be missed by the Blues. Super player.
3. The resurrection of the Tigers, Eels, Panthers and Warriors
The return to form of these popular teams has increased the interest level on both sides of the Tasman. You can expect it to be fever pitch if they are still in the reckoning come the finals.
2. GI’s try versus Broncos
A try that is simply unbelievable. Greg Inglis is not having his greatest season, with Souths in patchy form (save for their recent run).
He is currently injured, but that will matter little if he is able to return fresh and injury-free for the Rabbitohs’ September run as they aim to go one or two better than 2013.
1. State of Origin 1
Easily the standout event of 2014 so far, by next Wednesday night it may well be number two.
This is my top 10, though I’m sure I have missed plenty! What is your top highlight?
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