With Round 21 well in the bag, some teams are looking more like playing finals football, while others are beginning to look to 2015.
As with any week in the NRL there were a lot of talking points and controversies coming from the on-field action.
1. The referees still have no idea
It’s a good thing they are sponsored by AAMI because the NRL refs need decent income insurance. The most glaring example was Tim Lafai having a try disallowed for an apparent separation. Conversely Tom Burgess celebrated his first try in the NRL by losing the ball over the line and being awarded with a try.
2. There were a lot of forgettable games this weekend
Some teams i.e. Knights, Raiders, and Tigers got smashed. Hopefully there are some better and more memorable contests next weekend.
3. The Super Hero Jerseys are awesome
Well done to the marketing genius who organised this. Some reports are putting current sales at over 20,000 jerseys sold, and I guess the question is how do you top that next year?
4. One fail in the Super Hero jerseys
Manly in Blue and Yellow. I never thought I would see Jamie Lyon in the Parramatta uniform again, but this was pretty close. It was even more confusing with Brisbane who were in their away uniform, that looked rather similar to Manly’s away uniform.
5. Roosters back to winning ways
It was hard fought, but the Roosters got the win they needed. They still aren’t at their best but at this stage of the year, getting a wining habit going is massive.
6. Canberra are at their lowest ebb
The Warriors without Shaun Johnson are always vulnerable, but this Canberra team offered nothing. What is surprising is that the Mounties in the NSW Cup are playing well and should have players ready for a call up. The infamous second-tier salary cap could be preventing this.
7. Warriors got nothing out of their win
Sure, the Warriors played well, and improved their points difference, but it wasn’t a great game in terms of building for finals football. They were rarely tested in defence, and scored some very soft tries. The one bonus was being able to give Tuimoala Lolohea an extended run in first grade.
8. Panthers refuse to lose
Losing Elijah Taylor and Bryce Cartwright in this game should have seen them fold, but they know how to win in the most trying circumstances. Matt Moylan is playing really well, and Jamie Soward is carrying extra responsibility and excelling. Their draw is quite tough but they will give it a fair go.
9. Luke Keary will play Origin
The question is for who? He wants to play for Queensland, but he isn’t eligible. It will be interesting what jersey he eventually pulls on, as he is class.
10. The Storm are ready to fire
They have just clicked through the gears since Origin but look ready to make a massive finals run. A final between the Storm and the Sea Eagles may not be out of the question.
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