The NRL season is starting to heat up and after three weeks of competition, we are down to just two undefeated teams with the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters hanging at the top. It was another big weekend of action, with a pair of sin-bins and some upsets headlining proceedings.
Use the sin bin consistently, or get rid of it all together
It’s hard to know what to make of the Knights and Rabbitohs game, and not just the result. The sin bin was wheeled out twice, with George Burgess sent away to think about his elbowing actions, before Trent Hodkinson was handed the same fate for backchat late in the game.
Let’s deal with the Hodkinson one first. Newcastle, needing to score urgently lost a scrum against the feed and Hodkinson had no problems telling referee David Munro exactly what he thought with the one-liner “you just cost us the game”.
Calling a referee something bordering on a cheat without actually using the word is never acceptable but it’s hard to remember many instances of a player being sent off the park for backchat.
It took some serious thinking to work out the last time a player was sent, and that came during the Good Friday clash in 2015 between the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs, but even then James Graham should have also been in the bin but was allowed to stay.
Sending Hodkinson on Saturday sets a worrying precedent that is unlikely to be held over the course of the season, and again you have to wonder where the consistency is.
As for Burgess, it was a lot more clear cut that he should have been sin-binned, with many advocating he should have been sent for an early shower. What Burgess did was completely unacceptable, but then, so was what Sam Thaiday did on Thursday against Melbourne.
Thaiday was allowed to keep his spot on the field, although since has been fined by the NRL. Burgess though, was sent packing.
If the sin bin is going to be used, then for the love of footy make it a consistent process.
Local derby on Sunday at 6:30pm? No, no, no, no, no
I try to keep my gripes with officials and scheduling out of my articles, but it looks like we are going to kill two birds with one stone.
What genius decided a Cronulla Sharks versus St George Illawarra Dragons local derby should be played at 6:30pm on a Sunday night?
Seriously, it doesn’t require much explanation, does it? Even a Saturday night timeslot would have better suited a game like this.
While we are at it, don’t get me started on the Friday Round 10 clash at 6pm.
Billy’s back, but the pressure starts next week
Billy Slater might have made his return in a winning effort on Thursday night, but the pressure for one of the best fullbacks the game has ever produced will really ramp up next week.
The Storm came out of the win over the Broncos with a few key injuries, including Cameron Munster. That’s a major set back for the club, and will put the pressure on Slater to step up and perform from next week, as well as handing a fulltime role to Ryley Jacks – at least until Munster is fit and ready to go again.
Jacks has been solid, but playing in a fill-in role is different to becoming a focal part of the side for the next month.
As for Slater, his return was solid but far from spectacular. He made a couple of errors, and did some things that hurt the Storm’s chances against the Broncos.
He had some good touches as well, and it’s hard to expect anything more from someone who has been rubbed out of the game for the last 12 months.
The problem with Munster being out though, is that Slater is now required to play the full 80 minutes and do it well if the Storm are to keep their undefeated start to the season going.
Why can’t the Warriors just be good at playing footy?
I would hate to be a Warriors supporter. Anyone who does follow the Auckland-based club must have been ripping their hair out on Friday as they crashed and burned at the hands of the Bulldogs.
Their attack was completely incompetent. Scratch that, it was only marginally better than the Dragons of 2016, and we all know how dreadful that was.
No matter what they tried – and let’s be honest – it wasn’t a whole lot – they didn’t look like cracking the Bulldogs line and quite rightly lost the game in a canter.
Shaun Johnson had a few bright spots, but didn’t get involved in the game nearly enough, while the loss of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck clearly hurt the club. Ata Hingano, to this point looks out of his depth and the forwards have been dominated in the last two rounds.
Simply put, if the Warriors are going to make any sort of run they have a lot to work on.
Are the Titans better off without Hayne?
There is no questioning just how brilliant Jarryd Hayne can be. Unfortunately for him and the Titans, ‘can’ is a very key word in that sentence.
It’s been a much-maligned start to the season for Hayne who has been reportedly dumped from the leadership group and had issues committing to training.
Things didn’t get any better last week when he injured his ankle and will now miss anywhere from four to six weeks.
It could carry a silver lining for the Titans though. They looked like a different side without Hayne on the field against the Eels and came away with a win.
They had to fight hard, but they did it with class and picked up a crucial win.
The question has to be asked. If they go on a winning streak – say four in a row – does Hayne get his spot back, given the reported off-field issues?
The answer, for the short term is going to be yes. You don’t have your highest paid player sitting on the sidelines when he is fit, but if the Titans were to start losing when Hayne comes back – well, just watch this space.
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The Eels will struggle if Corey Norman cops a long-term injury
This one’s probably me shooting myself in the foot a little bit, because all you Eels fans are going to go ‘well, don’t you remember 2016?’
But no, it’s a serious issue for Parramatta and they proved that against the Titans on Friday.
Their attack lacked spark and creativity and while their defence can be a whole lot better, their attack didn’t scream top four or even top eight.
It wasn’t the Eels team we saw in the first two weeks or last year on either side of the park – the one with all the fight and determination in the world – but if Corey Norman is out, it’s hard to see them picking up wins against the best teams or making a deep run in September.
If Ricky’s mob can get consistent, the Raiders will be premiership favourites
The Raiders demolished – scratch that – destroyed the Tigers in Canberra on Saturday arfternoon and really looked to hit their stride in attack.
Jarrod Croker being back on the park certainly had something to do with it, but their attack generally flowed better. Josh Hodgson, along with halves Aiden Sezer and Blake Austin were fantastic while Jordan Rapana had a double on the Raiders lethal right side.
While the Tigers were shocking and looked lost in defence, the Raiders forwards dominated the game from the half-hour point as the Raiders ran up 40 points in the final 45 minutes of the game.
Even though they won’t score like that against the best defensive sides, their attack has enough in it for them to get over the line, with a defence that seems to be improving week to week.
Roarers, what did you make of Round 3? Drop a comment below and let us know.
Fish
Guest
For some reason Green changed the attacking formation this week, and it proved impotent. There was one very happy Sea Eagles supporter at the game.... me! However that simple change to the attack allowed a very desperate Manly to get off the line quickly and snuff any chance out. I have found that Green is a little inflexible in these situations, as though he is unable to re-formulate and change game plans. I am not saying the Cowboys would of won, but the score line would of been different. Manly were too keen to avoid loss. Cowboys need to place a nice big rocket up Mr Morgans bum. He is practically a passenger out there, missing tackles and over reading plays. You may not of seen it on television but at the ground from the front row you could see Thurstons frustration with the uselessness of the right edge. The Cowboys desperately need speed. They are a very slow side. The sooner Gideon Mosby is included in the side the better. I like Bowens defence but gee he has no pace. Bowen by name, Backo by nature.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I have backed the Titans next week against the Cowboys. One thing with the Titans this year and last is they are a whole lot fitter and can run down a team. Really liking their chances this year.
KenW
Guest
Hodkinson said the ref got it wrong, Sandow said the ref was corrupt. For mine that's a huge distinction. Actually I really don't see anything too awful in Hodkinson's comment, it was emotional and childish to say the ref 'cost you the game' but he hasn't impinged on the ref's integrity, he just looked like a goose.
Glenn
Guest
Every team will struggle when their best, and most influential player, isn't on the field, just think Thurston, Cam Smith and Milford just to name a few. Round 3 was a round of upsets, maybe the competition really is the closest its ever been!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for that Max! Appreciate the positive feedback. I agree Hodkinson uttered the truth, but it's not acceptable. The referees just need to be consistent one way or another. In a similar way to the referees, the Raiders need to be all about consistency and running up that sort of performance every week.
Scott Pryde
Expert
I've got no problems with it - but it needs to be consistent across every referee. The line has now been drawn so to speak.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yeah the Dragons have really surprised me Vincent. Been enjoyable though and I'm certainly not complaining. Based on the Warriors pack so far, they couldn't beat anyone at the moment.
NSWelshman
Guest
Was Manly not missing Taupau, Lussick, AFB & Perrett?? How about people give some credit to Manly & not make out they beat the Cowboys only because they were missing Scott & Taumalolo!
KenW
Guest
I would usually prefer to eat dog food than praise the Sea Eagles but that was some outstanding goal line defence they showed against the Cows. Wave after wave, it was top shelf. That said, it's difficult to know exactly how to rate the overall performance, Coen Hess is a future star but the Cows forward pack looked a bit fragile minus Scott & Taumalolo (and with Tamou no longer there). SportsFanGC has pointed out that it's a handy time to be drawing a game against North Queensland.
kk
Roar Pro
Hi Scott, Your weekly wraps set a standard which are most appreciated and a great read. Trent Hodkinson is the most decent player in the game. He merely uttered the truth. The Vikings play has not yet reached the standard of their clapping. Perhaps they should take lessons and have the drums at practice to get Sezer synchronised. Meanwhile across the ditch Watson and Doyle have yet to implement a policy of contracting the class of forward required to spearhead progress on the paddock. RTS, Johnson and Foran (when fit to play) need that platform to maximise their talents. As regards dear Jarryd. Will he ever again reach the mental and physical standard necessary for him to deliver a sustained contribution to team and scoreboard? I am beginning to doubt it.
KenW
Guest
That one seemed pretty clear cut to me. Lewis got fingers to the ball. Widdop was still clearly grasping at the ball so Lewis's touch was a clear knock on into Widdop. Even if it was deemed that Widdop somehow had control of it though, if Lewis knocks it out then it's still a knock on against Lewis. Considering that it went upstairs as 'No Try', it's hard to understand how they came up with enough evidence to overturn the decision.
SportsFanGC
Roar Guru
I was at the Titans Eels game on Friday night and was hoping for the performance that the Titans produced. I won't lie that when Parramatta scored I thought that maybe it was going to be a long night ahead. However, the Titans showed plenty of heart in that victory and you could sense their confidence growing on the field as they not only kept pace with the Eels but overran them as the game wore on. Next Saturday night against the Cowboys represents an opportunity to go back-to-back when you look at the Cowboys situation of starting the season with two golden point games and losing players to injury seemingly every week.
KenW
Guest
Slater certainly had some zip when he came on. As all have pointed out, he was trying way too hard and didn't show the sort of sublime touch that he is known for but that will come if he stays healthy. I'll admit that I was sceptical about his comeback, as a player who's game revolves around acceleration and speed, near enough to 2 seasons out of the game while approaching mid-30's just seemed too much. That little glimpse though has turned me around, he will still be a force - the only question mark is whether his body will hold up. Big injury layoffs at the back end of a career do seem to lead to other big injury layoffs. Yep, the sin bin edict has fallen over already. The only surprise was that even the cynical amongst us would have said the refs would stick with it for 5-6 rounds....
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
The strange thing is that a strong referee creates its own story, adding to the drama and entertainment that professional sports offer. It wouldn't be detracting from the game at all.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Yes, the rules have always been there so it's not as if it should be a new thing.
Silvertail47
Guest
well done John , all fair and accurate points ,
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
I'm not that concerned because honestly, I enjoyed watching both of the Dragons wins, very impressive performances, and how can you not love JDB. Danger game for them this week if Foran returns and plays well well, if not, Im resigned to a month of the Dragons logo. Exactly, I have the same thoughts as TB below, the young boys need to step up, but I really think the key to the team is Roberts, he loves a good scrap. Elgey is a bit of a turnstile in defense and seems to be made of glass, he needs to step up, but he was impressive in patches. They certainly lacked a bit of punch up front, but I don't want to undermine how excellent the Sea Eagles were. I agree somewhat with what you are saying, just that I won't be outraged if a few do go unnoticed by the referee. Was also refreshing to see Nathan Browns take on the incident as well, its a team of real personal commitment this year.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
At the start of every season we have whoever happens to be referees boss telling us what they will and won't tolerate for that year. These rules are already in place and have been for many years so call it as you see it and stop trying to keep the penalties down, always having 13 on 13 regardless of how many times someone infringes. Quiet obviously the referees are told to ref a certain way and it has a terrible look. The decision to not penalise deliberate forward passes, allowing players to interfere with kick chasers, and the absurd stripping rule are areas that annoy me.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I've made the comment twice actually. Once in the match wrap up and here in the wrap up of the round. Hardly excessive. Since the start of last season Titans are 10-9-1 without Hayne and 2-6 with him. That's 100% accurate. The comment applies more to Taylor than Elgey and I don't think it's premature. We've got a sample size of 8 games without Hayne and 21 with him. I think it's pretty clear that Taylor runs the side better, gets involved more and plays better so far without Hayne in the side. Even his demeanour is different. On Friday night it was his team. He was barking orders at the forwards and completely running the show. Friday was Elgey's best game of the season and that coincided with Haynes first game out. I'm not suggesting this is a locked down theory, it's an observation. And I'm not blaming Hayne just suggesting they need to find a way to have the young blokes running the game and involving Hayne at a time it best suits the team. Armchair analyst. Of course I am. What are you?
John
Guest
Far out mate, you must have commented along these lines about the Titans half a dozen times now- it's getting old. Plus it's not actually a very accurate comment to begin with. Taylor and Elgey just played their 3rd game together and would be lucky to have 50 first grade games between them. Hayne has only had 8 games at the club in total. I think this nonsense comment about Taylor and Elgey playing better without Hayne on the field is a fair way premature. Taylor has been solid in his 3 outings, Elgey had 12 months out of the game and Hayne was racing the clock with Knee issues to be ready for round 1. Give these 3 guys a few more rounds before you get too carried away with your armchair analysis.