The NRL season continues to take shape, but it’s as hard as ever to predict which teams are going to wind up in the top eight and which aren’t, with more unexpected results and three golden point games over the weekend. Let’s rip into a new edition of talking points.
Fair warning before we go any further – this will be a Tigers-Panthers free zone. That game was a disaster, a trainwreck from start to finish, and belongs in history books which should be buried 100 feet underground and never looked at again. That said…
We need a fix for golden point
We need to talk about the NRL’s version of extra time again.
Golden point is a black eye on this great game.
In the eyes of some, it might be exciting, but objectively, it’s a field goal shootout.
Now, I’m not saying using other methods wouldn’t result in anything similar happening, but at the moment, there is no advantage for a team to score a try over a field goal, hence, we get teams setting up for it across the entire ten minutes.
Sure, you get the odd bit of defensive pressure causing things to happen out wide from a smart half, but a regular season game with two vital competition points on the line shouldn’t be decided by potentially which team has the footy first.
We don’t see any other sport playing golden anything, and when the NRL have a couple of solutions ready to go, it makes it even more frustrating.
What we see in the finals each year would be a good place to start. A mandatory ten-minute period with the higher score at the end winning, except there is no unlimited extra time and the teams can settle for a draw at the end of it.
The other method I quite like is a player leaving the field every 60 seconds or so from each side until a try is scored, with field goals not coming into it.
Whatever the case, the field goal shootout – as proven again this year – needs to end as a way of deciding games.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
The Eels would be mad to not lock up Clint Gutherson
Reports during the week suggesting the Eels were only going to offer their skipper a contract renewal of somewhere in the vicinity of $450,000 per year were unbelievable.
Gutherson may have struggled with form and injury last season, but his 2017, and the way he has started 2019 in a firing Eels outfit suggests he should be on something approaching double what the Eels reportedly offered him.
As if to reinforce the point, he was a star against the Sharks on Saturday night as the Eels picked up a strong 24-12 victory.
Alongside Mitchell Moses, who is slowly putting his hand into the air for Blues selection come Origin time, Gutherson was strong at the back in defence, had some damaging runs, and chimed in to the kicking game where needed.
There has never really been a question about the talent Gutherson has to offer a club, and the first three rounds of this season have confirmed it.
The other major advantage for any club going after the man branded as ‘King Gutho,’ is his versatility to the cause. Of course, he would prefer to play in one spot and develop there – as it looks like he will do at the back for Parramatta this year – but he can virtually play anywhere in the backline, which, in the long run, is a huge advantage.
He has the potential to develop into one of the most important players in this competition. His vision in attack and solidness in defence are outstanding, and while, like any player, he is prone to errors, he is nowhere near a regular offender.
The fact the Eels have already turned him into their skipper also speaks volumes about the kind of player he is.
If the Eels have anything other than locking up Gutherson long term as top priority, they have rocks in their head.
(Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
The NRL and the curious case of bad selections
When it comes to State of Origin time, every man and his dog becomes an armchair selector, trying to tell the selectors exactly who should be playing well.
Yet, it’d be arguable to say there is hardly enough pressure on club coaches and selectors to get things right in picking a clubs best 17.
While some things work themselves out unanimously, there have been some strange decisions this year. More so than other years, as a matter of fact.
We went over the plight of Dean Pay and the Bulldogs last week, but it’s worth touching on again – why Rhyse Martin and Nick Meaney started the season in reserve grade is beyond nearly everyone.
Friday’s early game this week though brought up another couple of baffling questions though. Both the Warriors and Titans have major questions to answer about the way they have started their seasons, and team selections play a major part in that.
As the Titans stumbled to their fourth loss, rounding out a horror first month of footy, one thing became clear in the final 20 minutes. AJ Brimson must be the starting fullback.
Now, full respect to Michael Gordon. The 35-year-old has had a solid career and been very reliable, but he is now holding back a potential superstar.
Brimson changed the way the Titans played when he was introduced during the last 20 minutes in Auckland, with the club scoring two tries in a matter of minutes and Brimson showing heavy involvement. Unfortunately, by the time Garth Brennan brought the youngster off the pine, it was already way too late for him to have an impact on the result.
The Warriors too, have been sub-standard to start 2019. Maybe we should reserve judgement on Chanel Harris-Tavita for a few weeks, and until he performs on the road, but his debut featured an excellent use of control and flare, and he never looked out of sorts or flustered by the occasion.
The change being made after just three weeks by the Warriors though shows Stephen Kearney had no real idea which way he wanted to go in the halves to start 2019, which, after a long pre-season on the training paddock is a concern in itself.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
There is something about these Raiders
There might be plenty going right for the Eels as talked about either, but another club sneaking around under the radar as major improvers at the moment are the Raiders.
The Green Machine have started the season as one of the competition’s biggest improvers, and their victory over the Cowboys goes to show they will be a team to be reckoned with the longer this season goes along.
Their win over the Cowboys on Saturday evening was outstanding, with their English cohort in the forwards leading the way again.
The likes of John Bateman have started the season like a house on fire, and it’ telling for the Raiders, with Josh Hodgson and the halves having time and space.
Jack Wighton’s start to the season in the halves has also been phenomenal, and while the Raiders still have a lot of proving to do – their first half against the Storm a fortnight ago and some of their work after halftime yesterday is testament to that – the signs are there that they will be challenging for finals footy.
Before we move on from that game though – aren’t there some worrying signs for the Cowboys? I would not like to be sitting in Paul Green’s camp right at the moment.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Luke Keary is approaching top-five status as the Roosters go nuts
When you think about the top 50 players in the NRL – as I have done a couple of times on the site – Luke Keary has generally been a mid-range sort of player.
Like others at the Roosters though – namely Joseph Manu – his achievements have been somewhat swept under the carpet because he is playing alongside one of the best ever in Cooper Cronk.
His performance in the grand final with a virtual passenger in Cronk made people sit up and take notice though, and he hasn’t missed a beat this year whether with or without his halves partner.
Keary was simply stunning against the Broncos on Thursday night at the SCG, and there can be no question he is now, on form at least, inside the top ten, if not five, players in the competition.
He is of course aided by a dominant forward pack and great outside backs, but his decision making and kicking game were both outstanding in the Roosters worrying demolition of Brisbane, who have some serious soul-searching to do.
If you asked me right now, it’s Keary lining up alongside a former teammate Adam Reynolds in the halves for New South Wales come Origin time.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Bronson Xerri and Kyle Flanagan are going to be special talents
With Shaun Johnson and Matt Moylan out injured for the Sharks on Saturday night’s loss to the Parramatta Eels, we got a glimpse of the future in the Shire.
Bronson Xerri was finally given his debut and didn’t disappoint, while we got another look at Kyle Flanagan in the halves.
Xerri was outstanding in both defence and attack for Cronulla, and showed he has pace to burn when he chased down a ball in a foot race with Clint Gutherson.
The centre who wasn’t allowed to make his debut last year due to age proved he will be among the game’s best centre’s in years to come.
The two big problems facing Xerri now are consistent top grade footy – remember, he is only in because Moylan is injured and Josh Dugan was selected at the back – and the Sharks using him properly.
A feature of their loss to the Eels was Xerri not once getting early ball out wide, which is undoubtedly where he would be most threatening.
We have all seen Flanagan play before, and while he was a little clunky at times last night, he was far from poor, continuing to heap pressure on for regular first-grade footy.
(Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)
Manly’s gritty determination a good sign, but Tom Trbojevic’s injury will sting Hasler’s men
They say you can judge a team by their effort and determination in defence, as well as their attitude with backs to the wall.
Manly had a pretty rough first two weeks of the season, before beating the Warriors last week. Let’s be honest though, the win over the Warriors was never going to fill anyone with any confidence, given it was a poor-performing, ordinary Warriors outfit.
However, their performance over the Rabbitohs, with the exception of what looked to be a terrible hamstring injury to gun fullback Tom Trbojevic, will have fans starting to dream of a potential trip to September footy.
The Sea Eagles looked like a different side with Trbojevic on the field over the course of these last two weeks.
There can be no doubting the outstanding talents he has on the attacking side of the park, with those on display time and time again on a lovely Saturday afternoon at Manly, including in his try on the left-hand side of the park.
His injury is going to be a killer blow, and if the Sea Eagles can have him back in anything under six weeks, it would feel like a small win.
However, nursing key injuries and fatigue after doing a mountain of defence at the back end of the first half, it was the Sea Eagles defence and determination to stay in the game which was most impressive.
(Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)
The Dragons need Paul Vaughan and Tyson Frizell at their best
The Dragons, while being a team who rely on their spine to generate a strong kicking game and momentum, look night and day with Tyson Frizell and Paul Vaughan either on or off the park.
Their go forward and defensive intensity is a completely different beast once you put the dynamic duo on the park, and it was clear to see in their extremely tight game against Newcastle on Sunday night.
While both sides had a case of the dropsies at times and the game, to be fair, wasn’t the highest of quality, Frizell’s impact in particular was clear for all to see.
After sitting on the sideline with an injury which won’t be repeated by name, but would make even the toughest man in the room squirm, he was strong off the bench.
Vaughan, on the other hand, made an immediate difference when he had his second stint after the halftime interval.
They are both Blues Origin forwards for a reason, and while the Dragons were anything but dominant across the 80 minutes, you can’t fault the fact they are the best forwards wearing Red V.
Roarers, what did you make of Round 4? Drop a comment below and let us know.
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Peter Piper
Guest
Gee are we still flogging this dead horse. What is so wrong with a draw folks ?
Larry1950
Guest
Watched almost every game last weekend for the first time this season & have some observations. I'm a card carrying maroon but gees those Turbo brothers are quality players and people from what I see. That Bronson Xerri kid looked good but recall the Qld U18 or U20 origin centres handled him ok last season, think I saw that game which was an upset Qld win. Swap DCE with Kodie Nikorima & Manly are wooden spoon candidates while the Broncos are probably top 3. Melbourne was fortunate to win, down 12 nil when the referee whisperer got them some cheap possession. That penalty try might have been technically correct but it's never a penalty if that occurs in the field of play. Broncos should have used the Justin Hodges U20 origin coaching connection to nab Brimson & promise him the hooker role for 10 years, he's a shot at being Qld's bench utility this season. Qld backline will be equal if not better than NSW but the way we're heading Nate Myles might get a call up for the pack. Is there a Qld eligible forward in form at any club in the NRL at the moment? Keary should be being talked about as a potential Qld 5/8, not a NSW certainty, he's got no blue blood & will bite that bitter pill to get a representative jersey. If you're good enough you're old enough so Seibold should pick O'sullivan or Dearden and just get the changes rolling.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
My comment was more directed towards where the majority of the salary cap is spent. They needed to sign a star fullback or even a 5/8 not a way over rated Josh Maguaire.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
Ladder after round 4 2018. Top 5 Dragons Warriors Panthers Tigers Sea eagles Roosters Storm No sign of Souths or Cronulla
Bonza
Roar Rookie
Yes nothing like a finals prediction in early April. I wasn't even drinking. I'll attempt to justify it. I don't think at least 5 teams have the depth or class to make the 8 although they'll obviously trouble sides as no game is a gimme. The real head scratcher is who'll be good enough for the 8. Lock in the Roosters, Storm, Rabbits, fully fit Sharks and to Ricky's delight the Raiders. Probably Dragons, possibly Eels, should be Panthers / Broncos but...
Chilli
Roar Rookie
I did have a look back at his stats and thought they were pretty underwhelming.... until I saw the rest of em and again he was leading the way and red hot by comparison along side The Don. I get your point and he is half a yard down on his speed but I feel Gordon is still relevant.
R N
Roar Rookie
Couldn’t agree more. You need some 2nd phase play! Green seems so conservative and it is to the detriment of his players! Granville has lost all confidence as he has so few quick play the balls to run… and he needs to run as his service is unfortunately often 2nd rate! Also.. there seems no joy in there play and it is noticeable! Speaking of off loads … Holland is making a case for most improved player in the comp over the last part of last year and early stages of this year! Great off loads, runs good lines and plays with heart! The time in the middle and off the bench being mr fix it for awhile last year really helped his game !
Simoc
Guest
Well every team can do what they like and you're telling us the best two teams are best at cheating. This is every losers cowardly rant. Blame the refs. The coaches get out of jail card. I reckon the golden point is great. I want a winner. So does everyone else, even the liars. The dropped goal is just great because it brings in a different dynamic and you get a hero, the kicker, or a villain the misser. Need to get the contest over and done with and like penalty kicks in soccer it ain't perfect but it does the job.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I raised the same question about why Luke Keary was not charged over an identical chicken wing tackle to the one that earned Liam Knight a 2 week suspension. That was met with apathy instead of empathy as well. I guess the common denominator is that some sides like the Roosters and the Storm are judged by a different set of rules. No surprises there. Had it been Sam Burgess or one of his brothers it probably would have resulted in an 8 week suspension. George copped 4 weeks for throwing a half empty water bottle without malice or a clear intent to hit the target which missed by 4 metres! Lucky then I suppose that the poms have never been too accurate with their throwing.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Justin Hodges hss always been a dog shot exponent with s chip on his shoulder. Latrell Mitchell is just like him in every respect. Other grub players include Cam Smith, Adam Blair, Josh Maguire, Sam Thaiday, JWH, James Graham and Will Chambers.
The Barry
Roar Guru
You’re right, I think most players would do that but like raising kids you can’t just knock them all the time for bad behaviour, you have to call out the good. I say most players, but I remember one from a few years back when Brett Morris, playing for the Dragons went down with a knee or hamstring injury and was lying on the ground in agony when Justin Hodges ran from 30 metres away to not belt him but hit him with a swinging arm as well. It was a shocker.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I take your point and I normally try and avoid dissing the Storm because they cop a lot but it was particularly evident yesterday and you know, it was against my team. It’s not just on the surrender tackles. There are actually very few of those across the course of any game. For the most part I think the Storm do what every team is trying to do. Like a lot of things in the game, they just do it better. Unfortunately its one of those areas that doesn’t attract attention or accolades for the right reasons. Anyway, congrats on the win. I’m sure there were as many calls you felt went against the Storm as I felt went against the Dogs. I’m just really glad a corner seems to have been turned and we were able to put up a fight. I don’t recall the Munster shoulder charge...I remember him shoving Cogger so that Cogger almost took Reimis Smith’s legs out. The Vuni leg twist was a shocker though...it could have ended a lot worse.
db
Guest
Another incident from the Storm/Bulldogs game involved the final conversion attempt. The try was scored at least 5 metres in from the side line yet the conversion was taken from much wider. I don't know if would have made a difference but it was strange to see a discrepancy that large.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! Unfortunately the referees are fully back to game managing rather than adjudicating by the rules. So we see the Storm manipulating the play the ball & ruck speed of their opposition and the refs failing to penalise. Yesterday was particularly blatant as the Dogs had a great positive attacking strategy to run the Storm around. The Dogs had 20 offloads and the Storm were struggling to slow their attack down without laying all over them. The Dogs probably still missed a great opportunity to pull off the upset when they went away from their left side focus of attack ( against Croft, Scott & Vunivalu) in the 2nd half where they had exposed them often in the first half. For some reason they concentrated more on the middle & right side in that 2nd half and had limited opportunities against Munster, Chambers and Seve. But the referees didn’t help them at all ignoring the Storm’s ruck infringements. But same goes for other matches too. I noted in the Knights v Dragons match that there was no 10 metres applied all night, I thought the Dragons were very lucky to get away with their great “line speed” all night ! But wasn’t that 4-3 penalty count great management, Mr Cecchin ?
Rob
Guest
As a Cowboys supporter the worst offenders of holding down and cynical off side was the Broncos against the Cowboys. The refs are making a rod for their own back but it’s certainly an epidemic at that needs addressing. The stripping rule is a complete farce also.
Albo
Roar Rookie
The problem is they don't have "eleventy seven " star forwards. They have only one in JT13 , and he is out injured. The rest are way overrated and haven't gotten on top of an opposition pack since their late run to the finals in 2017. Maybe this was an aberration month only, that allowed Morgan to shine? Their forwards are still key to the Cows success going forward, but they need some changes. Right now their chief playmaker and best forward is John Asiata playing as a utility forward. Their current pack can't hold its own against most teams and I think some radical changes need to be tried. Maybe start Asiata, Jenson and Molo and put Granville, Hess & Cooper on the bench ? Or try Hampton at 9 ? Get some spark out of dummy half.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Its looking like both the wingers will be out for Melbourne. JAC personal reasons and Suli suspended so that back 5 for Melbourne looks a lot more shaky. I think Morgan on Munster would be the way to go too. Munster is pretty much the focal point of the Storm attack at the moment and the main task will be to limit him.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Correct. Brimson should be FB. Throw "Flash" Gordon onto the wing or put him in the centres. FB is an "x-factor" position (i.e. Kayln Ponga) and poor old "Flash" is anything but. Both Taylor and Roberts looked good together in their first week back and will improve in time.
Albo
Roar Rookie
If you notice the Dogs have now recently adopted a very attacking strategy rather than the "no risk" strategy of most other teams. Yesterday in that tough benchmark match of the Storm in Melbourne they completed the most offloads of any other team over the weekend , by a long margin. They had 20 offloads with Holland (7) and Harawira-Naera (6) on either side of the park to run the Storm around. Compare this with some other strugglers in matches this weekend - Panthers (10) v Tigers (5), Cowboys (4) v Raiders (7), Warriors (5) v Titans (11), Knights (7) v Dragons (5). Therein lies a possible answer to some team's issues with poor form ... a lack of positive attitude problem ?
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
NEITHER side deserved 2 points after that embarrassment! Both teams should be made to stand in the naughty corner after that game.