It’s Sunday night, and the end of Round 8, meaning each team is now a third of way through their games for 2019. Here are my talking points from the weekend that was.
Bankwest is the stadium Sydney needed
This point might be a fortnight late, but it needs to be said. Bankwest Stadium – Parramatta’s new home of sport in the middle of Western Sydney – has set the benchmark for rectangular stadiums in Australia.
The reason I didn’t talk about the stadium itself after the opener a fortnight ago (besides the Eels mauling the Tigers and racking up a half-century of points, owing to a more important topic), was it was important to see a good crowd for Game 2 there as well, ensuring it wasn’t just an event crowd going for the opener.
Indeed, it wasn’t and the crowd on hand for the Dragons visit to the golden west was also a good roll-up.
It also happened that I was out there, and the stadium is excellent. Facilities are good, the views are brilliant from most places in the venue, and it creates a fantastic atmosphere.
In terms of stadiums in Sydney, it’s exactly what the harbour city needed.
When you look at the current dynamic of stadiums in Sydney, it’s either Homebush, or suburban grounds. Even when the new venue at Moore Park opens, it won’t help most fans due to the difficulty of getting to the joint (although that’ll be improved by the light rail when it opens, presumably in about 85 years).
The new Western Sydney venue provides a brilliant rectangular spot in a decent location for most sides, and it’s sure to be used come finals.
Anyone who has read my work previously knows I love suburban grounds, and still do. But this venue is better, and it’s the first time I’ve ever felt compelled to write anything like that about a big stadium.
The new-age Sharks will pick up right where the old ones left it
There were more convincing wins this weekend, but the group of fans who should be happiest with the efforts of their side are Cronulla.
Undermanned and up against it, the men in black, white and blue took on the might of last year’s grand finalists, and after finding themselves behind in the first half, they fought back to take the victory in what was possibly the best they have played as a club since the 2016 grand final, which broke their premiership drought.
While there are still players in the picture from that decider, there are also a whole host of youngsters who weren’t and some have been absolutely outstanding these past few weeks, before making the statement they did in shutting down the Storm on Friday evening.
The most impressive of the lot for mine on Friday was Jack Williams, who provided the Sharks a heap of go forward at all the crucial times in the contest.
Williams has had a strong start to the season and been earmarked for big things going forward in the Shire, but this was a break out performance from the 23-year-old.
It was also hard to go past the work of Briton Nikora in the second row, while Braden Hamlin-Uele also had a top game from the bench.
What was more impressive was that the forwards dominated without direction from Shaun Johnson and Matt Moylan, while they also did a superb job manning up and defending errors in the first half – of which there were plenty.
When you have a team who have been known for their ability to grind out wins, seeing the next batch of Sharks come through and get a win like that must be incredibly satisfying for the fans.
By no means does this win make them a premiership favourite against a worryingly poor Storm, but it does announce that the future of Cronulla is in very good hands.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
The Cowboys must leave John Asiata in the halves
Let’s get one thing very clear before I go into this point – the Cowboys were playing a pretty ordinary Titans outfit and we need to see a whole lot more before working out whether they are truly back or not.
However, their attack looked a whole lot better with a lock playing in the halves, which makes very little sense.
Of course, the return of Jason Taumalolo helped the side in providing time and space for the creative players in the side, and the return to form of Jake Granville was also badly needed.
In fact, Granville’s form or lack thereof has been one of the biggest problems for Paul Green’s side this year.
But as mentioned in last week’s talking points, it hasn’t been the forward pack, but rather, the abject clunkiness in attack which has out the Cowboys to the bottom half of the ladder over the first eight rounds.
They are a long way from out of the woods, don’t get me wrong, but Asiata was enormous with his running and passing game taking some of the heat off Michael Morgan.
Jake Clifford will be stiff to miss out on a spot at the Cowboys moving forward, but to put it quite simply, he hasn’t been anywhere near up to scratch across the first two months of his career, and could do with a decent spell in Queensland Cup while the Cowboys try to turn their ailing form around and build momentum from their win over the Gold Coast.
(AAP Image/Michael Chambers)
The Dragons should be kicking themselves for letting Reuben Garrick go
Manly have got a good one in Reuben Garrick. A really, really good one.
The winger, who made his NRL debut a couple of weeks ago after being shipped off from the Dragons in the off-season, has made an immediate impact for the boys from the Northern Beaches.
He had the best performance of his career so far against the Bulldogs on Saturday evening, scoring all 18 of Manly’s points in what was an important, outstanding, backs to the wall eight-point victory.
Apart from the fact we have to start chatting about the possibility of a side widely tipped to finish in the bottom four making the finals, the effort of Garrick since his debut sums up what Des Hasler has seemingly made his club all about since taking over from Trent Barrett in the off-season.
While Garrick rightly stole the headlines on Saturday with his point-scoring, there was more to that game, and has been more to all of his games. His defence out wide has been superb, his ball running in the middle third to get sets off to a strong start has been good, and his ability as an out and out winger in support play, under the high ball and in doing the hard yards hasn’t let anyone down.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Souths have finally arrived at the party
It’d be fair to say that, like the Storm, South Sydney had arrived at their six and one record without really playing good football. In fact, struggling wouldn’t be doing it justice if you take out Round 1.
If you were to watch games without a scoreboard, you could have sworn they were an even record at best.
Instead, they kept finding ways to get it done, playing Bennett ball with that typical scrappy defensive style getting them over the line.
Then, in the farewell to recently retired star Greg Inglis on Thursday against the Brisbane, they clicked big time.
Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker clicked, Damien Cook played his best game of the season and the forwards looked a cohesive unit.
Sure, they had some luck in the first half, but it was the best Souths have played since the season opener and a performance they can look to build on moving into Magic Round, where they will do battle with the Cowboys in what could be a surprising game of the round on Sunday afternoon.
(Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Shut the gate on Penrith and Brisbane’s finals aspirations
There might be a long way to go in 2019, but with a third of the season now confined to the history books, it feels about the right time to start passing a few judgements on teams. Two sides needing the micorscope are the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers.
They share an identical record at the foot of the NRL ladder after eight rounds – just two wins and six losses in what can only be described as a not good enough start to 2019.
There are some key differences between the two sides and their respective positions though.
The Panthers, for mine, have been the most disappointing side of the new season. It’s clear the off field coaching and administration issues have impacted the side on the field, and while they have had the Villame Kikau iniury as an excuse, they have had nothing going for them on the park.
The odd sign suggested a turnaround, but it never came, and now with more injury problems from yesterday, it’s looking even less likely.
The Broncos, on the other hand, always had questions over them coming into the year, and they have only grown louder with Anthony Seibold struggling to get anything out of his side. Meanwhile, the questions are piling up around players, Kodi Nikorima has left, and their young pack are struggling, which is hardly a surprise.
Regardless of all that, both sides are going to need approximately ten, and maybe 11 wins from their final 16 games. Winning that often is a tough ask for an in-form team, let alone one who is struggling and showing no real sign of improvement.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
How far away from best in the game is Latrell Mitchell?
I don’t really want to like Latrell Mitchell, but it’s something most footy fans will simply not be able to help moving into his career, despite the odd bit of carry on, or dumb play.
Sure, there are still elements of his game which need to mature, but the talent of the man is absolutely undeniable at this relatively early point of his career.
Anyone watching the Roosters mauling of the Tigers on Saturday evening wanting to say otherwise must have been viewing a different contest.
There have been a few players over the years who have been given the difficult-to-live-up-to label of ‘The next Greg Inglis.’
No one has really looked close though until now. Until Mitchell, who continued his strong form with three tries, an assist, line breaks, tackle busts and seven goals against the Tigers.
His field goal from 40 metres out and ten in from touch against the Storm a fortnight ago was another example of how far this man has come.
Whether you want to or not, it’s impossible as a rugby league fan to not enjoy the way Latrell plays, and if the Roosters do end up going back to back this year (again, it’s early, but it looks like no one can stop them after a third of 2019), then you can bet he, and his combination on the left-hand side of the ground with James Tedesco and Luke Keary will be a big reason why.
Roarers, what did you make of Round 8? Drop a comment and let us know in the section below.
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Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Hi Scott Great to have confirmation on the new stadium experience. Cheers KP
Harvey Wilson
Roar Rookie
Another talking point, when do we start taking Manly seriously? They have won 5 of the last 6 and if it wasn't for dodgy refs, they would have beaten St George too. Have also won one and a half games without DCE as well as Turbo.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
Yeah Albo you make a good point. Defending Latrell is made a lot more difficult because of Cordner Keary and Teddy all running the lines on the inside and the option of the harbour bridge to the giraffe on the outside. Either way I'm looking forward to seeing Joey go about defending I'm sure he won't be timid about it.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Joe, I think the problem is that with the Storm without Cronk & Slater and the slowing down of the GOAT, are now currently playing a very predicable game that is pretty much focused around Munster on the left edge with the occasional use of Hughes up the middle . Apart from one match when Vunivallu grabbed a hatrick, the right side through Croft has virtually been ignored and the likes of Kaufusi who used to once carve breaks off Cronk on the right edge, is lucky to see the ball except for a few hit ups off his line. Smith doesn't trust Croft much it would seem ? So everything goes through Munster on the left. If a team can keep Munster contained ( like Nikora & Flanagan did well last week) the Storm are then battling for ideas. Their pack is solid but not really threatening. Smith doesn't sprint out of dummy half anymore. Big Nelson seems to have lost all the good form he developed last year and is battling to give you 30 minutes a game with no real impact . Kenny Bromwich is now their most dangerous forward because he is on that left edge with Munster. Keep them contained and the Storm are contained it seems.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Looks great from the lounge chair Scott. I might even take myself down there to Cumberland Oval and have a look myself !
Albo
Roar Rookie
And you would think they will swap Whitehead to that right edge defence like they did to contain Kikau when Bateman went off. And Joey & Whitehead will be solid there. But that left edge attack of the Roosters with Keary, Tedesco, Cordner, Mitchell & Tupou is simply awesome ! Good luck keeping Mitchell quite, and if they can, can they also harness Keary, Teddy & Tupou in the air as well ?
Albo
Roar Rookie
Geoff, the Raiders are going well and the pommies have added a fair bit of starch and commitment to their play. I think along with the switch of Wighton to 6, that has been the reason for the big turnaround in form. I am a massive fan of Whitehead & Bateman in the backrow, and we know how good Hodgson is , while Sutton is going well in the middle third. I particularly like the way Whitehead swapped sides when Bateman left the field after 20 minutes, so as to take on the tough role of containing Kikau, and he got him with some massive hits that eventually saw him leave the field injured. He might be getting a "hitman" reputation after taking out DCE the week before ! They will be tested now without Bateman , Tapine & Rapana for some weeks and the next two matches against the Chooks & Bunnies will be the testing material.
Joe
Roar Rookie
As another Storm fan couldn't agree more on the Storm performances. What makes it worse is the Storm is the one team that has pretty much been untouched by injury this year so they are struggling even with their best team on the park. I think this week will mark the point where the Storm either go downhill or turn the corner and start playing the type of footy they're renowned for. If they lose to the Eels I think it will be the beginning of a slide that may well end up outside the eight.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Sorry mate ! I'm pretty sure it was me. I think I am jinxed ! Apart from that Bateman muck up, I had already lost 3 head to head match ups by less than 5 points this year. In the head to head game in my group yesterday I had just sneaked in front of my opponent by 2 points in the last match Eels v Dragons with 3 minutes to go, and my opponent had no player in that last match. Yay ! at last I am going to win a tight one. No way say the Gods ! With the game all but over, I have my winger Periera sin binned ( ridiculous decision) , so I lose 10 SC points for his infringement and get beaten again by 8 points ! Seems I can find every way possible to lose those match ups ( typical Panther ! ).
The Barry
Roar Guru
So it’s your fault! I thought it was mine...I captained Bateman for the first time.
Larry1950
Guest
If not eliminated, they'd have to be just making up the numbers if they somehow make the eight, Ben. Decent gap between top 3 & the rest when at their best.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
I think its 7 out of the first 12 at home and 5 of the last 12 at home. Probably trying to avoid too many Winter games at home - only one 7.50 game and one 5.30 game at home in the Winter months - and the rest of the Winter home games are during the day which is pretty smart scheduling. But the first half of the season hasn't been a snack in terms of scheduling for the Raiders. I read somewhere that clash against Penrith was the fifth time this season they've had a shorter preparation than their opponents. At least they won't have to travel to Qld again but will have to travel to NZ at some stage. Doesn't compare with what the Warriors have to contend with and I'm pretty sure the Titans have had a rough schedule as well.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Not arguing about that BAS. I wasn't expecting Scott to talk it up. At least the Raiders aren't losing games they are expected to win. You still have to work for it though. They were slightly off and a bit flat against Manly and lost. That's all it takes in this comp. I saw the Broncos, Manly and Panthers games as real danger games as Manly have been in good form and the Broncos and Panthers are two teams that were expected to do well and could turn around their form at any time. Happy to get 2 out of 3 of those games.
farkurnell
Guest
Scott,I wouldn't be putting the pencil thru any team just yet(except Penrith). The teams with very little SOO impact - Dogs,Newc,NZ,Sharks ,G.C.,Tigers n Manly can all make a surge during SOO rounds. The Eight is still well n truly up in the air - with the exception of Roosters n Souths who appear to have the depth to cover missing stars. Just on Newc I wouldn't read too much into there win over the "other" Warriors team. Steve K need to get the tackle bags out ..again ,maybe Nicorema can make a difference. Newc are a better proposition with Barnett on board, he gives them there heart n soul ,which is lacking when he's injured.
Rob
Guest
Scotty, firstly great work over the weekend calling the games and then writing up the article. The Cowboys were very lucky to win. Outside individual efforts from Taumalolo's returning, Jake Granville and O'neil anything enterprising in attack came off Asiata. They are still playing slow and flat in attack with players making errors and not working with much cohesion in defence. Mitchell is in rare form at present but I will say the Roosters know how to use him to best effect. When they see him with room and space they get the ball in his hands early. It's all quality not quantity. It similar to how the Storm (Cronk) used Inglis. Rarely hitting it up but always looking to get him the ball in space. Broncos are going to have to find a senior leader quickly. If they get behind early on the score board they play panicked and dumb football IMO. Des Hasler just nows how to get the Sea eagles going. Don't now how but they just play well.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Not saying they shouldn't be acknowledged for what they have done so far. They have done well - all be it at times with a clunky attack. But 3rd or 4th is probably a fair reflection of how they have gone so far this season. But this article is entitled "7 talking points from Rd 8" not the season to date. So grinding out a win against a team with 2 wins for the season - and those 2 wins come with a combined winning margin of 3 points - probably not one of the top 7 talking points this week imo.
Shane
Guest
How will any team beat the roosters????/ Bah.....ask Souths how round 1 went......
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Nice wrap up Scotty. Bankwest is a fantastic venue and a great advert for new Stadia. I agree with you re the Rabbitohs finally turning up. In addition to improved goal line defence, it should be noted the halves are one of, if not the form combo at the moment. Cody Walker is a joy to watch, such a gifted player.
RoryStorm
Guest
As a Storm fan, I feel a bit like Craig Bellamy was feeling after the Sharks game. There's been nothing to like about the Storm all year apart from a couple of players having good debuts this season. The last two wins were hardly convincing & I have no doubt the Warriors were unfairly denied a win at AAMI Park last week. Bellamy has let too many experienced players leave since 2016. Maybe that was to free up salary cap space to pay the big three (2017) Cronk Slater Smith, big two (2018) Smith & Slater, & the big two (2019) Smith & Munster. The biggest loss as far as players go was Cronk & Melbourne should have demanded compensation from Easts because no one will ever convince me that the deal between Easts & Cronk wasn't done before he left Melbourne. Yes I know he wanted to get married but he would have had plenty of contacts in the Harbour City between both he & his wife through her work at Fox. If I sound like like an aggrieved one eyed supporter then that's because I am. (smiling). At the start of last year many "experts" were saying the Storm looked like the most likely team to go back to back. Sure we made to the GF but look what happened there. To go back to back you need absolutely every aspect in the game to go in your favour throughout the year. The draw, injuries, suspension, form, weather. I'm not prepared to say Easts can't do it but sometimes it's hard to keep that hunger from the last year after you have already won the previous comp. In saying that I'm not trying to death ride the Roosters (not half). Not forgetting there are other teams in the comp with pretty good form so far. The Rabbitohs, Raiders, Eels. If the Dragons can get their injured players back sooner than later they could have a big say. Unlike a lot of people on here I think their coach has done a pretty good job last year & so far this year, all things considered. It's not his fault when a player drops the ball or goes off injured. I really like the new stadium in West Sydney. Up close & personal & that's just from watching the games on the box. Instead of building another huge stadium that no one except the most one eyed fan goes to (Homebush) for the life of me I can't fathom why the government doesn't build a replica of the new West Sydney stadium there. People are more prepared to go to the footy if they can watch the game in comfort. We are fortunate to have a good rectangular ground in Melbourne with AAMI Park but the new West Sydney ground looks even better. If only all games of rugby league were like yesterday's game between the Eels & the Dragons. Yes there were mistakes but I'm thinking more about the tries that were scored. The Dragons try where the ball changed hands 150 times before it was plonked over the try line & the Eels try where Gutho ran straight through the middle of part of the field to sprint at 100 mph to score his try. O yeh, not forgetting Ferguson's try either. Apart from him I don't know anyone else who could have done what he did. He's been by far & away the best winger the last two years. His carries from the kick off have been amazing.
Scott Pryde
Expert
I really don't know what to make of them Paul... We should make the finals, but then, I'm not convinced by anything Mary does. If you look at the first half yesterday, they were good. I don't know what McGregor said to them in the break, because they came out looking like a different footy side. No commitment in defence. Some of the defensive work right across the first eight rounds has been pretty poor. I thought we took a step forward on Anzac Day and three steps back yesterday. Agree regarding Hunt playing what he sees. Needs to be able to use that running game. I think with Manly, you can really see what a good coach does to the club. Des has obviously been brilliant for them.