The final make-up of the top eight is beginning to take shape with just three weeks of footy to go, and with plenty of entertaining footy during Round 22, there is plenty to go over. Here are my talking points from the weekend that was.
Full disclaimer – I completely missed Sunday’s games, so don’t really feel equiped to comment, but, the Roosters are rolling and the Sharks won’t be challenging anyone playing like they did today from the bits I did see.
Anyway…
How much time does Paul Green have to right the ship in Townsville?
Let’s not waste any time here. The North Queensland Cowboys are in their second straight season of underperforming.
And not just underperforming. If you were to think of the team who have been most disappointing with regard to what their expectations were over the last 24 months, the Cowboys are it.
Despite a roster featuring a State of Origin and international half, a forward pack with, on paper, some of the best players in the game, and some youthful talent in the outside backs, the Cowboys just haven’t been able to string anything together.
Falling from the great heights of the 2017 grand final, where they snuck into the eight on a rich vein of form before going all the way to the big dance, the club are a shadow of their former self.
In fact, you’d say the only real bright spots this year are the continuation of Jason Taumalolo being a wrecking ball and the emergence of Jake Clifford, who, when he breaks structure and runs the footy, looks as dangerous as anyone in the competition.
While they did have a few wins through the middle of the season and were sniffing around the tail of the top eight for a while, they have well and truly fallen away now.
And even though they were missing representative forwards Tauamlolo and Josh McGuire on Saturday afternoon against the Knights, their performance was dismal in the club’s biggest-ever loss against Newcastle.
While their attack has been a mess for weeks, their defence was an even bigger worry on Saturday, and the Cowboys are now staring at an ugly ending to their season.
There is nothing left to play for in 2019, but the pressure is surely, slowly building on Paul Green.
The side he has should have played finals last year, and they should be playing finals this year. The roster is too good not to be. Blaming luck and injuries can only get you so far, as can that 2017 miracle.
Green is running out of time, running out of chances, and fans are running out of patience.
Fighting adversity a sign of how far the Raiders have come
When you go out in Melbourne, spend 20 minutes in the first half with just 12 men and slump to 18-0 down, the last thing you do is expect to head home with two competition points.
Most sides would be just trying to avoid what happened to the Eels earlier in the year when they conceded 60 points to a red-hot Storm.
And while the Storm had been much-improved in the last fortnight since their loss to the Sea Eagles at home, the Raiders’ excellent work caused them to fall apart during the final 50 minutes of Saturday evening’s famous win for the Green Machine.
While it might be the best win the club have had in a decade, it’s also a performance which finally proves that Ricky Stuart’s men are going to be in a position to fight for the premiership.
The Raiders have all but sealed the deal on a top-four berth with the victory, and while they lost to the Roosters last week, it’s two weeks in a row they have come out and put the pieces together in a high-intensity, high-stakes game of footy.
There are still rightly questions being asked about the Raiders, such as their halves, but they will quieten a little after this performance.
They won’t be able to start like that against a side like Melbourne in knockout footy of course, but if they had of done that 12 months ago, there is every chance Canberra would have rolled over and been hammered.
Instead, they rolled up the sleeves, toughed out the periods when a man in the sin bin and came away with the win, and that’s a quality which should be admired.
They are an exciting team to watch as well. Offloads, strips, spreading the footy out of their own end. They aren’t afraid to play what’s in front of them and look to take every chance to go on the attack, so they are going to be dangerous in September.
(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Just how far can the Bulldogs go in 2020?
I’ve neglected to write about the Bulldogs for the last couple of weeks, but gee have they been on some sort of run.
Of course, it’s all too little and too late to play finals footy, but it really bodes well. This is a young side playing for each other, defending like their lives depend on it and fighting for every tackle, point, kick and metre.
It’s impressive to see, and even more so given just how poor their attack has been. That’ll be the major sticking point, thorn in the side if you will, to their 2020 ambitions, but Canterbury should have finals on the mind if they can start executing better and playing a little more consistently.
Of course, 2019 was always going to be a long year for the Dogs. They have a squad with plenty of rookies, but guys who are now standing up to be counted in defence.
Love or hate what he has done – the majority would be somewhere in the middle – the team are now clearly playing for Dean Pay.
The end of one season isn’t a complete guide to the next, but the last weeks have had plenty of positive signs for the kennel.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Addin Fonua-Blake will be the man to make a difference for Manly in September
While Martin Taupau often gets most of the credit for the way Manly’s forward pack go about their business – and to a certain extent, why not, look at the guy – Addin Fonua-Blake could make all the difference come September.
You know what you’re going to get out of big Marty day in and day out. Strong runs, offloads and big hits.
But what Fonua-Blake brings to the side allows them to be constantly at their best.
Apart from the fact he often plays a longer first stint than his front-row partner, giving the bench players something to go with and aim up to when they come on, there is also the fact he maintains the rage when Taupau is on.
Defensive lines know they are looking at defending two plays from the duo per set early in a match, and have to run through them to get anywhere.
Fonua-Blake is a proverbial brick wall, and while it is hard to read too much into a win over the struggling and injury-depleted Tigers, his form looks great.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Payne Haas could be the game’s best forward by the end of 2020
Of course, some will disagree with this headline, mainly because they think he is already there.
The only bridge left to conquer for Payne Haas, after his breakout 2019, will be doing what he does at his best on a weekly basis for a long period of time.
Like most of the Broncos forwards, he has had some off moments but he has had fewer than the rest, and held his end of the bargain at both ends of the park.
The fact he was given an Origin debut and didn’t let a single man down speaks volumes of where he is at in his development.
While the positive stats have been publicised about Haas – like his 83 tackle breaks, his 1100 post-contact metres, 182 metres per game or 13 offloads – what hasn’t been widely talked about is just how tidy he has been in the stats which truly define great players.
Tackling at 92 per cent efficiency, for example, is a number which is high enough to be considered in the upper echelon of the game. In fact, he has been credited with just 17 missed tackles all year.
Or how about the fact he has only made five errors in 2019? That is an incredibly low count for someone trying to push offloads and keep the ball alive.
But away from the stats, it’s moments like that try on Friday night which tell you where he is at.
That was one of the all-time great tries for a prop, and while he isn’t the best forward in the game yet, he is up there, and should be competing with Jason Taumalolo for the mantle by the end of 2020.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
How worried should Souths fans be?
The Rabbitohs’ run is just starting to reach that worrisome level. To be fair, they are still tracking to finish around the top four, although the double chance might slip them by if they can’t turn things around in a hurry.
But they look tired, out of ideas, and – even with injured players starting to come back – like they are struggling.
Last week’s loss to the Storm in Gosford wasn’t the worst in the world, but they did have a lot of possession they couldn’t do anything with, and that trend continued on Saturday against Dean Pay’s Bulldogs.
But this week’s loss without scoring a try is a major cause for concern.
Sure, Canterbury at their best have a way of dragging opposition teams down to their level, and games between the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs often bring the best out in each other, but the Bunnies weren’t good enough.
Their attack was full of one-out plays and a general lack of direction, and while their defence wasn’t horrendous, that won’t be the problem when September rolls around.
Now, it should be noted here that Wayne Bennett has a knack of having his teams peak right in time for the finals, and so it would take a seriously brave man to write South Sydney, but they are going to need a mighty quick turnaround, because time is running out.
If it was only the last two weeks, one of those against the likely minor premiers, you could brush it off, but Souths haven’t played their best footy since Round 1. Their recent victories haven’t been at the level required, and it’s clear to see they were just scraping through.
They are going to make the top eight, but Souths better be prepared to run out with a completely different style in knock-out footy, or they will be doing just that – getting knocked out.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Parramatta need a fit Blake Ferguson to make anything out of the finals
This shouldn’t be taken as a knock on the versatile Brad Takairangi, who has been filling in on the wing for the Eels while Blake Ferguson has been injured, because he has been doing a pretty fine job in a team who are flying high.
But if Parramatta don’t have Ferguson fit and firing come the finals, they will not be going anywhere.
It’s as simple as that.
And to say a winger is the key in any teams would be blaze and doing things the easy way, but Ferguson is a big part of any side he plays in.
He was at the Roosters last year, and he was in Games 2 and 3 of State of Origin this year.
The Eels are currently flying under the radar as the team who are on a great run, but no one seems to be paying them a second thought. They have obviously been helped in that department by the success stories of Canberra and Manly, but Parramatta are lurking.
It’s doubtful that they can make a run for the premiership, but Ferguson – who gives 100 per cent every time he is on the field and often runs for well over 150 metres per game, with many of them kick return and post contact – gives his side a huge boost every time he plays.
There is still a spot for Takairangi in the best 17, but Ferguson helps the forwards, he helps the halves, and he does a stellar job so long as the defence holds up.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Roarers, what did you make of Round 22? Drop a comment below and let us know.
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macho
Guest
I just watched the Canberra game. As usual all the 50-50 decisions usually the play the ball decisions went to the trailing team in the second half to bring Canberra back into it for a close game and then went to Storm when Canberra were in front (the 10 metre Storm kickoff failure is not a matter of judgement like a holding down in play the ball) . I don't know why Canberra bother - the GF will be between Storm and Roosters coz they have the most third party agreements ( I assume Cronk and Tedesco are on them at least as well as Munster and Smith) Werent the NRL going to review these 2 years ago??
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
It's true but if the Broncos had of signed any of those players they would have won several titles perhaps in the last decade. They didn't try at all with some or very hard with others. Even Keary wanted to play for the Broncos but is lining up for his third title, perhaps, elsewhere as the Broncos soldier on with Boyd at 5/8.
Rob
Guest
As much as Bennett was able to get first dibs on young Queensland talent he never let those players go because they were never wore a jersey. JT was a Crusher. The Storm grabbed the others as juniors and they never played for the broncos ?
Albo
Roar Rookie
Jimmy, it is probably the template for most coaches under the current state of our game since they brought in the interchange rule. It has changed the whole fabric of our game. Focus is on big powerful hard running forwards, with the similar big lumps who have more pace, going out onto the wings. Every team has the same set up. The only differences in success now come via the capability of the game managers ( the halves or the 9 ) and the teams with the extra flair in the backs ( eg. the Chooks).
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
You know Albo that sounds very much like the problems at the Cows. Maybe Green and Cleary went to the same coaching school. As for outside backs.? What happened to the days of Gidley, Girdler, Lyon , O’Conner etc. ? Even at the Cows we had Hannay and Bowman who while far from being superstars were very competent centres ,who knew how to set up support players. The art is lost. As for tactics aaaaaaaaaaaaah . Hit up, hit up , hit up , second man play. Just so hard to defend against ( not). Green and Cleary are on big bucks and that’s the best they can come up with. ? I would prefer my team to have a go and use the ball even if we lose big . If we play the usual way against Melbourne it’s 50 to 6. Happy pills are kicking in. Now. Can wait fo next year!
Albo
Roar Rookie
Jimmy, I’m not privy to all that is going on at the Panthers, but just as an avid follower , I think there are a couple of main problems : 1. A confused Roster Management & 2. A very predicable structured style of play. I guess both end up back in Ivan Cleary’s court now that Gus has gone ? Whilst the Panthers have a great junior nursery and Gould always wanted to skite about “pathways” and “development Club ” for the NRL, the fact is that somewhere along the process, the Panthers are not keeping the right players to win a premiership ? There is too much priority given rightly to spine players, and then the forwards, but little priority has ever been given to developing & retaining good outside backs. Still can’t spot any in the lower grades ? These are the ones the Panthers are quick to off load to balance their cap. So the Panthers haven’t had a decent centre since the early days of Michael Jennings and they off loaded him in his prime. In more recent times they had persevered with Waqa Blake for a few seasons and I thought they might be ready to reap some rewards, and then they let him go to Parra, where he is about to shine ? And then the Panthers bring in an enthusiastic but a real ” mistake-a thon” in Brent Naden who has bombed more tries in the in goal area than he has scored, and along with his equally defensively clueless winger Mansour, has leaked 14 tries in the past 4 matches down their left side. There’s a good start for explaining their recent poor results. A quality backline is what is making the Roosters hot favourites to go back to back this year, but the Panthers treat outside backs as an after thought, not as a vital component to win a comp ? Then there is the Panthers totally structured style of play where variety of attack is limited to Kikau steamrolling on the left side or dumb centre third forward hit ups in the 20 with rarely an offload ? It is all too easy to defend against them. No one has ever tried a run around to create a two on three, they throw up plenty of bombs but rarely compete for the ball , and we wonder why they score fewer points than most teams ? I suspect the need for structure goes back to the fact they have little flair in the backline to even try to play what is in front of them, so the coach sticks with conservative structure ? They need to find a number 9, as Wayde Egan just has not kicked on from his Holden Cup days, and Kenny tackles well but is limited at dummy half. Edwards is solid at fullback but will never be a Turbo, Teddy or RTS. The halves will be OK going forward with Nathan Cleary only getting better and young Burton looking ready for NRL when Jimmy Maloney moves on next year. But they need some quality outside backs to expand their style of play .
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Hi Josh , agree with all that . You and I seem to agree it’s not al doom and gloom. Let’s get on with fixing our deficiencies .
Simmo
Roar Rookie
05?
madmax
Guest
Walker lacks class?? Not sure what games you've been watching but Walker has been a great foil for DCE & is shining at 5/8! A lot more than Cust.......who will get his chance to impress again at some stage.
Josh H
Roar Rookie
Jimmmy, I think the Cowboys have been extremely unlucky with injuries too. O'Neill was scoring for fun before his spleen gave way, while Dunn and Kahu was becoming really consistent before their subsequent injuries. That said, Green unnecessarily playing players out of position (Hampton on the wing, Martin at fullback, Hess at centre, etc.) and overplays tired and slow forwards in Scott, Cooper and Bolton which basically digs his own grave for him. (Seriously, why hasn't Gilbert been given a go?) A couple of positives to take from the season though: > Drinkwater - Absolute quality, tries his heart out, great purchase > Wright - Tireless, carries that right edge, defensively really strong and should start alongside Dunn in the second row next year > Molo - Excellent form from mid-season has subsided a tad, but he's had immediate impact
Big Daddy
Guest
The injury to Jacob Liddle might give Robbie Farah a change of mind for next year particularly if they are unable to sign Isaac Luke. Feel sorry for young Liddle.
Soda
Roar Rookie
I don't think dragons centres help either winger to be honest. Xerri is going to be something special though.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
He’s learning. Like Xerri rocks n diamonds
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
All good points Albo but WHATs happened to the Panthers. I look at the players they have. I look at the players they let go and I wonder why they aren’t the Storm of Sydney. Something is wrong at that club. They are not as desperate as the Cows just yet but gee something has to change. They have the Origin winning halves and a really good pack. It’s like the Cows having DCE and Munster. Maybe time for a new 5 year plan. Wink, wink.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I know mate. I have no answers. You know I am a usually a glass half full kinda guy. So here goes . Drinkwater could be very good with the right development. I would pay Slater to mentor him over the offseason . Dunn has skill. Unlucky he was injured . I thought he really was coming on. Molo has progressed. I really like him off the bench . He is a real goer. Hess can be reset. Talent is permanent. He can get his mojo back. Jake can’t play 80 but he can go back to the bench and I reckon it would rejuvenate his form. Clifford has shown signs. We have no choice but to persist. I wish him the best. Lastly give GGM the last three games . I want to believe in him but his game awareness is non existent. Can you learn this? I have no idea. Anyway stay positive. We will return .
Albo
Roar Rookie
Thanks Scotty ! 1. The Cowboys need to do something. This team needs a complete overhaul. I see no light at the end of the tunnel unless the stars are well hidden in the junior ranks ? The current crop all look to be on their last legs? Morgan has had an ordinary year with injury & form and even JT13 is now ready for the off season. Their future is hoping that Clifford & Drinkwater will be the ones ? Time will tell. 2. The Raiders have done very well and are challengers for crown this year. The big differences have been evident all year. Wighton , Nicholl- Klokstadt and the Pommie group in the pack have given the Raiders real muscle and commitment, that have also lifted Papalii and Tapine to greater levels. If Joey can come back to form in the next few weeks, they can be serious contenders. 3. The Bulldogs have gotten their game together in the closing weeks of the season, again. Not sure what that means for next year, but certain players have surely improved. Young Cogger is the key for mine, and he has taken giant strides this year. I am a big fan of Corey Harawirra -Naera and wish he was still a Panther. But I’m less a fan of DWZ, although he is going well so far in Dogs gear. Not sure they have enough class as yet for a 2020 challenge. 4. Fonua-Blake could be one of the biggest improvers of the year, and has gone past Taupau in the prop stakes this season , and he will only get better. We really have some great prop forwards developing . 5. Payne Haas is already the best forward in the game , for mine. His potential is untapped and he is already winning matches as a teenage prop. I can’t believe the coach is limiting him to just 60 minutes a match. 6. I think Souths fans do need to be worried. I can’t see them troubling the top teams in September. Murray & Cook have been carrying them for weeks now , and both are looking weary . The Burgi are offering nothing , Reynolds is struggling with injury, Walker is psyched out and Gagai can only play in maroon jumpers. 7. I like the Eels to grab 4th spot with or without Ferguson. Not sure they are up to the other 3 teams that will be there, but with a fit Ferguson, they must some sort of a chance. Their pack is going well and Moses is pulling the right reins for now. They have a more than handy backline and Waqa Blake will prove to be a great buy come September. Manu Mau is in career best form, and I can’t believe he is being let go to Super League ? Arthur is even preparing for September resting his workaholic types in Mahoney & Brown after 60 minutes last week.
Rob
Guest
Jimmmy what changes did Green make after the controversial Manly and Tiger losses? Cotter came and went so did Tuala and Dunn got injured. Why is it always the young blokes getting the chop? GGM has played 3 games in 2019 and won 2 and lost 1 in the last minute even after dropping 2 catches in a game where balls were hitting the ground all night. He's the only change from the Knights massacre? Look up Coopers stats against Molo or even Hess and it is laughable he's still playing let alone the full 80min. Bolton and Scott are similar. Kahu is a shandy better than Javed Bowen and both have little upside compared to Tuala and GGM. Granville still playing 80 min? How is Harry Grant from Rockhampton still playing ISC and happy waiting for Cameron Smith to retire?
Paul
Roar Guru
I think Madge feels the same way Doug. Hasn't he got the guys in training up to an including the grand final date?
Dayer
Roar Rookie
different topic but .. to all the broncos bashers from the start of the comp. that said they lost a lot of experience and blah blah oh they shouldn't have lost McGuire blah blah blah guest what i am so very happy that we got rid of him. Oh btw hows the cowboys doing? Hows the Titans doing with all that experience. go the Broncos.
Doug Graves
Guest
Good list but needs a talking point about the Wests Tigers complete ineptitude for yet another season. I'm beginning to suspect, after another late season collapse with the finals in sight, that the players simply don't care about playing finals football and aren't taking the joint seriously.