Let’s talk about Israel Folau. No, wait, Raelene Castle! Or Todd Greenberg?
It’s been two months since there was an on-field product to pull apart, so now’s surely the time to get stuck into administrators.
Mwa-ha-ha. Alright, let’s talk about the footy.
For the first time in years, the Eels are legit.
While Parramatta were top of the table when the season was suspended, they got there after putting a cricket score on the hapless Titans, and it’s worth remembering they battled hard to an 8-2 win over the Bulldogs in Round 1.
There were justifiable questions over their premiership credentials.
Well, those queries have been answered after Brad Arthur’s side absolutely smoked the Broncos.
The Eels were scary good against a team that, while missing gun forwards Tevita Pangai Jr and David Fifita, were regarded as a top-four contender.
Thursday night’s 34-6 result was a harbinger of what was to come over the rest of the round, with blowout scorelines de rigueur.
The Cowboys flogged a club that has no business being in the National Rugby League 36-6, Latrell Mitchell was left wondering why he took a paycut to move across Anzac Ave as the Chooks belted the Bunnies 28-12, while the Warriors put Paul McGregor in the hottest of seats, running in 18 points and holding the Dragons to a bagel.
The Raiders’ 22-6 win over the Storm means Ricky Stuart’s men are up there with the Eels as early favourites to take out the title, while Tom Trbojevic was everywhere as the Sea Eagles put on 32 points against the Dogs to show why Des Hasler’s side are regarded as smokies this season.
Tom Trbojevic. (Tony Feder/Getty Images)
All told, the Tigers’ 12-point win over the Sharks was the closest winning margin of the round – your team either won proper or lost proper.
Or you’re a Knights supporter.
Having seen six blowout scorelines over the course of the round, when the Knights lost captain Mitchell Pearce and hooker Connor Watson in the opening ten minutes against Penrith, I just prayed that it wouldn’t be a bloodbath.
Then second-choice skipper Tim Glasby was sent from the field for an HIA and if Newcastle had lost by just the 14 they were down, it would have been a decent outcome.
See, that’s why Nathan Brown got sacked. Because under Browny, the Knights got far too good at finding reasons not to win.
But new coach Adam O’Brien did his apprenticeship under Craig Bellamy and Trent Robinson – two men who don’t accept failure, regardless of the circumstances.
And but for a teenager not backing himself – Bradman, that try was yours all the way, but you’ll be better for the experience – the red and blue would have left Campbelltown with two points, instead of one.
It’s hard to read too much into the Panthers’ inability to press their advantage into a win – if Nathan Cleary had been there, there’s really no question in my mind the home side would have got the W.
But there’s so much to read into the Knights’ refusal to give in.
I hate the whole ‘sons of coal miners, blue-collar, hard-working, blah-blah-blah’ story that pundits love to peddle about Newcastle teams, because it’s bullshit.
Jarome Luai of the Panthers is tackled by David Klemmer and Aidan Guerra (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Lachlan Fitzgibbon’s dad is the CEO of nib and Tex Hoy’s dad was a pro surfer. I’m sure there are some hard-luck stories in the roster, but seriously, the Hunter is a region of half a million people from all walks of life – and newsflash: miners make bank!
But after an effort like we saw on Sunday arvo, I can almost get on board with those narratives, because the Knights displayed so much guts.
Jacob Saifiti had the best game of his career, Bradman Best showed why the Blues won’t miss Bronson Xerri over the next few years and Chris Randall gives hope for lifting the Curse.
Edrick Lee was amazing, Glasby stepped up in a major way and David Klemmer put in another performance that – barring a bloke in North Queensland named Jason Taumalolo – stamps him as the best forward in the comp.
With the starch and defensive pride that was on show, you’d have to say the Knights are a top-four side. That’s certainly what the new gaffer would be saying.
Of course, what the difference is between a top-four side and a top-two side will be on show next weekend when Newcastle take on the Raiders.
If Pearce, Ponga and Fitzgibbon are fit and ready to go against the 2019 grand finalists, next Sunday may be one of the best games of the season.
Rob
Guest
Don I totally agree from the little I have seen of Carrigan, I think 10 plus Origins would be a conservative guess. Fafita is a ridiculous talent and could be anything but he’s not a Dave Taylor. Flegler is all hard work like Gary Larson or Brad Thorn and if was chasing a forward he would be high I my list. Haas is special and they’re all just starting their careers. TPJ is the aggressive enforcer that has the attitude to take it to any forward pack in the comp. The Broncos win 60% of games TPJ plays and if he can stay on the field the Broncos pack will be challenge for every pack in the comp to contain. They just need a smart, consistent kicking playmaker and Milford at fullback because he hates defending.
Muzz
Guest
Manly are my smokies too. Playing system looks like it's heavily influenced by Trent Robinson's successful model. Depth may be an issue.
Blackberry Smoke
Guest
The Roosters lost one of their best players and still won the GF in 18 .
Don
Roar Rookie
We'll see with Siebold. I reckon that even with all the boom young guys in the side the bloke who looks most likely to be a very consistent NRL quality forward is Pat Carrigan. We might see a few second year duds among the Broncos kids and then a wake up call next year. A bit like Coen Hess and plenty before him. Hope I'm wrong because I want to see them go well. And I'm a Cowboys supporter...
Rob
Guest
I think if Fafita and TPJ play against the Eels there may have been a difference on the scoreboard? Also Boyd and Milford dropping the ball in the act of scoring might changed things and put the Broncos ahead, Jenning’s last try was an obstruction running back behind Lane standing in the defensive line impending Hopa? The bunker are still inconsistently clueless. The Eels had 75% possession and a ref that ignored players being offside but loved giving 6 more ruck calls. Seibold has given plenty of kids a taste and the rewards maybe coming his way very soon IMO. He has 5 or 6 possible Rep level forwards in the pack. Mary has payed to much for over rated players unfortunately that are only interested in the bank account once they signed.
bazza200
Guest
As an eels fan you got to look at who they beat and who they beat last year. it's still the same story. Great against 6 and below but above that haven't done alot of good. So need to see those games to see the improvement but happy they can beat the lower teams good start.
bazza200
Guest
turbo is always in my Team. He is just more flexible and can play anywhere the freak. So when i look at the best team cause he can play in many roles i have to put both him and teddy in teddy can only play FB but at an amazing level. He is better in the Air then teddy and if he was in the same quality of team as the roosters or NSW at the back i could see him doing the same things. I am not really able to work out who is best managing the defence of the team i find that as a fan hard to know. That's where ppl who watch the games live can see those aspects more.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
I think Turbo is in line to join Stuart MacGill at the “Best Second Best” club.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Thanks kk ! Not sure my wife thinks the "education" is worth the hours I spend in front of the idiot box watching our great game !
Blackberry Smoke
Guest
Gambling = Investment ?
Blackberry Smoke
Guest
Look at the names there . Moylan- Promised so much early in his career, but has failed to deliver. Johnson- “ The Tap”. Dugan- Injury prone , and you’d have to think , past his best . Woods - Where do you start , but I’ll finish with massively overrated and a statistical magician. Add to that Fafita , who seems to have faded away considerably in recent years ( seems like an eternity since he scored that try in the GF ) and you have a massive part of the cap having been spent on part time performers. And a coach who is nice ( apparently ) , but is unproven. Won’t make the eight this year and if they have to babysit some of these guys into retirement, they won’t make it next year .
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Eels and Raiders were the two standout teams while I wouldn't get too carried away with the Knights. A better team would have put them to the sword and won comfortably
Phil
Guest
The Panthers spine you speak of was still in a better spot than the Knights spine. Two debutants & a utility playing the 6&7 role as one person (Sione defending at 6, but still playing as a second rower in attack).
Birdy
Roar Rookie
Tigers should retire the 9 jersey.
kk
Roar Pro
Love the way you read a game, Albo. It's educational.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! There we some good clashes like the Lee / To'o one. The Panthers still have trouble scoring from close range. The most frustrating team , do I follow ! I often wonder what they practice at training ? They really had enough possession & territory to have sunk the Knights by halftime, but they gave them a sniff and the obvious happened.
Nat
Roar Guru
By rights it should have been a bloodbath. IMO they only played poorly when Api went off, otherwise it was steady completions to the corners. That battle between Lee and To'o was quite good. The little fella held his own against the giant winger.
Don
Roar Rookie
I’m going to be a bit more cautious in declaring anyone set for finals or dusted for the year after just one game. However, once the V’landys love in and the sugar hit of NRL back on our screens abates a bit, expect a fair bit of criticism from media about how teams are continually offside with the ref focused on the ruck. Also the stark difference between how each game is reffed and the 6 more tackles in particular. That said, Seibold and McGregor were made to look like dummies with their lack of any noticeable adaptation to the rule changes. And Seibold in particular is supposed to be a tactician and thinker.
Bunney
Roar Rookie
Talking with your heart there Joe. The Knights we're very gutsy on the weekend, but Penrith stunk it up big time. I only saw the second half, and they never looked like scoring points. Newcastle's resolute defence is to be lauded, but let's not think that a gutsy draw against a team that played like a bottom 4 side in the second half means they're contenders. The Raiders and Eels though we're very impressive
matth
Roar Guru
I’m assuming teams make their plans and try to shut him down every week. Easier said than done. Poor Turbo. He’s destined to be another Brett Stewart. The undisputed best fullback in the game and maybe one of the best players … except for that other fullback running around. At least Turbo can play centre.