What a season we’ve had so far!
Concussions, obvious foul play going unpunished the field, an injury list like the roll call from a hospital wing, six again rorting, boring blowout games, shocking television ratings, a stack of bludger teams and a season that’s already over for as many as a dozen of them, constant rule adjustments to compensate for debacles arising from the previous rule adjustments…
It’s easy to get caught up in all of this. God knows I have. I’ve spent a fair bit of the season taking whacks at the game. That’s not right. We’re all here because we love rugby league. We debate, watch, absorb, complain and rant about things because we love rugby league.
So today, let’s make a determined effort to keep it all positive. Angst, crisis and bullshit might be the NRL media’s currency, but let’s rise above this week. Let’s pick out just a few of the reasons to be up and about so far.
Penrith and Melbourne stand first and third respectively on the table, the Panthers undefeated and the Storm seven wins from nine. In a season of blowouts, momentum like a tidal wave with six again calls and a smorgasbord of rubbish opponents to feast on, these two have stood out as the teams to beat.
Their play is exquisite, which helps make the blowouts bearable. Penrith in particular are a non-stop hurricane of attack that opponents just cannot withstand. Watching Jarome Luai strut his stuff is great, even if you’re an old grump who hates players showing a bit of personality.
When Penrith and Melbourne put a beating on a team it’s done with such style, pace and ruthlessness that it’s worth hanging around for. From long range efforts to intricate closer plays, they’re putting on masterclasses and it’s truly great to watch.
With injuries putting paid to the Roosters and Parramatta still with plenty to prove after last year’s straight sets exit, the Panthers and Storm are surely clear favourites to meet again in the last game of the season.
Tom Trbojevic played his 100th game on Sunday as the Sea Eagles got the points over the Warriors. Since his return from a hamstring problem, Manly have gone from 0-4 to 4-5 and on the brink of the final placings.
Against the Warriors, Trbojevic posted ‘video game numbers’: two tries, five line breaks, three line break assists, and a phenomenal four try assists. Entire teams can go a game without stats like that.
His return has brought structure, guidance and a spark to Manly that was completely absent in the first month of the year. Can one player have so much importance to one side? Of course they can. We’re seeing it every week. Trbojevic is incredible.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
When you’ve had your fill of opinion and debate on The Roar, there are independent rugby league writers out there who keep producing the best NRL analysis and observations around.
There’s Jason and Oscar at Rugby League Writers, Liam at Pythago NRL, Andrew and Shawn’s Rugby League Project, The Rugby League Eye Test, among others. A shout out too for the ABC’s Jack Snape whose NRL analysis pieces are a great read every time.
It’s a welcome and much needed change from the inane dreck we get offered up by the official broadcasters.
Fresh looks at the game like these are giving a new angle on gameplay, trends and the impacts of rule changes.
If only the NRL would give us more play-by-play analysis and maybe open up its statistics offerings beyond the three per cent we see, to let these sites and more interested people really dive into the game. There’s no value in keeping all this stuff in house!
Know another independent rugby league writer worth checking out? Give them some love in the comments.
The New York Freedom Rugby League club made a big splash after signing former Origin and International forward Tony Williams.
The Freedom are one of fourteen foundation members of the North American Rugby League, apparently kicking off in June.
Williams was one of the major signings for the league so it was interesting to see New York not hesitate to tear up Williams’ contract after his abhorrent comments on social media following the sentencing and jailing of his former team mate Jarryd Hayne on two counts of sexual intercourse without consent.
Williams also lost his contract playing Ron Massey Cup with the Windsor Wolves and soon released a grovelling apology with the usual ‘that’s not who I am’ nonsense.
In a statement announcing the move, the Freedom said “As a club we are dedicated to growing the great game of rugby league and recommitted to it being an inclusive, safe and family friendly environment”.
So salute to Windsor and New York. Maybe a few more players need to see some consequences for their actions, to make them better people as well as rugby league players.
Finally, Magic Round is this weekend in Brisbane and it’s great. After the wreckage of 2020 we’ve got our rugby league carnival back, with a couple of interesting games.
Hopefully the surface can hold up after getting mashed by the super rugby final. Coverage of the first Magic Round in 2019 showed fans of the game having a great time together.
I wish I was there to enjoy the weekend, it’s most definitely on my rugby league bucket list.
See? It’s not all bad. What good stuff have you seen in the first nine weeks?
Callan Sinclair
Guest
Na I'm just pointing out the non facts Walter is bringing to the table in regards of Covid. He has a history of lying on here
Dionysus
Guest
Why are you so anti ? The writer is simply pointing out that the Toronto Wolfpack are back and joining the new North American competition. That is something to celebrate surely ?
Callan Sinclair
Guest
The players Families weren't in Canada they were right there in Northern England. Stop carrying on like the team were Canadians that permanently live in Canada. Three quarters of the time they lived, trained and played on the M62 right where majority of them grew up
peterj
Roar Rookie
Do it! He used to go to the same Gym as me and one of my mates was a PT at the gym and introduced me as he knew how much of a fan girl I was! Spoke to him for about 20 mins and he wanted to talk about me and my career. Every time I’d see him subsequently he’d give me a wave or a quick chat asking how my class were doing (I’m a teacher). An outstanding rugby league player and an even better bloke.
Callan Sinclair
Guest
Argyle started having financial issues and missed payments in the 1st year of the M62 Wolfpack Walter. He realised the hard way why very few wealthy people invest let alone have anything to do with RL. There simply is no money to be made nor exposure for it to be made worthwhile. Once again Covid is an easy cop-out.
Nat
Roar Guru
By what comparison? AFL is the only code that rates higher in prime time spots. Junior participation is back around pre pandamic levels and that number has been steady for a decade. Who can name 75% of the rosters? Me. Now KAYO is showing some NSW Cup, I can rattle off a few talented Sydney juniors as well as a large amount of Qld Cup players. I’m not on my Pat Malone there by any stretch. We now have both PNG and Fiji being represented at State level and looking to expand again with a 2nd Brisbane team and an 18th. If you consider that COVID nearly killed all professional sport and less than 3yrs later they are growing is not a sign is a diminshing product. Again, if you have lost interest than fair enough but it is just you.
AJ Mithen
Expert
Hey, for some folks trolling is a full time effort
Steve 50
Roar Rookie
But it’s just not me. Nrl ratings in 2021 aren’t good and junior participation is down. Are you saying there are fans in 2021 who would know the names of 70% Of all 16 clubs roster? Up to 2010 I used to know 90%-95% of all players in the nrl.
Nat
Roar Guru
So you stopped watching and that means that league is dying? Champion, your union boys have to sell out to PE firm just to stay afloat. What are they selling, the 20k people who watch it or another 20yrs of wallaby hidings? When you can only get 200k watch the union final I would be more concerned about what sport you will be following in 5yrs when union is dead and not even ABC will show the soccer.
Nat
Roar Guru
Job? :laughing: :laughing:
Steve 50
Roar Rookie
Rugby league is in National decline. Crowds are down , tv ratings down , junior participation down , country RL is terminal decline . The sport has become robotic and less big hits. The sport was way more popular with the masses in the 90’s and 2000’s. The average 45yr old middle age man in Sydney doesn’t watch NRL anymore . Some will say most sports fans are an 18-38 demographic and always have been, so if the nrl has less middle aged people watching it doesn’t matter as that’s not there target market. But I don’t see young ppl following footy much these days. I’m middle aged and I hardly know any new players since 2010. I used to know every team sheet of teams from 1985-2010 etc. I couldn’t tell you 95% of players in the nrl these days etc.
Walter Black
Guest
Gee Callen, you sure are a glass half full man aren't you. "Aussie born and bred owner couldn’t pay bills,players and staff" and you think that had nothing to do with Covid? It was Covid that hit that owner's business interests and put him under financial pressure It was "largely" covid that made his team play every Superleague match in England It was Covid that stopped players, coaches, trainers returning to their families in Canada having to be put up in hotels and fed at club expenses. It was Covid that directly prevented the Wolfpack from gaining any commercial benefit from their massive investment in SBW It was covid that prevented them earning any money from gates, local television and much of their sponsorship but it was the massive looming visa issue directly caused by Covid and the costs associated that was the final nail in the coffin. So if Covid was just an excuse you will be telling me next about how the American Election was stolen. "The NARL which is run out of England with 1 kiwi coaching 6 of the teams" The NARL is a fledgling body that is trying to build on the work of Toronto and others to start a fully North American competition. This is a mammoth task so of course it is leaning on others to help get the competition and clubs established. This organisation has existed in its current form for a couple of months with their inaugural match not due until June so I think they deserve a little slack on the organisation front just yet don't you ? As for all this M62 rubbish, the only rubbish around here is coming from you.
G Len N
Roar Rookie
I’m enjoying the coaches comments and passion. They are standing strong and calling out their players, their teams and officials when necessary. From Kevvie giving serves to Nathan Brown admitting he may have got team selection wrong and Robbo getting redder and redder in the face as the after match press conference goes. Passion, emotion, heart. Love it.
AJ Mithen
Expert
Classy stuff. Don’t quit your day job..
Tom of Brisbane
Guest
Two more while I think of it 1. World Cup later this year (Covid permitting). Mens, womens and wheelchair played concurrently. Mens comp has 16 teams in 4 groups of 4. Jamaica are playing! Will be a fabulous showpiece for our game 2. PNG Hunters doing a Warriors and relocating to the Gold Coast for the whole Qld Cup season
Callan Sinclair
Guest
But the M62 Wolfpack went down the Gurgler because its Aussie born and bred owner couldn't pay bills,players and staff. That on top of the fairytale rubbish Eric Perez promised the M62 fanclub. Coved is an easy cop out and now they play in The NARL which is run out of England with 1 kiwi coaching 6 of the teams. Not real respectable if you ask me
Callan Sinclair
Guest
Another plea to don't get off the sinking ship. RL must really be in a bad way
Tom of Brisbane
Guest
Here's one. Great to hear Warren Boland back on the coverage of the Qld Cup. One of the most intelligent and knowledgeable rugby league media personalities in the country
R N
Roar Rookie
Great article... It's great to celebrate and reflect on the good stuff occasionally! I would like to add one thing that I appreciate about league. It's this site and the Roar league community... My wife, kids and most of the people I know couldn't care less about league except for 3 games a years. To be be able to log on and talk rubbish is pretty damn cool. I genuinely laugh out loud at least once a day at some of the comments and have learnt heaps about a game I actually thought I knew quite a bit about. I learnt I really didn't know squat! :silly:
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Lol. That’s how I am with the sports guys I like, I don’t want to bug them, say something they heard a million times and I have no real clue about, lol, or just have them feel uncomfortable cause i say ‘man I love you’.