More concussion ignorance, dreams become reality and let’s not forget the ‘other’ Queensland derby. Here come your Round 4 midweek talking points.
Kaufusi gets his suspension wish
After three weeks (some would say an entire career) of decking blokes who’ve turned their body and passed the ball, Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi finally finds himself on the pine, sat for a month by the judiciary as punishment for his latest late shot, this time on Newcastle’s Jackson Hastings.
Felise Kaufusi will sit in the stands for the next four rounds. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Reaction to the four week suspension seems to be that it’s pretty harsh for the act, but remember, he could have taken three weeks for pleading guilty and got four because he failed to downgrade a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact charge, then his bad record was considered.
Andrew Johns put it perfectly on the Sunday Footy Show when he said “Going in like that, smashing people in the back with your shoulder – that’s just the cheapest of cheap.”
Open your mouth and remove all doubt
Plenty of backyard neuroscientists came from the woodwork in the aftermath of the NRL announcing an eleven day stand-down for concussed players, but it’ll take something special to beat Channel Nine’s Wide World of Sports for the worst take of them all.
For five minutes on Sunday, their eager sports panel of experts discussed ‘being proactive on concussion’ by making headgear mandatory, investigating new types of head protection based on boxing headgear, improving headgear by moulding it to a player’s head like you do with a mouthguard, and plenty more.
Only problem is, decades of widely reported research has proved headgear is good for protection against grazes and cuts, but cannot and does not prevent or minimise concussion.
In fact, headgear can actually contribute to players putting themselves into more dangerous positions because they have a false sense of security.
Don’t believe me? Here’s a direct quote from Canterbury, one of the biggest sellers of headgear in the market.
“Many people believe that concussions are caused by a blow to the head. It would then be assumed that headgear would absorb any blows to the head and eliminate instances of concussion.
However, headgear can’t prevent concussions because concussions aren’t caused by a blow to the head. Rather, concussions are a result of neural whiplash that causes the entire head to accelerate and either bruises or damages the brain.”
Stay in your lanes, folks. Or at the very least, read up on the basics if you don’t know what you’re talking about. Trusted outlets selling such garbage is not good.
Good games this week
It’s a big week for South Sydney, who have lost their last two by a combined eight points but really didn’t look like winning either game at any stage. The Bunnies tackle the flying Sea Eagles on Saturday night in a match that’ll speak plenty about both sides.
The Dolphins and the Broncos on Friday night will probably be the best atmosphere of the season and hopefully the game can live up to it. But there’s an under the radar yet crucial Queensland derby going on in Townsville on Saturday arvo when the Cowboys welcome the Titans. The highly fancied North Queensland have just one win and are already in the hole with a -25 points differential.
Ryan Matterson returns for Parramatta on Thursday night, and they desperately need his abilities. Problem is, the Eels are 0-3 and rank outsiders as they play a rested Penrith for the first time since the grand final. Parramatta match up OK with the Panthers, but another loss puts the top four almost out of sight.
Beaten for the ninth consecutive time by Canberra, the Sharks seek to get themselves back on track against St George Illawarra, who were involved in a belter against Brisbane for 70 minutes before inexplicably collapsing and copping 22 points in the final eight minutes. Still a bit to prove for both sides as they try to find their stride.
It has been a tough period for Nicho Hynes, yet he returns for the Sharks this Sunday. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
What do we make of…
New Zealand and the Gold Coast? The perennial battlers and sworn enemies of NRL tippers everywhere have show some fight and real class to share a two win, two loss record.
Andrew Webster’s Warriors went to Townsville and knocked over a very sniffy Cowboys side 26-12, keeping the home side scoreless for over an hour. The Titans faced a 24-12 deficit against the Melbourne Storm before unleashing 18 points in nine minutes on the way to a slashing 38-34 win. It’s not the Storm we’re all used to of course, but any other year and Gold Coast rolls over and surrenders in that position.
Are these teams good? It looks like it, but we’ve been seduced by this sort of early form before and particularly by the Titans. New Zealand return to Mount Smart stadium for the first time this season on Sunday afternoon against the equally resurgent Canterbury.
CLICK HERE for a seven-day free trial for your favourite sport on KAYO
Round 4 random thoughts
– With his team ravaged by injury, Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien wasn’t afraid to make a big call by dropping star winger Dom Young for Sunday’s game against the Raiders. But with Young on a boat to Bondi anyway, is O’Brien making the point he thinks he is?
– Nicho Hynes’ value to Cronulla goes up by the week, with his absence now over and a big part of the Sharks being unable to win a game Canberra were practically begging them to. A big week for Cronulla against the Dragons.
– You’d expect the Storm to put a number on the Tigers in Friday’s early game, but it’s worth keeping one eye on Melbourne’s performance after last week’s fadeout on the Gold Coast and halfback Jahrome Hughes now rubbed out for a fortnight.
– Rest in peace John Sattler, a true rugby league icon.
What’s got you talking ahead of Round 4, Roarers?
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
I'll rephrase. Abbott was using a legal and legitimate tactic in the game that had tragic outcomes that he could not have forseen, did not intend, and did not fit any typical definition of reckless or neglectful behaviour. If you think he should have been punished or that bouncers should be banned in general, that's a whole bigger argument.
R N
Roar Rookie
As an AI language model, I don't have any knowledge about the current status of the NRL or its teams. However, I can provide you with some general points that might help you build a case for why the North Queensland Cowboys could beat the Gold Coast Titans in a match. Firstly, the Cowboys have a strong record of success in the NRL. They have won the Premiership once and have consistently made it to the finals in recent years. This experience could give them an edge over the Titans. Secondly, the Cowboys have a talented and experienced roster, with players such as Michael Morgan, Jason Taumalolo, and Valentine Holmes. These players have the ability to dominate their positions and create opportunities for the team to score. Thirdly, the Cowboys have a solid defense that could shut down the Titans' attacking game. They have players who excel in tackling and disrupting the opposition's plays, which could limit the Titans' scoring opportunities. Finally, the Cowboys have a strong home ground advantage at 1300SMILES Stadium. The support of their passionate fans could provide an extra boost of motivation for the team, making them even more formidable opponents. In conclusion, while I don't have any specific knowledge about the current NRL season, the North Queensland Cowboys have some factors that could give them an advantage over the Gold Coast Titans. Thanks for nothing Open AI!
NQR
Roar Rookie
Why and how is bowling deliberately and consistently at head of an opponent an accident. It’s sad that cricket (Australia especially) believe it’s an acceptable part of the game.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Abbott received no punishment whatsoever, and nor should he have. It was an accident.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
If an action that doesn't cause injury should lead to a small suspension or none at all, than a action that leads to a major injury should lead to a massive suspension, based on the idea that the outcome is the focus. I'm pointing out the flaws in that. Firing a gun at someone but missing shouldn't go unpunished. Driving under the speed limit and having someone fall in front of you (and you had no warning and no way to avoid contact) shouldn't be punished.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I admit I’m completely biased about the bulldogs… . I can’t work out if you’re faking it or are deluded enough to actually think you’re being impartial :stoked: . I never defended Kasiano, so to try and get me you’ve made one incident up and then have to go back 35 years for the other . Oh, stop it… :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
NQR
Roar Rookie
Hey hey, don’t go calling me a Drinkwater cheerleader. He’s a blue boy from south of the border with no idea about smashing anyone in a tackle. Remind me didn’t you defend Terry Lamb’s shot on Hanley and Kasiano kicking Parker in the head?
NQR
Roar Rookie
Well you could also suspend players for training any training injuries incurred by a teammate. I not exactly sure what your stance is. Are you suspending everything? Are you giving them life? McClean received a hefty suspension from memory as did Molo. I think it would be have been insulting ( to those involved) if a lengthy suspension was not handed out in those circumstances. There are accidentally factors as well as negligent factors. Sean Abbott is starring for Australia in India in cricket also.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Should Jordan MacLean and the Bromwich brothers still be suspended for their 2014 tackle that left Alex McKinnon a quadriplegic? After all, "outcome is always the focus."
Gus O
Roar Rookie
It’s physics Geo. If the rate of deceleration of the head from the impact is reduced, the amount of internal “belting” is reduced. Simoc’s point is that it is unlikely to be practical to wear headgear with sufficient impact absorption to achieve meaningful reduction of concussive impact. It’s a reasonable point. Because… physics.
Gus O
Roar Rookie
You are both highlighting what appear to be confusing inconsistencies. It is an ongoing frustration. If that Kaufusi hit had been in a SOO game it would have likely been an on field penalty at worst…
The Barry
Roar Guru
Settle down… don’t get your knickers in a knot because someone has made a comment about your favourite player If anyone is being hysterical it’s you with “you’re targeting Drinkwater”. I didn’t target him at all, I mentioned several players. I made far more comments about Suaalii’s hit than I did Drinkwater’s I know you’ll give me a thousand excuses about how poor lil drinky didn’t mean it and I shouldn’t be picking on him because it was all an accident but at the end of the day he broke Oates’ jaw with an illegal shoulder straight to the head. It didn’t bounce off the ball, Oates didn’t fall into it. Drinkwater hit him directly in the face and smashed his jaw. End of story Yep, players accept risk in a collision sport. But illegal head shots aren’t part of what they accept Give me a break with your Pom Pom waving cheerleading You shouldn’t get involved when players comment on Cowboys players… you’re completely irrational
NQR
Roar Rookie
I’m laughing because of the hysterical comment about “Drinkwater shoulder charge straight to Oat’s head left him with a broken jaw”. It was glancing accidental contact. We accept risk in a collision sport? Then we have rules to minimise risk but for some reason we also pick and choose who as you say are “deserving”. Looking at the individuals involved. Hastings belts Talau in the face breaking his nose and ruling him out of a game and 3 further weeks. Hastings could have tackled anywhere below the badge when he’s coming from the side. Hastings received 10min. You have targeted Drinkwater ? CNK hasn’t played since Suallii hit him? CNK didn’t play for 18weeks after Kikau belted him in the head. I don’t see a comment about Kikau lashing out with the boot. Neither Suallii or Kikau have served a suspension but are consistently being fined for illegal contact? Drinkwater has never been charged but got the same as Kaufusi because one injured a player and one has a reputation. Suallii and Kikau (tripping, high contact and late hitting) have reputations and both have caused significant injury to an opponent illegally without a suspension?
Heyou
Roar Rookie
The Barry
Roar Guru
Oates is out for 6-8 weeks… Drinkwater got 3 Hastings is out for 0 weeks… Kaufusi got 4
The Barry
Roar Guru
Drinkwater’s shoulder hit and broke Oates’ jaw…
London Panther
Roar Rookie
It won’t be as hot, and the game will be slow. I can’t see it opening up the same as last week for the Broncs.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Leave evidence that Buck hasbeen around.
NQR
Roar Rookie
LOL shoulder charge straight to the jaw. Watch the Levi broken jaw and you’ll see what that actually is.
NQR
Roar Rookie
Outcome is always the focus. Millions of people break the rules daily. Only the ones that result in hurting people get treated by the courts. There is illegal play through out the game in every set of 6. Officials ignore it until they decide it’s unfair or dangerous causing injury. Players stay down for this reason to get a penalty. CNK hasn’t played since playing the Roosters)Suallii ). Hastings has injured a player with a high tackle? Yet Kaukusi is being suspended for 4 weeks for a late bump that he was also sin binned for and hasn’t injured his opponent.