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NRL Round 7 preview talking points: Liabilities, big-time injuries and confusing fixturing

11th April, 2023
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11th April, 2023
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The big teams are making some moves, injuries are having a massive influence and is there an echo in here? The Round 7 NRL midweek talking points are here!

We regret to inform… The Storm are back

After being run down by the Gold Coast in week two ‘we’ were once again wavering along the annual Melbourne Storm write-off. Big-time injuries and suspensions to key players were working with the march of time to supposedly bring Craig Bellamy’s charges to their knees after decades of sustained excellence.

But it’s always, always too early to say the team from the southern capital can be laid to rest as a premiership threat. They handled the highly fancied Roosters pretty easily in their 28-8 Thursday night win, keeping the Chooks scoreless for the last hour.

With Penrith starting to wake up and bludgeon their opponents, we need someone who can step up as a challenger. Although it’s very early, if the Storm can stay fit there’s no reason why they can’t be the number one contender.

Why does the draw do this?

Last week was the second time St George Illawarra had played the Gold Coast in five weeks and the second time New Zealand had faced Newcastle in six weeks.

This week’s New Zealand v North Queensland game is the second time these teams have played in five weeks.

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Four of South Sydney’s first ten games are against Penrith and Melbourne.

The reintroduction of the bye, made necessary by the addition of The Dolphins has mixed things up things even more.

Maybe it’s time for the NRL to have a proper rethink about how to put a season together.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 12: Jack Bird of the Dragons is tackled during the round two NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Gold Coast Titans at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on March 12, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Jack Bird. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Has Victor Radley become a Roosters liability?

Remember the 2021 Magic Round crackdown when Roosters forward Victor Radley was sinbinned twice in the same game against the Broncos, while being penalised repeatedly for playing the way he usually does?

There was much talk about how ‘Victor the inflictor’ would have to change his ways to stay on the field but things don’t seem to have sunk in. Radley’s talent is undeniable but the balance between his impact on the play and his impact on the player is way out of whack.

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Roosters coach Trent Robinson rightly called Radley out after his latest unnecessary shot let the Storm seize control of what had been an even contest early on in last Thursday’s game.

Radley signed a contract extension in February and will be with the Chooks until the end of 2027. They knew what they were getting, but is it too late to reign him in?

Good games this week

Week seven throws up a few reasonable matchups, starting Thursday as South Sydney head to Brisbane to play The Dolphins.

After putting 50 on the Bulldogs, Souths would be feeling good but their former mentor Wayne Bennett is doing some really good things early in the year with the NRL’s newest club.

Friday’s games are two belters, with Cronulla and the Roosters playing at 6pm for some reason in a game both teams need to win, followed by the ever-present Storm heading to Brookvale to mess Manly up a little more.

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Saturday’s triple header holds some interest as the Warriors host the stuttery, wobbling Cowboys, and then Newcastle’s resolve will face the ultimate examination from Penrith before the Broncos and Titans play the nightcap on the Gold Coast.

Last week your talking points highlighted a crossroads for the Raiders, and they made a statement by turning around some bad form to beat Brisbane 20-14. Their challenge now is not to waste their effort in an eminently winnable Sunday game against the Dragons.

Round seven concludes with Parramatta looking to continue their climb from the gutter to the finals spots by beating Canterbury, who are miles ahead of where they were last year but still very much a work in progress. It’s hardly a gimme for the Eels, but if they’re serious about making something of themselves this is a game to win.

SUNSHINE COAST, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 12: David Fifita of the Titans is wrapped up by the defence during the NRL Trial Match between the Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans at Sunshine Coast Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

David Fifita. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Round seven random thoughts

– For all their problems the Wests Tigers keep having a crack, but how much more bad luck can they withstand? The season-ending ACL injury to five-eighth Adam Doueihi is the latest kick to the groin for Tim Sheens and co. but at least they get some respite with the bye this week.

– This year has seen a massive injury count with many teams missing key players. There was another ACL injury last week to Knights captain Jayden Brailey, his third long-term leg injury in four seasons and a big blow to a team already dealing with injury problems.

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– Manly aren’t the first to be dusted by Penrith and they won’t be the last, but supporters are starting to juuuuust worry a little about what’s in store this year.

– Canberra’s Jordan Rapana was at the centre of debate after being hit high by Brisbane’s Marty Taupau, but did Fox League really need to keep showing the aftermath as blood poured from the clearly dazed winger’s head?

– Season 2023 sees crowds returning to rugby league with a vengeance – average crowds are up and so are the aggregates, which is great to see.

What’s got you talking ahead of round seven, Roarers?

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