It’s carnage in the NRL medical rooms as teams look for enough fit players to keep their season alive. Here come your midweek talking points.
A look back with anger
Disaster for Cronulla, eliminated after a close-but-not-very-high-quality game against the busted arse Roosters.
Everything we thought about the Sharks’ ability against the best was laid bare as they struggled at home to firstly set the tempo against the Roosters, then to put their foot on the throat of their wounded opponent, before completely falling apart after the Roosters gathered their strength to threw one last-ditch, desperate haymaker which the Sharks just leaned into and copped flush on the jaw.
There’s a lot for Craig Fitzgibbon to ponder this offseason about his team’s game plan for premiership contending teams.
Also on the bus home were the Canberra Raiders, outed after extra time in Newcastle. This was by far and away the best game of the weekend but it was very nearly a trademark blowout after the Knights exploded for 22 points in 16 minutes early in the second half.
The fact Canberra came back after that was admirable but for Raiders tragics, a game like that is more annoying than inspiring – the speed, width and support in attack, coupled with commitment in defence is something the team is capable of, but rarely plays to.
Joseph Tapine is tackled. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
There’s a bunch of young, fast and exciting talent coming through in the capital and we saw some of it on show during Sunday’s game – the question will be can Ricky Stuart use this talent the right way, or will this new set need to adjust their own dynamism into the Stuart way?
There’s not much to say about the performances of New Zealand and Melbourne other than to use an old sporting truism – sometimes, the other guy is just better than you.
The winners count the cost
Newcastle overcame a slow, nervous start to win the weekend’s best game, Penrith were predictably ruthless as they switched to finals mode and Brisbane showed they’re no schlubs with their first Suncorp Stadium win over the Storm in 14 years, but the best win for Week 1 was without question the Roosters.
As the cliche goes, though, Newcastle and the Roosters’ wins have come at great cost. The Chooks are looking for volunteers in local rugby league noticeboards after even more injuries piled on top of an already huge load.
There’s an honour roll of quality players missing this week through injury: names like Joseph Manu, Xavier Coates, Billy Smith, Jackson Hastings, Joseph Sua’ali’I and Lachlan Fitzgibbon all play important roles for their clubs and while their replacements are good rugby league players, they ain’t the aforementioned.
It was especially brutal to see Ryan Papenhuyzen go down as well, considering everything he’s gone through in the last few years to come back from real concussion problems, then his shattered kneecap and now a badly broken ankle.
Ryan Papenhuyzen. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Poor bastard just can’t take a trick – but the resilience he shows to do the work and come back from these setbacks is incredible. I don’t know if I’d be able to do that.
This week’s games
New Zealand get a prime-time final against Newcastle, with the Warriors stung by their performance at Penrith but to be fair, the Panthers were going to do that to anyone.
This one’s a battle of two candidates for coach of the year.
The Knights are looking for 11 straight wins and coach Adam O’Brien deserves a huge amount of credit for first of all keeping the ship afloat with a heap of injuries early in the year, then turning them into a quality side which challenges the best and takes care of business against the rest.
Warriors rookie coach Andrew Webster has developed a fantastic club across the ditch. It may turn to pudding with a straight-sets exit, but there’s still no denying what New Zealand have been able to build after so much time away from home. 2023 has been their first step to consistent finals challenges.
The winner of this one heads to a preliminary final in Brisbane.
Melbourne were soundly whipped by the Broncos and return home to face the Roosters, with both clubs missing big chunks of their backline.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy will have closely examined the innards of their display up north and there’s no denying it helps that Trent Robinson’s Chooks are busted to high heaven. The Storm don’t usually mess around at home but don’t be surprised if this one is in the balance late.
Finals Week 3 random thoughts
– Why was Kalyn Ponga still on the field to kick the decisive penalty against Canberra? He was hit high, lost the ball and was clearly in distress, but there he was. I’ve almost given up on the NRL taking high contact seriously.
– Another game at Cronulla’s half-built stadium which held only 12,000 people. It’s embarrassing the NRL thinks the venue is suitable for finals play. You can bet the broadcasters don’t like panning out to half-finished buildings, either.
– As mentioned earlier, it’s good to see New Zealand get to host Newcastle at a suitable time for their fan-base rather than Australia’s eastern seaboard.
– Penrith set the pearl-clutching crew’s hair on fire with yet another display of arrogance, mocking New Zealand on the club social media. I’m all for clubs leaning in to that sort of thing if they back it up (and even if they don’t). It’s all good fare. Want to make it stop? Play better!
– The Storm’s loss to Brisbane was watched by 31,000 people in Melbourne, dwarfed by the Carlton versus Sydney AFL eliminator. Melbourne’s Friday match this week is up against a monster AFL final across the road at the MCG, with Melbourne and Carlton going at it. The crowd and ratings figures will be interesting.
What’s got you talking ahead of Finals Week 2, Roarers?
Fraser
Roar Rookie
My bad, Knights also Beat Storm.
Fraser
Roar Rookie
I think the Knights are a slightly better team than Warriors, although the home ground advantage will likely play a role. Both teams have had a relatively easy draw over the last couple of months. Interestingly, they have both only defeated Raiders and Sharks from the Top 8 teams.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Good point, however what was in Kevvie's favour was a culture of high expectations. Newcastle accepted 3 spoons in a row, no way would that ever happen the Broncs, Melbourne or Roosters (and a couple of others). Similar acceptance of low quality output at Warriors. So both Obrien and Webster achieved while working against the grain. I lean to Webster from the consistency point of view, however O'Brien has done a remarkable job under heaps of pressure. Next year should be awesome. I expect Dolphins to step up, along with Titans and Dogs (finally). meaning you'll have a decent 12/14 clubs vying for the 8. Sadly I don't see the avenue for much of an immediate rise at the Tigers or Dragoons.
Glen
Roar Rookie
Broncos came 9th last year. Knights 14th. Warriors 15th.
kk
Roar Pro
One hundred and eighty!
Trevor Whitton
Roar Rookie
I find it interesting that no-one appears to be talking about Kevin Walters as coach of the year (that I've come across, anyway). I was one of his sternest critics at the beginning of the season, but he's taken Brisbane from lower than the Warriors and Newcastle last year to 2nd place (ie, higher) this year. I'd have thought he was a certainty - along with a big slice of humble pie for your's truly. PS - no disrespect at all meant to the Warriors and Newcastle. Terrific achievement for both clubs. PPS I'm a Storm supporter with no agenda or bias
Nat
Roar Guru
I'm always quite sure until I'm wrong KK. :happy:
AJ Mithen
Expert
Was always a Sezer fan Geoff. Was a hit disappointed when he left.
AJ Mithen
Expert
I do Nat, I think he’s open to the expansive play we saw round 2016 but there was a necessary pivot to hard defence because they just kept leaking points. These days you just can’t grind games out, not even finals anymore. You’ve gotta have an attacking point of difference.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Loved BJ… the footballer. When he was up at the Knights playing under Wayne he was untouchable.. better than this years’ Best.
Nat
Roar Guru
Yeah, I will be going for a look. Always handy when it’s 10minutes down the road from home. Tigers have named Pezet in the reserves so I’ll be interested to see if they swap him in before the game. I think Sims is the only other regular they will be missing.
kk
Roar Pro
Yes indeed, Albo. Patrick's reputation continues to grow.
kk
Roar Pro
Hi Nat, You have convinced me to go Storm. Still not sure with the other. Your reasoning is very persuasive. Who is the fair dinkum fittest of the two king pins?
Panthers
Roar Rookie
I still think that the bell tolls for anyone who will make it to the GF. As the Broncos ( without injuries to a couple of vital players ), will make it there & win it. It’s nonetheless good to make it to the GF .
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
The key for the Roosters in the past few weeks has been Keary and Walker - while other players have been dropping like flies or getting suspended they have been the glue and rudder keeping it all together. Plus Teddy. They might just get the Roosters over the line. Tough one to pick. Both should be great finals which could go either way.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
That resting of players for the final round by the Storm and Broncos did the Qld comp no favours by the sound of it. But must say both young sides gave a great account of themselves when given the opportunity of first grade. Both going full bore at each other. Some real talent coming through for both teams by the look of it.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I'm with you on the Warriors , Nat. I think they played pretty well against a hot Panthers last week, and their home crowd will add more to their chances. The Knights will miss Fitzgibbon big time. As for the Storm v Roosters, I reckon we are all expecting the Storm to bounce back . I'm not so sure ? I think their big 3 are all struggling . Maybe all carrying injuries ? Bellyache will have them hyped up for big effort, but I reckon the Chooks pack with Collins, Egan, Radley & Smith might just get the upper hand and provide a bit for Teddy, Keary & Walker to do some damage .
Nat
Roar Guru
Yep, agree. Johnson is as important to the Warriors as Ponga is to the Knights. I hope he does play and the crowd will give them some energy as well. I like the way the Knights have played but it’s been daylight, dry weather at home for the majority of their run into Finals. Re the Storm. I know it doesn’t matter much in this forum but I’m glad the Brisbane Tigers have their best possible team as well for their GF on Sunday against Burleigh. The Bears have been very dominant but the Tigers have come home with a wet sail. That Reserve grade Storm v Broncos final round absolutely decimated the QRL comp top teams that fed for Broncos and Storm. Both lost that weekend and bundled out of the finals.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Assume it was Patrick Payne ( Paddy's kid) who has trained a thousand winners , but just 5 Group 1 winners. Still seems to have a lot of good second tier horses, a bit like the Sharks squad. Both need some more tier one types to really make a statement.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! Hunt had a good game , but only lasted 30 minutes. McInnes always tries hard. But they need a much better front row if they are to knock over top 8 teams. And apart from Ramien, their outside backs look out of form.