The Almanac Rugby League Crew
A mini rave (aka State of Origin aftermath)
Judging by the photos RITV sent me, the pre-Origin lunch featuring Roy Masters at the All Nations Hotel was a great prelude to the game itself. Watch out for Rabbit’s column for his account of ‘the tour’, including the road trip and lunch as well as the game.
I wrote my take on the game immediately after the final whistle. Yes, a great night for the Maroons but it’s only 1-1, and just because the decider is at Lang Park doesn’t make it a ‘lay down misere’. When the ref blows ‘time on’ on July 8, it’s one game apiece and 0-0. The game still has to be won. You’d have to say that momentum is with Queensland and that NSW will be self-eviscerating (again) … yet surely they can’t pick such an uneven side and then misuse their bench so badly again. All I’ll say is that it ain’t over until the fat lady sings.
A couple further observations on the game itself: Did you see Ponga all smiles as he came off at half-time? Was he already thinking, ‘we’ve got these guys’ after coming back from a double digit deficit (that had been accumulated more by luck than good management)? And the main reason Ponga has to retain the No. 1 jersey? – his positional play in defence – whereas Walsh is flaky in that regard. How good was Selwyn Cobbo? Unlucky to not get ‘man of the match’ honours IMHO. Reliable under the high ball (why did they keep kicking to him?), strong in bringing the ball back from deep in his own territory, robust in defence, and deadly in attack – three tries plus one assist. Sam Walker? Yes, shades of Alfie’s first series back in the late 80s. Dearden’s unfortunate injury has changed the dynamic at No. 7. OMD becomes the Cronk-like No. 14, Walsh goes.
I saw a headline today about the Maroons choosing ‘unsexy’ players for Origin rather than players with a ‘higher profile’. Think Cotter, Collins, Capewell, Plath, Fifita, Loiero and even Toia. Classic cases of it being more about the size of of the fight in the dog rather than the size of the dog in the fight.
Round 16
The Knights eventually got the points over the Dragons in a game that never reached any great heights but kept you interested by being close. I felt for Kyle Flanagan at the end. So agonisingly close to winning it at the death. If ever there was a player who deserves a break after enduring so much criticism for so long, it’s him. What have the football gods got against him? The Knights need Ponga to go with the better teams but they’ll take the two points and move on to the next round.
The Dolphins, even with a few Origin players rested, continued on their points-scoring spree with a strong win over the Tigers and, in doing so, showed that they have depth in their squad. Top 4? Quite possibly!
The Titans win over the Panthers is in the running for ‘upset of the season’ and can’t be taken away from them, Origin period or not. And a local junior delivered the coup de grace. The Bulldogs beat Fozball in a game that Manly will rue now and which just might cost them dearly later in the season. The good news is that Turbo seemed to survive his comeback in good shape.
The Warriors accounted for the Cowboys with CN-K in scintillating form out wide. The Cowboys management seems confident in coach Payten, extending his contract by a couple years. Melbourne Storm gave away a good head start but then put on 42 points to 4 to dismantle the ruptured Raiders. Are Melbourne now back to ‘business as usual’? We’ll find out more about that when they go to Brookie this week for what could be a ‘spicy’ encounter. In the final game the Roosters muscled up and put the Sharks in their place. Just when the Sharks were on such a good run.
Round 17
The Eels and Rabbitohs get us underway tomorrow night with news that BLM is injured – again! (RITV, I hear your painful ‘GMS!’) This can’t be doing general player morale much good.Why are there so many injuries at Souths? How can they challenge if their starting side is subject to change so much each week? So here’s an opportunity for the Eels who are fresh off the bye and with Moses wanting a big performance to hang on to his Origin spot. But, on paper at least, Souths look to have more to offer – as long as the right Cody rolls up. Rabbitohs.
Friday’s twilight game has the Titans taking on the Bulldogs – a doozy for all tipsters. A famous win for the Titans last week, perhaps a lucky one for the Bulldogs – both by a field goal. Again we have a key Blues player, Crichton, hoping to show the selectors that he’s fit and ready to go. But maybe the Titans found a bit of self-belief last week. I’m tossing coins with this one, best of five – Bulldogs. In the late game the woeful Broncos host the ominous Roosters who really looked menacing last week. No need for much analysis here – Roosters.
Saturday afternoon footy starts with probably the match of the round, the freewheeling Dolphins up against the imposing Warriors. This should be a beauty! If it’s open and fast, expect a combined cricket score. I’ll go Dolphins with a total aggregate score of 70+ (unless it’s raining). Then the struggling Cowboys take on the hurting Panthers. I can’t see the table leaders being too troubled here with a couple of their players hoping to impress ahead of the Origin decider. Penrith comfortably. Then the Sea Eagles host the Storm in the other contender for match of the round. Are the Storm back? Is this Fozball’s real test? There’s a bit of history between these two teams but I expect most of that is a long time in the past. I think Melbourne just might be on the way back so I’ll go with the Storm.
On Sunday the Raiders take on the Dragons, two teams desperately in search of competition points. The Raiders are too good on paper to lose this one but credit to the Dragons who are showing some improvement in recent weeks. I just don’t think they’ve got a winning score in them – Raiders. Finally, the Knights are at home to the Wests Tigers. With Ponga back I think the home side will have too many guns for a Wests Tigers side who have gone off the boil after a red hot start to the year. Newcastle.
Tipping
A creditable 5/7 last weekend. Who would have picked the Titans over the Panthers? I mean, c’mon! And the Bulldogs over the Fozball boys? Only (!) ten points off the competition lead but now just one behind Prop by the Sea.
The Round
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A former teacher with a (very) modest sporting CV enjoying his retirement years. A Queenslander through and through, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, McWilliam’s Cream Apera and a glass or three of wine. Footy Almanac’s Thursday online editor who moonlights as a hobby editor.
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