Viva Las Vegas! What more can we say or sing for that matter. “Sivo’s running down the field with the ball in his hand – Viva Las Vegas.” And that certainly was the case for Leeds in their complete demolition of Hull KR in the early game. The grit and determination Hull KR displayed two weeks earlier against the Brisbane Broncos completely disappeared leaving their fans Dreaming of the Quadruple. Sivo ran amok cutting the crestfallen Slow-Motion Robins to ribbons. In his first match back after a period of injury Sivo certainly showed he will be a force in the Super League. And no sooner did he stop than his namesake galloper, Sivo streeted them in the third at Coffs Harbour at a juicy $8.50! Omen of the day.
Arthur, who now coaches Leeds and had a long stint at Parramatta, and Peters, currently coaching Hull KR and supposedly the next coach in line for an NRL job, were both showing their wares for future jobs whilst awaiting a Call Me (especially from PNG). Peters certainly would have been disappointed by the way that his side played. The Hardest Part for him would have been their lack of resolve in their defence which was far too weak to resist the constant Rhinos attack. Credit must be given to the English Boys and Girls who went to the game as you could clearly hear them building the atmosphere during that match. As commentator Brian Carney told Andrew Voss during the call- Vegas does need the English supporters to add the colour to the spectacle.
Monday’s Courier Mail watch only had 2 small articles on the Broncos, however on Tuesday they had the back 3 pages and, as of Wednesday, the Bronco domination will return with full page colour posters for the rest of the week. Interestingly, Walsh was the topic of one article on Monday with Bulldog Ritchie (who has replaced Buzz) questioning his ability over a long season. One Way Or Another we will find out if Ritchie knows what he is talking about! Interestingly, 2 of the 3 Tuesday’s CM were dedicated to Walsh. Balance restored!
Last week’s embedded music cue was for Blondie where I buried the word ‘rapture’ in a sentence on Parramatta. Blondie of course are an iconic band from the mid-70s, starting off at the famous CBGB Club in the Bowery area of Manhattan. This week’s clue for next week’s music is quite easy. The band came up with the name when Chris Stein heard construction workers calling out “Hey Blondie” and wolf whistling to Deborah Harry who had dyed her hair platinum blonde. Stein thought it was cool and had a ring to it. Many a young lad of the 70s had a D Harry poster on their wall, and for good reason!
The NRL doubleheader saw the Knights matching it with the Cowboys. In what was a fairly disappointing performance by the Cowboys, the Knights ran out reasonably comfortable winners by 28 points to 18. The Tide Is High for Coach Payten who could only be disappointed after the mediocre performance of his side. His best player over the last two seasons, Deardon, had a very quiet game while the stars for Newcastle really stood up. Ponga was particularly good and the halfback Sharp was very good until injured, which actually allowed the Cowboys back into the game. The two Mackay centres Gagai and Purdue had a real battle where the old wily veteran clearly got the points. Purdue looks much more suited to either 5/8 of fullback than he does at centre and that will need to be something that the coach must address. The Knights ran out winners but, on that performance, and I know it is early days, it is difficult to see those sides troubling anybody later in the year.
Canterbury and Saint George in the second game provided a thrilling match that went down to the wire although again it was not of the highest quality. Canterbury captain Crichton can consider himself lucky to have not done a stint in the bin and coach Flanagan of the Dragons had reason to think they most probably didn’t get the rub of the green in this match. I was surprised that Flanagan did not go Atomic in the presser. Cook was particularly good for the Dragons and they played with renewed enthusiasm, and some of the younger forwards look like they will develop over the next couple of years if they can be kept together. Canterbury, on the other hand, were tradesmen-like and did the job, however I have said for the last few years they tend to lack that big forward, and I know Thompson In the Flesh will beef them up a fair bit.
Round 1 continues this Thursday night where the Storm, with their incredible first up record, takes on the Eels. Adding further spice to this match is the current drama between the two clubs over the signing of Lomax. It is difficult to go past the Storm; however, they have had some changes from last year and maybe look a little vulnerable. Again, tip against Bellamy in Round One at your peril.
On Friday there are two games with the first between the Warriors at home to the Roosters. All interest in the Roosters is on the performance of DCE as he heads across the harbour to play with the Roosters after over 300 games with the Sea Eagles. I think at this stage of the season the Roosters will be too strong for the Warriors. The second game on Friday night has the Brisbane Broncos at home to the Panthers and in what should see a boom crowd the two semi-finalists from last year are at it first up. At home you have to go for the Broncos, but we must hope that their end of season heroics from season ’25 do not affect their psyche for this game. Walsh is clearly their X factor, but he can also be their X Offender. He is the critical piece of the Broncos puzzle. Likewise, Penrith’s talisman Cleary is free to play and that is a massive plus for the Panthers, whilst many Rugby League fans are bemused by the downgrade as usually Accidents Never Happen at the Judiciary.
On Saturday there are two games. The first one has the Sharks at home to the Titans and it will be interesting to see how Hannay goes up against the club where he was assistant coach. For the last few years, the Sharks have been knocking on the door but have not been let in. My real interest in the game is to see how the Titans perform in season 2026 as everything coming out of the club has been positive. Hopefully, they can give their supporters some hope, especially in defence where they have had a Heart of Glass. The second Saturday game has Manly at home to the Raiders. Again, interest will centre on how Fogarty plays against his old side. He has been a main stay for Ricky’s men for several seasons and was let go for the younger Ethan Sanders. Picture This, Fogarty has a big game against the Raiders and slots the winning field goal.
Finally, the last game is on Sunday at 3.00pm with the Dolphins at home at Lang Park to the Rabbits. Bennett back against the club that he helped set up including mentoring Coach Woolf. The Rabbits are close to full strength and have all their stars back and fit. The Dolphins are also at full strength, but it might take the likes of Flegler and Gilbert some time to get into the groove again. I think it will be a very tight game.
Blondie First 13
1 Darren Lockyer, 2 Ray Brannigan, 3 Bob Fulton, 4 Tom Trbojevic, 5 William (Snowy) Spencer (1929-30 Qld Kangaroo), 6 Peter Stirling, 7 Allan Langer, 8 Ben Hannant, 9 Tom Dearden, 10 James Graham, 11 Aiden Tolman, 12 Joe Walsh (Not from the Eagles nor the Sea Eagles-1969 Balmain), 13 Denis Tutty, 14 Steve Sharp, 15 Paul Taylor, 16 Nathan Long, 17 Ken Maddison.
Round 1 Tips
Cowboys, Bulldogs, Storm, Broncos, Roosters, Sharks, Raiders, Souths.
Top Eight (in no order yet)
Penrith, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Canterbury, Roosters, Cronulla, Souths.
Don’t forget it is not too late to join the tipping comp and take on the Prop. My alias in the tipping comp is Flying Mattress, and courtesy of Grubby Halfback you could win “I beat the Prop” special edition T-Shirt. Once you have joined and paid your $10 to the Almanac, see if you can beat the PBTS. Link and password are below.
https://www.footytips.com.au/comps/Footy_Almanac_NRL_2026?p=DickyRose06
Finally, I was sent the following recording from an Almanac Follower who goes by the moniker Buff the Magic Flagon. Go to the YouTube link below and listen to ‘The Biff – Take Me Now I’ve Seen It All’. Let us know what you think. I reckon it is very good and I am suggesting we send it to Voss for his show the fan. Buff is related to the great Dally M and has also authored a book on footy that I will review in a couple of weeks. Have a listen!
Rugby League is no longer on Vacation – It is a Quest
You gotta love footy!
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You’ve gone all multimedia, Prop. Next you’ll be into podcasting!
Some big games this weekend – season defining or, at least mentality shaping already? Also some big questions around a series of individuals – Fifita (and several others) at Souths, DCE at the Roosters, Reynolds at the Broncos, the whole ‘new look’ Storm. Then there’s the coaches – Payten at the Cowboys, Hannay at the Titans, Holbrook at the Knights…
Indeed – you gotta love footy!
PS Prop – The Blondie First 13 – a classic!
I thought a diehard Queenslander would have found room in the Blondie 13 for the great “Neville Nobody” AKA Sven, the man from Miriam Vale, Gary Larson, perhaps in place of Tolman, who is a front rower anyway. And a New South Welshman to boot. Anyway, it is a tough job to remember everyone, especially when you are dreaming about Deborah Harry.
I can’t believe I left him out!!! Very poor form and that’s why you are the prospector!!!!sorry Gary
Even though he went to the Silvertails for a year at the end of his NSWRL career, my teenage years hero – Ray Higgs from Roma could also warrant consideration to be a squad member in the Blondie First 13. Great to see Ken Maddison remembered. My oldest memories are of the 1973 Kangaroo tour and the English forwards giving plenty to the Aussies, but the Kangaroos prevailed through the courage of forwards like Ken. I think he may have won the Rothman’s Medal that year before being picked to tour. He was a favourite of my old man so I recall hearing plenty of wraps for him. The Blondie 13 was a great idea – Bruce “Goldie’ Walker at the mighty Bears was another under-rated Queensland product. Great read, thanks Prop.
I did think of Ray Higgs MFSR but am still mortified about leaving G L out – some have said what about Toovey, DCE , Steve Crear!! I maybe need someone to pick a second 13
no crears
Good read as always old fella but do agree should have room for Larson, Inglis and I suggest another big Petro one of the best as for Steve Crear he would have made a great 14 or 15 as he can play five eight, centre and lock. Great to see the Broncos bought back to earth next couple of weeks will be interesting for them. Looking forward to your next exciting read