We’ll have to wait a while to see if PVL’s Las Vegas gamble pays off. The hype was good, the crowd was promising but well spread, the games were a good advertisement for most of the best of the code, and the locals seemed to enjoy the distraction. And just to add a bit of Aussie flavour, the underdogs (at least as far as the bookies were concerned) took the chocolates. But it wouldn’t be rugby league without a significant blemish which was provided courtesy of the alleged verbal vilification by Leniu.
The Rabbitohs managed to lose what was there for the taking. Overconfident? Complacent? But that’s unfair to the Sea Eagles who refused to bow down and worship, instead digging deep and running away with it in a display that was full of character. The old firm of Turbo and DCE, a bustling forward pack and ‘newbie’ Luke Brooks gave us a glimpse of what could be for Manly this year.
The Roosters never looked like losing after their enterprising start and fortuitous first try to Manu. Aggressive up front, better co-ordinated, attacking in defence and more creative – it was a bit like the Roosters of a few years ago. Yet somehow they only scored 20 points. The scoreline flattered the Broncos who were perpetually on the back foot as they were forced to start most sets deep in their own territory. They were clunky, a bit one-dimensional and disjointed but their defence did well to restrict the deficit.
So what do we read into the LV results? Probably not too much but both Souths and Brisbane will want to get on the board in Round 2. It would not be a good look to start the season with 0-2. Manly and Easts will be happy with what they did and what it may lead to as the year unfolds – plus they come away with the two points.
So let’s get on with the rest of Round 1. I’m not sure how you pick first-up winners so I’ll keep it short until we have some form to work with in the coming weeks.
The Knights host the Raiders tonight with high hopes on both sides. For some reason I think Newcastle will be one of the sides to watch this year while the Raiders will battle on in mid-table.
On Friday evening the Warriors at home should be too good for the Sharks. The Warriors will probably make the finals, the Sharks will be peripheral. Then the Storm will try to keep Bellamy’s Round 1 record intact but they’ll be unsuccessful. The Panthers will still be the side to beat.
On Saturday the Eels will be too good for the in-fighting Doggies with neither side likely to play finals in 2024. The Titans will beat the Dragons but neither side will be there in September.
Then on Sunday the Cowboys will likely be too strong for the Dolphins. Both will go close to finals footy this year if they can stay fit. Wests Tigers have the bye.
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About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.
an interesting remainder of round 1, Ian. Very surprised the Titans were beaten so convincingly at home by St George Illawarra, also was surprised by the margin in the Dolphins-Cowboys fixture at the Cauldron yesterday. You are spot on re: Souths and Adam Reynolds’ new team in Thursday night football this week. No club wants an 0-2 start. For my boys, the Sombrero awaits in Friday night football, round 3. Perhaps a good thing I am off to a Peter Garrett gig in the city that evening … Glory, Glory