The preliminaries are over and we’re down to business – but not before an early dose of controversy courtesy of the World Cup Challenge. An energetic and committed Wigan Warriors outfit did well to hang on against a relentless Penrith Panthers side to claim the Cup 16-12. Even allowing for national bias, the Panthers may well feel that the rub of the green went against them, particularly with regard to the Wardle try which looked very much like a double movement at least. But them’s the breaks. If you’re good enough and there’s time on the clock, there’s opportunity. Penrith certainly created those opportunities aplenty but couldn’t break through. Simple as that. Sometimes Lady Luck is not on your side. Regardless, The Guardian’s Aaron Bower described the game as ‘…one of the most enthralling, engrossing and ultimately incredible games of rugby league you are likely to see’. That’s a bit generous but not too far out.
If ever there was any doubt that elite sport falls into the category of the ‘entertainment business’, this weekend’s NRL opener in Las Vegas puts any such thoughts to rest completely. Let’s face it: the decision to ‘take the game to America’ is purely and simply a business proposition. Gain a foothold there, particularly via a possible network television contract, and the dollars multiply exponentially. Mission accomplished! Trademark PVL.
And how are the two games being marketed? Purely as entertainment. Show some NFL star a few solid forward clashes, the odd jinking run, the pinpoint accuracy of a kick for the chasers or the scheming of a quality halfback and what do you get? ‘OMG, how do they survive those clashes without wearing pads? Look at the foot skills and speed of that winger! Watch that guy kick to the other guy running through. That guy would make a great QB in the NFL!’ It’s all about the spectacle. And played out at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Super Bowl, which flaunted that NFL mixture of over-hyped ‘excitement’ and egregious indulgence known as the half-time show.
Who gives a hoot about ‘the greatest game of all’, its rich history, the traditions, the colours, the tribes, the passion…? All lost among the money-changers and the television executives. Hey, that sounds a bit like what happens here, only on steroids!
But, being the mug punters we are, we’ll tune in anyway. Some will even make the trip – I’m looking at you (from afar), Mark Courtney! And you can be sure that RITV and Murray will have their noses in front of the big screen!
The Sea Eagles and the Rabbitohs lead off from 12.30pm AEDT on Sunday. (Check local guides.) Souths are talking up a big year – Latrell is fit and focussed, Cody gets better with age like a good red wine, AJ is on track to overall the great Ken Irvine’s try-scoring record, and watch Wighton round out a totally balanced team (when he returns from suspension). And so it may well come to pass. We’ll see on Sunday. There’s a little less hype coming out of Manly but they must have high hopes with Turbo fit, Jurbo the cornerstone up front, Brooks on board and DCE still leading the way. A loss to either side will dent early confidence. I’ll go with the Rabbitohs.
Then the Roosters meet the Broncos with both clubs thinking/expecting that they’ll be there come October 6. Big call! No leeway for failure first up. The Sombrero look strong across the park – don’t they always? Is LV a natural fit for them given their high profile, Bondi-hype image? The Broncos have unfinished business after getting within two minutes of last year’s premiership. How much will they feel the loss of Flegler and Farnworth? I’ll go with the Roosters even though the bookies have backed Brisbane heavily.
I’ll cover the rest of Round 1 next week.
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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.
Game day, Ian!
Latrell is fit and focused: at the risk of repeating myself, as one of my coaching mentors, now Professor Clifford Mallett OAM, first said to me in 1991: actions speak louder than words.
Cody: a 34-year-old with a calf issue: again, we shall see.
Yes, Murray (Retriever in the Vineyard?!) and I will be glued to the set!