NRL Round 16: Origin season lucky dip (continued)

 

I can say, unashamedly, that I love the footy! It’s uplifting (think The Hammer going the length of the field to score a stunning try out of a nothing situation); it’s a real downer (think the Broncos’ insipid effort against the Rabbitohs); it’s seductive (think Wests Tigers winning infrequently but just enough to drag their supporters into Leichhardt Oval); it’s exhilarating (think Xavier Coates, among others, scoring tries that defy the laws of physics); and a whole lot more.

Here are just a couple observations after Round 15: the Broncos are in strife – three losses on the trot and A Reynolds still at least a month away; never tip against the Storm – what kind of fool am I?; the depth  of quality players at Penrith is incredible; the Eels are officially ‘gone’ for 2024; the Rabbitohs might still be a ‘smokie’ this year; W Bennett was a week late in nominating Hammer as a latter day Pearl – JTH called it at least a week earlier; DCE is the vintage red wine of the NRL – he improves with age!

 

A truncated Round 16 kicks off tomorrow night with the Dolphins hosting the Storm. KISS, Ian! It’s Melbourne by definition. They’re not top of the ladder for no reason.

On Saturday afternoon the Titans are at home to the Warriors – a tough one. The Titans have been disappointing of late after that good win against Brisbane; the Warriors were their own worst enemy after a blistering start against Melbourne. I’m not sure why but I think that the Warriors will prevail in a tipsy turvey game. But don’t bet on it. Later on, the Roosters take on the Bulldogs. This is a good chance for the Bulldogs to chalk up a win with the Roosters down a few on personnel due to Origin and suspension. Matt Burton will be particularly keen to make a statement after missing out on the Blues’ squad again. But the Roosters are mean hombres and still have sufficient strike power to rule the roost. Get on the Roosters. The late game is match of the round, Souths v Manly. At least it would be if all players were available, but injuries and Origin make it a bit of a lottery. I think that Manly will struggle without DCE, Jurbo and several injured players, allowing a rejuvenated Souths (with Cody, Cook and Jack to the fore) to chalk up another win to continue their potential charge to the finals.

Sunday’s lone game pits the Wests Tigers against the Raiders – last round winners v last round losers. It could be good but I have a feeling that ‘Sticky’ will get inside his players’ heads this week and impel them to an essential win. If they can’t win this one they might as well start thinking about 2025. Ouch! I’m on the Raiders.

The rest have the bye.

 

State of Origin

It’s an Origin double next week with Game 2 of the men’s series on Wednesday night and the deciding Game 3 of the women’s series on Thursday night.

Initial squads for the men showcase NSW’s penchant for major changes, largely unforced, while the Maroons have, not unusually, gone back to the future to deal with forced replacements. Let’s wait to see how things play out in the coming days before we say much more than that.

The women’s squads have yet to be finalised but we should anticipate a classic in Townsville with a battle of the last woman standing. More in a preview next week.

 

Put all of that together and you can see why I love the footy!

 

 

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