About a month ago you could have taken good odds on NSW dominating State of Origin in 2023 – but then Mitchell was ruled out and the Blues’ interchange bench took an odd shape; you could get favourable odds on the Rabbitohs as a grand final contender; and you might even have taken an even bet on the Dolphins making the finals.
A month later and Queensland has won the Origin series after two games, the Bunnies have been bunnies and the Dolphins have almost blown what chances they had.
Ain’t footy grand?
State of Origin
From the selectors down through the coach to the players, NSW totally stuffed up the 2023 Origin series. Sure, injuries didn’t help but odd team choices, weird tactical moves and players below their best meant that a better balanced, better coached and clearly more committed Maroon outfit have won both contests convincingly. And with a team dominated by players under the age of 25. Think about it.
Let’s see who runs out for the Blues in Game 3 and what happens to Freddie in the aftermath.
In the women’s series, one win apiece meant a result that pleased no-one. ‘Crap’, said Tamika Upton – and quite correctly. Simple message: either revert to a single match (ie, go backwards) or play a 3-match series and to hell with the expense (ie, move forwards). Over to you, administrators!
NRL Round 18
The Sharks lead off against the Dragons tonight and the maulers will snuff out what little puff there is in the fire-breathers. And the sad story of Ben Hunt will go on.
The Rabbitohs will be desperate to return to the winning circle when they visit the Warriors. No Mitchell, a distracted Cody Walker and a leaking defence will make it hard for Souths unless they can find a magical spark somewhere. A perfect opportunity for the Warriors to advance their own cause as well as compound the woes of the Bunnies. Souths have to win again soon but I don’t think it will be this weekend.
The Storm host the Panthers in the match of the round. This will tell us a bit more about the still Cleary-less Panthers with their opponents both at home and almost at full strength. I still expect Penrith to prevail.
Come Saturday and the improving but Papali’i-less Raiders meet the could-be-anything Titans who have Fifita centre stage (after his virtuoso acting performance last week) and Tino back to lead the way. Should be a cracker but I favour the home side.
The resurgent Cowboys will be out to continue to ride the crest of the wave against the Wests Tigers who must be a bit unsettled with Luke Brooks moving on next year. With their Origin stars and big JT in fine form, expect the home side to dominate.
Injuries have caused several changes to the Broncos who blundered their way to a last time loss to the Titans. And now Walsh is gone for a few weeks as well. A blip in form or a mid-season low? The Dolphins look their best on paper for some time and will ask a lot of questions. I’ll stick with Brisbane but without a lot of confidence.
On Sunday the Bulldogs host the Knights. Matt Burton will want to show his wares ahead of Origin 3 while The Foxx seeks redemption after a poor outing in Brisbane. Will that be enough against the willing but struggling Knights? I think so.
Finally the Sea Eagles play the Roosters in what is practically a ‘last chance for the season’ clash for both. Both sides are missing stars (Turbo, Crichton) and you can’t see either going very far in September – if they make it. Teddy needs a big one, Manu is back in the centres and Keary has the tactical nous to get the Roosters home.
The Eels have the bye.
So my winners this week are the Sharks, Warriors, Panthers, Raiders, Cowboys, Broncos, Bulldogs and Roosters.
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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.
IJH, yes the last month has been predictably unpredictable.
I really gave Souths little chance last night in NZ!
I read earlier today: last night was the Warriors’ worst loss of the season!
The Ben Hunt saga
The Luke Brooks saga
0-74 loss for the Tigers tonight … wow!
Take care
The happy rabbit!
Russel, just to add to the chaos, I’ve just woken in the UK to see that the Knights put 66 points on the Bulldogs (who I had tipped!). Another Maxwell Smart ‘missed it by that much’ moment!