Artwork by John Campbell
Years ago in the days of the VFL, Lou Richards was a legend as both a player and commentator. His tips were known as ‘the kiss of death’. It seems that I’m channelling Lou as the NRL season unfolds. I’m on 5/16 so far – can anyone beat that for a low score? Regardless, we press on.
A few observations from Round 2: the Panthers got their act together through their forwards’ mobility and aggression, their overall speed and their teamwork. In doing so, they made the Bunnies look wooden and one-dimensional by comparison. The final scoreline flattered South Sydney.The Eels are in strife with a tough draw ahead while the Sharks showed plenty of G&D as well as flair. The Roosters still haven’t clicked but scraped a win; the Warriors look more committed this year. The Dolphins showed grit to come from behind while the Raiders couldn’t find a knock-out blow. The Storm’s injury list is a real concern and they didn’t show much against a Bulldogs outfit that gave us a glimpse of what might come as the year progresses. The Wests Tigers were just plain awful! The Knights displayed great character to overcome multiple obstacles and hang on to win ugly. The Dragons surprised us all with a level of effort not seen from them for ages; the Titans were simply disappointing when a 2-0 start to the season beckoned.
When will we next see Kalyn Ponga play? Worrying!
Round 3:
Tonight the Sea Eagles, fresh off the bye, host the yet-to-win Eels. On form you’d have to go with the men from Manly but the real question will centre on Parra’s capacity to regroup, reset and regain the form that took them to last year’s grand final. It’s hard to see that happening at the moment. The Sea Eagles will be itching to get back out there and continue the attractive form they showed in Round 1. Manly for me.
Tomorrow evening the decimated Knights are at home to the promising Dolphins. The home side has about half of its first choice team injured (or suspended), so there’s no better opportunity for the Dolphins to get their season off to a 3-0 start. But credit to the Knights for the gutsiness of their win against the odds over the Tigers. That has to count for something, but will it be enough? I’ll go with my heart and say Dolphins.
The late match is the Game of the Round when the Roosters host the Rabbitohs. I have to say that South Sydney was very disappointing last weekend; even their late rally was more good luck than good play. Meanwhile, the Roosters are building and get some of their prize cattle back on the paddock this weekend. That sounds alarm bells for the Bunnies. Lots of early season bragging rights on the line here between these old adversaries. I’ll go with the Roosters.
Saturday starts with the inconsistent Titans at home to the struggling Storm who are also hit hard by injuries. They looked uncharacteristically disorganised last week and lacking that relentlessness that we expect from them. It’s hard to see them winning this one even though the Titans have issues of their own that leave you feeling a lack of confidence in their ability to take advantage of the situation. Nevertheless I’ll go with the Titans to win.
The Cowboys will be back in Townsville to take on the Warriors. While the Warriors are showing us a better style of footy this year, I expect the Cowboys will relish being back up north and, using their prowess across the park, I think they’ll canter in. Cowboys.
The night game has the unbeaten and somewhat impressive Broncos taking on the surprising Dragons. Considering all their dramas leading up to the season, the Dragons did quite well in their first outing. Has Zac Lomax decided to play footy this year? This will be a good battle for most of the game but I expect the Broncos to pull away towards the end.
On Sunday afternoon the Bulldogs will be too good for the Wests Tigers, it’s as simple as that. If the Tigers couldn’t win last week then it’s hard to see when they will finally notch a victory. They have been dreadful! The Bulldogs, by comparison, have that first win under their belt and should go on now to build on that form to contend with most sides. Bulldogs for me.
In the final game, the Raiders have their first home game of the year when they meet the Sharks. The Canberra boys have contended well in both games to date but just can’t find a knockout punch. Will being at home make any difference? The Sharks looked good when they ran the ball last weekend and seem to have regained some of their form from last year. I think that confidence will be enough to see them keep Canberra in the doldrums for now. Get on the Sharks.
So my winners this week are the Sea Eagles, Dolphins, Roosters, Titans, Cowboys, Broncos, Bulldogs and Sharks.
Just going back to Lou Richards. He was responsible for one of my all-time favourite quips from a pundit/commentator. Footscray was going through a bad patch but had finally notched a win. Lou’s comment: “Footscray are on a roll – they’ve won one in a row!”
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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.
Following on from the Lou Richards quip above, as of Friday morning I’m on a roll in the NRL – I’ve tipped one in a row!