Photo: Pauly Foster
AS we’re whistling through this season like a favourite at Rosehill some things from this past round stood out more than most. With that, here is my Good, Bad, and Ugly from the round just played.
Good – The Panther Juggernaut! What a mood they were in last Sunday against the hapless Tigers. In fact a 68 point drubbing became their biggest winning margin in 60 years of existence! 12 tries and 9 goals later and a 24 point individual haul from Nathan Cleary saw an emphatically relentless display from the premiership favourites.
The Dolphins – Quickly becoming a must-watch, the Dolphins have now won 5 straight and are this years ‘dark-horse’ for mine. Their backline has some serious speed and skill and their forward pack can match it with every other team in the comp.
Titans beat big brother – Just when it looked like the Broncos doldrums were dissipating BANG! A wonderful solo try to Titans fullback Keano Kini with 3 minutes on the clock, eking out a memorable 28 points to 23 victory for the Gold Coast team.
Roosters – They were back to their best in the nation’s capital last weekend, being so good the Raiders couldn’t even muster up a 4 pointer – being held to a 26-0 loss at the hands of the boys from Bondi.
The Bad – Ben Trbojevic’s blatant knock on when playing the ball leading to a try for Manly. The bunker couldn’t interfere because under the current rules the bunker only has the power to review for infringements following the play-the-ball. What’s the point of having a bunker if they can’t rule on something so plainly obvious? What if that was the Grand Final?!
Raiders & Broncos – Currently the Raiders are in 13th on the ladder, the Broncos in 12th. Both finished in the top 4 last season! Their inconsistency is eerily consistent! I’m making a bold claim when I say I don’t see either club playing finals footy this season!
Ugly – The Tigers. Sure, Penrith were on last Sunday but to capitulate so badly and not even cross the chalk for a try in 80 minutes of footy is a major concern. 68 points to nil is a hammering, not just a loss. Tigers coach Benji Marshall was ropeable at his press conference following ‘that’ performance. And rightly so. Penrith beat the Tigers in EVERY stat available with the main one being one that isn’t recorded, Effort! Completing 3 of your first 6 sets, against Penrith, is the absolute worst start to a game a team could have.
And another thing…
With the Origin teams picked for next Wednesday’s second blockbuster I have more than a pep in my step than ever. I’m taking a touring party of locals down to Melbourne for the MCG clash with all thanks to Tabatha from Travel Associates in Penrith. Should be a ripper as I can see NSW wrapping up the series down there.
GO THE BLUES!
MG (random Westie) OAM
