Our writers have a look at some of the talking points out of round 1 of this year’s National Rugby League Premiership.
DOGS HALVES CRISIS?
Brandon Lee suggests that Moses Mbye and Josh Reynolds as a Bulldogs halves pairing just isn’t working out:
“My word you expect them to try and get better but they’re just as bad as they were last year.”
NO HALVES PROBLEMS AT BONDI
One of the newest halves combinations in Mitchell Pearce and former Rabbitoh Luke Keary started with a bang but will it last, asks Hannah McGrory.
SIN BIN STANDARD SET EARLY
It didn’t take long for the sin bin to be used for punching. ย But how long will this last, asks James Morgan.
“The precedent has now really been set as hard line on punching with both aggressor Will Chambers and Sam Kasiano being sent to the bin: should be very interesting to see if they will continue this stance or get flimsy on it as the season progresses like they have in the past”
NO STANDARD SET IN PLAYER BEHAVIOUR?
Sam Dasey questions whether the National Rugby League should have taken action against a player for contrary conduct to one of the refereesย on Saturday night in Townsville.
“Jordan Rapana getting off scot-freeย despite giving the referee two middle fingers sets a terrible example to kids.”
SIGNS ARE GOOD FOR THE ROOKIES
Pat Sills remarked there’s some exciting talent was unleashed at the weekend with the new season.
“It was a good week for rookies. Tigers prodigy Moses Suli bagged a try and 2 assists, while Manly young Gun Brian Kelly crossed the line in his first hit out for the club.”
PENRITH LACK BASICS AND RIGHTLY PUNISHED
Not a good week for the mountain men with St George-Illawarra bashing them across the park. ย Beaten in the middle by a more aggressive pack, Penrith lacked two basic fundamentals: discipline and holding onto the ball. ย This week they have the chance to get on the rebound against the entertainers, Wests Tigers at Campbelltown. ย ‘Hook’ Griffin has a bit of work to do.
