NRL
A noticeable impact on the game is the lack of a penalty for dropouts on the full instead of a play the ball is awarded. This makes weaker sides weaker as you cannot just roll the ball into the in-goal and be sure of a repeat set because the other side will just hit a short dropout. I understand the intent, but it is too far and rewards teams under the pump for no reason. A good change is the penalty for taking the legs as a late man into the tackle, which is doing nothing besides holding up the ruck and causing injuries. The Raiders and the Dragons both surprised with their excellent performances. The Knights shit the bed and the Dogs (at least for the first half) and Titans were horrendous and never in it. The Panthers and Storm were in a real battle of attrition, with the Storm clearly afraid of losing Bellamy's opening-round win streak (he'd say the number means nothing, but have you ever seen him in the box or sheds).
Match of the round
Cowboys v Dolphins
This was exactly the performance the Cowboys needed, like every other team. Does it mean too much? No, but it is a sign, at least, that they have come to play this season. It was good to see the Dolphins continue to chuck it about, and young Bostock showed some excellent signs.
As for this week, many will suggest the Panthers and Eels are the clash of the round, but even for someone who enjoys defensive contests, these tend to be drawn-out affairs. Instead, I believe the Cowboys and Knights on Saturday have both sides coming into the game on the opposite end of performances, while Sunday's Roosters and Eagles clash could also be a shootout.
AFL
Who'd have thought AFL fans in the northern states would turn to games when they are good clashes and marketed well? Consider me shocked and appalled. All four games had at least one team performing well in them, with the prelim losers returning the favour in the rematch (somehow, they'd still have won the other game, but you take what you can get). Swans eventually kicked away from the Dees. The Blues really reversed last year's result. Admittedly, having Nakervis, Martin, and Lynch missing was a big list of outs for the Tigers, but the early form does not look good. With so many players getting rotated through the middle, it seemed like one of those things where if two or three aren't doing the job, six isn't making it better. The Giants absolutely rolled the pies. I had my suspicion that the Cox comments from the draw announcement were a partnership with the AFL to drum up interest in the fixture, but his efforts on the day suggest he is a massive flog. Again, it's only early, but three of those contests were between at least supposed contenders, while the Suns beat a team they need to if they want to climb that ladder.
Match of the round
Blues and Lions
Had it all, nuff said.
This week, the games will return to the southern states, and the traditional opener of the Blues and the Tigers will be tonight. The Suns and the Crows match as having real potential for a barn burner if the Crows mean business. Meanwhile, the Demons and Dogs could be litmus tests. While the Pies and Swans are in similar territory to the Cowboys, match in the NRL, with opposite opening rounds for both.
Winner of the week
Damien Hardwick could not have had a better result against his old team in his first game out. He has suggested that being in full control of the Suns' day-to-day operations has renewed his interest and spark in coaching. Dimma has also suggested he can't believe the quality of work and level of prospects the Sun's academy system is producing.
Loser of the week
Mason Cox at least get a touch in the first half; I give him some points for running past ruck coach Shane Mumford, who is known for his measured response to opposition, but what a pelican.
Quotes
"I've been sent off so many times that when I am in the front yard doing the gardening and the postie goes by and blows his whistle, I just get up and go and have a shower"
Noel Kelly
"I'm just trying to live my life mate"
Jeremy Latimore (nude in a hotel hallway) to a confused Cam Mcinnes.
"Winners are grinners and losers can please themselves"
Ted Whitten
Clips
A brief history of Tigers tries worth watching to see Tim Brashers brilliance.
An advert from a different time brought to my attention by Wil Anderson's Two Guys One Cup Pod.
And a fun finish from Micky O.
Enjoy the week of footy.
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