A little later than usual, but it's time for our annual 50 random NRL thoughts, opinions, questions etc.

These are random thoughts I've had over the season and always seem to generate discussion.

These are meant to be taken in jest as not all 50 will be hard hitting.

Let us know below if you agree, or more likely disagree with any of the below.

1. Controversy alert: the top 8 is set. Sorry Broncs fans.

2. I couldn't tell you who the best player in the game is right now but he's absolutely playing fullback. Turbo, Teddy, RTS, Ponga, take your pick.

3. Coaches are more important now than ever. Des Hasler has transformed Manly while the Sharks struggled after losing their mentor. It's impossible to win a comp without an elite coach.

4. I like the Titans. Paul Crawley just loves heaping on misery to struggling clubs. If we kicked out every club he questioned the competition would only feature four teams.

5. Wade Graham and Damien Cook are the two most important players in the competition. Not necessarily the best but no one in the league replicates what they have to offer.

6. As a Sharks fan I made a preseason bet with a Manly fan re who would finish higher on the ladder. Thought it was the easiest win of all time but Des Hasler snookered me. I'm in big trouble now.

7. More teams need to look to the Super League for recruits. The Raiders have transformed into a title threat due to clever recruitment from the mother land. The Bunnies did ok after signing the Burgess boys also.

8. I, very reluctantly, find myself hating the Storm less at this time of year that usual. Papenhuyzen is a freak, blame it on him.

9. It's proved impossible to win a title from outside the top four and again it will be to big of an ask in 2019.

10. I don't miss State of Origin distractions

11. NRL crowds are pretty dismal across the board. Surely it's time to address that.

12. I can cop referee errors, it's a tough assignment, except when it affects my team negatively. Sound familiar?

13. Dan Ginnane is the best commentator by a mile.

14. Matt Moylans unscripted F bomb was more interesting than every other cliche interview thrown together all season. Win games on defence, all credit to the boys, discipline etc etc. Boring!

15. Jake Trbojevic is the most likeable player in the game.

16. There are very few things in the world I'd rather do less than cop a shot from Victor Radley.

17. Wingers are more important to results now than ever before. Power runs and freakish finishes are literally deciding games. That's why you're seeing wingers asking prices go up.

18. The Knights have some very obvious roster issues but they've really got no choice but to sign Ponga at any cost.

19. It's strange watching the Raiders sans their traditional late fade outs. My Raiders supporting mate has more hair on his head than at any time since mid to late 2016.

20. What type of salary would Andrew John's command today? It'd be $1.5 mil, surely?

21. The monster UFC event on grand final day just makes it even more obvious that October 6th will be the best day of 2019.

22. That Fox Sports band intro is super catchy.

23. I wish they'd bring back the 'traditional' nines. The world cup format will be exciting but I miss the club version.

24. Thursday night footy is a great fixture ... Only when your side wins. Otherwise it's awful.

25. If a classy half emerges, Fiji can push Tonga as the next international powerhouse.

Let us know below what you think of the above. Stay tuned tomorrow for Part 2.

10 COMMENTS

  1. Agree with nearly every point except number 5, this should be Graham and Cameron Smith. As great as Cook is there are Hookers replicating him: Fainu, Mahoney, Granville. No Hooker in the game has the influence on the game that Smith has, not even close.

  3. No.5: I would throw RTS and Ken Maumalo in the ring for that title aswell, could you imagine how bad the warriors would be without those guys in the form they are in.

    No.7: not only super league but NSW Cup and QLD Cup Storm hardly ever sign a regular NRL player but are always on top of the ladder.

    No.21: Honestly canโ€™t wait what a day to be a sports fan especially if Whittaker can finally stay healthy and they add the Holloway Vs Volkanovski title fight. It would be truely amazing.

    No.23: itโ€™s weird when the Nines was on everyone was negative about it but as soon as they got rid of it you hear nothing but support to bring it back. Personally I love the Nines and canโ€™t wait for this competition.

    No.25: Things are looking good for the pacific islands teams if they can keep these superstars converting over. If those superstars remain a presence in those teams then maybe some of these young halves might consider joining, Samoa Seem to have the strongest halves With Dylan Brown, Jarome Luai and Chanel Harris-Tevita but Fiji might have something with Brandon Wakeham

  5. 26. Sydney Roosters the best credentialed club for relocation.
    No grass roots juniors.
    Degreasing membership.
    No brainer.

  6. Dan. I am glad that you have admitted your hatred of the Storm. I now know why you will put any team top of your Power rankings but the Storm despite over whelming logic. I myself have to admit to a growing dislike of the Sharks. I was fine until the outcome of the salary cap saga and the soft penalties that were levied. I felt incensed at that as do many of my fellow Storm supporters and I cannot help the feelings that has generated.

  7. Both Trbojevic brothers seem like really good people as well as great players. Even if you dislike Manly because of their history , you have to admire those brothers. Local products who would take less money to stay at the club. Both try hard every game . They’re lucky to have them!

  8. Wade Graham.. Yet another great Panther junior , who Penrith were to dumb to sign on long term.
    There’s a list like that, as long as your arm.
    Will things change there? Only players leaving & just one decent signing in recent years.
    Could have kept the highest try scorer in the competition. Decided to keep one of the slowest wingers & his slow centre partner? Surely common sense in player retention & buys must take over some year?

  9. If Melbourne Storm play the Roosters in the Grand Final, which team will get the 50/50 calls? As both teams seem to get these calls all the time.

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