Anthony Milford of the Broncos reacts during the round 13 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Brisbane Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium on June 4, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand.
1. Last year I mentioned that I believed Johnathan Thurston was the best player in the game and only a Premiership away from future immortal status. He’s the greatest player I’ve ever seen play the game in my 30 years. Last year’s Grand Final was the icing on the cake.
2. The decision to simulcast the rugby league coverage on Fox Sports has been an incredible step forward. The ratings show Fox Sports provides the preferred commentary for many fans. That is a win for the fans.
3. I am so happy that we aren’t seeing players sign and then backflip on their decision weeks, or months later. That was a huge step in the right direction for the game, which was becoming a laughing stock.
4. The above ruling, as well as uncertainty over the proposed change to the salary cap has left a host of big name talent off contract. Expect plenty of player movement as we head towards the finals.
5. The only thing that can save the Knights from finishing a distant last place is a revised and harsh salary cap penalty delivered to the Eels.
PART 2: 50 Random NRL Thoughts
6. Valentine Holmes and Anthony Milford are the most exciting young players in the game, although an argument could be made for many others. Jack Bird, Storm fullback Cameron Munster and Titans halves Kane Elgey and Ashley Taylor are just four others in a ridiculously talented bunch.
7. I’ll probably be in the minority here, but I’d take a win on any given weekend for my club side over an Origin victory.
8. The bunker has certainly improved fan understanding of decisions being made, but there are still way too many errors being made.
9. The sooner they remove the ‘seven tackle set’ rule, the better.
10. I don’t think I have ever seen a worse kicking performance than that produced by the Bulldogs this past Monday night against the Sharks. Mbye’s inability to find the sideline from a penalty completely turned the game.
11. I wish rugby league internationals meant more … or anything.
12. Semi Radradra’s availability for Australia but not NSW is baffling. You can’t have it both ways. For mine he should never have represented Australia.
13. The penalty on Paul Gallen’s ‘shot’ on Matt Scott in Origin I was insulting.
14. The Roosters decision to allow their cheerleaders to perform in horrid conditions just outlines how common sense does not feature often in rugby league decisions.
15. I challenge anyone to name three things Todd Greenberg has done to improve the game since his promotion to NRL CEO.
16. The Tigers need to decide whether they want to back their hooker or coach. The entire saga has resembled amateur hour and has hurt the image of the club.
17. Sam Burgess has been great since his return from the other code, but is yet to justify the sacrifices made by the club to bring him back to the club.
18. I’m glad to see the Titans playing so well. I have a soft spot for the club, which presents the best away trip of the year.
19. The Eels got off easily for their salary cap breaches, with Storm and Dogs fans having every right to be filthy. I still can’t believe the Eels let Nathan Peats go just to be able to play for points in a season that is all but dead.
20. If Ben Barba is supposedly suffering off the field, I’d hate to see the form he’d produce on it if he were settled. The speed has returned, as has the confidence.
21. I find the fact that Jamie Buhrer has more Origin caps than Aiden Tolman to be almost unbelievable. I have no idea how Tolman’s name is yet to be called out for NSW.
22. Will Hopoate’s decision to not play on Sundays is admirable, but I’m not sure outside the likes of Johnathan Thurston, I’d want my club to sign a player with similar demands.
23. Kevin Walters decision to stand down the likes of Napa, Holmes and Milford is a decision that will pay big dividends in the long run. All three have a decade worth of QLD jumpers ahead of them.
24. I’ve written many times that the sin bin needs an overhaul. Add the MRC to that statement. Thurston escaped after touching a referee, yet Jack Wighton will sit out this weekend. This is perhaps the fifth inconsistent ruling in the past few weeks.
25. There is nothing the NRL can do for ‘bush footy’ that will come close to a round of competition games being taken to the country. I’m at a loss as to why this has not yet happened.
PART 2: 50 Random NRL Thoughts