Will Billy Slater play?
Much has been said regarding Billy Slater's grade-one shoulder charge offence which has him in doubt for next Sunday's NRL Grand Final.
In the act of saving a try, Slater did what he had to do. The 35-year-old, who still remains the premier fullback in the competition, had a split second to brace for impact and do what he had to, to avoid serious injury to himself.
Another thing which has seemingly passed fans by is the interpretation of what a shoulder charge is since the ban on the tackle was introduced a few years ago. Over zealous policing of the tackle has become common nature.
Formerly, a shoulder charge was the defender setting his feet firm and raising his shoulder as to enhance the damage to your opponent. This was not the type of tackle Billy Slater made in saving the try...
Grand Final Tip
It will be a close one... if Cooper Cronk plays. If not, it'll be the Storm by plenty. Luke Keary, despite winning a Grand Final previously in 2014, just won't be able to control a game by himself assuming the untested (in high pressure situations at least) Mitch Cornish is his halves partner.
In his last game, Billy Slater is my tip to earn the Clive Churchill Medal. Otherwise, expect Cameron Smith to take home the one achievement that has alluded him his whole career.
Buzz causing a...buzz
Working and studying in the field of journalism, I always felt a need to respect those who have done this for a long time, Phil 'Buzz' Rothfield included.
His antics in season 2018 have become too much however with the veteran journalist making jokes about rape, ratting out the Canterbury club on Mad Monday, his constant whingeing of the referees and complaints about the state of the current game.
He disrespects his 'followers' on social media by labelling them trolls and even got George Rose sacked from his job as an NRL ambassador on the social media platform recently.
I don't recall one positive story coming from Buzz this season. The Daily Telegraph desperately needs to follow the same structure as The Courier-Mail, The Australian and every other sports reporting news entity in the country by getting rid of these so called 'crisis merchants' and signing on journalists who love the game of rugby league and don't focus on the negativity.
As Telegraph readers lose interest, let's see what they provide us consumers this Grand Final week.
North Queensland signing spree
The North Queensland Cowboys have been holding off on announcing key signings until the season ends. Fans should expect to hear news in the weeks following this year's Grand Final.
Amongst the signings expected to be confirmed are Ben Barba, Tom Opacic along with the re-signings of Ethan Lowe and Justin O'Neill as the club continues to pursue Queensland Origin duo Valentine Holmes and Cameron Munster.
The club has also been busy in the market place as they look to add a front rower or two to the roster next season with Charlie Gubb amongst the names being discussed. With injuries to Matthew Scott and Jordan McLean this season, prop is a position the club sees as a priority to stock up on.
Another player the club is keeping a close eye on is New Zealand utility Jazz Tevaga. The club is also interested in Joe Ofahengaue but are also aware it's only a pipe dream at this point with the Auckland born 22-year-old catching the eye of a number of clubs this season after an impressive string of performances towards the back-end of this season.
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