The kids are killing it in the NRL this year. It would be easier to stop Payne Haas on a surge towards the try-line than stop him from winning Rookie of the Year. He was joined in Origin by another babyface, David Fifita.
Bronson Xerri is still 18 but already a jet. You can’t have missed the spectacular efforts by flying teenage backs Jason Saab and Dylan Brown, and the Storm’s Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has only needed one outing to become hot property.
But the glow of these shiny new stars should not distract us from appreciating a vintage crop of veterans. The 10 oldest players in the league will not be around forever (with the obvious exception of Cameron Smith, likely to still be playing when Halley’s Comet next puts in an appearance) and we should enjoy this bunch of quirky individuals while we can.
Matthew Scott
Entitled to ask, a la Corey Parker, where the respect has gone. Barged about by bustling young frontrowers, the Cowboys' bookend probably stayed one season too long. But why not? You’re a long time retired, and by the end of this bruising year he will know for certain that his body can’t face any more punishment. Scored twice in this farewell season, so avoids a final Townsville nudey run.
“This year the Cronulla captain became the player with the most losses in history”
Priceless, where is Ronnie when you need him ?