A Week of Rugby League Highlights
The past week in rugby league has been nothing short of spectacular, with plenty of moments that have sparked conversations across the sport. From the emotional send-offs in the Origin series to shocking upsets and key player signings, there’s been no shortage of drama both on and off the field.
20 Key Takeaways from Round 13 and Beyond
There is no doubt that Laurie Daley was on the brink of being sacked during the first game of the Origin series. However, Kalyn Ponga’s moment of madness provided a lifeline for the Blues, allowing them to stay in the contest and ultimately saving Daley’s job. It was only after Todd Tedesco scored and Nathan Cleary converted that the Blues managed to secure their win.
Despite the win, I still believe Daley should be replaced. The Blues’ performance in the first half of the Origin series was abysmal, scoring just 12 points compared to Queensland’s 66. This glaring coaching issue needs immediate attention, and there are many more concerns that could be discussed at length.
The send-off for Ashley Klein was as clear as it gets. If this were a regular NRL match, there would be no debate about it. However, some fans have unfairly blamed Chris Buttler for the incident, while Ponga’s actions deserve more scrutiny. His decision to not wrap up the ball was reckless and could have resulted in a Sin Bin.
Anyone suggesting that send-offs should be banned in Origin matches is completely wrong. Jack Hetherington would have played over 30 Origins if such a rule existed. Instead of banning send-offs, the solution is to designate a “Goon” like in hockey, who can target the opposition’s best players without affecting the rest of the team.
I’m a big fan of the new Origin grading system for offences like Ponga’s. In previous seasons, players would miss multiple games for such incidents, which affected their club sides. This change ensures that players are not penalized for representing their state, which is a positive step forward.
Cameron Ciraldo’s press conference revealed the pressure he is under. He knew every detail of the game, even referencing 50/50 decisions. The fact that he focused on sending an email to the referees instead of addressing his team’s inability to score more than 12 points is concerning.
The charge down decision was correct, even if I don’t personally like it. The Tigers’ chaser was offside, leading to a collision with the Bulldogs’ winger. While the Dogs benefited from one decision, they also had one that was incorrect, resulting in a 1-1-1 outcome, which is typical in combat sports.
Roger-Tuivasa Sheck’s season-ending injury marks the end of his NRL career. He is widely regarded as one of the best backline players of the modern era, both on and off the field.
The opening months of the NRL season saw high-scoring games, but the margins are starting to shrink. This could be due to players adapting to the new rules or referees pulling back slightly. However, the recent incident involving Todd Smith breaking his arm highlights that the rules are still being enforced.
Congratulations to the Dragons’ fans! After a long wait, their team secured a much-needed victory. The entire NRL fanbase came together to support the Red V, and the win over the defending premiers lifted a significant weight off their shoulders.
Braydon Trindall was outstanding for the Sharks in the absence of Nicho Hynes. He consistently stepped up as the Sharks’ go-to guy, often playing halfback despite wearing Hynes’ number. His ability to handle the pressure of a debutant like Niwhai Puru was impressive.
Sharks fans can be excited about Liam Ison’s return. After recovering from an ACL injury, he delivered a standout performance, showcasing his talent and potential. Check out the video below to see one of his highlights from the game.
The North Queensland Cowboys made two notable signings this week: Sione Katoa and Jesse Ramien. Ramien is a great addition to replace Jaxon Purdue, who will move to fullback. However, Katoa’s signing remains a mystery, as it didn’t excite Cowboys fans as expected.
Ethan Strange had a remarkable week, shining in both the Origin series and for Canberra. His performance in the Origin series was electric, and he continued his form with a strong effort against the Cowboys. Alongside Sam Walker, he proves that the future of playmaking is in good hands.
The Melbourne Storm’s potential move to Hobart is a bold step. If the reports come true, it could open up a new market for the team. With the Hawks ending their Tassie connection in the AFL, this seems like a perfect time for the Storm to expand.
Casey McLean delivered a stellar performance for the Blues, earning praise for his efforts. His consistent performances make him a strong candidate for Origin Two, and he is quickly becoming a top-tier centre.
The booing of Lachlan Galvin by Tigers fans was a point of contention. While it may have been excessive, it reflects the passion of the fans. Galvin seemed unfazed by the reaction, and I believe it was all in good fun.
The Bulldogs are experiencing buyer’s remorse after re-signing Connor Tracey. Jacob Kiraz has performed well in his absence, and it’s clear that Tracey is likely to become a squad player rather than a key starter.
The Tigers’ defensive efforts in the game against the Bulldogs were commendable. They made several crucial try-saving tackles, which should be the focus of any discussion about the match.
Shark fans seem to have a unique way of reacting to signings. While the recent acquisition of an SG Ball hooker received mixed reactions, it’s important to remember that the player will play Jersey Flegg next year. Meanwhile, the Sharks are set to lose Jayden Berrell, which has disappointed some fans. It’s clear that fans find ways to criticize everything.
