Those that said the 2012 NRL season would be the closest in recent years have got it spot on. Whilst we have only seen the one round, what we did see was a round consisting of some of the most exciting, nail-biting, heart stopping matches, with the result coming down to the final play, some even past that and into extra time.
So what have we learnt out of Round 1....
The Winners
Gold Coast Titans- Written off by most pundits, the boys from across the border pulled off one of the most dominant performances in their short history, shutting out the disappointing North Queensland Cowboys and picking up a massive 2 points at Dairy Farmers Stadium. The immediate impact of Jamal Idris as well as the surprise inclusion of Kane Lawton ahead of Matt Srama must of rattled the Cowboys, as Prince and Rankin steered the Titans around the pitch to take total control of the Queensland Derby
The New Coaches- There is always pressure on the new coach to steer their team to the first victory of the season. Des Hasler, Geoff Toovey and Steve Price managed to do exactly that, all securing important away victories. Des Hasler found life hard going early on as the Panthers raced to a 12-0 lead, however the Bulldogs managed to turn it around in style running home 22-14 winners. Life as first team coach for Geoff Toovey started off well, with the Sea Eagles soaring high with an early 16-0 lead. Then things started to come of the tracks as the resurgent Warriors clawed their way back, and if it was not for missed opportunities, could have stolen the 2 points at the death. Steve Price managed to defy the odds up at Newcastle, with the Saints outsiders as he took on his mentor, Wayne Bennett. Needing some Jamie Soward magic in injury time, the Dragons managed to return back down the F3 with the 2 points.
The Fans- What a perfect weekend of football. Whilst some might have been on the wrong end of the score line, every supporter has something to take out of the weekend. Well, unless you’re a Cowboys fan who were completely abysmal! Impressive youngsters, barnstorming forwards and pace to burn were just some of the highlights of an enthralling set of fixtures.
The Losers
Cronulla- Dear oh dear. What can you say? Cronulla had a massive opportunity to put away the favourites for the 2012 title, but failed. Whilst they were on the wrong end of a refereeing howler in the early stages of Extra Time, the Sharks should not have let it get that far, unable to shut out the Tigers with minutes left on the clock. And when they had their chance, they rushed it. Then again, you can feel for the Sharks who were robbed, with a penalty not going their way that would have sealed the game.
Souths Sydney- Talk about blowing a lead. 3 minutes to go, 8 points ahead and the Roosters supporters are leaving the stadium. 2 quick tries and the Roosters somehow managed to steal the points despite a rather lackluster performance. This was supposed to be the year Souths finally make their mark on the 8. To do that, you need to grind out matches and with 5 captains on the pitch, you would expect some sort of leadership in the final minutes to ensure victory.
Jared Maxwell- Round 1 and we are talking about referees. It's going to be a long season. The Sharks were robbed, end of. Whilst he made a gutsy decision not to go to the video ref for the Colin Best no try, an Extra Time howler cost the Sharks. Maxwell incorrectly ruled the Sharks offside after a Todd Carney field goal attempt was charged down. First off all, the Tigers chasers were offside, secondly, once the field goal was charged down, it brought every body from the Sharks on side! Tough call, enjoy the week of Mr. Maxwell.
The Talking Point
What to do with Extra Time. Whilst it does add an element to the game, it becomes a, "Field-Goal-Athon". Maybe it is time to revert to the Golden Try scenario. Personally, I don’t mind the Golden Point, but why dont we just play the full 10 minutes. Chances will even out, if the teams still can't be split after Extra Time, then it's a point a piece. Simple. Another suggestion provided was to give each team a point after 80 minutes. Then they play the 10 minute extra time period, the winner gaining the extra point whilst the loser keeping the first point. If it remains a draw then no extra point is awarded...
Thoughts?
Fair summary. I do think the rabbits had more to do in losing than the roosters did in winning if you know what I mean. Could speak about the storm also. They dominated but Canberra did show they will be up to it this year.
ReplyDeleteGood to see a lot of emerging players making a name for themselves, Lawton, Hurrel, Latimore, De Belin, Reynolds, and Siobwere inpressive
Indeed mate, lots of youngsters coming through the ranks across the board....hopefully a few New South Welshman!
DeleteThe painful life of being a loyal rabbit continues... But we will come good man I hope or it will be another long season. Cannt afford to lose games like that we had it
ReplyDeleteDefinitely was a game you should not have dropped. Could prove very important later on down the track
DeletePoor Sharks, can never cop a break. Not sure why Carney snapped at it on the first though, he never had the time or position to do it
ReplyDeleteThe opportunity was there, if he hit it then Im sure we would be talking about something else unfortunately!
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