NRL's own worst enemy: The funny, frustrating, and fascinating moments from Round 14
The NRL's Round 14 was a rollercoaster of emotions, with thrilling finishes, stunning performances, and some of the most laughable officiating errors. It was a week filled with controversy, drama, and a podcaster's media frenzy. Here's a deep dive into the 20 thoughts that emerged from this action-packed round.
The Ref's Blunder: Adam Gee, once considered the best referee in the game, needs a break. The missed knock-on from Ben Trbojevic was a blatantly obvious error, and the fact that three professionals couldn't see it is beyond comprehension. The bunker's powerlessness to overturn the decision is a huge issue, as it's clear that the technology can see the error. The NRL is its own worst enemy here, as the bunker can go back and award penalties for foul play, but not for a clear knock-on.
The Power of the Bunker: The bunker's ability to go back and award penalties for foul play is a double-edged sword. While it can correct obvious errors, it also raises questions about the fairness of the game. The fact that the bunker can't overturn a clear knock-on is a huge oversight, and it's a system that needs to be re-evaluated.
The Prop's Return: The game has changed, and the return of the prop to the bench is a significant shift. Jacob Saifiti, the one prop on the bench for NSW, didn't even see time. The game was built on big men in the middle, and the prop's return is a sign of the times.
Nikora's Rise and Fall: Briton Nikora produced his best game in two years, but his selection for Origin 2 is a mystery. Up until his mammoth effort against the Dragons, Nikora had been averaging below 50 run metres per game this year. The selection of Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is a correction, but Heilum Luki's omission is a surprise.
NSW's Improved Squad: NSW has named a better side for Game 2, with Payne Haas and Casey McLean starting. Ethan Strange would be the unluckiest man alive if he were to be overlooked for Mitch Moses, who hasn't played in over a month. The Tigers' poor performance against the Panthers was a wake-up call for Benji Marshall.
Mam's Missteps: Ezra Mam's horror start to the season continued with his decision-making errors. He ignored a four-man overlap to chase glory on the short side, and his talent is undeniable, but his decision-making needs a spell.
Kini's Match-Winning Try: Keano Kini's match-winning try was a highlight, but it raises questions about the greatest individual try of all time. It's a testament to the player's skill and determination, but it's also a reminder of the importance of decision-making in the game.
Purdue's Fall from Grace: Jaxon Purdue has fallen off a cliff since re-signing for the Cowboys. It's a reminder that young players can experience dips in form, but it also raises questions about the club's decision to let Scott Drinkwater walk away.
Kennedy's Brilliance: William Kennedy's breathtaking performances for the Sharks have been a highlight of the season. His low monetary contract allows the Sharks to move onto young gun Liam Ison, who has been best on ground for the Newtown Jets. Kennedy's brilliance is a testament to his skill and determination.
Ponga's Technique Problem: Kalyn Ponga has a serious technique problem, and his shoulder charge in Origin 1 is a reminder of the importance of fair play. His attempt to shoulder charge during a try-saving effort against the Storm is a concern, and it needs to be fixed.
Monday's Horror: Monday afternoon's game was a disaster, with the first 40 minutes feeling like a punishment. It's a reminder of the importance of fair play and the need for officials to get their decisions right.
Su'A's Injury: Jaydn Su'A's pec injury has ruled him out for the season, and it's a blow for the Dragons. His absence hurts, but it's a reminder of the importance of planning for the future and focusing on next year and beyond.
Atkinson's Optimism: Daniel Atkinson's kick and chase for William Kennedy and Sam Stonestreet is a reminder of the importance of optimism and determination. It's a highlight of the season, and it's a testament to the player's skill and determination.
Jenkins' Try-Scoring: Tom Jenkins' try-scoring prowess is a highlight of the season, and his ability to avoid injury is a key factor in his success. If he can avoid injury, he's going to fly past last year's top mark of 24 tries.
Penrith's Dominance: Penrith's dominance in the lower grades is a sign of their future success. They lead the NSW competition and sit equal first in the Jersey Flegg, and their QLD Cup side is a fun idea.
In conclusion, Round 14 was a week filled with controversy, drama, and fascinating moments. The NRL's own worst enemy is the bunker's powerlessness to overturn clear errors, and the game's shift towards the prop is a significant change. The brilliance of players like William Kennedy and Tom Jenkins is a highlight, but the technique problems of players like Kalyn Ponga are a concern. The future of the game is bright, but it's also a reminder of the importance of fair play and the need for officials to get their decisions right.
