NRL Round 1
Round 1 of the NRL kicked off amid all of the controversy
surrounding the Cronulla Sharks and ASADA. It was a real shame that the news of
this broke last Thursday, the day the competition was due to begin. Yet, as
rugby league has shown time and again, it was able to overcome the negative
publicity and leave fans screaming for more. People need to keep in mind that
only one competition game has been played thus far and teams are still trying
to find their feet. It may take at least 3-6 weeks to really know how a team is
going to fair this season. Nonetheless, some teams were impressive whilst
others struggled to compete against their opposition. Let’s take a look at how
teams faired in the competition. If you are new to this concept, teams are
ranked on how well they perform each week and against their opposition, as well
as compared to the rest of the competition. Their ranking explains how dominant
they are in the competition how well they are travelling.
Bold = this week
( ) = last week
1 (-)
Melbourne Storm = The Storm were dominate against the Dragons and showed why
they are the reigning premiers. Cronk was at his dominating best, but supported
very well by those around him.
2 (-) South
Sydney Rabbitohs = Opened the season with an impressive performance. They put
the hype around the Roosters to bed after conceding an early try. Halfback Adam
Reynolds was great but he is aided by a great pack of forwards. Early signs
good, but they need to be consistent.
3 (-) North
Queensland Cowboys = They can attribute their Round 1 win to Thurston. He was
dominant and can only be boosted by the news of his resigning for a further 4
years. Their forwards were also strong. A real contender, but will be tested
against the Storm this week
4 (-)
Cronulla Sharks = Put all of the bad publicity and club troubles behind them. They
turned out a very tough, physical and motivating performance in front of a
packed home ground. If this team remains together for the whole season, they
will be contenders. A lot is still unknown about what will happen but for the
moment, you can only judge them on their on-field play.
5 (-)
Newcastle Knights = Turned out an impressive display against a very dismal Tigers
side, but you can only play what is in front of you. Positive signs point
towards strong defence and good ball movement to their outsides backs being a
strength for them this season. They will be tested against the Sea Eagles this
weekend.
6 (-)
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles =DCE and Kieran Foran got them over the line in the
end by executing the game plan exactly how it was required. They still showed
some signs that it could be a difficult season in regards to their forwards,
but with the quality halves that they have, it might not prove too much of an
issue.
7 (-) Canterbury-Bankstown
Bulldogs = The Bulldogs scored 12 points to begin with and were then unable to
go on with the job. Keep in mind that they were still missing a host of players
that will only boost their side when they return. Hasler will always have this
squad up for a game and they will not struggle as bad as most think. Still a
quality side.
8 (-)
Parramatta Eels = The Eels put on an impressive display against the Warriors by
scoring 40 points. For a team that contains so many individual players (scored
5/7 tries) they still need to combine as a team. It will be an acid test for
them this weekend against traditional rivals, the Bulldogs.
9 (-)
Penrith Panthers = The Panthers showed what they are capable of in front of
their home fans. It was interesting to note that they were only 2 points ahead
at halftime. A better side would’ve been ahead by more. It was still a good
showing from a side that many were tipping to contend for the wooden spoon.
10 (-) Gold
Coast Titans = The Titans were able to stand up and match the Sharks in a
physical encounter, but they were unable to finish in the red zone. This could
prove a big problem for the Titans and coach John Cartwright has a tough job
ahead of him. It was definitely the difference between them winning and losing
that game.
11 (-) Sydney
Roosters = Too many missed tackles and no direction in attack. Mitchell Pearce
and James Maloney need to dominate this team and direct them around the field.
A few positives signs for the Roosters and they need to build on those with a
tough trip to NZ to play the Warriors.
12 (-) St
George-Illawarra Dragons = It was always going to be a tough start to the
season for the Dragons facing the Storm at home. They have some positives
working for them but need to be stronger in defence. You cannot have 29 missed
tackles (10% of their total tackles) against the top teams in this competition.
13 (-) Brisbane
Broncos = The Broncos scored all their points in the first 34 minutes and then
let the Sea Eagles run over the top of them. Errors were their downfall at
crucial stages of the game (14 in total). Manly showed a way to beat the
Broncos, hammer Prince in defence. They need to play to their forward strength.
14 (-)
Canberra Raiders = Simple mistakes cost the Raiders the chance to start their
season off on the right foot. Their young side lacked aggression and direction
around the field. Players at this club have to stop believing their own hype
and just play football.
15 (-) Wests
Tigers = It could be a very long year for the Tigers if they continue to play
like that. The Knights put them to the sword and only allowed them to score
twice, whilst scoring 42 points against them. Their defence struggled with the
pace of the game and their attack was flat. Marshall needs to lift.
16 (-) New
Zealand Warriors = Woeful, disinterested and lethargic. The Warriors opened up
the first game of the season from where they left off in 2012. They need a big
wake up call to get their season back on track. Coach Elliot’s job is under a
lot of pressure.
Scooby
@scoobystips
Scooby
@scoobystips
