What Caught Our Attention from the Weekend

Wests Tigers adding to their reputation for ill-discipline when Justin Olam was sent off for a high tackle. The Tigers have an unwanted record of finding at least a sin bin in most matches.

The Eels winning against the odds against the Warriors leaving the Wests Tigers with one hand on a third straight wooden spoon

Roosters half Sam Walker giving the Perth crowd the old razzle dazzle, reviving the chip and chase and showing us that the NRL is more than five hit ups and a high kick. Hopefully Phil Blake and Steve ‘Turvey’ Mortimer enjoyed the rewind.

Reece Walsh trying to match that razzle dazzle early before his Broncos capitulate to a revitalised Titans team.

St George Illawarra doing the seemingly impossible to win against Melbourne in Melbourne for the first time in 25 years.

Questions continuing over whether the Sharks are really a premiership contender as they limp their way to the finals.

Newcastle showing plenty of ticker to almost topple the reigning premiers befor Nathan Cleary came up with the clutch play yet again.

Bulldogs and Raiders rewinding the clock to the halcyon days of 1980s suburban rugby league in front of a large roaring crowd at Belmore. It was another impressive performance from Canterbury who are fast reclaiming the ‘entertainers’ moniker amongst their loyal fans. The Doggies fans celebrated in and around Burwood Rd Belmore long after full time.

Judiciary: Round 22 – Justin Olam https://t.co/3ISE4LBzNK

— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) August 3, 2024

NRL Selling Out

The sold out sign has gone up at NRL venues numerous times in 2024 and the weekend was no exception. The NZ Warriors recently announced they had sold out their entire season of home games with this statement on their website.

‘The Warriors have completed a perfect record of selling out all 10 games at Go Media Stadium this year plus their home against Canberra in Christchurch.

Not only a first for an NRL club, it’s also thought to be a first for a New Zealand sporting franchise.’

“It’s an unbelievable achievement and one we’re very proud of,” said New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.

Meanwhile the resurgent Bulldogs sold out their return to their spiritual home at Belmore (how good was it to see the packed hill) yesterday and we had full houses for the derby at Cbus Stadium plus Cronulla and Perth where Wayne Bennett declared Perth is absolutely ready for an NRL team.

Along with the healthy TV ratings it augurs well for expansion of the competition to 20 teams over the next few years.
Bateman in a Good Place

A jet lagged John Bateman raised a few eyebrows when speaking to the media after his Warrington Wolves side were beaten by Hull Kingston Rovers. “It’s good to be back in a good club” Bateman exclaimed casting further doubt as to whether he will return to the Wests Tigers to complete the final two years of his contract.

Meanwhile Willie Peters and Hull KR rose to the top of the Super League table for the first time in a while after the 22-4 victory over Sam Burgess’s Warrington side. Commentators were heard referring back to a golden era for the club when Roger ‘the dodger’ Millward graced Craven Park.

NRLW Gold

New Zealand Rugby 7s Olympic gold medalists Stacey Waaka (Broncos), Tyla King (St George Illawarra) and Tenika Willison (Newcastle) will join their respective NRLW sides after their victory adding to the competition’s growing reputation. With the Olympic campaign finishing in disappointment for the Aussie women’s side some members of the team may cross over to NRLW clubs this season or next. The Levi sisters and Faith Nathan are players likely to attract interest.

Your NRLW ladder after Round 2! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/9dcTriU2T4

— NRLW (@NRLWomens) August 4, 2024

International Hosts

On the back of the International Rugby League (IRL) revealing Australia will host the 2026 World Cup involving 10 men’s, 8 women’s and 8 wheelchair teams, the tenderers for the tournaments in 2028-2030 have been announced. Bidders for the men’s tournament include Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Africa and the USA. The early tip is New Zealand will get the nod. In the women’s tournament to be held in 2028 France, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and South Africa have moved into the next stage of bidding. Three countries have put their hand up to host the wheelchair tournament including France, England and USA.

There has been an increased spotlight on the USA market with the major NRL events in Las Vegas. It is imperative that international rugby league is given the same focus and attention if we want to see the sport grow beyond the heartlands.

Details of the Pacific Championships to be held later this year will be announced by the NRL in the next couple of weeks.

Crocodile Rock

Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson doesn’t pull any punches. His supporters will tell you it’s one of the keys to his success at Penrith, Souths and Cronulla. However his turn of phrase in a club podcast interview last week had many fans intrigued when he said “Anybody who is here has to want be in the crocodile roll. We want people who are here to fight to the fricken death with the rest of us. If they are not going to do that, they are not going to be here”

Looking for clarity ‘Kick to the Corners’ went to well known adventurer Bear Grylls for an explanation. Bear advises that if you are caught in a death roll, try to roll with the croc to avoid it tearing your limbs from their sockets. Make of that what you will.