Set of Six: Is it time for the NRL to expand into Western Australia?
With the Western Force’s days seemingly numbered, is the door open for a new NRL franchise to swoop in and pick up the oval ball fans who would be left without a team? This and more in this week’s Set of Six.
Has normal transmission resumed?
After a few rounds of topsy-turvy results and unpredictable upsets, Round 4 saw things return to relative normality. The Broncos and the Storm each eked out another win, Penrith obliterated the Knights and the Warriors racked up another listless defeat. The top eight has a familiar look now, with only the Dragons and Sea Eagles continuing to confound pre-season expectations with several solid performances. The only presumed contender currently lying outside the eight is the Canberra Raiders, who have endured a run of losses to fellow heavyweights Brisbane, North Queensland and Cronulla. The bottom three teams on the table – Warriors, Knights and Tigers – all seem like fair picks to fight it out for the wooden spoon. Suddenly the season seems to be taking shape.
Is Luke Keary the buy of the season?
It’s probably a bit early to be handing out accolades like ‘Buy of the Year’ but Keary’s impact on the Roosters (and their undefeated record) is undeniable. Departing Souths under a cloud after a drunken bust-up with owner Russell Crowe, Keary’s combination with a rejuvenated Mitchell Pearce and fellow underrated acquisition Michael Gordon has given the Roosters attack definite shape, something it has lacked since the departure of James Maloney. Importantly, Keary has taken advantage of the array of attacking weapons the Roosters possess, already equalling his 2016 season total of try assists by round four. The Roosters are seldom down for very long and after a miserable 2016, the smart acquisition of Keary and Gordon looks set to have them back on track to contend for the finals.
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Are the Dragons contenders or pretenders?
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the first month of the season is the strong form of the St George-Illawarra Dragons. Coach Paul McGregor was a favourite to be the first fired, but four rounds in he looks more likely to win Coach of the Year than join Jason Taylor in the unemployment queue. Despite the lack of players with ‘star’ reputations, the Dragons have forged a winning style on the back of a tough and uncompromising forward pack fronted by the granite-like Paul Vaughan, rugged Tyson Frizell and emerging lynchpin Jack De Belin. Elusive centre Euan Aitken is one of the most underrated players in the comp and continues the tradition of attacking weapons established by Matt Cooper and Mark Gasnier. While the halves combination of Gareth Widdop and Josh McCrone don’t have the reputation or skill set of some other duos around the NRL they have taken advantage of the strong platform laid by the formidable forward pack. It might not continue but the Dragons are definitely making the most of their early season opportunities.
Can Ivan Cleary turn the Tigers around?
After the sacking of Jason Taylor, NRL Twitter managed to whip itself into an absolute frenzy of speculation and outright fabrication – Ivan Cleary was the favourite to take over the job until Des Hasler was going to be fired and Cleary was going to take over at Belmore, taking the Tigers’ ‘Big Four’ with him until he wasn’t. Now it seems like Hasler will remain employed by the Dogs and Cleary is headed to Concord Oval, a result which would be a win for the Tigers. Cleary was a calm and stabilising presence during his time at the helm of the Warriors and the Panthers and has shown an aptitude for taking young, flighty teams and turning them into playoff contenders. There are definite question marks about whether he possesses the tactical nous to lead a team to a Premiership but for a club like the Tigers which has enjoyed little success, a boatload of turmoil and a revolving cast of coaches in recent years a little stability in the form of Cleary is just what the doctor ordered. Hopefully, his signing will convince the ‘Big Four’ to re-sign so the club can get back to the business of winning games.
Is it time for the NRL to expand to Western Australia again?
The imminent implosion of Super Rugby’s Western Force seemingly opens the door to the possibility of expansion once again – if the Rah-Rahs abandon Perth then it makes all the sense in the world for the NRL to swoop in and try to pick up any oval ball fans left without a team. Perth already has NIB stadium, a modern venue ideal to host an NRL franchise and the time difference would open another lucrative broadcasting window. The NRL has resisted expansion since the 2007 introduction of the Gold Coast Titans but the time feels right to add another pair of teams – particularly in regions that could expand the NRL into a truly national competition. Critics would point to the failure of the Western Reds as evidence that top level rugby league can’t survive in WA, but the Reds were victims of the fallout of the Super League war and the Storm have long since proven that a team can thrive in hostile territory outside rugby league’s traditional heartland. Rugby union in Australia is at crisis point and it would be foolish if the NRL didn’t try to take advantage. Adding a franchise in Perth and another in Brisbane seems like a slam dunk.
Game of the Week
Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers
It’s an old boxing adage that styles make fights and this match is the perfect NRL example of how clashing styles can make for a compelling contest – the stolid and well-drilled Storm versus the youthful exuberance and attacking flair of the Panthers. The Storm are established contenders, while the Panthers were a chic pick to challenge for a grand final berth. If the Panthers can hand the Storm their first loss of the season then they will certainly establish themselves a serious Premiership possibility. The Storm have made their reputation on grinding down high octane attacks with their regimented defence – if the Panthers can challenge Melbourne’s vaunted defence then this could be one of the games of the year.
Picks (season record 20-12): Broncos over Bulldogs / Roosters over Sea Eagles / Cowboys over Rabbitohs / Sharks over Knights / Raiders over Eels / Storm over Panthers / Warriors over Titans / Dragons over Tigers.
Comments on RugbyPass
Nice to read something positive about Vunivalu; it doesn’t happen often. I despair for rugby in Oz. Unless some form of compensation for the teams producing players is devised, there is no obvious way for us to combat poachers coming to grab players in their prime with bigger pay cheques. A return to the SR crowds we were getting in 2010-2014 and a quadrupling of the TV deal would be a start but I don’t see how those things happen. Perhaps the government could be encouraged to deliver tax breaks like in Ireland?
54 Go to commentsI wasn’t aware that the blitz targeted space so, as usual, something learned from reading one of your articles, Nick. Watching the game live I attributed the Saints’ inaccuracy to their own mistakes and nerves. Perhaps some credit to the Leinster D.
8 Go to commentsGotta give it to you Graham, you support your players and team to the hilt. There may be strains of exaggeration laced throughout but gotta love the passionate parochialism.
2 Go to commentsNice one Nick. No doubt Vunivalu’s involvements and work rate are improving this year in attack, but I still think he is too raw on the defensive and backfield part of his game to be considered as a starter. Wales would just kick and run it to his side all night as the brumbies have done to good effect in the past. But, his size/power will keep him in the convo with Mark N leaving and Petaia’s injury record. Hunter definitely enjoying an injury-free run this season and being given the keys by Kiss - I have always been a fan of his. All I’d say is that his triple threat has been evident since 2020/21. I remember him making a grubber for a petaia try after the siren to beat the Brumbies in Canberra after the 80th minute in 2021. Lastly, Jock Campbell, who I know isn’t at the top of your list, I thought had alot of positive involvements in the saders game including both of Tim ryan’s tries and Mcreights
54 Go to commentsAg please, Pieter Stef Du Toit has played circles around this clown.
1 Go to commentsJust celebrating the Bok’s 1648th consecutive day as RWC champions. They are also the Qatar Airways Cup winners, which I know BennieBoy cares about a lot.
1 Go to commentsGood to here positive stories towards Aus Rugby. Although that might be the case, and highers up are right about Jordie, I wouldn’t stress trying to retain him. What I have seen of him in recent times is that he’s not using that something special. I feel there a better ‘something special’ options coming through that they won’t have to compete with league for, hell even in Kerevi and Paisami (isn’t it great to finally see his ability getting recognized, probably taking this article in isolation too much here).
54 Go to commentsgreat article! I wonder whether we will we see Ireland adopt the Nienaber blitz? All the teams who have tried it so far (SA included) have gone through significant teething problems in the first season; Ireland could possibly be in the unique position of being able to switch to a hard blitz in season 2 of a world cup cycle and already have so many players used to the system that it can be implemented seamlessly.
8 Go to commentsThey probably left another 20 on the field to be fair. Also - the officiating was… ordinary.
1 Go to commentsblackadder isnt a key player at all you cant say hes been the best player or a key all black when hes injured every week
2 Go to commentsThat loss to the Blues still stings! The Reds have fallen short in 4 of the 6 games decided by 7 points or fewer. Are they not fit enough to close out the close games or are there tactical issues when games go down to the wire? The pleasing thing is no Australian side can better the Reds record of 3 wins from 5 against Kiwi sides but the Brumbies can match it. Les Kiss has instilled a belief in the Reds that they can match it with all the New Zealand sides.
54 Go to commentsA potential 5th star for Leinster and redemption adter losing 2 tight finals against La Rochelle against Toulouse and the chance for Jacques Nienaber to have some success without Rassie Erasmus running the show.
8 Go to commentsThanks Nick, and welcome back 😁 Vulavalu does look better this year, and about time. I suspect Schmidt will knock the hubris out of him. That one handed put down was so embarrassing. Mind you, I had thought Kiss would deal with that. Leaving aside the different games and skills, in NRL he had a very good (but no bullshit) type of coach in Bellamy, something he hasn't had in Union until this year. Bellamy would have roasted him unmercifully for an unprofessional put down.
54 Go to commentsYou’d think the first step would be taking responsibility for the stupid sh*t you did and to stop blaming other people. Does he seriously think that people believe him when he says it just magically got into his system without him knowing anything about it? You’re gonna notice if you’re on the juice, bruh.
2 Go to commentsI watch the Reds now, and many of their players, and think back to watching London Irish in their last two years under Michael Kiss. I recall Nick Phipps looking a very competent scrumhalf, Rob Simmons a lynch pin in the lineouts. Both men writen off by many on the rugby sites. There is no question in my mind that Kiss has a very different touch to any coach the Reds have had in years. It will take time, but this team could develop into a very good team, hard to beat by any one down here in the SH. You highlight two players especially, Nick. Vunivalu and Paisami are thriving this year, especially the latter. And so many others. The now heavier Fraser McReight, his great mate Harry Wilson, and the “Fardy” man, Liam Wright. That is only three, ut in reality every player is acroos the whole squad is the better for the new regime.
54 Go to commentsRecord Score Downloading…………..
1 Go to commentsWonderful insightful interview with Crusader Johnny McNicoll. He was exceptional in the wins over the Chiefs and Rebels and I am sure he will get a contract again for 2025. He was an excitement machine for Canterbury and the Crusaders in 2011-16 and he still is. He has added to the attack particularly. Had a fine career with Wales in the intervening years.
2 Go to commentsAmazing what decent coaching can do! I always felt Folau never improved much as a player and never had a great coach using his talents. Suli seems different at qld this year.
54 Go to commentsI’m sick to death of waiting 3 years for league players to become half decent. It cripples Australian rugby in the meantime. The Reds actually looked half competent without Vunivalu not starting last week. He’s just a liability of errors. Paisami is looking better than he has in previous years but I’d have Kerevi back in a flash. A kiwi wont tho …...
54 Go to commentsExcellent analysis Nick as we have come to expect. I was not really aware that NFL strategies have been adopted by rugby teams, especially in defence. One point I would make is that the Northhampton attacking player on the end of the chain in the video examples has not maintained the correct depth to be effective. In the footage shown the outside player is too flat to make the best of the opportunity his inside players have provided. In each case they have to reduce speed and turn their body backwards to secure the ball, losing all momentum and giving the impressive scrambling defence the chance to shut down the threat.
8 Go to comments