NRLWeekly Blog Post - 8th February

Another week of footy gone by and another week closer to the start of the 2012 NRL season.


The Week it's Been...
The All Stars game completely opened my eyes as to what I, and many other fans, have been missing this summer. It was simply a great game and made me wish the NRL season was starting earlier. I thought the powerplay rule was great from a spectator's point of view and should be introduced into the NRL as soon as possible. Also, the rule that allowed the tackle count to restart on penalties was great for stopping unecessary pauses in the game.  South Sydney centre Greg Inglis could be out for up to 6 weeks with an ankle injury that he suffered during the All Stars game. Here are the results of this week's trial matches as well:

• Cronulla Sharks 38 - Manly 6 (Todd Carney finding some great form)
• Panthers 18 - Ipswich 18
• Warriors 26 - Gold Coast Titans 10
• Dragons 18 -  Bulldogs 28
• Broncos 28 - Cowboys 22
• Melbourne Storm 36 - Brisbane East 8

In the tipping department I have a grand total of 1 from 3 after the Sharks upset Manly and the Indigenous All Stars lost to the All Stars. Fortunately the Bulldogs got home against the Dragons.



Big Games Coming Up...

• Cowboys v Dragons
• Panthers v Knights
• Bulldogs v Roosters

These three games should be especially interesting as many coaches have put forward strong squads for their respective games. This week, my tips go to the Cowboys, Knights and Bulldogs.



Team of the Week...
This week's team of the week is the Cronulla Sharks. The Sharks smashed Manly 38-6, with BOTH teams fielding strong sides in the second half. Todd Carney was absolutely brilliant in that game, carving the Manly defense apart, which is great news for Sharks fans.

The Sharks are another team that should benefit greatly from their new transfers. Todd Carney and Jeff Robson should slot nicely into the halves, with Isaac de Gois filling the hooker spot. With Nathan Gardner presumably at fullback, this gives the Sharks an excellent 'spine' (hooker, halfback, five-eighth, fullback). Andrew Fifta and Bryce Gibbs should bolster a forward pack boasting the likes of Paul Gallen, Jeremy Smith and Anthony Tupou. And maybe, just maybe, the Sharks can surprise a few by making the eight.


Dream Team News...
Not only was the All Stars an amazing game to watch and a great way to test out the news rules, but it also gave an insight into dream team tactics. Luke Bailey and Benji Marshall led the dream team points scorers with 48 and 47 respectively. I have now put Bailey in my season dream team as I think he may still rack up the points, even at his age.

My team of Dugan, Reed, Marshall, Fifita, Payne and Gallen did alright for 301 points (I came 2414 out of 11821). In hindsight, Fifata was a terrible buy!




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