Buzz’s weekend highlights and lowlights from the NRL
The most in-demand player in the game was spotted at a pub with his dad, manager and a new NRL coach. Buzz’s weekend highlights, lowlights.
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Phil Rothfield runs the rule over an action-packed round of NRL in his weekend highlights, lowlights column. Plus, an intriguing ‘spotted’ and plans for Bob ‘Bozo’ Fulton’s state funeral.
HIGHLIGHT
The NRL Indigenous Round, honouring the culture and contribution of many of the game’s champions. Jersey sales are so popular they will be released early by all clubs to coincide with the All Stars game each year before the start of the competition.
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HIGHLIGHT II
In the 1980s we often referred to Ted Glossop’s Canterbury Bulldogs as The Entertainers. Four decades later the Penrith Panthers are playing the same breathtaking style of footy.
LOWLIGHT
Nitpicking on incorrect play-the-ball penalties that have been ignored by the referees up until now. Suddenly we get another crackdown. Enforce the rule all season or forget about it.
SPOTTED
On the way to the Roosters-Raiders game in Gosford, Roosters assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon stopped for lunch at the Kincumber Hotel. He sat there chatting to Melbourne Storm star Nicho Hynes, his dad and his manager. Fitzy replied “no comment” when we contacted him. Away from footy, Hynes loves to surf in his spare time which could put beachside Cronulla in the box seat.
SHOOSH
We can’t get all sides of the story on the bitter George Williams departure from the Canberra Raiders because his lawyers have advised him not to talk. His first interview will be compelling.
STABILITY THE KEY
The Panthers have 10 players who have played in all 12 rounds this year. The Canberra Raiders have just one — English second-rower Elliott Whitehead. It shows the teams with the least injuries and most stability are the ones doing best.
WINGER IN DEMAND
Manly winger Reuben Garrick is off contract and attracting much attention from rival clubs, according to his agent David Riolo. “We’ve spoken to Manly but they’re not where we want to be at this stage.” Being such an accomplished goal-kicker adds to Garrick’s value. He has an 80 per cent strike rate this year going into the game against the Knights.
WOUNDED FLANNO
Kyle Flanagan is making no excuses for his struggles at the Bulldogs this year but Canterbury insiders have revealed the young halfback carried a painful sternum injury for several weeks which restricted his movement before he was dropped.
BOZO TRIBUTES
Supreme Court judge Geoff Bellew will be leading the tributes at Bob Fulton’s State Funeral at St Marys on Friday at 10.30am. Ex-Roosters Ian Barkley and Ian Schubert, Peter Peters, Ray Hadley and Bozo’s son Brett will also address the service.
360 VIEW
Catch you Monday on NRL 360 on Fox Sports at 6.30pm with Ben Ikin, Paul Kent and James Hooper to discuss all the biggest NRL issues and the selection of both Origin teams.
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Originally published as Buzz’s weekend highlights and lowlights from the NRL
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