Phil Rothfield’s highlights and lowlights: Dodd’s dud start a worry, Foxx escapes punishment
Alarm bells should be ringing at the Rabbitohs, Josh Addo-Carr’s lucky escape for some sideline sledging and more in Phil Rothfield’s highlights and lowlights from the week in sport.
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Phil Rothfield reveals his highlights and lowlights from the week in sport including worries within the South Sydney Burrow and a lucky escape for Parramatta recruit Josh Addo-Carr.
HIGHLIGHT
The amazing depth of strength at the Penrith Panthers was there for all to see on Friday night when its reserve grade side beat the Manly Sea Eagles, piling on 38 points. The halfback Trent Toelau was outstanding and looks a great back-up option for Nathan Cleary.
LOWLIGHT
We admire what Shane Richardson is doing to rebuild the Wests Tigers. However, charging $102.50 for a grandstand seat at Leichhardt on Friday night, is outrageously over the top for trial games.
SHOOSH
It’s too early to suggest South Sydney’s expensive English halfback import Lewis Dodd is a poor signing, despite two disappointing trial match performances. However, this is a club that didn’t want to keep Adam Reynolds or Lachlan Ilias who both played well for the Broncos and Dragons on Saturday. Fans are entitled to be asking questions around their recruitment decisions.
SHOOSH
Which CEO flew to Las Vegas down the back in economy while his chairman and another director were up front in business class.
SIDELINE FOXING
Parramatta Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr has avoided a sanction for sledging Wests Tigers kicker Adam Doueihi as he was lining up a conversion attempt at Leichhardt on Friday night.
In fairness it appeared nothing more than a bit of fun and banter as Addo-Carr stood with Eels reserves next to the sidelines and unloaded, trying to put Doueihi off. Still, NRL rules state: “Under no circumstances will “barracking” or “abuse” from the bench be permitted.” As it was only a trial game, no action will be taken.
SPOTTED
Mal Meninga and his right hand man Tristan Hay were special guests of the Denver Nuggets ahead of their blockbuster game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Meninga and Hay made a quick visit to Denver ahead of NRL Las Vegas and were invited to the team’s high performance set up on game day. The pair met players, staff and coaches, including head coach and 2023 Championship winner Michael Malone.
SPOTTED
A vending machine inside Penrith Plaza with everything a Panthers fan would want as the four-time champions continue to cash in on their premiership success. Hats, beanies, trading cards, flags, footballs and even kicking tees are available.
VEGAS 360
Catch you on NRL 360 on Thursday afternoon (AEDT) out of Las Vegas with Braith Anasta, Gordie Tallis and Brent Read for all the latest in the build-up to Sunday’s blockbuster season opener at Allegiant Stadium.
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Originally published as Phil Rothfield’s highlights and lowlights: Dodd’s dud start a worry, Foxx escapes punishment
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