Buzz’s highlights and lowlights: Stuart MacGill spotted, harmony behind Canterbury’s unbeaten start to the season

Former Test cricketer Stuart MacGill was spotted in a corporate suite at the Roosters v Panthers at Allianz Stadium as he awaits sentencing next month. PHIL ROTHFIELD has that and more in his highlights and lowlights.

Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield reveals his highlights and lowlights from the week in rugby league, revealing the strong connection behind Canterbury’s unbeaten start to the season.

HIGHLIGHT

Player names on the back of the Brisbane Broncos jerseys in New Zealand like we see in State of Origin. C’mon Andrew Abdo … can we get this happening at all 17 clubs. The fans love it.

It was refreshing to see surnames on jerseys. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

LOWLIGHT

Your columnist has always had doubts about the Brisbane Broncos, who have lost their last two games to the Roosters and Warriors. They’ve now got the Bulldogs and Panthers in the next two weeks. State of Origin is also fast approaching where they’ll lose up to half a dozen players. They have the talent to win the title but a number of their biggest names are not aiming up.

SPOTTED

There is no love lost between player agents Mario Tartak and Isaac Moses. They were sitting in the same function room, just two tables from each other at Randwick races on Saturday but refused to acknowledge each other. Tartak is a popular and respected figure around the clubs but we can’t say the same about Moses.

Respected player agent Mario Tartak (L) with Josh Addo-Carr. Picture: Jonathan Ng

SPOTTED

Former Test cricketer Stuart MacGill in a corporate suite at the Roosters v Panthers at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night as he awaits sentencing next month after being found guilty of taking part in the supply of cocaine in Sydney. The 54-year-old is a former member of the SCG Trust that oversees the management of Allianz Stadium.

SPOTTED

One of the secrets to the success of Canterbury Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo is that he doesn’t suffer from insecurity like many others who have worked under Phil Gould. Gus is regularly invited into team meetings at Belmore and even runs the occasional drill at training.

The current Bulldogs are showing shades of the Dogs of War of the 80s. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

SPOTTED

The Canterbury Bulldogs have built a defensive wall that wins premierships and reminds me so much of the Dogs of War from the 1980s. They have not conceded a point in their last two games against the Knights and Rabbitohs. Equally impressive is the fact they have conceded only one line break in those two games. This is unheard of in modern day rugby league.

360 VIEW

Catch you on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6pm at fulltime in the Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels game with host Braith Anasta, Gorden Tallis and Brent Read to dissect all the issues from another great round of rugby league.

TOPSY TURVEY NRL

What a difference seven days make in rugby league.

This time last week we all thought Melbourne Storm were the team to beat, as if they were Winx lining up in a Cox Plate.

The bookmakers installed them at $2.65 favourites, the shortest price any side has been after six rounds in more than a decade.

They then produce their worst 40 minutes of football in years in the second half against the Dolphins, blow a 16-2 lead, and get touched up 42-22.

No Harry Grant, no direction.

The Broncos have now lost two straight.

Melbourne’s shock loss to the Dolphins has rocked their premiership credentials. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

This time last week we also thought four-time champions the Penrith Panthers were done for the year after five straight losses.

Then they come out and belt the Roosters 40-12.

Confidence that has been missing since Las Vegas suddenly returns.

This Easter weekend has proven that the competition is still wide open.

The Canterbury Bulldogs are leading the competition for a reason.

Are the Bulldogs premiership favourites? Picture: NRL Photos

They have the side that can go all the way and the depth to cover injuries and Origin, as proven in the absence of Viliame Kikau and Matt Burton.

They are such a powerful side across the park with few if any weaknesses.

The Bulldogs are now into $4.50 second favourites.

The Good Friday victory over the Rabbitohs in front of 65,000 at Accor Stadium was as comprehensive as it gets.

Originally published as Buzz’s highlights and lowlights: Stuart MacGill spotted, harmony behind Canterbury’s unbeaten start to the season