Buzz’s highlights and lowlights: David Fifita ‘Backflip Lager’ spotted at Magic Round, Ethan Strange destined for State of Origin

It hasn’t taken long for Queensland businesses to cash in on David Fifita’s backflip on the Roosters, with a Brisbane pub already naming a beer after the Titans star. Magic Round Buzz.

David Fifita has had his backflip immortalised with a beer

Phil Rothfield is back to reveal his highlights and lowlights from the week in sport.

STRANGE TALENT

Canberra Raiders young gun Ethan Strange is arguably the form five-eighth in the NRL.

The 19-year-old looks like a future State of Origin player.

Three 18-year-olds – Ben Ikin, Brad Fittler and Brett Dallas – have played Origin football at a younger age.

A stack of 19-year-olds have been chosen in the past – Israel Folau, Mitchell Pearce, Will Hopoate, Jarryd Hayne and David Fifita.

We’re not suggesting Strange will be ready this year.

However on Friday night he clearly outplayed Bulldogs star Matt Burton at Suncorp Stadium.

Strange had three try assists and played stylishly throughout. His left-side combination with Hudson Young is so dangerous.

And in defence he hits as hard as any five-eighth in the competition.

Ethan Strange was impressive against the Bulldogs. Picture: NRL Imagery

‘ANALYST’ OFF THE MARK

Michael Maguire has added data/ratings/sports-betting expert Scott Woodward to his NSW State of Origin staff.

This guy is known as The Analyst, who apparently appears in a weekly segment on SEN radio.

He also works for the Canterbury Bulldogs as a recruitment “expert”.

Hopefully The Analyst will have no say in team selection meetings with NSW. Because two years ago he said of Jake Trbojevic being picked for the Blues: “He must make a beautiful cup of coffee. I think NSW will win regardless, but I honestly don’t know how they justify his selection.”

Anyone who cannot recognise Jurbo’s middle-field value in big games should be nowhere near an Origin outfit.

Will the recruitment help Michael Maguire during this Origin series? Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

HIGHLIGHT

The Sharks have now beaten heavyweights the Roosters and Melbourne Storm in the space of a week to prove they are genuine title contenders. It’s such a shame Saturday’s blockbuster against Penrith Panthers can only accommodate 13,000 fans due to renovations at Shark Park.

LOWLIGHT

An overzealous security guard who threatened to throw a sports writer out of Suncorp Stadium on Friday night for doing nothing but complain about player access to a club media manager. The same security guards who denied Titans owner Rebecca Frizelle access to the sheds after the loss to the Newcastle Knights.

Daniel Tupou might have another year in him at the Roosters. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

SHOOSH

The Sydney Roosters are back in negotiations with veteran winger Daniel Tupou and his manager Sam Ayoub for a 12-month contract extension. The 32-year-old was expected to retire at the end of the season but is now having second thoughts.

SHOOSH

No wonder Phil Gould continues to search far and wide to find a halfback at Canterbury. Drew Hutchison is a wonderful competitor but lacks the game management skills that the Bulldogs desperately need, again illustrated on Friday night against the Raiders.

Backflip Lager on tap at Magic Round.

SPOTTED

A beer sign outside a Brisbane pub advertising a Backflip Lager, with a giant photo of Gold Coast Titans forward David Fifita.

SPOTTED

Reece Walsh parking his car outside the Gold Coast Titans headquarters last week, sparking rumours he was there to chat to CEO Steve Mitchell and coach Des Hasler. The superstar fullback has yet to sign a new deal with the Broncos. Turns out Walsh was there to play golf next door at Parkwood with teammate Deine Mariner.

360 VIEW

Catch you on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm with Braith Anasta, Gorden Tallis and James Graham to discuss all the big issues out of Magic Round.