Darren Lockyer: Peter V’landys the man NRL needed in dark times; Queensland team guides
The NRL’s relaunch next week, ahead of many other codes in world sport, is a tribute to Peter V’landys’ passion, work ethic and negotiating skills. Fans should be grateful for his leadership, writes Darren Lockyer.
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Rugby league seems to have found itself a leader. An action man. A figure of authority not afraid to fight for the game’s best interests, even in its darkest hour.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys has done an extraordinary job getting the NRL to this point.
The NRL’s relaunch on Thursday, ahead of many other codes in world sport, is a tribute to V’landys’ passion, work ethic and negotiating skills and rugby league fans should buckle up for some fast-paced football.
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V’landys has been mentioned to be the CEO to take the code forward. I’m not sure if he desires that role, but having met V’landys, he understands the business model of live sport and has the entrepreneurial mind to think outside the box.
When he took the role as ARLC chairman, he was intending not to be seen in public so much, content to do his work behind the scenes.
But the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic has thrust him into the spotlight and he has handled the pressures remarkably well.
He understands the game as well and wants to entertain the fans, hence why V’landys is determined to drive change with a return to the one referee model.
There is a push for the NRL to be an open, flowing game and I agree with him. I’m all for a game that has fewer penalties and I believe a return to one referee will achieve that.
As for the on-field action, I can’t wait to see how the 16 teams adapt to a unique season, including Queensland’s NRL trinity – the Broncos, Cowboys and Titans.
I believe the Broncos will improve on last year’s campaign. I was impressed with their start to the 2020 season with slick wins over the Cowboys and South Sydney.
Their younger players look mentally tougher. There is a collective hunger.
The group has transitioned into the coaching style of Anthony Seibold, now in his second season, and I believe Storm recruit Brodie Croft can make a real difference as an organising halfback.
It’s way too early to suggest they will be there grand final day but from where I sit, the Broncos have no excuses not to be challenging the top four teams.
As for their 2015 grand final nemesis, the Cowboys, this is a huge year.
Losing their skipper Michael Morgan for a month due to shoulder surgery is a real blow.
With 18 more games to play, resuming the condensed season in good form will be critical and North Queensland, currently 1-1, cannot afford to drop too many games during Morgan’s absence.
Valentine Holmes and Scott Drinkwater are both X-factor players in their backline, but there are alarm bells ringing with their forward pack.
Jason Taumalolo is basically operating as a one-man band and they need some guys to support him. The question mark for me over the Cowboys is whether they have the forward collective to overcome the retirement of Matt Scott and take them to the playoffs.
The Cowboys really only have Taumalolo making an impact in the pack.
Former Storm prop Jordan McLean is one of the biggest men in the game and the Cowboys need him to have a big year and provide another dimension to their pack.
They also need quality back-up to help hooker Jake Granville. Hopefully Reece Robson can step up off the bench and take the pressure off Granville. He has been a great player for the Cowboys but he needs to find that spark off the mark and make the most of Taumalolo’s charges.
If the forwards can support Taumalolo, the Cowboys should have a decent year and sneak into the finals. But if their forward pack doesn’t aim up, the Cowboys could miss the top eight for the third straight year.
For the Titans, it’s a rebuilding year. I like the idea of Ash Taylor moving from halfback to five-eighth.
Like Anthony Milford at the Broncos, the Titans need to explore ways to ease the pressure on Taylor. Playing him in the No.6 jumper can give him the freedom to ignite his attacking game again by playing what’s in front of him and not have the burden of running the team.
I still believe the Raiders are the team to beat this year. Jack Wighton really grew as a player and person last season and the Raiders will have the motivation and desire after last year’s grand final loss.
When the premiership restarts, the Green Machine can find another gear to go all the way.
Originally published as Darren Lockyer: Peter V’landys the man NRL needed in dark times; Queensland team guides