Monday Buzz: Highlights and lowlights from NRL finals action

The alarming statistic that should have Ivan Cleary sweating, Ryan Girdler’s ridiculous criticism of Manly and the Roosters lose another assistant - it’s all in Buzz’s highlights and lowlights.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary. NRL Imagery

Phil Rothfield runs the rule over the weekend NRL finals action, while blasting a legend’s criticism of Manly. It’s all in Monday Buzz’s weekend highlights and lowlights.

HIGHLIGHT

The old saying ‘never bag a champion’ came back to bite the experts who criticised Manly Sea Eagles superstar Tom Trbojevic after his quiet game against Melbourne Storm. Turbo was back to his dynamic best in a magnificent performance against the Sydney Roosters.

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HIGHLIGHT II

Trent Robinson’s stylish press conference after the loss to the Sea Eagles ended the Roosters’ brave premiership campaign. It was all class. Surely he will be Dally M coach of the year.

Never doubt Tom Trbojevic.

LOWLIGHT

Ryan Girdler suggested the Sea Eagles “haven’t beaten anyone” in their march to the grand final qualifier against the Rabbitohs. What a disrespectful comment. To lose their first four games but recover to be one game from the grand final is a colossal performance.

TRY DROUGHT

There is one statistic that has to be of concern to Panthers coach Ivan Cleary going into the Storm game. That their attack is not what it used to be and that they have scored just two tries and 18 points in their past two games.

CAYLESS LEAVES

The Sydney Roosters have lost another of their assistant coaches now that former Parramatta Eels captain Nathan Cayless is looking for a new club. Jason Ryles will replace Craig Fitzgibbon and recently retired winger Brett Morris will replace Cayless.

Jarrod Mullen is now a life member of the Knights. Picture: AAP/Darren Pateman

MULLEN SPLIT

Fans are split on the issue of former Blues Origin star Jarrod Mullen being awarded life membership of the Knights despite being convicted of cocaine trafficking and being banned from rugby league for four years for using steroids. Our website poll over the weekend had 52 per cent backing the decision and 48 per cent opposing it.

ARTHUR’S THANKS

Brad Arthur has joined Trent Robinson in thanking the NRL’s management for its leadership during the Covid crisis. “I feel very grateful and privileged for being in Queensland and for the way the NRL has looked after us all at Parramatta,” Arthur said.

360 VIEW

Catch you Monday on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm with Yvonne Sampson, Paul Kent and James Hooper to discuss all the biggest issues from the two weekend finals.