Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield reveals his highlights and lowlights from the weekend in sport
There was an intriguing guest in Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium dressing shed following the Broncos’ win over the Eels. Plus Leichhardt Oval’s latest systems breakdown.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Sea Eagles legend Max Krilich believes Manly has a side on paper capable of winning the premiership.
It’s why the loss to bottom-placed Wests Tigers last Thursday night was so unacceptable, with so much hanging on the outcome.
The two-time premiership-winning hooker has described the performance as “rubbish” and refuses to blame the refereeing and the fact that three players were sin-binned.
“We’ve beaten all the top sides this year but then we come out and play rubbish like the other night,” Krilich said.
“We’ve got to have a hard look at ourselves.
“It’s easy to blame referees but you’ve got to look at yourselves.
“The ref didn’t miss all the tackles, keep dropping the ball or allow the opposition to score 34 points. We got what we deserved.”
The Manly performance at Leichhardt Oval lacked energy, effort and hunger. Wests Tigers played like they wanted it more.
Without Tom Trbojevic, the Sea Eagles would have lost by a lot more.
“In this comp you’ve got to put in every week,” Krilich said. “They’ve got to get down in the trenches and fight like Nathan Brown and Jake (Trbojevic).
“Look at Canterbury, who we play this week. They play so ferociously and I enjoy watching them.
“I don’t like being critical of the team. I love the club. I just know they can play a whole lot better.
“They’ll be in all sorts against Canterbury if they play like they did against the Wests Tigers.”
Krilich refused to name those who weren’t aiming up.
It’s unfair to single out individuals but you can start with second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu, who hasn’t been the same since State of Origin.
Their middle forwards got pumped by Wests Tigers.
The Bulldogs will blast them off the park unless there is major improvement in the clash on Friday night at Accor Stadium.
HIGHLIGHT
A break from NRL for a Saturday afternoon watching park football at Como in the Sutherland Shire where the locals knocked off De La Salle in a spirited A-Grade semi-final. You can’t beat it – the steak sandwiches, the curried sausages and rice, the beers and the atmosphere. And no bunker.
LOWLIGHT
Leichhardt Oval. I had so many complaints about the EFTPOS breaking down at one of the cashless bars on Thursday night. The sooner they spend the $40m on an upgrade and provide facilities the fans deserve, the better.
SHOOSH
Stephen Crichton can still win Dally M player, captain and centre of the year despite his one-game suspension. It’s the best thing about the award – players are not rubbed out for one indiscretion. However, the Bulldogs skipper loses three points on the tally for the suspension. This is a much better system than the AFL’s Brownlow Medal in which players are ruled out even for one minor infringement.
SHOOSH
Which NRL club board is split over the future of its head coach. It’s a big story because they have already earmarked a potential replacement.
SPOTTED
Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis having lunch on the Gold Coast with player agent Nash Dawson, who looks after Reece Walsh, among a host of Queensland- based NRL stars.
SPOTTED
Eels coach Trent Barrett dropping into the Brisbane Broncos’ dressing sheds after Friday night’s loss at Suncorp Stadium. Barrett will be joining Kevin Walters’ staff as an assistant coach next year.
SPOTTED
Boxing legend and trainer Jeff Fenech cut ties with Brock Jarvis last year in a split that shocked the boxing world. However, Jarvis recently joined Fenech for training and fitness sessions in Thailand. They are not officially back together but Fenech has offered to help him out whenever he can.
360 VIEW
Catch you Monday on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm with Braith Anasta, Gorden Tallis and Brent Read to discuss all the biggest issues out of Round 25.
Best 17, rookies to watch: Bulldogs primed for premiership charge
There’s something special about Canterbury heading into 2025. PAMELA WHALEY breaks down the issues facing the club, the rookies to watch and more in our deep dive into the Bulldogs.
Milford signs with Brisbane Broncos feeder club
Former Broncos and Dolphins playmaker Anthony Milford has made a last-ditch effort to revive his NRL career, signing with one of Brisbane’s feeder clubs.