Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield’s highlights, lowlights | Incoming South Sydney halfback Lewis Dodd dropped to reserve grade in UK
South Sydney ought to be concerned that their incoming $700,000-a-year halfback Lewis Dodd has been dropped to reserve grade for St Helens in the UK. PHIL ROTHFIELD reveals his highlights and lowlights.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos will play in the Pacific championships at the end of the year against Tonga and New Zealand.
The Aussies were flogged 30-nil last year by the Kiwis so we can expect some changes.
How many changes will depend on form in the State of Origin decider on Wednesday night.
The likes of James Tedesco, Nicho Hynes, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (injured) and Thomas Flegler (injured) are unlikely to be there. Plus there are doubt about Cameron Munster’s availability.
Tedesco is not totally out of the running, especially if he can steer the Roosters to a premiership.
However Dylan Edwards, Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga are ahead of him right now.
Hynes is a million-to-one chance of retaining his position with the likes of Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses both available for selection this year.
While Origin form is vital and you can be assured Meninga will be running his eyes over the 34 players on Wednesday night, so too will be form during the finals series.
It’s a great opportunity for the likes of Zac Lomax and Bradman Best to win a green and gold jumper.
The Broncos are now looking unlikely to be there in the semis.
It means their Kangaroos from last year Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan will need big games on Wednesday night.
$700K RESERVE
South Sydney’s $700,000-a-year halfback Lewis Dodd is struggling in the UK Super League to such an extent that St Helens coach Paul Wellens has dropped him to reserve grade. It is a huge concern for incoming coach Wayne Bennett. Dodd has signed for three seasons from next year.
LOWLIGHT
Chad Townsend has reacted to our story over the weekend on his falling out with 2016 premiership-winning teammate Paul Gallen by posting on social media platform X “Brothers for life!!! @paulgallen13” with a picture of the pair after the grand final win over Melbourne. It makes it all the more unusual that he spat the dummy and refused to shake hands with Gallen or do an interview with his former skipper two years ago.
Brothers for life!!! @PaulGallen13pic.twitter.com/WknsLnxOwI
— Chad Townsend (@chadtownsend10) July 14, 2024
FAREWELL MIKE
The very sad passing over the weekend of a great old mate and sports journalist, Mike Colman. Mike was the true all rounder who could cover any sport, any day of the week – Olympics, grand finals, State Origins, boxing or horse racing – and write it all with the most beautiful and colourful style. Mike also wrote the most compelling book on the Super League war. Our thoughts are with his wife Linda and all his family and friends.
HIGHLIGHT
St George Illawarra’s surge towards finals football in beating the Broncos on Saturday night. This comp is so good with traditional old Sydney clubs like the Dragons and Bulldogs both on fire after years in the doldrums.
SHOOSH
Is the NRL still running scared of Phil Gould. It’s been almost 10 weeks since Andrew Abdo hit the Channel 9 commentator and Canterbury Bulldogs general manager with a $20,000 breach notice over a TV rant. Gus hired a lawyer to challenge the penalty. And we’ve heard absolutely nothing since.
SHOOSH
The two player managers who had a fight outside a Port Macquarie pub at a national junior carnival two weeks ago have grounded themselves. They were both no shows in Coffs Harbour last week for the national schoolboys’ championships. Looks like a rematch will not be happening anytime soon.
SPOTTED
An unlikely duo having dinner at Grappa restaurant in Leichhardt – Roosters director Mark Fennessy with the club’s harshest critic, NRL 360 panellist Gordie Tallis. Gordie has been blowing up for years about the Roosters salary cap.
SPOTTED
Fox Sports cricket commentator and former Test quick Brendon Julian at Uyen Vietnamese restaurant in Waverley on Friday night, picking up his takeaway order.
360 VIEW
Catch you on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm with Braith Anasta, Gordie Tallis and Brent Read to discuss all the big issues in rugby league.
The big-money roadblock in Bulldogs’ jersey names push
Canterbury boss Aaron Warburton wants to put Bulldogs players on the map by having their names on the back of jerseys but the push is facing multiple hurdles before getting clearance from the NRL.
SuperCoach Draft value picks: Ultimate late-round sleepers
While most people in NRL SuperCoach Draft focus on early picks, the coaches who often go on to win leagues are those with a solid game plan for the later rounds.