Monday Buzz: Weekend highlights, lowlights
MONDAY BUZZ: Phil Rothfield’s highlights, lowlights and talking points — including contenders for the NRL’s buy of the year.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE highlights, lowlights and talking points from another big weekend in sport — including contenders for the NRL’s buy of the year.
HIGHLIGHT
Now they have dropped off with all the wrestling, there is nothing in rugby league as good as watching Melbourne Storm each week and the way they dismantle their opponents. Their defence is magnificent, their spine is so superior to any other side and their wingers are absolute excitement machines.
LOWLIGHT
The sad story of Graeme ‘Changa’ Langlands ’ health decline. At least it raises awareness in the concussion debate and backs up everything the NRL is doing in this area.
MORE MONDAY BUZZ: Why NRL needs two more teams
CASUALTY WARD: Every injury at every NRL club
CHERRY ON TOP?
When was the last time a halfback made 41 tackles? The Roosters threw so much traffic at Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans who not only soaked up the punishment, but again led his side brilliantly in attack. He should be a certainty for the Maroons bench in State of Origin.
FORWARD MARCH
Dave Klemmer’s 240 metres for the Canterbury Bulldogs in just 66 minutes was by far the standout performance from any middle forward from round five.
BARGAIN BUYS
There are quite a few early contenders for the NRL’s buy-of-the-. year. Heading the list is Storm winger Josh Addo-Carr, the player Jason Taylor didn’t want at the Wests Tigers. He is a freakish talent. Luke Keary, Brian Kelly and Paul Vaughan have been great buys too.
MISSING IN ACTION
Martin Taupau has a fearless tackling style but the technique doesn’t always work. He missed eight tackles against the Roosters on Friday night.
SPOTTED
Steve ‘Beaver’ Menzies playing fifth grade rugby and scoring a try for the Warringah Rats against Norths on Saturday afternoon.
SPOTTED II
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg looking after Brett Kimmorley and his daughters in a private suite at the Sharks-Knights game on Saturday afternoon.
SPOTTED III
Wally Lewis, Michael O’Connor, Tony Melrose and the Ella brothers Gary, Glen and Mark among the unbeaten 1977 Australian schoolboys rugby union reunion at Manly skiff club at Manly.
NEXT MONTH WILL TELL WHERE DRAGONS ARE HEADED
THE real test for St George Illawarra will come over the next month of the premiership.
Paul McGregor’s side have already done enough to suggest they are going to be a top-eight side.
But check out their next four games — Manly (away), North Queensland (home), the Roosters (Anzac Day at Allianz) and Melbourne (home).
The Manly game next Saturday afternoon at Lottoland should be an absolute screamer.
● ● ●
ANOTHER Buderus is making his mark in rugby league in a big way in Newcastle.
Max Buderus, club legend Danny’s 15-year-old nephew, is playing Harold Matthews.
On Saturday the Knights beat the Roosters 76-18 and Max scored 32 points from two tries and 12 goals. He is a committed youngster who travels from Forster to Newcastle three days a week to train and play with the Harold Matthews side.
The Knights are yet to offer Buderus a contract but he’s showing plenty of promise.
Done deal: Dally M star signs monster Storm extension
With quality playmakers at a premium in the NRL, Jahrome Hughes could have had his pick of clubs. But rather than chase dollars, he chose loyalty revealing why he inked a four-year extension with the Storm.
NRL Finals Predictor: Cellar dwellers shaping Top 8 order
Cellar dwellers Gold Coast and Parramatta have caused a top eight shake-up which can have major ramifications for the finals makeup. Every NRL club’s run home and final ladder position.