Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield’s highlights, lowlights | Kevin Walters deserves to keep Brisbane Broncos job, penny-pinching Rugby Australia exposed
Wallabies players who travelled to Argentina for the Test match over the weekend were in for a rude shock. Plus, why Kevin Walters has bought himself more time as Broncos coach. PHIL ROTHFIELD reveals his highs and lows from the week in sport.
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Kevvie Walters deserves to hang onto his job despite the Broncos’ capitulation against the Dolphins.
Last year’s grand final appearance buys him more time … but only the first 12 rounds of next season.
If the Broncos haven’t shown a huge improvement around the halfway mark of competition it will be time for him to go.
The Broncos have a roster that, on paper, should make them a top-four finisher.
Other coaches would kill to have players of the calibre of Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, Selwyn Cobbo, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas.
Yes, they’ve had injuries and Origin commitments but so have Melbourne, the Roosters and Penrith.
So who would replace Walters if he fails next season?
The obvious choice is NSW State of Origin coach Michael Maguire.
Someone like Madge who can show the big egos and underperforming stars a bit of tough love.
Less designer clothes, expensive sneakers, fashion handbags and Instagram.
More of a focus on the culture, standards and hard work required to achieve results in the NRL.
QUIET FAREWELL FOR WOODS
One of the best front-rowers of the modern era probably played his last game on Saturday.
After 16 seasons, Aaron Woods walked off Belmore Sports Ground after the NSW Cup for Blacktown Workers without the fanfare that he probably deserved.
The 33-year-old prop will keep training at Manly but it’s highly unlikely he will play during the finals with the Sea Eagles NRL team.
He’s got Taniela Paseka, Jake Trbojevic, Nathan Brown, Matt Lodge, Josh Aloiai, Karl Lawton and Toafofoa Sipley ahead of him.
Back in his heyday at the Wests Tigers, Woods was near enough to being the game’s best prop.
He played 17 Test matches for the Kangaroos and 14 State of Origin games for the NSW Blues.
He’s played 270 games at the Wests Tigers, the Bulldogs, the Sharks, St George Illawarra and Manly.
Woods would not confirm his retirement when we spoke late last week about the likelihood of Belmore being his last game.
He loves his footy so much that he doesn’t even want to contemplate it.
“Nothing has been decided yet,” he told me.
However, there are huge opportunities awaiting in the media on radio, TV and podcasts.
He has a great knowledge of the game and is prepared to comment without the fear of any backlash.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold has paid tribute to Woods’ contribution at Brookvale, despite limited game time over the last two years.
“He’s been excellent around the locker room,” Seibold said, “It’s been like us having an extra coach because he’s got such a great feel for the game and the people around him.”
HIGHLIGHT
Tyrone Munro’s two tries for the Rabbitohs against the Panthers. That he took the field after the devastating loss of his mum and uncle was unbelievably courageous for any man, let alone a teenager.
LOWLIGHT
A dead heat between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Brisbane Broncos who conceded a combined 84 points in games where their finals hopes were on the line.
SHOOSH
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy will no doubt be hoping his side can avoid referee Grant Atkins during the finals series. Thursday night in Townsville was their fifth loss of the season – and Atkins has been the referee in four of those games.
SHOOSH
Times are tough with the penny-pinching administrators in Australian Rugby informing the Wallabies players who travelled to Argentina for the Test match over the weekend that, because of airline luggage costs, they could only take one bag.
SPOTTED
It was a long day of footy for Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson. It started at 8.30am at Rowland Reserve, Daceyville, watching his son’s under-11s Paddington Colts beat Matraville in a grand final qualifier. Then off to Allianz for the Raiders game.
SPOTTED
Canterbury Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton with his 12-week-old son Oliver attending his first game at Accor Stadium on Friday night.
360 VIEW
Catch you on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm with Braith Anasta (licking his wounds after a rare Bulldogs loss), Gordy Tallis and Brent Read to discuss all things rugby league.
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Originally published as Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield’s highlights, lowlights | Kevin Walters deserves to keep Brisbane Broncos job, penny-pinching Rugby Australia exposed
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