Monday Buzz: Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett to snub Aiden Tolman in 2021

Tedesco, Ponga, Tuivasa-Sheck, Papenhuyzen ... the NRL is certainly not short of a top-class custodian or two. Could there be another one set to join the superstar group in the near future? BUZZ’S WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS, LOWLIGHTS

Aiden Tolman won’t be part of Trent Barrett’s plans in 2021. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

Phil Rothfield delivers his weekend highlights and lowlights from another weekend of NRL action in the latest addition of MONDAY BUZZ.

HIGHLIGHT

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has told the Canberra Raiders he will personally speak to centre Curtis Scott about the education and counselling program he has to complete. This is a great initiative and shows why Abdo is so popular around the 16 clubs.

JUSTICE FOR GOWIE: Campaign to award Gower 2003 Dally M

HIGHLIGHT II

Mitch Aubusson’s record-breaking game number 303 for the Roosters against the Sharks. The number one role model in the game and an absolute legend.

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Mitch Aubusson is rugby league’s greatest role model. Picture: Phil Hillyard

LOWLIGHT

Manly’s abysmal defence against the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday afternoon. Their performance at Brookvale, once a graveyard for visiting teams, was an embarrassment for their loyal fans. It was the fourth time this year Manly has conceded 40 points.

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SHOOSH

The Cronulla Sharks are trying to bring home a local junior from the Manly Sea Eagles. Former NSW Under 18’s halfback Luke Metcalfe is off contract on the northern beaches and in talks with his old club. John Morris coached Metcalfe in Under 20s.

MY CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN

There have now been almost 240 captain’s challenges in the NRL this year. An incredible 42 per cent of them have been successful to overturn decisions. That means around 100 mistakes have been avoided thanks to the new system.

Josh Jackson and Clinton Gutherson speak to the referee after the first ever captain’s challenge. Picture: Matt King/Getty

BULLDOG BRUSHED

Trent Barrett has told veteran Bulldogs front-rower Aiden Tolman he is not part of his plans at Belmore. This is a surprise considering Tolman’s game against the Rabbitohs. He topped the tackles count and made 230 metres which was the most of any player on the field.

A J Brimson is a special player. Picture: AAP/Dave Hunt

FIRE AND BRIMSON

He’s not quite in the James Tedesco and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck class but 22-year-old Gold Coast Titans fullback AJ Brimson is well on the way to becoming one of the best in the competition.

360 VIEW

Catch you tonight on NRL 360 on Fox Sports at 6.30pm with Ben Ikin, Paul Kent and James Hooper to discuss all the biggest issues out of round 19 of the premiership.

Originally published as Monday Buzz: Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett to snub Aiden Tolman in 2021