By Andrew Johns
I’m a firm believer that there’s not enough hate and we need more rivalries in the NRL.
So, I just can’t wait for the Broncos and Dolphins to play their first Brisbane derby.
The game is built on rivalries and I think over time this will just get bigger and bigger and spicier and nastier, which is what we need.
I always knew the Dolphins would start well, and I thought the first six weeks they’d be extremely competitive, albeit they’ve exceeded even those expectations.
The true test for them will come when they miss some players and Felise Kaufusi is a big out for the next four weeks.
I fully endorse the decision of the match review committee and judiciary for his late hit on Newcastle’s Jackson Hastings. I heard someone say he only got it wrong for a split second, but he got it wrong. It’s simple.
Reece Walsh has proven a revelation for the Broncos.Credit: Getty
That’s the way he tackles. He goes in so hard, and he’s had numerous suspensions because of it.
It’s such a fine line, but we have to protect the playmakers from those ugly tackles when they’ve got their backs turned. It creates a huge risk of injury.
The Broncos? They are red-hot genuine premiership threats this year.
They’ve got the best young talent in the game and a well-balanced team, but this year, with the emergence of Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam, they’re a 12-point better team than 2022.
You don’t think Wayne Bennett will be relishing this battle? You can never underestimate his magic touch.
The thing with Wayne is he makes the tough decisions. Dropping Anthony Milford for round one, I don’t know if any other coach in the NRL would have done that.
It was the right call. Look at the standards his team is now living up to.
But with fine weather in Brisbane and a fast surface, I think Brisbane win it and win well.
Joey’s tip: Broncos by 16
First try-scorer: Herbie Farnworth
Man of the match: Payne Haas
Holy moly, just watch Haumole
Haumole Olakau’atu is ready-made for State of Origin. He’s big, he’s mobile, he’s aggressive, he’s fast ... he would just be a nightmare for any halfback or five-eighth to tackle. This is the year that he bursts into NSW calculations.
It’s not just him, but I was in the Manly sheds after they beat Parramatta last week and I just cannot believe how big their forward pack is. Even their five-eighth, Josh Schuster, is six foot three and well over 100kg.
I reckon it was a good sign when Olakau’atu got on top of Viliame Kikau in round one. Then last week he not only scored two tries, his defence was also old-school punishing. There were a couple of left-shoulder tackles, in particular one on Maika Sivo, where he just snapped him in half. It’s a technique of tackling we don’t see any more. Brad Fittler will be watching very closely.
Manly Sea Eagles five eighth Josh Schuster.Credit: Getty Images
Blind Freddy can see how much talent Schuster has, too. He’s just a freakish talent, but the big thing for Josh is he has to stay fit and focused. Being a professional footy player and sportsperson, it’s not just what happens when you turn up to training. You have to be living it all the time. It’s what you eat and don’t eat. You’ve got to be professional with your injuries.
If he keeps fit and focused, his weight down, who knows where he can get to in the game.
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