Dear rugby league, I’m so glad you’re back

Here’s to the great saviour of rugby league, Sir Peter V’landys for pulling off the impossible. I’m sorry I ever doubted you, writes Matty Holdsworth

Sunshine Coast junior Reed Mahoney is runs at the Brisbane Broncos line. Photo: Darren England

DEAR rugby league, I’m glad you’re back.

The two-month hiatus felt like an eternity to this footy-loving fan.

I remember laughing when the ARL chairman Peter V’landys and commission member Wayne Pearce first said May 28 would be the restart date.

Keyboard warriors were quick to doubt the date, thinking it was an optimistic at best approach.

“If it restarts on May 28 I’ll run backwards naked down Crown St,” one unnamed punter posted.

Back then it felt so unlikely. Boy were we all wrong.

Not only has rugby league returned to our screens and loungerooms, it’s arguably returned a better sport.

I was critical of the rule changes brought in initially.

I thought the two refs rule was a mistake and the repeat six would bring more pain than gain.

Based off the fast flowing footy I saw in Thursday night’s opener between the Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels, the changes are great.

The changes benefited the Eels more than my beloved Broncos but they will help the code in the long run.

Despite no games in 60-something days, weren’t those Eels electric.

At times it appeared they were offloading at will, with size and power right across the park.

Brisbane weren’t at their best, brave at times but Parramatta are the real deal.

What about young miracle man Reed Mahoney who surprised all to overcome a nasty foot injury to play. I thought the Beerwah junior was one of the best on park, his kicking game particularly razor sharp.

Now rugby league, don’t ever leave us again.

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