Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield reveals his weekend highlights and lowlights

Not Cam Murray, Isaah Yeo or Jake Trbojevic - a State of Origin debutant should be the first forward picked in Brad Fittler’s Blues team this year. Buzz’s highlights and lowlights.

Haumole Olakau'atu. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty

Phil Rothfield reveals his highlights and lowlights from another blockbuster weekend of sport in his column, Monday Buzz.

HIGHLIGHT

The best start to an NRL season in recent memory with gripping contests in just about every game. Sensational atmosphere, especially at the packed out traditional suburban grounds like Belmore, Brookie, Leichhardt and Shark Park.

LOWLIGHT

The demise of Melbourne Storm without champion five-eighth Cameron Munster in the last fortnight and the big boppers who joined the Dolphins – Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi. This team has also lost its renowned hunger.

SHOOSH

Melbourne Storm is not happy about the tackle that has left their front-row enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona sidelined for six weeks with a knee injury. They were of the opinion that the match review committee could have booked Bulldogs forward Raymond Faitala-Mariner for a hip-drop tackle.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona leaves the field against the Bulldogs. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty

SHOOSH

The first forward chosen in the NSW State of Origin side this year has got to be Manly Sea Eagles edge forward Haumole Olakau’atu. He is a beast and will terrorise the Maroons.

SHOOSH

The toughest task for Brad Fittler and Greg Alexander will be trying to decide between five great players for two centre positions – Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic, Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham and Kotoni Staggs.

SPOTTED

A couple of old sporting legends celebrating their birthdays amongst some colourful identities at the Gary Owen pub in Rozelle on Saturday night. Johnny Lewis turned 79 and Les Mara 70. They have been great mates for close to 60 years. Among the guests were ex-crim Graham Henry, ex-cop Gary Jubelin, Jeff Fenech and Johnny Elias.

Johnny Lewis and Les Mara. Picture: Paul Kent

Gary Jubelin and Graham Henry. Picture: Paul Kent

BRONCOS PLUNGE

The bookies have slashed the premiership odds of the unbeaten Brisbane Broncos as they prepare for the big local derby against the Dolphins.

Win comp: $21 to $8

Minor premiership: $17 to $5.50

Top 8: $1.75 to $1.18

Spoon: $34 to $251

360 DEGREES

Catch you on NRL 360 at 6.30pm on Monday night with Braith Anasta, Paul Kent, Brent Read and Cooper Cronk to dissect all the issues from round three. Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson will be the special guest.

Originally published as Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield reveals his weekend highlights and lowlights