Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield’s highlights, lowlights | NRL’s TV ratings off the charts in Melbourne

Television numbers for the NRL finals have been smashing ratings records, with Melbourne numbers off the charts on the back of the Storm’s success. BUZZ ROTHFIELD reveals his highlights and lowlights from the week in sport.

From a classy Storm act to the shocking Swans, Phil Rothfield reveals his highlights and lowlights from the week in sport.

HIGHLIGHT

The sportsmanship and class of Melbourne Storm players and coach Craig Bellamy to form a guard of honour for retiring Roosters legends Luke Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves at AAMI Park on Friday.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is given a guard of honour after playing his last NRL match. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

LOWLIGHT

The Swans. We hate using the ‘c’ word - but there’s no denying it - they choked on the biggest stage in Saturday’s 60-point loss to the Brisbane Lions. It comes just two years after an 82-point grand final loss to Geelong. No doubt they are a great footy club but losing their past four grand finals is so tough on their fans.

The Swans were demolished by the Lions. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/Getty Images

TV BLOCKBUSTER

The television numbers for the Storm v Roosters on Friday night smashed ratings records. Fox Sports and Channel 9 were up 36 per cent on the first grand final qualifier last year. Ratings in Melbourne were off the charts. Fox Sports was up by 425 per cent and Channel 9 by 361 per cent. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo credits the players: “Sports fans are responding to the sensational football from the NRL’s incredible athletes – there is truly nothing else like it.”

SHOOSH

Surely Mal Meninga should strongly consider adding the outstanding Storm centre Jack Howarth to his Kangaroos squad. Howarth’s mum is a Kiwi but we’re told the youngster will probably go down the path of State of Origin and the Australian team. He is a future superstar.

Jack Howarth has had a sensational year. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

SHOOSH

Two years ago the NRL postponed the suspension of Taylan May “for the fans”. Let’s do it again and allow Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona to play against the Panthers. Why not? A precedent has been set. Most fans would love to see him in the GF.

SPOTTED

Roosters supremo Nick Politis addressing the club’s NRLW team in the sheds before the grand final qualifier against the Newcastle Knights on Sunday at Allianz Stadium.

360 VIEW

Catch you Monday on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm with Braith Anasta, Gorden Tallis and Brent Read. Can’t wait to get Gordie’s views on the brutal sacking of Kevvie Walters.

Originally published as Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield’s highlights, lowlights | NRL’s TV ratings off the charts in Melbourne