Wide World of Sport’ intrepid reporter The Mole watched every game played in 2021 – and has come up with a three-part season review of an unforgettable year in the game’s history. Here is part one of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly …
THE GOOD
The father-son partnership of Ivan and Nathan Cleary leading Penrith to the promised land. Ivan was the cool, composed coach who masterminded the premiership success while Nathan was dynamic on the field.
A touch of romance follows the Panthers’ win, with cult hero winger Brian To’o proposing to his partner Moesha. She said ‘yes’.
Tom Trbojevic’s stellar year as he broke records, steered Manly into the finals and won the Dally M Medal, the Wally Lewis medal, the Brad Fittler Medal and the RLPA’s Players’ Champion. After losing THAT race to ‘Harry’ on Manly’s Corso, he never looked back.
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Souths may have lost the grand final, but what an effort by Wayne Bennett to take a fourth team to a grand final. Bennett has now racked up 10 premiership deciders – a modern day record.
The emergence of a host of new faces in the rookie class of 2021, led by a couple of baby-faced youngsters – Roosters half Sam Walker and Warriors fullback Reece Walsh.
The NRL’s decision – against the wishes of many backward thinking clubs – to expand the competition to 17 teams in 2023. Welcome, The Dolphins.
The attacking brilliance of Penrith, Melbourne, Manly and Souths at various stages of the season. Blessed with quality ball players and pace out wide, the four clubs dominated most rival teams and were great to watch.
The NRL board made plenty of blunders throughout the season – but get full marks for keeping the premiership alive despite the ever-present danger of COVID. Officials from America’s NFL were so impressed that they contacted the NRL for advice on how to combat the virus.
Watching new Panthers’ cult hero Brian To’o fearlessly run the ball was a joy for any league fan. He led the league in both run metres and post contact metres – by a long way.
The Warriors became everyone’s second favourite team, spending virtually the entire season in Australia and at times having to beg and borrow players from rival clubs to field a team. Despite the setbacks, they gave their all.
The Storm’s record-equalling streak of 19 straight wins was one of the highlights of the season. They didn’t just win games, they thrashed most opponents, racking up over 70o points in their record run.
Josh Addo-Carr’s six tries for the Storm against the hapless Bulldogs in a 50-0 win. No player has achieved the feat since 1950 but the big question is – can The Foxx repeat his tryscoring feats for the battling Bulldogs in 2022?
Still on tries – the marvellous work of Alex Johnson on the end of the red-hot Rabbitohs backline – he led the league with 30 tries – not bad for a player the club tried to bone not long ago.
Brad Fittler’s NSW Blues beating Queensland 2-1 despite the entire Origin series being held north of the border due to COVID. Never before, never again.
The fighting qualities of the Roosters, who overcame one of the heaviest injury tolls in NRL history to reach the finals. Clearly a club with great culture and spirit.
The Broncos had little to cheer about again in 2021, but produced one special performance against arch rivals the Titans. Down 22-0 after just 15 minutes, the Broncos fought back for a 36-28 win.
Phil Gould returning to the Bulldogs – the club he coached to premiership glory back in 1988 – to get the under-performing club back on track. Watch the Bulldogs climb the ladder in 2022 after some impressive buys.
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