REYNOLDS SHOWS UP BUNNIES
We’re only two months into the new season, but the prize for the worst decision of the year can confidently already be awarded to South Sydney.
The move not to re-sign their little general Adam Reynolds has already come back to bite the Rabbitohs big time. Just take a look at last weekend.
READ MORE: Panthers and Raiders in ugly post-match brawl
READ MORE: Ricciardo praised after post-crash conduct
READ MORE: ‘Pathetic’ Simmons slammed by NBA world
Reynolds’ new club the Broncos looked dead and buried against an enthusiastic Bulldogs side until Reynolds steered them out of trouble with three try assists and a brilliant kicking game.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs tumbled to a shock loss to struggling Wests Tigers and look leaderless and lost for long periods. Reynolds’ replacement Lachlan Ilias will be a good player in two or three seasons but right now, is still learning the ropes.
Reynolds’ partner in crime Cody Walker also looks to be struggling without his mate – and it’s shaping as lean times for the Rabbitohs for some time to come.
SHARKS DUO LIGHT UP MANLY
Do the Sharks have the most destructive centre pairing in the NRL? The question has to be asked after Thursday night’s stunning 34-22 win over the Sea Eagles in a howling gale at Shark Park.
While all the headlines have surrounded Siosifa Talakai and his 262 metres, two tries and three try assists, his sidekick Jesse Ramien also continues to produce powerhouse games.
Ramien made 144 metres – meaning the pair combined for a stunning 406 metres – and also terrorised the fragile Manly defence as the Sharks charged to a 32-0 halftime lead.
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has clearly given his team permission to play what they see in front of them – and the Sharks’ outside backs are cashing in as they drive the team towards the top four.
PAYTEN PROVING WORTH
Pencil in Todd Payten as an early bolter for Dally M Coach of the year. The Cowboys were a popular tip in wooden spoon betting two months ago but after seven rounds, have firmly established themselves in the top eight.
They went into last Saturday night’s clash with the Titans as underdogs but spanked their Queensland rivals 30-4.
Payten has done things his way – he cut superstar Jason Taumalolo’s game time in a controversial move, picked up halfback Tom Dearden when he was struggling at the Broncos and gave two unknown back-rowers Jeremiah Nanai and Heilum Luki a go in his side ahead of more experienced players. Every move has turned up trumps and the Cowboys are riding high with three straight wins.
BROWN BOUNCES BACK
Dylan Brown’s fall from grace last season was one of the big mysteries at Parramatta in 2021. But Brown has bounced back in style this season.
He already has six try assists – more than all of last year – and produced the sixth playing out of position against the Knights in the centres.
Brown showed his class with a fine game in his centres debut, creating a try, scoring another and running for 131 metres with six tackle breaks.
With the Eels skinny on outside backs due to injury, his fine performance gives coach Brad Arthur a handy option for the weeks ahead.
STRUGGLING KNIGHTS
Newcastle have some of the best attacking talent in the NRL – million dollar man Kalyn Ponga, powerhouse centre Bradman Best, forward dynamo Tyson Frizell, Blues prop Daniel Saifiti and speedy centre Dane Gagai for starters. That’s why it’s so mystifying that the Knights’ attack has spluttered so badly in recent weeks.
The Knights are averaging less than 10 points a game this season and their attack was pitiful in last Sunday’s 39-2 loss to the Eels. In perfect conditions before a big crowd at home, they rarely challenged the Eels defence and were way off the pace.
And their defence? That’s another story – but after the game even some Eels players admitted they were surprised at how easily they racked up the points after playing so poorly the previous week against the Tigers.
TIGERS DEFY BOOKIES
The Wests Tigers are the talk of the league after back-to-back last gasp wins with field goals. And in beating the Eels and Rabbitohs, the Tigers have set a bizarre NRL record. They became the first team in NRL history to win back to back games as double digit underdogs – defying the bookies with their gutsy performances.
The return of Jackson Hastings from suspension has made all the difference and he has allowed Luke Brooks more freedom to play his own game. When you look back over the Tigers’ opening seven rounds, had a couple of cruel close losses gone their way, they would be right up there in the top eight.
PANTHER UNCOVER NEW STAR
When Brian To’o injured his knee in round two, Panthers fans feared the worst. The powerhouse winger was a key figure in their premiership triumph last year and was arguably the most damaging winger in the league.
But enter unknown 20-year-old Taylan May – and what a time he’s had since To’o’s injury gave him his chance. May crossed for his eighth try in five games in the big win over the Raiders last Sunday and looks like he has been around the NRL scene for years. Yet another youngster to roll off Ivan Cleary’s production line and quickly make a name for himself in the NRL.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!