It’s one of my biggest frustrations with the modern game, how much we use the bunker, and when we do, what it’s used for. It’s driving me crazy.. Every week, a cast of thousands rotates through the bunker and there are so many different people assigned to games, naturally you’re going to have slightly different interpretations, and hence some inconsistency.
For try-scoring situations – and this is my biggest bugbear – we should use super slow-motion replays only to see if a ball or player has stayed in the field of play. For obstruction calls or potential knock-ons when it comes to grounding, play it at normal speed. Get an agreement with the broadcasters they can only do that, too. If it looks like a try, it’s usually a try.
They allowed too many gaps around Daly Cherry-Evans and Valentine Holmes for the Blues to exploit through Angus Crichton and Mitchell. Without a doubt, they have to find a spot for David Fifita in the squad. He can terrorise NSW’s defence and give them pause for thought when they’re strategising. With a bit of wet weather around, it will hamper the way both teams play. The big plus for Parramatta is Mitchell Moses’ kicking game, but the key to ending their run of outs is to win all the little effort areas and cut out the mistakes holding them back.
If you give South Sydney and Cody Walker set starts, they will destroy you. But it won’t be easy for the Rabbitohs who come off the bye and will be hoping that hasn’t stifled their rhythm.The big change for them has been having Walker at halfback and Jack Wighton at five-eighth. Cameron Murray has played only one game for Souths since returning from injury, but he showed in Origin II what a champion he is.