Over the past seven days we have seen one campaign end, another one seriously wobble while a third seems to be firming by the day. It is a huge weekend for a number of teams and Round 25 could make it or break it. Today I will have a look at three of the recent, biggest influences we have seen on this competition.
Luke Burt and THAT miss
Anyone watching Sunday Football at about 5:57pm last week would have been shocked to see Luke Burt spray a relatively easy penalty kick wide of the posts – effectively putting a bullet into what’s been a bad season for Parramatta. You can drum it up all you want but unfortunately, Burt choked and cost his side the chance of going to golden point to fight for their season.
The fact of the matter is no season should ever come down to a missed goal in Round 24. Burt is a wonderful player and it is unfortunate that he will be associated with this. Season 2010 has been one that never was for Parramatta.
They started the year as premiership favourites and at no stage have they delivered. The Eels have been poor from start to finish and that is accurately reflected on the table. Even if they find a miracle and qualify for the Finals, they do not deserve it. For now, that missed goal sums up perfectly what has been a pretty ordinary campaign.
Darren Lockyer’s ribs
As much as it pains me to say it, the Broncos season looks to have cracked the moment Lockyer was hurt against the Cowboys. There is hope that Lockyer will return and things will be fine again – but his return, whenever that is, might be too late. The damage could have already been done.
A few weeks ago I wrote that with such a young team the Broncos will have as many good days as bad ones. At their best they can win the competition, but it is obvious their best means having a fully fit Lockyer on the field. There is just no confidence, belief or fighting spirit there without him and Brisbane desperately needs to find a way to deal with his absence.
Corey Norman looks a great young player but he has been exposed ... actually not just him, but the Under 20’s concept to a degree as well. It is also obvious that Peter Wallace is playing below his best and you have to question just how much does Lockyer make Wallace look good? The Broncos are not far off, but they are going to need a brilliant performance against the Warriors this weekend. It is possible – they won the impossible against Melbourne earlier in the season. Not only was it a win, it was a thumping. But Lockyer was there on that afternoon too ...
Gold Coast Titans
About a month ago I labelled the Gold Coast Titans as premiership pretenders. They had lost a heap of games in a row, had a tough draw and were not offering enough in attack. However that has all changed and I think I have got this one wrong.
The Titans now are looking the goods. I think they sit only behind the Dragons in Premiership betting and have a new found confidence and attacking dynamic about their work. Having watched them the last couple of weeks, I do not think there is a side in the competition the Titans can’t beat.
Gold Coast’s biggest test is still to come – the pressure of Finals football. They have failed the last few years and that will play on their minds. But they’re also much better placed as a unit to take that test this season.
A final note
For those who missed it, Brett Kimmorley announced his retirement today. I have very much grown up following rugby league with Kimmorley. I remember him back in the Super League days and running that ‘flat attack’ in Melbourne.
He has been a favourite of mine and should be very proud of his career. He has also conducted himself in a fine manner on and off the field and has been great to watch. I look forward to watching him next year and beyond on Fox Sports and congratulate him on a wonderful NRL career.
TIPPING
Tips – Broncos, Eels, Titans, Dragons, Raiders, Storm, Roosters, Panthers
Last Week – 5/8
Total – 98/176 (56%)
Thanks again for reading and you can email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Cheers,
Keyto
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