The 114th NSWRL/ARL/NRL season begins tonight, just 137 days since the 2020 Grand Final, the shortest turnaround in NRL history. The premiers return home tonight for the first game at AAMI Park in 279 days. The 1895 Blog may have a new home, though all the usual features are all here; in-depth gains and losses for each club, as well as each club, top 17, the premiers, wooden spooners, biggest movers and sliders, top try scorer, Dally M Medalist, State of Origin winners, and my 2021 ladder after And Another Thing. One to Watch returns for 2021. All this and more, in the latest Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: Last year was the first year I predicted the correct premiers. I said the Storm would play the Roosters in the Grand Final. This year the South Sydney Rabbitohs will likely win their first premiership since 2014. Unlike other so-called “experts”, I predicted a big season for Latrell Mitchell in 2020 at fullback; in 2021, Latrell will take his game to the next level. I think Jai Arrow and Josh Mansour are great pickups and will allow the Rabbitohs to make it to the Grand Final and give Wayne Bennett his 9th premiership ( 1x Brisbane Souths, 6x Brisbane, 1x St George Illawarra)
Wooden Spoon: I think the Brisbane Broncos will win back-to-back Wooden Spoons. The problem with the Broncos is fitness related. Last year in nearly all their games, the Broncos would jump out to leads and then get run down in the second half. The same thing happened for the Broncos in their trials this year. As a Brisbane resident, I would need to keep a low profile around the place.
Biggest Movers: If they can start 2021 continuing where they left off in 2020, the Titans will return to the finals for the first time since 2016. The Titans will be hoping Tanah Boyd develops into a quality hooker.
Biggest Sliders: I have big problems with the front row of the Sharks. Besides Braden Hamlin-Uele, they have Andrew Fifita, Arron Woods and Aiden Tolman, and at least 2 of them are past their prime.
Top Try Scorer: The Rabbitohs almost let him go last year, though Alex Johnston will top the try-scoring list for the second straight year.
Dally M: I think Cameron Munster will step up his game with the retirement of Cameron Smith, which will allow Cameron Munter to pick up his first Dally M medal.
State of Origin: They were given no chance of winning last year, though Queensland prevailed in 2020. Given they will welcome back David Fifita, Kalyn Ponga, and AJ Brimson, among others, Queensland will benefit from the second game at Suncorp, and the series will end in a dead rubber for game 3.
One to Watch: I had planned to put Jordan Riki as the one to watch, though when I checked Rugby League Project, he had already played five games in 2020. For the second year in a row, I will go with an Englishman. Unlike George Williams, Bailey Hodgson has only played one game in Super League. With reports that Edrick Lee is leaving the Knights, Bailey could be pushing for a starting spot sometime this year.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: John Asiata (Cowboys), Dale Copley (Titans), David Mead (Catalans), Andrew McCullough (Knights),
Losses: Jack Bird (Dragons), Darius Boyd (Retired), David Fifita (Titans), Jamil Hopoate, Jordan Kahu (Released), Andrew McCullough (Dragons), Sean O’Sullivan (Warriors), Joe Ofahengaue (Tigers), Izaia Perese (Rugby Union)
The Broncos struggled in 2020, winning only one game post-lockdown and finishing with the Wooden Spoon. The club lost promising young forwards David Fifita and Joe Ofahengaue. Dale Copley and David Mead will add experience to the outside backs. The question remains around the halves; Anthony Milford will need to perform. Otherwise, it will be his last year at the Broncos. A new era for the Broncos with Kevin Walters returning to coach the club, though the club should have gone with Paul Green. They will finish with back-to-back spoons, so prepare for countless Broncos articles from the media.
1. Jamayne Isakko 2. Herbie Farnworth 3. Tesi Niu 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Xavier Coates 6. Anthony Milford 7. Thomas Dearden 8. Matt Lodge 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Hass 11. Alex Glenn (c) 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Thomas Flegler 15. Tevita Pangai Jr 16. Cory Paix 17. John Asiata
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Caleb Aekins (Panthers), Corey Harawira-Naera (Bulldogs), Albert Hopoate (Sea Eagles), Ryan James (Titans), Jordan Rapana (Rugby Union), Harry Rushton (Wigan)
Losses: John Bateman (Wigan), Luke Bateman (Wynnum-Manly), JJ Collins (Tweed Heads), Nick Cotric (Bulldogs), Jack Murchie (Warriors), Michael Oldfield (Eels)
Last year the Raiders started the season with three straight wins; they would only lose back-to-back games once. To finish fifth, the Raiders would have two more three-game winning streaks throughout the season. The Raiders would win two straight finals before losing to the Melbourne Storm in the preliminary final. They have lost John Bateman, who decided to head home, and Nick Cotrick, who is off to the Bulldogs. The club picked up veteran Ryan James to add to the club’s forward depth. Curtis Scott will deliver a better performance after his off-field incident weighed on his mind in 2020. They will be alive deep into September.
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Curtis Scott 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Dunamis Lui 9. Josh Hodgson (c) 10. Josh Papalii 11. Corey Horsburgh 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Ryan Sutton 15. Ryan James 16. Corey Harawira-Naera 17. Tom Starling
Canterbury Bulldogs
Gains: Nick Cotric (Raiders), Corey Allan (Rabbitohs), Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles), Jack Hetherington (Panthers), Kyle Flanagan (Roosters), Luke Thompson (St Helens)
Losses: Jack Cogger (Huddersfield), Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Corey Harawira-Naera (Raiders), Morgan Harper (Sea Eagles), Kerrod Holland (Retired), Tim Lafai (Dragons), Marcelo Montoya (Warriors), Sauaso Sue (Knights), Reimis Smith (Storm), Aiden Tolman (Sharks)
The Bulldogs struggled for the majority of 2020, though they performed better towards the end of the season. New coach Trent Barrett returns as a first-grade coach for the first time in three years. Trent has bought in several outside backs, though I still have a question about who plays five-eighth. Another long year for the Bulldogs.
1. Corey Allan 2. Nick Meaney 3. Nick Cotric 4. Will Hopoate 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Lachlan Lewis 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Luke Thompson 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson (c) 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Adam Elliott 14. Corey Waddell 15. Joe Stimson 16. Renouf To’omaga 17. Sione Katoa
Cronulla Sharks
Gains: Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs)
Losses: Jayson Bukuya (Retired), Bryson Goodwin (Released), Cameron King (Townsville), Kayleb Milne (Released), Josh Morris (Roosters), Scott Sorensen (Panthers), Cruz Topai-Aveai (Released),
The Sharks started 2020 slowly, losing three straight games to start the season. The club would turn it around, winning seven out of the next nine games. They would then go win-loss before losing two straight to finish 8th and bow out of the finals in week one. They have been quiet on the recruitment front, preferring to promote members of the 2019 NRL State Championship-winning squad. They will miss the eight.
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Josh Dugan 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Britton Nikora 12. Wade Graham (c) 13. Toby Rudolf 14. Aiden Tolman 15. Andrew Fifita 16. Matt Moylan 17. Jack Williams
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Herman Ese’ese (Knights), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Storm), David Fifita (Broncos), Patrick Herbert (Warriors), Sam McIntyre (Tigers), Young Tonumaipea (Mormon mission),
Losses: Jai Arrow (Rabbitohs), Shannon Boyd (Retired), Dale Copley (Broncos), Bryce Cartwright, Keegan Hipgrave (Eels), Ryan James (Raiders), Nathan Peats, Tyrone Roberts (Released), Young Tonumaipea (Rugby Union), Kallum Watkins (Toronto)
Another club started the season slowly as they lost their first three straight. The club lost another three games in a row mid-season, and it looked like it was going to be a long season before the club finished with five straight wins to finish 9th. Who knew the secret to getting the best out of Ash Taylor was to shift him to five-eighth? Have the best pack in the game, with the only weakness being the hooker. They will make the finals for the first time in five years, though where they finish in the eight is still being determined.
1. AJ Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Phillip Sami 6. Ashley Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty (c) 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Mitch Rein 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Kevin Proctor (c) 12. David Fifita 13. Tino Faasuamaleui 14. Tanah Boyd 15. Tyrone Peachey 16. Sam Lisone 17. Herman Ese’ese
Manly Sea Eagles
Gains: Josh Aloiai (Tigers), Andrew Davey (Sea Eagles), Kieran Foran (Bulldogs), Morgan Harper (Bulldogs), Jason Saab (Dragons), Christian Tuipulotu (Roosters)
Losses: Jade Anderson (released), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Brendan Elliot (Leigh), Albert Hopoate (Raiders), Danny Levi (North Brisbane), Joel Thompson (St Helens), Corey Waddell (Bulldogs), Tony Williams (released)
The club would struggle after Tom Trbojevic was injured in June, winning three games without Tom at the back and losing on Tom’s return. Des Hasler needs to figure out how the club can frequently win without Tom in the team. A club should be fine with Tom in the group. Des will also be hoping Keiran Foran can finally overcome his injury-plagued career. Sea Eagles will miss the eight.
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Tafua 3. Dylan Walker 4. Moses Suli 5. Jason Saab 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Chery Evans (c) 8. Martin Taupau 9. Cade Cust 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Taniela Paseka 15. Andrew Davey 16. Sean Keppie 17. Morgan Boyle
Melbourne Storm
Gains: George Jennings (Eels), Reimis Smith (Bulldogs), Harry Grant (Tigers -end of loan)
Losses: Aaron Booth (Brisbane Tigers), Sandor Earl (Retired), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans), Ricky Leutele (Huddersfield), Paul Momirovski (Tigers -end of loan), Cameron Smith (Retired), Albert Vete (Hull KR), Suliasi Vunivalu (Rugby Union)
The Melbourne Storm premiership of 2020 will go down in the history books as one of the greatest of all time. The Storm would only play two regular-season games in Melbourne in 2020; they played one regular-season home game at Nestra Jubilee, one at Suncorp Stadium and six home games on the Sunshine Coast, and both finals at Suncorp before the Grand Final at ANZ. The Storm would leave Melbourne at the end of June. It is a new era for the Melbourne Storm without Cameron Smith; the oldest player is now Jesse Bromich, the only player at the club born in the 80s. The club also lost Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, which is a significant loss. The loss of Suliasi Vunivalu leaves the club a bit light for quality outside backs. Still, have enough quality players across the park to be alive deep into September.
1. Ryan Papenhuuyzen 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Brenko Lee 4. Justin Olam 5. Remis Smith 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich (c) 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane (c) 14. Brandon Smith 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Nicho Hynes
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Tyson Frizell (Dragons), Bailey Hodgson (Castleford), Jack Johns (Rabbitohs), Brayden Musgrove (Cessnock). Sauaso Sue (Bulldogs), Dominic Young (Huddersfield)
Losses: Herman Ese’ese (Titans), Aidan Guerra (Retired). Tim Glasby (Retired), Mason Lino (Wakefield Trinity), Sione Mata’utia (St Helens), Andrew McCullough (Broncos), Tautau Moga (Rabbitohs), Tyronne Roberts-Davis (Cessnock)
The Knights started 2020 strongly, winning three out of the first four before going win-loss for the next six rounds. They would lose two straight, bounce back and win three straightforward, then head back to win-loss to finish the season in 7th. They have pulled off the massive signing of Tyson Frizell. The Knights have lost a lot of experience with Sione Mata’utia, Aidan Guerra and Tim Glasby. The club lucked into keeping Blake Green. The club will push for the eight though they will miss out.
1. Kalyn Ponga (c) 2. Edrick Lee 3. Bradman Best 4. Enari Tuala 5. Tex Hoy 6. Blake Green (c) 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey (c) 10. Daniel Saifiti (c) 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mitch Barnett (c) 14. Jacob Saifiti 15. Connor Watson 16. Josh King, 17. Sauaso Sue
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Kane Bradley (Tigers), Javid Bowen (Northern Pride), Lachlan Burr (Warriors),
Losses: John Asiata (Broncos), Gavin Cooper (Retired), Tom Opacic (Eels), Dan Russell (Brisbane Tigers), Tuki Simpkins (Tigers)
It was a challenging year for the Cowboys, winning only five games in 2020, losing nine in a row mid-season, with Paul Green losing his job in late July. Jake Clifford is on his way out the door at the end of the season, and why the Cowboys let him go is beyond me. Todd has to figure out if Valentine Holmes’ best position is at fullback and will be hoping other forwards can help Jason Taumalolo carry the workload. The Cowboys will miss the eight.
1. Valentine Holmes 2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 3. Esan Marsters 4. Michael Morgan (c) 5. Kyle Feldt 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Josh McGuire 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Cohen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Shane Wright 15. Francis Molo 16. Mitch Dunn 17. Lachlan Burr
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Bryce Cartwright, Keegan Hipgrave (Titans), Joey Lussick (Salford), Michael Oldfield (Raiders), Tom Opacic (Cowboys), Isaiah Papali’i (Warriors), Nathaniel Roache (Warriors)
Losses: Daniel Alvaro (Dragons), Andrew Davey (Sea Eagles), Rhys Davies (Released), Kane Evans (Warriors), Jai Field (Wigan), David Gower (Hills District Bulls), George Jennings (Storm), Jaeman Salmon (Panthers), Brad Takairangi (Hull KR), Peni Terepo (Retired), Stefano Utoikamanu (Tigers)
The Eels would start the season by winning their first five games, and the Eels would only lose five games for the whole season to finish in 3rd. The Eels would lose to the Storm in the first week of the finals before bundling out of the finals in week 2. Recruitment has been chiefly around those outside the top 17.
1. Clint Gutherson (c) 2. Maika Sivo 3. Tom Opacic 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Regan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown 14. Will Smith 15. Oregan Kaufusi 16. Marata Niukore 17. Keegan Hipgrave
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Matt Eisenhuth (Tigers), Robert Jennings (Tigers), Paul Momirovski (Tigers), Jaeman Salmon (Eels), Scott Sorensen (Sharks),
Losses: Caleb Aekins (Raiders), Dean Blore (Rugby Union), Jack Hetherington (Bulldogs), Pat Hollis (Released), Daine Laurie (Tigers), Josh Mansour (Rabbitohs), Brayden McGrady (Tweed Heads), James Tamou (Tigers), Zane Tetevano (Leeds Rhinos), Dean Whare (Catalans), Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (Retired)
The surprise of 2020, who won fifteen straight games to finish with the minor premiership. The club would stage a second-half comeback in the Grand Final, though they would fall 6 points short. They have lost several players from 2020 and strengthed the squad from within the club. They will return to the eighth in 2020, though it remains to be seen how far they will go.
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Brent Naden 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary (c) 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Api Koroisau 10. Moses Leota 11. Liam Martin 12. Viliame Kikau 13. Issah Yao (c) 14. Kurt Capewell 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Tyrone May 17. Spencer Leniu
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Jai Arrow (Titans), Jacob Host (Dragons), Josh Mansour (Panthers), Benji Marshall (Tigers), Taane Milne (Warriors), Tautau Moga (Knights)
Losses: Corey Allan (Bulldogs), Tom Amone (Tigers), Cory Denniss (Burleigh), Kurt Dillon (Released), Jack Johns (Knights), Ethan Lowe (retired), James Roberts (Tigers), Bayley Sironen (Warriors), Joseph Suaalii (Roosters), Ky Rodwell (released)
The Rabbitohs had a mixed 2020 before winning five games towards the back end of the season to finish 6th. They missed a spot in the Grand Final, going down by 4 points. Have recruited strongly, picking up Jai Arrow, Josh Mansour and Benji Marshall. The Rabbitohs will be the premiers in 2021.
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dane Gagai 4. Campbell Graham 5. Josh Mansour 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds (c) 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Tom Burgess 11. Jaydin Su’a 12. Cameron Murray 13. Jai Arrow 14. Tavita Tatola 15. Benji Marshall 16. Liam Knight 17. Keaon Koloamatangi
St George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Daniel Alvaro (Eels), Jack Bird (Broncos), Poasa Faamausili (Roosters), Andrew McCullough (Broncos)
Losses: Euan Aitken (Warriors), Tyson Frizell (Knights), James Graham (St Helens), Jacob Host (Rabbitohs), Joe Lovodua, Jason Saab (Sea Eagles), Tristan Sailor (Released), Korbin Sims (Hull KR)
The Dragons would start the season slowly, losing their first four straight, then nine out of thirteen before Paul McGregor was shown the door. They would lose another four games to finish 13th. The club has recruited Jack Bird and will be hoping his fitness problems are behind him. I have questions about whether Anthony Griffin still has what it takes to coach at the top level after two years away from coaching. The Dragons will miss the eight.
1. Matt Dufty 2. Mikaele Ravalawa 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Jordan Pereira 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt (c) 8. Paul Vaughan 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Josh Kerr 11. Tariq Sims 12. Jackson Ford 13. Trent Merrin 14. Poasa Faamusili 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Billy Brittain 17. Daniel Alvaro
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Adam Keighran (Warriors), Josh Morris (Sharks), Joseph Suaalii (Rabbitohs)
Losses: Mitchell Aubusson (Retired), Poasa Faamausili (Dragons), Kyle Flanagan (Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Hull KR), Christian Tuipulotu (Sea Eagles), Sonny Bill Williams (Retired)
The Roosters would start the season slowly before lockdown. Post lockdown, the Roosters would win five straight. Another five straight wins would help the Roosters to finish 4th and have a shot at a three-peat. The Roosters would be bundled out of the finals with back-to-back losses. The Roosters shocked the NRL world by releasing Kyle Flanagan after just one season. I have massive questions about Lachlan Lam at five-eighth. The Roosters will make the eight, though they will finish in the bottom half.
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Manu 4. Josh Morris 5. Brett Morris 6. Lachlan Lam 7. Luke Keary 8. Jarred Waerea-Hargrages 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner (c) 12. Angus Crichton 13. Issac Liu 14. Lindsay Collins 15. Sitili Tupouinua 16. Nat Butcher 17. Victor Radley
Warriors
Gains: Euan Aitken (Dragons), Kane Evans (Eels), Addin Fonua-Blake (Sea Eagles), Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs), Jack Murchie (Raiders), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warrington), Sean O’Sullivan (Broncos), Iliesa Ratuva (Rugby Union), Bayley Sironen (Rabbitohs)
Losses: Adam Blair (Retired), Gerard Beale (Brisbane Tigers), Lachlan Burr (Cowboys), Patrick Herbert (Titans), Adam Keighran (Roosters), Taane Milne (Rabbitohs), Agnatius Paasi (St Helens), Isaiah Papali’i (Eels), Leivaha Pulu (North Brisbane), Nathaniel Roache (Eels), King Vuniyayawa (Leeds)
The Warriors would face the most challenging season of any club in 2020. After round 1, the Warriors were forced to stay in Australia, and their round 2 home game was relocated to the Gold Coast. In May, the Warriors were forced to relocate first to Tamworth for two weeks of isolation, then to the Central Coast of New South Wales. Unlike the Melbourne Storm, the players’ families stayed back in New Zealand for most of the year. On-field the Warriors would struggle, losing five of their first seven to start the season. The Warriors would then lose the next three out of their next four games before winning four of their next five. A three-game losing streak for the Warriors would follow before they finished in 10th. New coach Nathan Brown has recruited heavily, bringing in Euan Aitken, Kame Evans and Addin Fonua-Blake. Along with Ben Murdoch-Masila, the Warriors of 2021 have a stronger squad than the Warriors of 2020. The Warriors will return to the eight in 2021.
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c) 2. David Fusitua 3. Peter Hiku 4. Euan Aitken 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita 8. Addin Fanoua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Leeson Ah Mau 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Tohu Harris 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Jack Murchie 15. Jamayne-Taunoa-Brown 16. Kane Evans 17. Hayze Perham
Wests Tigers
Gains: Tom Amone (Rabbitohs), Daine Laurie (Panthers), James Roberts (Rabbitohs), Tuki Simpkins (Cowboys), Stefano Utoikamanu (Eels), James Tamou (Panthers)
Losses: Josh Aloiai (Sea Eagles), Kane Bradley (Cowboys), Oliver Clark (Released), Matt Eisenhuth (Panthers), Harry Grant (Storm -end of loan), Robert Jennings (Panthers), Chris Lawrence (Retired), Benji Marshall (Rabbitohs), Sam McIntyre (Titans), Chris McQueen (Huddersfield), Paul Momirovski (Panthers) Josh Reynolds (Hull FC), Dylan Smith (Released), Elijah Taylor (Salford)
Two three-game losing streaks and three two-game losing streaks were the story of the Wests Tigers season, seeing them finish in 11th place. They Will be hoping James Roberts is back to his scintillating best in 2021 after some wayward performances over the last few years. The Tigers will also hope that James Tamou can gain the form that led him to be selected for Australia. The club is hoping young gun Daine Laruie plays fullback, though I need clarification on what that means for Adam Doueihi and, to a lesser extent Moses Mbye. They will be around the edge of the eight.
1. Adam Doueihi 2. David Nofoaluma 3. James Roberts 4. Joey Leilua 5. Corey Thompson 6. Moses Mbye 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou (c) 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Joe Ofaengaue 11. Luke Garner 12. Michael Chee Kam 13. Alex Twal 14. Shawn Blore 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Billy Walters 17. Thomas Mikaele
And Another Thing: I think the NRL should not grant the Sydney Roosters an exemption to allow Joseph Suaalii to debut before he is 18. The Roosters have James Tedesco, Brett Morris, and Daniel Tupou as regular outside backs, and Matt Ikuvalu, who scored five tries in one game last year. This is a welfare issue; the rules were changed for a reason.
Ladder
1. Rabbitohs
2. Storm
3. Raiders
4. Panthers
5. Eels
6. Titans
7. Warriors
8. Roosters
9. Knights
10. Tigers
11. Cowboys
12. Sea Eagles
13. Sharks
14. Bulldogs
15. Dragons
16. Broncos
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the page on Facebook to find out when new blog posts are available. Also, to find out the latest news, views and opinions from the world of Rugby League. Follow me on Twitter to get all this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from the; Super League, Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Intrust Super Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Denton Engineering Cup, Illawarra Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg Cup, Hastings Deering Colts, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, BHP Premiership, National Rugby League W and Women’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese