Between two golden point games, the drama around South Sydney, and a new rule landing firmly in the spotlight, round six in the NRL was another dramatic one.
Here’s ABC Sport’s Round-Up for this week.
1. Roosters find the blueprint to success
Every time the Roosters play, the middle of the field should look like a mud pit by the time the game is done.
As inconsistent as Trent Robinson’s side has been this year, their best moments and most impressive wins have all come the same way — by directing all their talent, skill, and athleticism directly up the center third of the field.
It dragged them back into the game in their losses to Penrith and Canterbury and helped power them over the top of the Knights after a tough start on Thursday night.
Once Joseph Manu, Victor Radley, and Brandon Smith got going up the middle, the game was totally different, giving a glimpse into a future where the Roosters throw the very best of their star-studded roster at opponents in the most direct way possible.
They were a little fortunate to win against the Knights — Junior Pauga probably should have been penalized after his cover tackle on Kalyn Ponga and Newcastle had chances to win late but couldn’t take them — but if the Roosters are going to make some noise in this competition, the way for them to do so is clear. Put away the knives and break out the hammers because blunt force is the answer.
ABC Player of the year votes:
3 – Joey Manu (Roosters)
2 – Brandon Smith (Roosters)
1 – Kai Pearce-Paul (Knights)
ABC Sport will be live blogging every round of the AFL and NRL seasons in 2024.
