A Few Teams Have Plenty To Work On After Round One's Effort

FOOTY'S BACK

Even though the round is yet to be completed, I have a bit of time on my hands to put this together. What did everybody think about the first round of the NRL Competition? Personally, it wasn't that great. People will say that I'm saying this because I'm a Bulldogs fan. That's not the case though, it was a very scrappy weekend. The footy was plagued with errors and injuries. It seemed the players weren't physically and mentally ready for 80 minutes of grinding football.

The Saints were the only team who looked ready for footy, but who wouldn't be if you play like a bunch of soldiers. The blockbuster that was meant to be was more like a snorefest than anything. The brand of football St George play is just flat out boring. There is no width in their attack and they just look to get to their kick, waiting for the other team to make an error. They do it so well though, which is why they win games. However when it comes to finals time and the rest of the compeition take it to the next level, St George are left standing flat footed. It happens every year, so you can't really argue with me there?

Parramatta were disgraceful and still could have won the match on Friday night. They are probably just lucky St George persist on taking penalty goals when they have the ball in the opposition red zone. Parramatta were one out all night. When they threw the ball wide they looked good, but didn't do it enough. Jarrod Hayne was taken out of the match with Sowards kicking tactics, which is something many teams will look to use throughout 2010. Why on earth was Fui Fui starting from the bench? Justin Poore is hopeless. I'm sure the Saints were happy they let that over payed piece of trash go! Peter Wynn is even letting bandwagon hoppers return last seasons jerseys!

I was really looking forward to Saturday evenings match, after a day of shopping with the lovely girlfriend, it was time for the Doggies match. What a dissappointment that was. I probably should have kept shopping. They were terrible from the outset. They looked mentally and physically unprepared. Their first touch of the ball looked promising, only for Morris to throw the ball into touch. After that it went downhill. It was like they thought they were going to win by 40, but Newcastle to their credit toughed it out for the full 80 minutes. There was a glimmer of hope for the Dogs with one minute to go, Jamaal Idris who had played an absolute shocker, had an open touchline to run down, only to kick the ball ahead for a flying Turner (who grabbed a double on debut). What on earth was he thinking? He must have the lowest IQ of any NRL player going around. Which isn't that high anyway! If he held the ball and drew the fullback, the Dogs win. Jarrod Mullen was again superb, he always plays extremely well against the Dogs. The injuries continued to mount and at one stage, there were three players hobbling off the field. The Bulldogs will need to work very hard this week, so that they can smash the Dragons. Pity the game isn't at Kogarah again, would have been awesome going out to the game!

Saturday night's games I can't really comment on because a 21st birthday was my priority, but I do hear that the Sharks really took it too the Storm. Ricky Stuart certainly wasn't happy with the referees, but when is he? The Panthers gave their fans a heart attack, taking a 24-0 lead and blowing it, letting the Raiders right back in the contest. They look a tough unit the Panthers this season, and when Waterhouse returns they will be even better.

What is it with Gold Coast teams? They talk it up and just don't deliver! They were just as bad as the Bulldogs, but they won. The Warriors side whom were injury plagued before the match even started, played a brilliant first half. They skipped out to a 18-6 lead, before they let a last minute try in just before half time. The match was filled with errors, which you could blame on the rain, but I just think it was poor ball security throughout the contest. The Titans finally woke up, (or the Warriors were just that bad in the second half) and came out victors in the end 24-18. Preston Campbell the saviour for the home side, although did anyone else think his strip on Manu was lost forward. A little odd if you ask me.Greg Bird was disgraceful and I couldn't be happier, filthy scumbag!

Glory, Glory to who? Money doesn't buy championships, Russell! Just ask Real Madrid. Talking the talk also doesn't guarantee championships, just ask the Gold Coast A-League side. I was worried about all the big guys they bought, they can be as good as anyone in the league, but they are just as slow. The Roosters exploited this and sent shockwaves down the Rabbitohs camp. An absolute drumming is a term you could use to describe the 36-10 victory. Is Brian Smith weaving his magic already? Don't get your hopes up Roosters fans, it's only Souths.

Tonight's match should be a ripper, I think Manly will get them. Look for a big game from Brett Stewart, who is eager to have a big season, especially after last years shmozzle. Don't think you can expect too much from Tuqiri, give him a few weeks and he will be right back into it. Also looking forward to watch big Galloway run around the park. He is an absolute monster and is going to have a big year. NSW honours are heading his way!