Coaches ready to rumble
Don’t mess with Knights coach Nathan Brown. After Newcastle edged Brisbane 15-10 for their third win of the season, Brown took aim at his opposing number Wayne Bennett. The 68-year-old spent three seasons with the Knights but left them in a horrible state at the end of 2014, and Brown has had to clean up the club. Bennett lit the fuse during the week when he denied that was responsible for the mess the club found itself in when he departing, claiming Brown had “unbuilt” his work. This was a red rag to the 44-year old, who dropped an explosive comment in his press conference that referred to Bennett’s extra-marital affair that he conducted while at the Hunter club.
“It’s a bit sad. The old fox, he’s won seven premierships, he’s coached for 30 years and I ain’t ever publicly bagged Wayne or anyone,” Brown said. “And then he comes and has a shot at me. I just don’t think he needs to behave like that. The reality is when Wayne came to town, if he thought with his big head rather than his little head, I wouldn’t have had to rebuild the joint.” The epic sledge stunned the audience and has made huge headlines for the past few days. The NRL sure does love a feud.
Poor Parra
There are few things certain in 2018 – death, taxes and Parramatta losing. The Eels made it five losses from five rounds despite a much-improved performance against Penrith. There was only six points in it and the Panthers had to grind out the win with some tough defence, with Brad Arthur’s boys dominating possession. But back to the drawing board for the Eels once more. Spare a thought for the Chocolate Soldiers, who are now up to third in the ladder. They have lost just one game and even without the services of gun halfback Nathan Cleary, are getting the job done. Many tipped Penrith to implode this season but so far Anthony Griffin is having the last laugh.
Dragons, Warriors keep rolling
The other certainties this season you can count on is St George Illawarra and New Zealand to perform. Those two remain the only undefeated teams in the competition, perfect after five rounds, after victories over the Rabbitohs and Cowboys. Basketball coach John Wooden famously said “winning breeds winning”, and both clubs are examples of that right now.
Gold Coast golden in Gladstone
No Tom Trbojevic, no chance for Manly. The Gold Coast pipped the Sea Eagles 32-20 in Gladstone, but it was a closer one than the scoreline suggests with a try right on full-time blowing the score out. With Bryce Cartwright back and doing Bryce Cartwright things – outrageous flick passes that set up tries – the Titans looked very dangerous. He brings that X-factor that they will need if they are to make the semi-finals. But Manly, without their star fullback ‘Turbo’, lacked a little cutting edge and fell to their third loss. They need him back quickly.
