By Casey O'Connor
I admit I have been a bit ho-hum about the NRL season – a bit overwhelmed by the constant stories swirling around the game long before a ball was kicked.
The excitement I usually feel at the start of the season was a trifle subdued. I watched the opening game as the Panthers caned their opponents and I thought – hmm back-to-back might be a goer here.
As the weekend progressed, I began to warm to season 2022. The Friday night game between the Raiders and Sharks was a beauty and although I pulled the wrong rein I was pleased for Ricky Stuart. The Broncos game gave me hope of better things to come. There are some really exciting youngsters among this group and the team, even without Reynolds, had more of the look of a Broncos side we are used to seeing.
The upset of the round was no doubt the Knights win over the Roosters. Was it too early to suggest there could be a changing of the guard at the top of the NRL tree?
The Eels gave the Blue and Gold army some hope, but Titans fans saw plenty to like.
There is always controversy and that came out of the Cowboys-Bulldogs game when a last minute Cowboys try was denied giving the Dogs a win.
The game of the round for me was undoubtedly the Storm and Tigers. Melbourne kept Bellamy’s first up winning record intact, but the win came at a big price with serious injuries to key players. Many who tipped the tigers to win the wooden spoon are possibly hoping they could make another choice.
What I like most and has me keen to see more this season was the introduction of a couple of youngsters in that game with little or no NRL experience. they stood up and did a great job. We don’t see enough of that, and it has me back on the edge of my seat. Can’t wait for round two.
Casey
Casey’s round two tips:
Storm, Panthers, Roosters, Titans, Eels, Raiders, Knights, Broncos.
