I know I keep banging on about him, but Nathan Cleary is the most influential player in the competition by a mile and the best player in the world. He keeps finding a way, even when his team is struggling like against the Knights last week.
You know what you’re going to get from Nathan every week when it comes to kicking in general play, goal-kicking and even field goals. He’s going to be so important again against the Rabbitohs on Thursday night.
The challenge for Lachlan Ilias is to match him. The Rabbitohs have been superb in second halves this year and gave Penrith a fright late in their match in round two despite the Panthers dominating most of the match. We’ve seen what South Sydney have done against the Dolphins and Bulldogs after half-time in the last couple of weeks. When Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker get it right, good luck stopping them.
The predicted wet weather probably suits Penrith and hinders the Bunnies’ passing. Jai Arrow has been a big plus back in the middle with Tom Burgess and Cameron Murray. I’ve been really impressed with Davvy Moale and in terms of middle forwards, who usually don’t mature until later in their careers, he’s a premature baby. I’ve loved what Hame Sele has been doing as well.
Liam Martin is a big out. It makes their bench a little bit thinner with those guys like Scott Sorensen starting. I think the Rabbitohs can get home in a close one.
Joey’s tip: Rabbitohs by 2
First try-scorer: Damien Cook
Man of the match: Cameron Murray
Knight charges back
It’s been a while coming, but Kalyn Ponga is back on the field and everyone at the Knights is excited.
But here’s how he should treat his first few games back: don’t overplay your hand, don’t be afraid to play within yourself and only make the tackles you really need to.
I’ve been so impressed with how the Knights have been grinding on without him after his concussion in round two against the Wests Tigers, but there’s no doubt he’ll make a huge difference.
Kalyn Ponga leaves the field against the Tigers.Credit: Getty
We don’t want him chasing the big play. That will come. He has to go back to basics and know when the time is right to strike.
He’s so smart in attack and just needs to be smart in defence, too. What I mean by that is he should only make the tackles he simply has to, which will also preserve his energy for attack.
His teammates have always had his back, and I don’t think it will be any different this week. He’s going to give the team so much more strike if he gets through the game.
I know everyone in Newcastle and rugby league wishes him well. It’s great to have him back on the field.
Hudson Young is in the frame for NSW State of Origin selection.Credit: Getty
Young Blues bolter
If I was Brad Fittler, I’d be a little concerned about NSW’s back-row stocks falling over. Liam Martin is out again due to a hamstring problem, Keaon Koloamatangi is out for an extended period and Angus Crichton has missed the first seven rounds.
That said, Haumole Olakau’atu has been outstanding for the Sea Eagles and I reckon he’s almost got his name pencilled in for game one, provided he stays fit and maintains his form.
But I reckon there’s a bolter looming for game one: Hudson Young.
There’s one crucial thing about him, he can play in different positions. He’s made a name for himself as an edge forward, but I reckon he would be lethal around the middle of the ruck against tiring forwards and could also do a job at centre.
He scored a try on the weekend when the Raiders needed it and he’s got so much mongrel in him, I think he’s built for State of Origin.
I think the other player who needs to be in calculations is Tyson Frizell. He’s been there before and this year I think he’s wound back the clock. He’s as tough as they come, but importantly injury free for the first time in a long time.
Just play it again Sam
Trent Robinson made a huge call by dropping Sam Walker back to the NSW Cup, but he doesn’t need to do anything major in his game to return to the NRL.
Obviously, in the NRL there are some restrictions on what you can do, but he can go back there and play like he has his whole life. He’ll be back in the big time. He’ll be really disappointed with the decision, but he’ll take it on the chin and come back a better player. He won’t be out for too long.
Finally, a quick word on Angus Crichton. I think everyone in rugby league was pumped for him coming back last week in the NSW Cup after there were suggestions he might not play at all this year. I’m ecstatic for him and I can’t wait to see him on Anzac Day.
