2009 NRL Round Up

Dynasty. The talk has begun. Much like the Broncos of the 90′s, the Bulldogs and Eels of the 80′s. They’ve been able to get to four grand finals in a row, but most importantly they have converted two of them into premierships. I absolutely love it. For those not in the know, the Melbourne Storm took out the 2009 premiership downing the Parramatta Eels 23-16. Who would have thought that in this era of the salary cap, that a team could be so consistently successful? Especially after you have a look at the amount of talent that they have lost over the years, it’s miraculous that they are even competitors at all. The players and coaches may have put in all the hard work, but my hat goes off to the management more so than anyone. Making the right choices when it comes to player deals and being able to pick upcoming talent is an art form in itself, and these days is vital to the success of the team. The fact that they have been able to shuffle players around and give the team every opportunity to complete in the grand final for four years running is nothing short of amazing. Melbourne are the team which the others should be striving to emulate. Kudos Melbourne, kudos.

Now, on to the team by team drive-by summary:

Storm – Can they do it again? Five straight GF appearances would be nothing short of a miracle and going back to back is a goal that they have yet to achieve which will no doubt cement their place in folklore. One has to start to wonder though when that salary cap will rear its ugly head and will begin the team’s eventual fall from grace.

Eels – It’s hard to believe that this team was equal second last mid way through the season and didn’t reach the top 8 until the second last round. Then began that impressive run which got them all the way to the grand final, but just fell short. As much as I love underdog stories, I was really happy to see them lose, I mean, they are the Eels after all.

Bulldogs – A surprising year to say the least and a massive turn around from last year. However, this team is completely different to last year, with a new coach and new players in key positions. The management has done well with the off season trades. It was surprising that they were able to gel together as quickly as they did. Also the last season for El Masri, a true legend in every aspect of the game. It was a shame he didn’t have the chance to go out with a premiership. (And I won’t even mention the stripping of 2 points or the robbing of victory at the St George game… oops I just did)

Broncos – At one point of the season we were left thinking that they wouldn’t even make the top 8, as the representative season hit them much harder as usual. They were able to have a good run into the finals, knocking out their former coach. Losing Wallace was a massive blow and they eventually got knocked out themselves by the Storm.

Dragons – After looking a Wayne Bennett’s finals stats of late, someone should probably teach him the Heimlich Manoeuvre. By far the strongest and most consistent team all year but lost that all important momentum at the most crucial time of the season. At least they’ll have the minor premiership title.

Titans – After looking so promising during the season, they too, lost their momentum and bowed out early. However, making the finals for the first time in their 3 years in the competition, I have no doubt that they will continue to build from this success.

Sea Eagles – Eliminated in the first round, they never really were the strong force they have been in previous years, and they had the worse possible start with the Brett Stewart drama and the consecutive losses. To come back as strongly as they did is an achievement in itself.

Knights – Despite finishing the season in 7th, they never really looked like contenders and with the mounting injuries they were no match for the Bulldogs even without Kimmorley.

Sharks – They really couldn’t catch a break this season. With all the off field drama its hard to believe that they didn’t finish last! The financial problems, the group sex scandal, Reni Maitua’s drug ban and the CEO’s assault. Next season can only be better, you can’t get any worse than that.

Roosters – Suck it.

Just a couple of side notes for the season:

All the NSW selectors should be sacked. They have absolutely no idea what they are doing, having only put in Kimmorley and Ennis for the 3rd game, oh and would you look at that, they won. I mean Farah and Wallace? Seriously? They’ve done fuck all to deserve a spot in the NSW team this season, and then they tried bringing back Barrett which didn’t work with Wallace. I still reckon Mullen with his form should have been brought in, and also where the hell was Hindmarsh? Speaking of which, I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but here it goes… Kimmorley played outstanding football and probably has had his best season in his career. Especially after his call up to Origin and winning, that is definitely what you would call redemption. Having said all of that, if you look at the Qld team, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a strong team line up. They had Hunt and Hannant coming off the bench! It was practically the Australian team; NSW had their work cut out for them from the start.

I think the 2 referee system was by in large a success, which sped up the game and didn’t have us being referred to the video ref every 2 seconds. It also improved officiating decisions with more eyes on the ruck.

I also want to give a quick congrats to Derek who won our inaugural footy tipping competition. You better watch your back next year because I’m gonna win!

I think I’m done.