50 NRL thoughts: Part 2

Published by
Dan Nichols

Following on from last week's first 25 random NRL and rugby league thoughts, today we round out the 50.

Again, these aren't all meant to be hard hitting ideas, moreso just rugby league thoughts or opinions presented in rapid fire.

26. Payne Haas is the rookie of the season. It's not even close.

27. For the life of me I can never understand why coaches continue to pick fringe players who have signed elsewhere. John Morris has named the departing Feki over the super exciting young Mulitalo. Madness.

28. Anything less than a finals appearance should end Nathan Browns tenure at the Knights. I was his biggest fan but to miss the eight with that roster is criminal.

29. I like the stripping rule. Keep it.

30. Any talk of a wildcard for finals is absolutely ludicrous. Half the competition already make finals, that's enough.

31. Steel Panther are the only logical choice for pre-match Grand Final entertainment.

32. If I were the NRL I'd take Gus Gould up on his "I'll fix the referees in six months, for free" offer. Literally nothing to lose and I'm sick of hearing about referees rather than players post game.

33. Mad Monday is more trouble than what it's worth. Journos are going to follow players wherever they are, just hold it on a Thursday and catch everyone off guard. Seriously, overkill!

34. If you slow every incident down in every game, you can build a case that any team on any given night is cheating the rules. Perhaps it's time to just accept that the Storm are a good footy team!?

35. How does Geoff Toovey not have a coaching job?

36. Has anyone actually looked at Josh Dugan's stats since joining the Sharks? He's having arguably a career best year. If he plays a full season at centre, his best position, he's an elite player. The rubbish on social media is painful to read.

37. The Professor and his sidekick are not funny. Ever.

38. Jesse Ramien is a fantastic player and could line up in half the sides in the NRL. The Dogs should stop chasing forwards and make him their priority. The thought of Ramien in the Storm system is scary.

39. Any player who plays over 300 games is entitled to a testimonial for mine. Sutton has achieved plenty in his career, just cause he hasn't represented NSW (he should have) denies him a game? Madness.

40. End this talk of relocation. I'm sick of hearing it every season. Expand to Perth and add a fourth QLD side and be done with it.

41. I generally try to stay clear of genuine controversy but the fact players convicted of violence against women are allowed to play during Women In League Round (or at all) is a blight on the game.

42. I hope the Titans come good but it's going to get worse before it gets better. If Ash Taylor is to leave, the club will be stuck paying for half his contract. Not good.

43. The rumoured trade period won't end speculation. Seems like a waste of time to me. EPL anyone?

44. I understand the role of player agents and fully support players, but jeez they cause some issues.

45. How ridiculous was Anthony Seibold's efforts to deflect and place scrutiny on Luke Keary? Keary's one of the game's elite while Darius Boyd ran for one metre in a season defining game. C'mon now.

46. Anyone remember when high profile NRL players would jump ship to go play Rugby? ... Me neither.

47. Footy Smiles is my favourite Rugby League account on social media. If you don't follow, please do: @FootySmiles

48. There's been a real lack of big name players signing for opposition clubs next season. Truthfully it's been a pleasant change.

49. It's great to see the NRLW hosting standalone fixtures this year. I'd really like to see the competition expand to six teams next year (Sharks and Bunnies) if it's feasible. Huge things happening.

50. Channel 9 need to drop their "home of rugby league" tag. Fox sports has long been the home of Rugby League.

Published by
Dan Nichols