26. Newcastle needs to get moving in the transfer market if they're going to be anywhere near finals in the future, however, their patience should pay off. There is so much talent on the open market, and the Knights need to avoid throwing big money away unless it is justified. The Titans played it patiently and managed to pick up Peats, Hurrell and Hayne as a result. They'll get their men, eventually.
27. For all the talk of players 'diving', shouldn't coaches be more worried about their players committing acts of genuine stupidity? No contact, no penalty. Pretty simple.
28. I don't know why everyone is saying the player transfer system is broken due to the Mitch Moses fiasco. He has a contract and should be expected to fulfil it. Just because a player has thrown his toys out of his crib doesn't mean the system is broken. There are 50 examples as to why it is broken, but Moses needs to focus on justifying the ridiculous money he has reportedly signed for.
29. There have been times where I have been pretty down, even angry, at my NRL side, but I've never considered burning my jersey. I know it's a symbolic gesture but wow.
30. I feel sorry for Origin selectors who have to choose between Darius Boyd or Billy Slater for the Origin number one jersey. I also feel sorry for Mr Jennifer Hawkins, and people who have too much money.
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31. I'm a big fan of the doubleheader idea. Can you imagine an Eels vs Sea Eagles and Roosters vs Rabbitohs double header on a Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon? Very nice.
32. Reports that the Australian Rugby Union and Waratahs are supposedly not interested in Cooper Cronk just further proves why the Rah Rah code has fallen behind literally every other sport in the country. Still on Cronk, expect the Panthers to move hell and high water to attract the mega star out west.
33. I genuinely can't understand why any player, or official, would ever entertain the idea of social media. Every single comment is under huge scrutiny, and I have seen some of the filth players cop. Just stay away.
34. When it comes to NRL tipping, I give up. Newcastle's win over Canberra is exactly the reason I don't bet on the game. Corey Norman and Tommy Turbo's injuries have me avoiding Supercoach this week too.
35. With it coming up to tax time, I want the Bulldogs accountant. They've signed Woods and Foran, and look to only be losing the likes of Reynolds, Kasiano, Eastwood and Hopoate. Just as an aside, if the Dogs don't win the comp in the next two-or-so seasons, it'll do damage to the Des Hasler image. That side, phwoar.
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36. How much longer can the Penrith fullback be referred to as "young Matt Moylan". He dead set turns 32 next season.
37. Manly have done extremely well thus far in 2017 considering their salary cap also includes payment to Brett Stewart and Steve Matai. Those two were pretty handy players in their day.
38. I can't think of a player I'd rather tackle less than Konrad Hurrell.
39. For all the talk of the likes of James Roberts and Josh Addo-Carr being the fastest man in the league, how quick is Waqa Blake? Twice on the weekend, he ran down players with a big head start. Unfortunately, he paid a big price for the efforts, one of which saved a try, but that chase was a sight to behold.
40. I'm at a loss to explain why the Storm are having a hard time recruiting a half to replace Cooper Cronk for next season. Craig Bellamy's record is second to none. I'd have thought players would be lining up.
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41. Staying in Melbourne, expect Will Chambers to become the most sought after man in the game. Now that the halves merry-go-round is almost finished, a superstar, Origin level centre is sure to attract plenty of interest.
42. Aidan Guerra, Luke Lewis, Ryan Hoffman and Alex Glenn are all off contract. Four rep back rowers who would present great value. Ahem, perhaps see comment number 26.
43. A large majority of the season's lowest crowds have featured NRL 'glamour teams' the Rabbits, Sea Eagles and Bulldogs. Membership numbers can be deceiving.
44. Anyone else sick of seeing these "shoosh" columns in the media? Either name the player or don't say anything. That said, look for another NRL player to be in trouble before the end of the season. Shoosh though.
45. Mal Meninga has taken some incredible steps towards making the Kangaroo jersey matter once again, but Origin is still the pinnacle of the game. That won't change until The Kiwis or Poms win the world cup. Australians care much more when they're chasing something.
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46. Pre-season I worried that limiting the bunker's role to overturn obvious shockers would leave fans seething. Then again, so did literally every fan in the world. I cannot believe that decision has not yet been overturned. Irony aye?
47. Beer prices at the footy are offensive.
48. Settle a discussion point: who is the most underrated player in the game; Cody Walker, Tyrone Peachey or Ricky Leutele?
49. If I were an NRL recruitment officer, I would be reminding Latrell Mitchell every day about how James Tedesco has signed for next season. This kid is a genuine footballing freak and his signing could change the makeup of a side. If he (or Ponga) are willing to shift roles, the Knights should target him with everything they have.
50. Despite their loss on the weekend, my money is still on the Storm lifting the trophy in October. Once the Origin distraction is gone, there will be no stopping the purple onslaught. Brisbane and the Roosters look the most likely to stop them. Smokey alert; the Titans will finish fifth.
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