unapologetic pedant

My theory is that creative tension and rivalry between NRL and AFL is mutually beneficial. The concurrently vigorous health of the two comps would seem to prove the point. I have another theory that NRL has more scope for inward demographic expansion within NSW and QLD. Alongside more viable and lucrative outward expansion options. Making NRL increasingly popular and rich. Which, looping back to my first theory, probably won't do AFL any harm. Hence, I reckon fans of either or both codes can afford to relax and enjoy the ride.

Plus the effects of Origin.

If Fitzroy eliminate Geelong, GF TV ratings will be interesting.

Not by much. I'll wait for someone to mention free tickets.

@Sports Prophet appears to be sulkily incommunicado on the subject of Fumbles. Hence, I can only ask rhetorically what he makes of the two PFs. No Melbourne clubs. Suspect even the keenest of Western Sydney expansionists were relieved Fitzroy beat the Giants.

A high kick isn't a merely passive tactic, hoping to force an error. Attacking players can challenge for the ball. Anything can happen off a tap back or rebound. Other types of kick are available. As is keeping the ball alive with desperation offloading. Best argument against the 2-point FG is to imagine what the NRL would have lost had there been 2 points between the teams towards the end of the 2015 GF i.e. if the Cowboys had used their final possession to set up a FG attempt rather than go for the try.

Latest reports say the game will be played at Allianz. Highly unlikely to repeat the 2016 prelim crowd v Cowboys. Pity it's Friday and/or the opposition isn't a big Sydney team. Finals week 2 Rabbitohs/Sharks got almost 40k at Allianz in 2022 on Saturday.

Bigger bandwagon than non-league Soccer clubs at the FA Trophy final.

Haven't seen official confirmation. CommBank is the consensus on social media. Story seems to be - NRL wanted Allianz, Sharks strongly opposed, CommBank proposed by NRL in bid to force Sharks to accept Allianz and make more effort to get their fans to attend. Check out Dino's fatalism in SMH. More or less hoisting the white flag to South Melbourne.

Looks as though Cronulla will play their semi against the Cowboys at CommBank. Hilariously, their management wanted Shark Park. If that's too big, there's always the field at Cronulla High School. Looming contrast on Friday with the Swans prelim at a full SCG. Widespread angst on LU. Prising Sharks fans out of the Shire is a tough one at the best of times. Got a nasty feeling most will be on their sofas for next week's game.

Just checked and the answer is yes. New name to me. Had her down as a lineout jumper, picked up from the RAF Union squad. I'll refine my appraisal to "Could develop into a real weapon at a top 4 WSL club". Final score Navy 18 RAF 22. In addition to stoppages from high shots and ruck infringements, the game was repeatedly held up for injuries. Plenty of good moments though. Alongside two or three occasions where the ref was either hit by brain fades or didn't know the rules.

Laxity over PTB rules, combined with phantom forward pass calls, can mean (as others have noted) that too many tries are the product of sheer weight of pressure rather than skill and creativity. Said pressure resulting simply from the speed of the game. Due to media and fan ignorance, officials constantly cop it for missing supposed forward passes. Game threads on TRL and LU are the favourite haunts of crazy fulminating forwardpassphobes. Being optimistic, perhaps refs occasionally feeling the heat after incorrectly calling one is a salutary corrective. Reminds them where the benefit of the doubt should naturally belong.

What happened to Nirada Phonsaya?

Been watching the first half of the Inter-Services Navy v RAF game from Friday. Decent standard. RAF have a very tall back-rower. Could develop into a real weapon at a WSL club. Some poor tackling technique. Too many high shots. Without knowing anything of the players' backgrounds, I'm presuming most are relatively new to the game. Which, as is often the case, made the ruck hard to police. Several tackled players, after getting to their feet, would spend time setting themselves and having a good look around before placing the ball. Rulebook - "Speed essential: The play-the-ball must be performed as quickly as possible. Any player who intentionally delays the bringing of the ball into play shall be penalised" Are refs conversant with the above? The bloke yesterday did nothing in response to palpable delay. Thus making a rod for his own back. It's not credible to penalise markers for jumping the gun when the PTB is so laboured. Which results in unwarranted pressure on dummy-halves and stultified mess.

I liked how Keara Bennett got back onside for her try. Some players switch off after passing the ball close to the goal-line.