From The Couch: Round 2
From The Couch: Round 2
An Interview for the Ages: There was nothing over the eight games last weekend as close to bringing the same amount of joy to the Rugby League World than that of Peter V’Landys’ interview with Matthew Johns. There is no bigger character in the game. V’Landys knows the character he needs to play. And he plays it to a tee. Vince McMahon would be proud. He mocked the AFL and rugby union. Claimed salvation for the AFL. Talked up his Rugby League credentials. It was captivating viewing and one that told all league fans that their sport is in the right hands.
The Big Gap is Getting Bigger: The jury remains out on the impact of the new rules. There is no doubt the game is significantly faster. There are far fewer penalties. Referees are hiding behind the set restart. The full ramifications are yet to be seen but the one certainty is that they have widened the gap between the haves and the have nots. There is going to be a lot of touch-ups. Usually early season home underdogs are money. They are a long way from that now. The good teams can build momentum. They are better prepared. They have more talent and the new rules allow that to shine at the expense of parity. It is going to be a major story this year. The strong teams are going to have a field day against the poor teams this year, something minus punters are going to lap up.