The Utilities Mail

NRL

The season starts like every other, with two games that will quickly become insignificant once we are in the swing of things. However, this year, the media has not overhyped the performances of the winning sides but instead fixated on Spencer Leniu's racial slur on Ezra Mam. I don't condone the action, but the fact that this is the only talking point is disappointing. The reaction to the event from teammates is caught vividly on film, and the match committee should be able to come up with a charge within a day to get the news cycle moving forward and allow a defence or accepting the charge instead of leaving it in the air and giving unnecessary pressure or attention to Mam.

As for Vegas, it's clear this is exposure to a gambling revenue stream and not much more besides a fantastic holiday for fans. I've noticed some AFL fans find the experiment laughable and quickly need to remember their equally successful foray into the Chinese market. Does it ultimately matter too much whether it succeeds in creating this market, creates fans, or becomes an event? Not really. As long as it is not leaving clubs broke, put it in the meh column.

The second half of opening-round games brings the proper excitement of the league returning. Again, we should only read a little into these games, but how last year's competitive sides, like the Knights and Warriors, approach the games is intriguing. How strugglers like the Dragons and Dogs plan is essential. As is how, also rans like the Raiders, Eels, Titans, and Sharks can outline their intent with wins or decent performances. 

The match of the round is the Storm vs. Panthers, with a battle between Munster and Cleary, a returning Papenhuyzen, and the ongoing storyline of how the Panthers reform after losing players. The Titans and the Cowboys could also be a sneaky good watch.

AFL

The AFL also has its opening round in the northern non-traditional states. Even with good crowds and fixtures, I'm not entirely sure of the point. But again, I'm sure it will not damage the comp either. Four near sellouts is a tremendous effort, and with two prelim replays, a contenders clash, and a new star coach coming up against his old side, the storylines are easily written.

The match of the round is the Giants against the Pies, as the sides have battled in some close-fought finals in recent years, with both sides looking good to repeat their last year's efforts. Any of the matches could have deserved reasonable attention, with the Suns versus the Tigers being a sneaky, watchable game. Both sides have new coaches and are unknown quantities, and it could be a similar level with Dimma leading the Suns against the club he returned to glory.

Of course, all the media attention was on Jimmy Webster's hit on Simpkin. This was obviously an utterly unnecessary hit and got the time it deserved. The AFL has been behind the NRL on its decisions regarding head knocks, but if it is consistent with serious penalties for obvious shots like this, it is on a good path.

Highlight of the week

Luke Brooks is enjoying playing football for the Eagles after so much criticism and being part of a lousy organisation for so long, coping with the brunt of the media and fans' attention merely for being loyal to the club. If he has a decent season that goes under the radar of scrutiny, this man will welcome it with open arms. A move that could have come sooner. Some inside-outside passing, nearly combo with Trbo, troubling kicks and capping the contest with a solo run try to get him over the line this week.

Sport going on elsewhere

I'm a massive proponent of Football's (soccer's) second division in England, the championship, and I am once again here to say keep an eye on it. It has a bit of everything. Usually, at least the first is sealed by now, but Leicester City have begun to get a bit shaky, while Ipswich Town, who came up from the third tier, are making a good run of going up while Southampton and Leeds have begun to put it together at the right time. Everyone can do something at the top or bottom half of the table except Rotherham, who are nailed onto the bottom. There are ten games to go and are worth keeping an eye on.

YouTube moments

Some classics to look back at from both sports:

A brilliant kick return with a great bit of vision from Bowen passing off to Ty Williams, with some ordinary Manly defense taking nothing away from the attackers.

There are few better mark and goal highlight reels than Tony Modras's best for the Crows and a sprinkling of late-stage Dockers moments.

Quotes

"The future of the Bulldogs is in the building. It's here now our next best NRL team is actually in the building. It mightn't be in our top 30 at the moment. Not all of those top thirty might not survive the long term and nor should they. But it is certainly in our pathways".

Phil Gould

with one that is appropriate for all teams at the start of the year and what they are trying to build.

Finishing with some inspiring if not confusing words from Richmond Tigers legendary player and coach "Captain Blood" Jack Dyer: 

"Retaliate first"

"I only have two words for you men- Believe in yourselves"

"If you are not in bed by twelve o'clock, go home"

Jack Dyer 

Enjoy the Week of Football.