sidelined

Gathering storm clouds at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford 24/02/07

Last night was my first NRL game of the season watching the Sharks against the Rabbitohs at Gosford. The game didn’t reach any great heights especially with the rain that marred the second half. The Sharks played the better wet weather football and deserved to win 22-4. Still, Bunnies fans left feeling okay about the result. Souths did play some good footy in the first half and lead 4-0 at half time. One thing I noted was new recruit Dean Widders spending a lot of time in the centres.

The best move of the night was yours truly noticing ponchos for sale at the beer stand (as we were in the eastern stand and could see the storm approaching). Came in quite handy during the second half.

The big news from the round of trails was the Gold Coast Titans 22-10 win over the Eels. Matt Rogers also made his return to league. Eels fans shouldn’t worry. The word is that coach Hagan was pleased with the effort and not too concerned with the result.

In other results, a near full strength Canberra went down to a combined Queensland Cup squad. We all know that trial form is not a good indicator of regular season form but those that have Canberra as wooden spoon favourites will be happy.

The Bulldogs beat the Dragons 26-16 but lost winger Matt Utai with an ankle injury.

Newcastle went all the way to Darwin to beat Penrith 30-18 in atrocious conditions. The footage of game on the news showed a very waterlogged ground.

Jamie ‘Judas” Lyons turned out for the first time for Manly and helped them to a 30-20 win over the Melbourne Storm.

Benji Marshall made a surprise return to football the Tigers trial game against the Souths Logan Queensland Cup side. Tigers won 20-10.

Finally, the North Queensland Cowboys outscored the New Zealand Warriors 32-14 in Mackay.

Footy is almost upon us once again and I’m loving it.

Elsewhere: David attended the West Tigers v Souths Logan game. Plenty of pics and some great scenes from an old school suburban league ground.