sidelined

It was a gorgeous, almost early autumn, evening on Gosford last night for the trail between the Sharks and the Rabbitohs. If you have never been to Bluetongue Stadium it is a great ground for watching footy. And when you have the beautiful sight of the lights on the water behind the southern end of the ground as the last of the day bows to fate, it makes for a great place to watch league.

Which is what I did with help from Bismarck O’Measles and the father in law yester evening.

The Bunbuns flogged the hapless Sharks 44 nil. The games to the two teams played were very different. The Sharks were an unorganised rabble, obviously missing Bird and Gallen. You wouldn’t have thunk it by his lack of presence but Kimmorley did play the first half. The Shark’s attack was non-existent.

The Bunnies turned up with intent and turned it on for the crowd of about 6,000. JT has obviously worked on their passing game was slick and on the money. It troubled the Sharks throughout the night. One offload by John Sutton that sparked a raid down the right touchline in the second half sublime.

Last year, the Bunnies had a great defensive line but lack spark in attack. This year could be a different and if the trail is any guide, the Bunnies will again make the top eight.

And prodigal son Craig Wing returned to the fold in the second half. After scoring a try, the rapturous reception that greeted him as the returned to await the kick-off showed that the fans were happy to have him back.

To be fair, the Sharks were understrength. But the lack of attack with Kimmorely and new five-eighth, ex-Eel Blake Green is a worry.

In the other trials, Penrith came out on top by 2 points against the mighty Eels. The Roosters got over the Tigers 34-28. The Titans downed the Cowboys 30-22 and the Raiders came from behind to beat the Broncos 32-16.

Finally, the Dragons burnt the Bulldogs 40-30.