Vossy’s Verdict: Slap on the wrist that won’t stop ugly NRL trend from continuing – Fox Sports

Heres my verdict on Round 9.
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Cowboys v Roosters
Round 9
One of the more remarkable games of the season. Its not often youll see a match have one side leading 6-nil through 32 minutes and by the 64th minute they trail 42 to 6.
It was an embarrassing collapse by the Cowboys, as the Roosters turned up the heat after half time.
Norman’s dazzling try
0:34
Titans v Warriors
Wont go down as one of the games of the season but kept me watching. Gritty stuff by the Titans, showing steady improvement under coach Holbrook.
Rabbitohs v Tigers
If Adam Reynolds kicks a little better this game is well and truly over a long way from full-time. Rabbitohs came with a plan and executed well against a spluttering Tigers.
The no-Benji time is over. Hell be back next week.
‘Duff the magic Dragon!’
0:39
Sharks v Panthers
80 points in 80 minutes. And heres the verdict Penrith look like a team that will play finals football, while the Sharks are pretenders.
The Panthers way too good.
Broncos v Bulldogs
Its been a long time between drinks for Brisbane.
Dont want to spoil the moment but I dont know that I saw too much to shout from the rooftops.
The Bulldogs didnt offer much. Theres not a side in the competition they would have challenged. Both teams have problems.
Debutant flouts Covid rules
0:58
Raiders v Storm
Back to back weeks the Storm have accounted for the two grand finalists from last year.
They are still a heavyweight in the NRL.
Raiders had a few tough calls but lets not overlook the fact they only have themselves to blame for conceding the try to Brenko Lee in the first half, and the bombed four pointer by Elliot Whitehead.
Knights v Eels
Torrid game of footy but the Eels have made winning a habit. Brad Arthur probably most pleased with only conceding one try and that was from dummy half.
Then again, Adam OBrien would more than likely see it as a positive for his team to only leak two tries to the competition leaders.
Dragons v Sea Eagles
I thought a really solid effort from the Dragons after a sluggish start.
Manly has lost its way and their problems are more than just the absence of superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic.
Hold off on buying the grand final tickets Dragons fans, but things are looking a lot brighter than just over a month ago.
LIKES
Cameron Smith: Take a little time for this one to sink in. Saturday night was the 300th win of his first grade career. This is incredible given only 38 other players in premiership history have even played 300 or more games. Cameron must be bloody good by now at singing the Storm team song!
Broncos end losing streak
2:45
Matt Ikuvalu: Feel good story of Round 9. What an incredible night in Townsville. The first Rooster in 65 years to score 5 tries in a match. It was his first game in almost 4 months and now possibly doesnt know when his next NRL game will be.
Charlie Staines: Feel good story number two. So happy for this young bloke and his family and friends who watched on at Kogarah. But I also love when a country club is represented in the NRL in this way. Hope everyone at the Forbes Magpies is walking a little taller this week!
Doomsday looms for Pay
1:22
Anthony Seibold: Sure it was only against the bottom placed side but a wins a win.
Cooper Cronk: As the weeks pass on Fox League, we are all learning why Cooper Cronk was such a great player. If you havent heard his commentary, do yourself a favour. We have a terrific team of experts but Coopers analysis before, during and after games is first class. This columnist is learning plenty just listening every week.
DISLIKES
Cannonball (legs) tackles: Had a chance over the weekend to really make a statement against these types of tackles, but ended up dishing out a slap on the wrist for a tackle that will sideline Broncos skipper Alex Glenn for up to eight weeks.
‘That’s a really ugly sight’
0:35
Latrell Mitchell: The up and down season for Latrell continues. Dumb play now costs his team in the coming weeks as the Rabbitohs try and find consistency.
The Cowboys defence: Last week it was their right side ripped apart by the Eels, and this week the Roosters ran riot down their left. Leaking so many points. Where to for Paul Greens team in 2020?
The Bailey Simonsson sin-binning: Cant help but think the non-sin-binning of Bradman Best the previous week at Brookvale contributed to the decision made here. This was such a tough call against the young winger and the Raiders. Canberra should have had a 20 metre restart. Instead they were penalised, reduced to 12, and then conceded a try a minute later. Thats some turning point.
‘Whirlwind’ four-try debutant
2:19
Josh Hodgsons injury: Could have cried for the bloke on Saturday night. Did his left knee at the 2017 World Cup, and now the right one to end his 2020 season. I dont believe Canberra is a chance of winning the competition without him.
****
Make sure you tune into The Fan this week at 7.30pm Tuesday night on Fox League.
We actually head off to Wiggles HQ to interview fanatical Tigers fan Anthony Field (the blue Wiggle). He is such a passionate fan with a huge love of the game and his club.
Twitter: @AndrewVossy

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