By CASEY O’CONNOR
THE leadership of Greg Inglis has been a delight to watch in the opening rounds of the NRL 2015.
Handed the captaincy at Souths after John Sutton’s fall from favour, Inglis is definitely owning the roll. He is more involved, more animated and more passionate.
While the pressure of captaincy sometimes has a negative effect on players, Inglis is taking his game to a new level.
Fans in the Burrow are beside themselves and Roosters fans cock a hoop after another win but it is Newcastle who are the surprise performers thus far. While more fancied sides are yet to get on the board, the Knights are three from three.
In other performances, the video refs are under scrutiny and the concussion ruling is itself suffering some headaches.
The Eels and Bunnies go head to head at Pirtek and the Tigers and Canterbury are in action at ANZ to open proceedings in round four.
The Eels felt all the wrath of the Warriors last weekend. The Warriors looked intent on posting a cricket score, leading 22-0 after 21 minutes. Unfortunately their intensity dropped off in the second half opening the door for the Eels.
Poor handling in the first half set the tone for the Eels, however they showed plenty of ticker to almost pull off a miraculous comeback.
The Eels can ill afford any early mistakes against the Bunnies. Already under pressure from the injury bug Nathan Peats is in doubt. The Bunnies’ Dylan Walker was either brave or crazy depending on your view playing with a fractured hand in Sunday’s game. The injury to his paw is likely to sideline him for several weeks.
The Bunnies will not find this an easy game but there should be more celebrations in the Burrow.
The Tigers played well in patches against the Bunnies. They dominated the opening stages making several unrewarded trips to the Bunnies line. Their intensity dropped off either side of half time, and despite the final score line lost no admirers.
The Dogs somehow dragged the points back to the kennel after an arm wrestle at Brookvale. The enthusiasm and flair of the Tigers might be the difference in what is shaping as a great Friday night.
The Knights are three from three after their best start to any NRL season. They outlasted the Titans in a nail-biter on Sunday at CBUS Stadium showing great composure to nail the win.
The Panthers, their opponents this week did little wrong in round three against the Chooks. They were simply outplayed.
Perhaps the Panthers will burst the Knight’s bubble in a close one.
Blue’s brothers Paul Gallen and Greg Bird look set to go head to head this weekend at Remondis stadium but Greg Bird may have another appointment with the judiciary.
The Titans are zip from three but have not had much go their way.
They have lost two home games by a combined total of three points. The return of Greg Bird, Dave Taylor and Beau Falloon definitely had a positive effect on the team.
The Sharks are yet to open their account this season.
Against an improving Melbourne Storm their dismal defence was highlighted. The game at Remondis could go either way. Perhaps the home ground advantage will swing things in the Sharks favour.
St George surprised many, putting their Canberra hoodoo behind them to steal the points in the capital as the Raiders squandered an 18-0 lead. The Dragons were their own worst enemies in a first half littered with errors, second rate defence and poor choices.
Eagles skipper Jamie Lyon was sidelined with a leg injury after training last week and his organisational skills and ability with the boot were missing. The Eagles should make amends this week.
The Broncos cross the ditch after a convincing win over the Cowboys. It was a solid win but coach Bennett – always a hard taskmaster – is looking for more improvement. Fans are just pleased to keep the season going in the right direction.
The Warriors are a fitter, faster group this season – however they dropped intensity in the second half against the Eels. A repeat here will be inviting trouble. The Broncos may kick home another winner here.
Rooster’s fans have plenty to crow about already and against the Raiders there should be more joy. Unless Ricky’s boys can conjure something special, this could be a nightmare for the Raiders.
There have been plenty of nightmares for the JT, Paul Green and the Cowboys. No rainbows on the horizon this week.
They travel to Melbourne to take on the Storm on Monday night. Matt Scott is facing sanction for an uncharacteristic high shot and if suspended there will be more howls from the Cowboys. Teams however make their own luck and the Cowboy’s will need plenty of it in this game.
The Storm is building and should add another win here.
Casey’s Tips
Souths
Tigers
Penrith
Sharks
Sea Eagles
Broncos
Roosters
Storm
