Cherry on Top
The much-talked-about round 13 is finally upon us and it seems perfectly fitting that the weekend will kick off with Manly travelling to Brisbane to take on the Broncos and speculation rife that halfback Daly Cherry-Evans could turn out despite not being named.
It would seem but fate that the newly minted Eagle-For-Life will play a starring role for the last-placed Manly just days after turning his back on the Titans.
Cherry-Evans announced on Wednesday that he was turning his back on a $3.5 million four-year deal with the Gold Coast to remain with Manly on what is the longest deal in Rugby League history – one that will net him $10 million over 10 years.
It is a move that has left the Titans gasping for air while it is just the news that could propel the Sea Eagles on a mid-season run.
Coach Geoff Toovey will certainly be hoping Cherry-Evans runs out onto Suncorp on Friday and inspires Manly to their fourth win of the season with speculation rife that the Sea Eagles boss – who has guided the club to the finals in each of his three seasons in charge – could be axed with a defeat to the Broncos.
John Cartwright has been touted as a possible interim boss, warming the seat for current Penrith assistant Trent Barrett to take over in 2016.
Manly have won 10 of their last 13 against the Broncos – including four of five in the Geoff Toovey Era – but it would seem records count for little at the Sea Eagles right now as the club, and the game, and the world revolve around one Daly Cherry-Evans.
Rake Race
With the likelihood that New South Wales hooker Robbie Farah will miss Origin II through the shoulder injury he picked up in the series opener, the race to replace the rake is wide open.
It would not be a surprise if any of veteran Michael Ennis, Michael Lichaa, Nathan Peats or Mitch Rein was handed the Blues No.9 jumper.
All will get their last chance to shine this weekend with the most compelling battle coming on Monday afternoon when Lichaa’s Bulldogs meet Rein’s Dragons.
Ennis has been there before and probably has his nose in front, but Lichaa has been among Canterbury’s best this year and his defensive capabilities seem to fit the style that Laurie Daley prefers. He has the most potential of the four and it would be nice to see Blues selectors roll the dice.
Fullback In, Fullback Out
The game of the round certainly looks to be Penrith and Melbourne on Saturday night.
While champion fullback Billy Slater returns for Melbourne in a much-needed inclusion following Monday night’s debacle against the Roosters, Penrith have lost No.1 Matt Moylan to an ankle injury that will sideline him for at least six weeks. The poor old Penny Panthers can’t take a trick with injuries this year.
The Storm were diabolical against the Roosters – “soft as butter” in the words of coach Craig Bellamy – and desperately need Slater back on the park. He is the Storm’s voice, their heartbeat, their organiser and will go into the Penrith clash with plenty of expectation.
It is the opposite story for the Panthers who must adjust to life without their best player. Moylan ranks second in the NRL in try assists with 11 in 11 games and nobody is sure where Penrith are going to find that kind of production with the spine named for this week having 11 in 30 combined appearances.
The Storm have won 13 of their last 14 against the Panthers and it is hard to see a Penrith without Matt Moylan beating the powerhouses from Melbourne.
Roger That
There is no player in the game currently who creates more giddiness than Roosters fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
He created a spectacular try last weekend against the Storm. His 2,499 metres made is an incredible – and that is the only word for it – 703 metres ahead of second-place. He ranks top three in tackle breaks. He can step off both feet, can slide through any gap, can make good defenders look poor.
Watching him is one of the true pleasures in Rugby League. He does something spectacular every week. This Sunday against the Sharks will be no different.
Record Run to Roll On for Cowboys
North Queensland will cap off round 13 against the Eels at Parramatta Stadium looking to extend their club record winning streak to 10 straight games.
Only two clubs in the last seven years have won 10 straight games.
And North Queensland have certainly slipped under the radar more than any team over the last decade chasing a 10th-straight victory, not even favourites for the premiership crown.
They dug deep last weekend against Manly and against a rejuvenated Parramatta will need to do same.
But with few teams possessing their class or depth – and no club lucky enough to have Johnathan Thurston calling the shots – it is a streak that should continue a while yet with the Raiders and Sharks on the slate following the Eels on Monday.
