The Greatest Game of All

It’s back! Thank God.

7 months of glorious NRL... We welcome you with reenergized voices, clean jerseys, fighting spirit and fresh hope for a prosperous, injury free season.

How many times over the last four months have you imagined Ray Warren’s familiar and comforting words of wisdom swimming through your head? How many times have you walked past a sports store or seen another rugby league enthusiast wearing your teams merchandise and felt as though you have an obligation to high five them or comment on their excellent choice of outfit? How many times have you fantasized just sitting back with a cold beverage and watching the footy all weekend? How many times have you craved watching your favorite players intercept a pass and run the length of the field, set up a blinder or soar through the air to score those breath-taking, heart-stopping, game-winning tries?

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I know I have! It’s been 150 long days since the Sydney Roosters dashed their way to the top and were awarded both the minor premiership and the National Rugby League Telstra Premiership trophy (beating Manly Sea Eagles in the finals 26 points to a worthy 18).

Months of threatening withdrawal symptoms have been soothed by the timely Rugby League World Cup, held overseas in Britain, France and Ireland. The impressive, bulky, tattooed, somewhat gorgeous New Zealand mob looked sure to excel their way to the top through hard hitting forwards and classy plays, until they were annihilated in the finals to an exceptionally strong Australian team, who won 34-2.

Then came the pre-season training, trial games and the inaugural Auckland Nines Tournament- with the North Queensland Cowboys’ commendable effort giving them a confidence boosting victory. Each game showed a sneak peak of what the season ahead might well shape up to be, yet the excitement, restlessness and anticipation for the full season was rather overwhelming. Two things are for sure: Injuries before the season has begun- not great. Being teased about the closeness of the oncoming season- not great.

But now... We’re here. Round 1. The start of the season. Finally.

Thursday:

(Sydney, ANZ Stadium) Rabbitohs 28 v 8 Roosters

Friday:

(Sydney, ANZ Stadium) Bulldogs 12 v 18 Broncos

Saturday:
(Sydney, Sportingbet Stadium) Panthers 30 v 8 Knights

(Sydney, Brookevale Oval) Manly 22 v 23 Storm
(Queensland, 1300 Smiles Stadium) Cowboys 28 v 22 Raiders

Sunday:

(Sydney, ANZ Stadium) Dragons 44 v 24 Tigers

(Sydney, Pirtek Stadium) Eels 36 v 16 Warriors

Monday:

(Sydney, Remondis Stadium) Sharks 12 v 18 Titans

For those who won, well done. For those who lost, like my beloved Wests Tigers, chin up and stay loud and proud. It’s only Round 1 and there’s hope to come yet- anything can change in an instant. That is the beauty of the game.