Game seems faster and less wrestle in the tackle with the new third man in rule. Def better. Crowds disappointing but TV audiences strong. Looks like NRL is going to be a sport for TV more and more.

The NRL is more interested in flogging bucket loads of KFC to it's armchair fans on Nine and Foxtel, hence the inordinate number of times decisions are being sent to the video ref. The Eels/Warriors fixture in particular was an absolute joke in that respect. Gotta get as many KFC ads in as possible.

The commentators mentioned the 3rd man rule as making the game quicker but Sterlo was quick to point out that this could just mean more dummy half scooting and less variation in the play. I’d argue that if the game becomes too quick in that respect then they should cut the distance between the sides from 10m to 8m.

Doubt that will happen though.

cynical as ever Bill!

Albert Kelly went further than any other player https://twitter.com/OptaJason/status/443198578320621568

Albert Kelly went further than any other player https://twitter.com/OptaJason/status/443198578320621568

NRL website seems to have ironed out most of the stats problems this week. quite like the timeline for each game which is a bit like a rlfans game thread without the bitching about attendances. superleague website needs a bit of a revamp i think - not a big fan of its current format

Melbourne v Penrith was a corker.

In the last 3 minutes alone there was 3 drop goals and a missed penalty kick on the 40m right on the hooter from penrith which would have won the game, instead they lost.

Expanding on bills point, why does the RFL not sell advertising rights for the big screen? They might as well take advantage of the fact every second decision seems to get referred, or have I missed something?

watched every game round 1 and round 2 so far.

Must be less than 20 tries NOT gone to video ref.

as mentioned above must be milking the KFc ads

Managed to do it today.
Pat Richards has slotted seamlesssly back into NRL action.
Another big points haul today.
Class act.

Gareth widdop yet to miss a kick at goal for the dragons