Here are talking points in another big week of rugby league.
World Cup kick off
The World Cup kicks off on Friday night with the Kangaroos hosting the English in Melbourne. Rugby League’s version of this event has always had its detractors, but this event looks to have created a little extra interest based on the strengths of some of the line-ups. Given recent events, Tonga’s clash with New Zealand should be a cracker, and Fiji, Samoa, Italy and Lebanon all have splashes of quality NRL talent. It is still difficult to see anyone troubling the might of the Kangaroos, though, particularly if Smith, Cronk and Slater can bring their premiership winning form into the tournament. There is huge pressure on David Kidwell and the Kiwis, though. It was a massive call for the coach to drop Jesse Bromwich and Kevin and Proctor, as well as hooker Isaac Luke, and the subsequent defection of Jason Taumalolo has put the spotlight right on the man in charge. If the Kiwis don’t make the final, Kidwell’s days could be numbered.
Halfback merry go round
It looks all but certain that Cooper Cronk will be at Bondi next year, but it is the subsequent moves which are now most interesting. While the Roosters are adamant that both Mitchell Pearce and Luke Keary aren’t going anywhere, Pearce in particular is being linked with a number of clubs. Manly is the latest to put their hand up, knowing that Blake Green has a deal waiting for him at the Warriors. It still seems odd that Cronk will be playing against his great mates at the Storm, but that’s modern sport, isn’t it? There is much still play out here, and the premiership odds of any side in the mix will be drastically altered once pens are put to paper.
Taylor the Titan
In other number 7 news, Ashley Taylor has inked a significant deal with the Titans, catapulting him into the upper echelons of earners in the game. Clubs are now forced to pay for potential when it comes to halfbacks, such is their importance to a team’s success. All the pressure is now on Taylor to justify the price tag though. This also leaves the Broncos in a predicament, as Taylor’s rumoured return to Brisbane is now off the table. The Broncos cannot win a premiership with Kodi Nikorima and Anthony Milford in the halves. Do they now pull out all stops to tempt Mitchell Pearce to head north? They would appear strange bed fellows, but Pearce would immediately improve the Broncos with his direction and kicking game. Watch this space.
For the latest Rugby League World Cup markets, click here.
Words: Cameron Stokes
