@mariner4life said in NRL 2026:
what idiot picked Parra to be big movers this year? Absolute dogshit from them. Melbourne played at a different speed than the Eels, and Parra's middle defence just straight up disappeared.
And who picked Melbourne to slide? They look fucking better than last year. Where did all those dynamic young forwards come from?
First team eliminated from premiership contention and it's only the 3rd game.
Craig Bellamy is a fucking marvel.
I had Parra in my top 4! And still do lol. They fluffed their lines badly yesterday, but it's also round 1 away at Melbourne. A bad one, yes, but, they also have a tough fixture out of the way early. They were messy, Grant did what he wanted, and they looked to score off every play. I'd say they were more underdone than anything. One thing I will say about Parra though on attack is how much Tallin Da Silva fucks up their attack from dummy half. He ain't on the same playbook as the rest of the team. Just play Riley Smith for 80. He's a dud pickup for them so far.
I also have Melbourne 3rd. They won't ever collapse under Bellamy, and their spine is still stronger than ever. Expect a lot more play to come through Harry Grant this year, and it was evident last night. As long as Melbourne's spine is strong (which it is), then they will never collapse out of the 8.
Agree with the above. Melbourne spine were playing like it was finals football in round one. Chan and Lisati both showed what a dud Blore is (another Tiger offload). I doubt any team matched the Storm last night, question is, can they maintain the momentum especially if injuries to Grant, Hughes or Munster
@bayimports said in NRL 2026:
Agree with the above. Melbourne spine were playing like it was finals football in round one. Chan and Lisati both showed what a dud Blore is (another Tiger offload). I doubt any team matched the Storm last night, question is, can they maintain the momentum especially if injuries to Grant, Hughes or Munster
In order, I have Grant, Hughes then Munster in terms of importance. Grant has an ability to carry the team on his own if need be. Hughes gives the side direction and can get his side to the right parts of the field, but if you take away Grant, it gives Hughes too much to do and allows sides to gang up on him at first receiver, and as much as I rate Munster, he don't function as well without those other 2.
@African-Monkey don't disagree here at all. On the flip side I think Munster's 2nd half last night will be overlooked because of how easy they had it, but he gave them kittens and was at the heart of everything.
An underlooked offseason non-move for the Storm was managing to somehow keep Wishart. He's so valuable as a bench player.
@African-Monkey said in NRL 2026:
@bayimports said in NRL 2026:
Agree with the above. Melbourne spine were playing like it was finals football in round one. Chan and Lisati both showed what a dud Blore is (another Tiger offload). I doubt any team matched the Storm last night, question is, can they maintain the momentum especially if injuries to Grant, Hughes or Munster
In order, I have Grant, Hughes then Munster in terms of importance. Grant has an ability to carry the team on his own if need be. Hughes gives the side direction and can get his side to the right parts of the field, but if you take away Grant, it gives Hughes too much to do and allows sides to gang up on him at first receiver, and as much as I rate Munster, he don't function as well without those other 2.
They played without Grant for a lot last year (and when he was there he was below his best). He was certainly the pick last night though. Hughes though the last two years has been the great conductor for me, hence would rank him number one. Also having Katoa on his shoulder and catching high balls has also helped. If either of Chan or Lisati (or both) can add that aerial skill, then watch out the rest of us.
@mariner4life said in NRL 2026:
Any time all the hyphens are named i just assume we're fucked.
Hopefully someone has explained to DWZ that the expression "use the touchline as defender" doesn't mean that it will make the tackle for you.
@mariner4life Wishart will be a Bear in 2027.
Not getting ahead of myself but that conversion important, lead 16 and not 14. Don’t know how many games we have lost when leading by 14.
Still it’s the wahs new territory is always possible. Fun watch so far though (can’t help but wait for thud)
@MacDazzler said in NRL 2026:
Wishart will be a Bear in 2027.
Not necessarily, re the early comment about player managers @mariner4life
Wow wahs showed up, sure we had the rub of the green and thankfully ref largely overruled. But effort from team was outstanding.
Hats off to Tanah Boyd everyone waiting for Metcalf and puts in a performance like that, well done that man