Despite it being a tough season, with the CO-VID19 pandemic impacting the sporting world, and all industries, the NRL resumed after two rounds were played prior to formal restrictions being announced.
It’s been a very different season, with some disruption to play. This year it’s been shortened to 20 rounds (instead of 24 rounds), plus four weeks of finals. In May, The NRL Commision also announced controversial changes for the rest of the 2020 season in a bid to improve the game.
Two major changes were announced: the introduction of six more tackles rather than a penalty for ruck infringements, and a return to one on-field referee.
This means that the attacking team is given another six tackles (another six chances to play the ball, get up the field and try to score a try) if the opposing team infringes at "the ruck" (the area surrounding a tackled player). Previously, the attacking team would be given a penalty for these "ruck infringements".
The other rule change, involving the re-introduction of the one-referee system, means that there is just one central whistleblower on the field instead of two. Essentially, decisions in partnership with the lead referee and the two touch judges, is now gone.
Round 1 was a warm up for 2019’s Premiership holders, the Roosters. They were six points down (14) to the Penrith Panthers. On the other hand, the New Zealand Warriors desperately needed a boost, scoring nothing (0) to their opponents, The Newcastle Knights (20). Experienced premiership champions, The Rabbitohs (22) and The Sharks (18) flexed, both teams playing hard, with only 3 points separating them by the end of the match.
In Round 2 The Sea Eagles fought hard to stay out of a tie (9), only just defeating the Roosters (8), while The Parramatta Eels picked up their second consecutive win.
The Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights tied at 14 points each in Round 3, while the Warriors dominated the Illawarra Dragons who dismally scored 0 by the end of their match — a reverse Round 1 win for the Warriors. This round, the Eels took another win home (34) against the Broncos (6), making it three in a row for the season so far. The Eagles’ win (32) to the Bankstown Bulldogs also made it their second consecutive win, while The Roosters showed they still had premiership blood in them (28), defeating their rivals, The Rabbitohs (12).
Again in Round 4, the Roosters stole the show (59), handing the Brisbane Broncos their biggest ever loss and ending the match scoreless (0). In Round 5, spectators were permitted at a limited capacity. This round also saw Manly make an epic comeback from halftime; struggling at 0, then going on to defeat the Broncos (18) by two points (20). After Round 6, The Warriors’ coach, Stephen Kearney was sacked. Their scoreless games (Round 1 and 4), and their inconsistent performance was concerning. He was replaced by assistant coach Todd Payten.
Fast forward to Round 10 and things were getting serious, marking the halfway point of the season.There was an epic 2019 Grand Final rematch between the Roosters (20) and the Canberra Raiders, but unlike last year, the Raiders saw victory (24). A crucial match was played between Manly and the Eels. Manly’s win here (22) meant the Eels (18) were no longer on top of the ladder. The Broncos played poorly this round, scoring nothing (0) to the Wests Tigers (48).
After Round 13, the top 8 on the ladder are:
Penrith Panthers (23)
Melbourne Storm (22)
Parramatta Eels (22)
Sydney Roosters (18)
Canberra Raiders (16)
Newcastle Knights (15)
South Sydney Rabbitohs (14)
Cronulla Sharks (14)
Although it hasn’t been set in stone, it’s said that the Finals will be held in Sydney — potentially the Sydney Cricket Ground or Bankwest Stadium, if ANZ Stadium is not an option.
Whatever happens, your local pub is the best spot to watch and experience the thrill of the NRL Finals action Live, Loud & Free! Be sure to head over to your local pub, so you don’t miss a beat of the game!