The first round of the NRL done and dusted. Roosters beaten in an upset.
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No one from Bondi blaming the dreaded coronavirus.
"They may not be "the pea": for the premiership that plenty of good judges think they are," is the tip from Fox commentator and one-time Kangaroo front rower, Steve Roach.
Roach is one of the most astute analysts I've listened to.
His knowledge of the game far exceeds his reputation of a "take no prisoners" prop forward.
So why does "Blocker" have reservations about the Roosters bid for a "three peat?"
"I can't see them overcoming the retirement of Cooper Cronk," says the one with a front rower's nose.
"Cronk's replacement, Kyle Flanaghan has terrific potential. But he is not ready for the hurly burly of NRL first grade."
That was obvious in the Roosters' six-point loss to Perth 9 on Sunday.
"Teams that have won premierships have had a five-star halfback.
"Greg Alexander, Cronk, Andrew Johns, Alfie Langer, Stevie Mortimer, Billy Smith, Peter Sterling-the magnificent seven.
Each endowed with match-winning qualities-organisers, leaders. Always taking the right options.
"Flanaghan doesn't lack effort. In fact, he may be a victim of youthful exuberance. Will be a couple of years before he lights the fuse."
Blocker wants to emphasise he wasn't blaming Flanaghan for the loss to the Panthers.
"I like the young man but I am paid to judge on performance.
He had a big pack going forward he said.Blocker enjoyed his football on the weekend.
"The big forwards left their mark in just about every game. All the winners had forwards charging down the middle," he salivated.
"Haven't seen that for a long time. Even second-rower Josh Jackson, leading the Bulldogs, was man-of-the match in a beaten team."
Quote of Round One:
"The way the New Zealand Warriors played against the Knights, I'd be telling them to swim home..." Blocker, who else!
