Uncool Dad’s Round 4 Recap
To steal a quote from one of the Fox commentators over the weekend – “The 2023 NRL season is the gift that keeps on giving.” Almost every team in the NRL has stepped up to the fight and it seems that no game is easy. There’s been so many tough contests and quality matches with this round being no exception. Let’s recap what happened in Round 4.
Thursday
Thursday night footy kicked off the round with a grand final replay. The Eels had yet another home match at their great stadium, this time hosting Penrith. I really gave the Eels next to no chance in this game. Their side, although not lacking in effort, were starting to look a shadow of the 2022 version. But in typical Eels style, they came up with a performance for the ages and knocked over the premiers.
No team in footy history can put in a shocker against a poor side but then perform miracles against the best like the Eels! Anyway, Parra were outstanding, making only a couple of errors all match. Penrith were good too and would have beaten most other teams but for once they were outdone at their own game.
Friday
There was more misery for Tigers fans in the early Friday match with Wests stinking up the place with another diabolical performance. They went a bit better in the second half but the damage was done early. The Storm are clearly struggling with their current line-up but didn’t have too much trouble here. It’s as clear as day that the persistence with Luke Brooks has really run its course yet it still goes on. The poor guy is playing with no confidence and needs to start again elsewhere.
The second Friday game was billed as being a massive blockbuster but I didn’t really share the same enthusiasm. Being a Sydney-centric Souths fan I wasn’t too fussed but it ended up being another top game. I thought Brisbane were pretty cocky here and could have won more comfortably with less bone-headed plays. Guys like Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo and the like are exciting players but they can overplay their hand often. The Dolphins were brave once more and weren’t too far off, however, injuries are starting to strike the 2023 debutants.
Saturday
Onto Saturday with only two games scheduled with the first being the Titans travelling to Townsville to play the Cowboys. I didn’t see much of this as I was on the way to the Bunnies game, but it seems like NQ did enough against a GC side that lost Brimson and Foran to injury. A much needed win for the Cows but the Titans aren’t the pushover side they were last year and are making improvements.
I was at the main game to cheer on my Rabbitohs against an undefeated Manly side. The stage was set for Souths who were looking to grab their second win as well as honour club legend John Sattler. I’m completely biased of course but the Rabbitohs do such a top job at this sort of thing. The remembrance of the great John Sattler was done in such a classy way, I felt so proud of my inclusive club and happy that family, friends and supporters got a chance to take part in his farewell.
In an error-ridden but gripping match, both sides refused to give in and scores were deadlocked at full-time. Thankfully, Lachy Ilias slotted a fine field goal to grab the win for the home side. Absolute scenes followed with the Souths faithful rejoicing in a super tough victory given the circumstances of the occasion and the injuries we had. There’s no place I’d rather be when Souths get these special wins. With my son and close friends by my side and Rabbitohs fans going absolutely nuts everywhere, it’s simply the best feeling.
Sunday
Super Saturday became Super Sunday with three games to look forward to. First up, was the Warriors taking on the Bulldogs at a packed to the rafters Mt Smart Stadium. The days of the erratic NZ are long gone as they stormed back to beat the Dogs 16-14. It’s so unusual to see a resilient Warriors but their newfound toughness is great to watch. Particularly after the difficult years they’ve had because of COVID. The Dogs were good again but their inability to score in the second half is becoming a problem.
I have to admit to not seeing very much of the Newcastle v Canberra game. I was too busy dazzling the crowd with my speech at my son’s cricket preso for his U12’s team. Well done to the Knights though, they’ve found a hardness which has been lacking just like the Warriors. This must be a huge relief for their long-suffering fans as they finally got a home win for them! Disappointing loss for Canberra though.
In a stunning turn of events, my wife was considering watching the Sharks v Dragons game instead of MAFS as she was 7/7 in her tips and on the Dragons! Unfortunately for me, the urge passed quickly and the revolting MAFS was turned on meaning I had to watch the match on a tablet… Luckily she didn’t watch as the Dragons were absolutely hammered. There hasn’t been many blowouts this year but this was certainly one. The Sharkies looked a completely different side with Hynes calling the shots and just like that, they’re contenders again.
Round 5 Preview
Watch out for next round’s preview after the team lists drop on Bunnies TV. As always, there’ll be plenty of tips, bets and biased Rabbitoh insight!
Uncool Dad’s Round 4 Recap
Greg Allan
Add comment