The champion halfback kept a hand problem secret for a fortnight. But it’s the shoulder which will be most scrutinised as he was warned it could go in the first minute of the decider.
Not since top grade rugby league started in Australia in 1908 has a team ever wore a pink jersey in a grand final. But that’s about to change - and it will spark a million-dollar rush from Penrith fans.
In an explosive start to grand final week,the league has made a decision on the Panthers coach after his criticism of match officials following a controversial call in the preliminary final.
The Panthers coach doesn’t whinge about referees for fun. By the letter of the law,his complaint over the Bunker’s decision to disallow Sunia Turuva’s try for obstruction was justified.
The Panthers wrote the code to their own computer game,where even their errors were merely robotic variations in their own simulated reality.
The Melbourne player who deserved to feel the most satisfaction and joy late Friday night was Ryan Papenhuyzen.
Shawn Blore has the chance to go from last one season to first the next – and former Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens could not be happier.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been hit with a hefty four-match ban,but Melbourne haven’t given up on his grand final dream just yet.
With contestants from Queensland and NSW,and the traditional AFL states all watching,this could be the most-watched grand final ever.
Australian rugby league chief Peter V’landys and AFL boss Andrew Dillon are using their sway with political leaders to stop a total digital ad ban.
Nicho Hynes wears the No.7,but after Cronulla broke their finals hoodoo,there’s no doubt who runs the show in the Shire.