2025 Season

So more than likely Hugh’s out for the rest of the season, Nelson 3 match ban and Paps 11 day concussion stand down.

For me this shows the NRL should have a week break before finals games. I think the AFL do it. It just gives the teams a rest and any injuries might have. You want to see the best guys playing finals.
 
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So more than likely Hugh’s out for the rest of the season, Nelson 3 match ban and Paps 11 day concussion stand down.

For me this shows the NRL should have a week break before finals games. I think the AFL do it. It just gives the teams a rest and any injuries might have. You want to see the best guys playing finals.
I couldn’t disagree more.

Most in AFL don’t like it. It does nothing to help the game. Sure it’s disappointing for star players to miss games. Unfortunately its part of the game

Huges injury could happen in any game and would rule him out for around 6 weeks, so it won’t help him

Nelson got himself suspended, so that’s on him. Don’t do high shots and it’s no longer an issue and an extra week off doesn’t reduce his suspension

Papps would miss the next game if it was week one, 2 or 3 of the finals. Are you suggesting we have a week off between every finals game so those who get concussed won’t miss a game
 
I think a bye week would be a good idea. The resting of players is a farce. Also stops short turnarounds etc being an advantage. Raiders for example play against on Sunday 72 hours after the Broncos played.
 
People criticise Pezet for not signing with us but look, there he is, about to play in a final for a team that finished 2nd this season...

Criticism is still valid, Pezet could not have forseen Hughes was going to get back to back injuries. Sure, injuries happen and he was going to get some runs in NRL, but this is just super luck for Pezet. Good on him, but the smart play was to sign for the Knights, play NRL for a few seasons, then leave to a team up the ladder.

Or stay if we are killing it. Even after this run of games for him is done, he will be back in reggies whilst Hughes takes the spot.

Just as easily could have been Hughes playing this years GF (If storm make it) and Pezet watching from home on the telly.

Easy to post this stuff in hindsight.
 
I couldn’t disagree more.

Most in AFL don’t like it. It does nothing to help the game. Sure it’s disappointing for star players to miss games. Unfortunately its part of the game

Huges injury could happen in any game and would rule him out for around 6 weeks, so it won’t help him

Nelson got himself suspended, so that’s on him. Don’t do high shots and it’s no longer an issue and an extra week off doesn’t reduce his suspension

Papps would miss the next game if it was week one, 2 or 3 of the finals. Are you suggesting we have a week off between every finals game so those who get concussed won’t miss a game
It’s not just concussion. Resting players. It gives all the teams a rest for the “new comp” For half of the 8 it’s do or die. It increases the chances of side fielding there strongest squad.

The Storm now go into a finals game missing one of there best players. How would you feel if Ponga got a concussion and couldn’t play the next game that is a finals game.
 
I'm a pass on the week break.

It would take the wind out of the sails of finals to have a sudden void of footy. I can't see broadcasters keen on a drop in interest as casual fans drift away.

The game is known for it's toughness, attrition is part of that and giving a weak for teams to patch up isn't in the spirit of the game.

This move would make it even more difficult for teams outside the top 4 to win it as those sides rest players at the risk of losing form, lower half of the 8 teams rest none and play through. A week break for all would break up this difference.

Players themselves already complain how long the season is. Adding another week is another week longer.
 
The afl are looking at changing to a week off before the gf. I don't mind that idea, given players who cop a concussion in a qualifier would still be a chance to play. Maybe play the indigenous all stars the weekin between?
 
Would love to see the souths draw next season start with 2 home games back to back.

Give Johnston a shot at getting it done at home.
such a record definitely deserves a big occasion/crowd.
So hard to predict though. If we were ‘forcing a draw’ you’d probably put them away round 1 to QLD or somewhere (unlikely to score a hat trick) then have as many Sydney games as you can.
But then how annoying if he is injured for the first month and comes back to a run of away games. I think it’ll take the help of Bennet to get it done at home.

It’s the type of thing I think a coach like Ricky Stuart would probably embrace. If he scored 2 tries in the opening 10 minutes in NZ, he’d probably bench him for the rest of the game.

Or just get it over with and host us in round 1.
(nah, im being positive for next year)
 
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