The Goodyear Blip

League Blog was lucky enough to obtain tickets for last night’s blockbuster match at Penrith. The seats were excellent, right at halfway and at the perfect elevation. It later turned out that we weren’t supposed to be sitting there, but really, that’s what footy’s all about.

It wasn’t a very good game, but LB was happy to see up close how these teams are travelling.

Ever since their blip of a grand final win in 2003, the Panthers have deserved the heap of scorn that’s been poured all over them and especially their inexplicably employed coach. Unlike the Tigers, who at various points of the season look like premiership contenders before missing the semis, the Panthers have at various times looked like a playoff team before missing the semis. This year, things are different. Or so they say.

Based on last night’s performance, they’re definitely in with a shot. Players seem to know their roles, they’re confident and have some good strike power. But their defence is shoddy and you’ll forgive League Blog for saying they are locks not to make the grand final or even the grand final qualifier.

The Dogs are continuing their rebuilding quite nicely, in the wake of last year’s overachieving blip. Ben Barba got his first run of 80 minutes and was quiet but solid. Flawed defensively, but very involved in the Dogs’ attack. I think he erred on the side of simplicity and not pushing things, aside from an audacious chip kick on the last tackle 30m out from his line, which lead to a decisive Panthers try from memory. He and the Dogs will be much better for the run. They continue to find ways to ignore Josh Morris and I’m starting to think he needs to take some responsibility for that. For a player with his ability on a team like the Dogs, his lack of involvement is shameful.

Overall the Dogs look like a team without an identity. They have some outstanding players but aren't putting it together convincingly. I rank development of their up and comers as the critical task at the moment. With the team they have, they still shouldn’t have to sacrifice a finals berth to achieve that end.

I don’t think the ladder position of either of these teams will remain as it is. In fact, this is the most variable comp in the history of rugby league. Teams drift in and out of form – winners don’t win for long and even the losingest losers have picked up a few wins. This is heartening for teams aiming to win enough games to stay in contention but happy to work combinations and structure with the goal of peaking at the right time of year. Teams like Melbourne (but not actually Melbourne). Wouldn't it be delightful if at the end of the year the non-Melbourne bottom team was only four wins behind the team with the most wins (probably Melbourne)?

Two side notes from last night. The Panthers' on-ground announcer looks like he used to be on children's TV. And for the first time in seven years, Luke Patten is no longer the fifth-best fullback in rugby league.