A look back at round one of the 2022 NRL season with Canberra claiming a thrilling win over the Sharks, while Newcastle pulled off the upset of the round.
MAN OF THE ROUND: Jack Wighton celebrated his 200th game in the NRL with a try and a hand in Canberra’s late match winner over Cronulla. With Jamal Fogarty out injured and Josh Hodgson leaving the field early, Wighton was the only experienced play maker left on the field for the Raiders and he delivered in spades. He had been criticised last year for not stepping up when in mattered but he was involved in everything as the Raiders won 24-19.
BIGGEST UPSET: Many were predicting the Knights to be one of the cellar dwellers in 2022 and gave them next to no chance of knocking off the fancied Roosters at the SCG. However, Newcastle produced one of their best wins in recent memories, holding the star studded Roosters side to just one try in their 20-6 triumph. Jake Clifford and Adam Clune combined well in the halves for the Knights, while their defence was incredible, not allowing a single line break all game.
QUOTE OF THE ROUND: “It’s about us not being one of the big clubs and not getting anything” – Gold Coast Justin Holbrook tees off at the officiating during his side’s 32-28 loss to Parramatta with some questionable on-field and bunker calls.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy enjoyed a come-from-behind win to down the Wests Tigers 26-16. The victory was Bellamy’s 350th as a head coach and ensures his 20-year record of being undefeated in round one remains intact.
MAGIC MOMENT: Leading South Sydney by a converted try and with Adam Reynolds ruled out, Brisbane back-rower Kurt Capewell stepped up and sealed their 11-4 victory over the Rabbitohs on his Broncos debut.
TALKING POINT: The NRL’s change to the judiciary and match review committee has allowed some of the game’s bad boys to get a fresh start as the new season begins. Melbourne forward Trent Loiero was the only player to get sanctioned for a cannonball tackle and he escaped with a fine. Don’t be surprised if the issue of fines vs suspensions rear their head later in the year. The players’ union has consistently said fines don’t act as a deterrent to foul play.
CASUALTY WARD: Sea Eagles – Karl Lawton (concussion); Panthers – Moses Leota (shoulder); Raiders – Josh Hodgson (knee); Roosters – Victor Radley (concussion), – Billy Smith (concussion); Dragons – Aaron Woods (hamstring); Storm – Brandon Smith (hand); Storm – George Jennings (knee); Storm – Christian Welch (achilles), Eels – Sean Russell (ribs)
UNDER PRESSURE: It’s only been a week but already NRL coaches aren’t happy with the new concussion rules. The new season has brought a bunker system where an independent doctor can rule a player out of a game if they show concussion-like symptoms. The Sydney Roosters were caught short as Billy Smith and Victor Radley were taken off with concussions in their loss to Newcastle. Radley stayed on for a short time after appearing disorientated, while Smith was hooked after showing no symptoms.
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