How did Widdop go?

Very strong defensively with his usual decent kicking game. He's looked a little more creative so far this season than last season

I'd have said he was near his best - so average. Tackled well (as he always does), kicked ok, created nothing ball in hand.

Whilst it was a good win for St George, the Sharks were flat and the worst they've played for over a year, but St George only scored 2 tries, one from a kick (not Widdop) and one long range breakaway from a dropped ball... Other than the 2 fairly lucky tries, they created nothing all day - but did defend very well against an albeit poor attacking performance from the Sharks.

Big Eight in the NRL:

1. Melbourne Storm,
2. Sydney Roosters
3. Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders,
5. North Queensland Cowboys,
6. Penrith Panthers, Cronulla Sharks
8. Canterbury Bulldogs

So only Englishmen who will feature in the finals are Joshua Hodgson, Elliot Whitehead, and James Graham, with Jordan Turner at Canberra a possible replacement centre if a first choice is injured.

I didn't realise the NRL season only lasted 3 games, and they complain over player burnout over there!

South Sydney are no hope without Gregory Inglis, so the Burgess boys will not feature in the finals, mark my words.

St George-Illawarra have done well so far, but don't have the talent roster to enable Gareth Widdop to feature in the top 8 at season's end.

I actually agree with you regarding Souths

but I think St George have a shot at the 8 this year

St George? I'll have a piece of that!

Joe Wardle debuting for the Knights in a rearguard action.

Widdop very effective in another SGI victory.
Leading competition point scorer after four rounds and must be the best tackling 6 in the comp.
Don't think the Dragons have enough to bother the big boys but starting to show belief and must be well in the mix for the play-offs.

What a performance from Gareth Widdop, one of England's finest rugby league talents. He will pose a challenge to the superb and brilliant Theodore Fages in the England vs France game.

Don't we play Samoa next in the mid season game, or am i missing something?

Contrary to others I find you fairly amusing.

No, you are correct. England vs Samoa will be mid-season. England vs France will be in October before the World Cup, IIRC. Or am I mistaken on that schedule?

How did Catalans get on today JC?

Hodgson was apparently busted before the season started. Playing as a shadow of himself. Whitehead starting to hit his straps again now in the back row once more. Tom Burgess had a stinker on his recall to first grade. Jury is out on him.

www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 9182c93de5

www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 9182c93de5

All three Burgess brothers at Souths need to step up. George and Tom look leaden-footed far too often, not to mention absolutely horrendous ball control. The first could be helped by losing a few kilos- neither busts the line much anyway so I don't think they'd lose a lot.

Sam is working hard but just looks way down on the player he was before he left for RU. He isn't bending the line with every carry, which he was before, so he's not attracting defenders in the same way. Not sure what he needs to do TBH, but I had hoped for England's sake we'd see the pre RU Sam Burgess this year.

Sam Burgess's problem is mental more than physical it seems. A complete change of club and challenge would totally revitalise him. He knows he'll never re-capture the context of Souths' Premiership winning season.

A benefit for Burgess, GB/England and the game would be a move back to the UK with Rhinos making him their marquee signing. Nice house, get his wife settled & kid into a posh nursery then school. T & G would then likely follow back to a SL club and they would benefit too. It would be high profile for all three but a less stifling pressure than battling on in Sydney.

having watched the Souths game at the weekend i would echo the sentiments of the two posts above mine, all three could do with moving from the Souths club and a new challenge, it seems very stale there right now. I still think Sam is one of the top NRL players and will thrive again at a new club. Would be great to see the twins in SL, they are still very young for front rowers and have plenty of time to re-invigorate themselves.

Think part of the problem they have is that the whole set up needs a refresh. Maguire isn't working his magic any more.

Anyone who thinks they'll come back to SL is kidding themselves. Even if they fall out of favour with Souths, another NRL club will snap them up immediately.

Which of the Leeds beaches do you think Sam would enjoy swimming at most?

Somehow I don't think that this peaceful location would fit the bill for Sam -- at least not until he is well into old age.