Is this the best start to the NRL in 10 years?

[No1_Eel]

I personally haven't been this excited for each game in 10 years plus I know it's not just me being biased over the time I support because Eels didn't start well.

I'm just watching the Warriors vs Bulldogs and I just had a thought if this was last year I probably wouldn't care less about this game. The games seem a lot closer and the talent more spread over the competition. The six again is finally working about being pushed back over the 40ms, the 2 point field goal has also added excitement even though we could have lost on Thursday night due to the rule I still like it. I even feel like people are complaining about the refs less and seem to be getting on with it, unless you support Manly

 

[Billythekid]

I think so yeah, maybe even longer tbh. Not sure I’ve been as excited about the game since 2005.

 

[Vee]

I think so yeah, maybe even longer tbh. Not sure I’ve been as excited about the game since 2005.

Agree.

 

[jpw2511]

Throw enough darts you'll eventually hit a bullseye.

 

[taste2taste]

Easily yes. The games have been fast and exciting.

They've got the rules just right....finally

 

[skeepe]

No. This is the worst officiating I have ever seen. They are, to a man, incompetent.

 

[Wb1234]

Wait till it’s 20 teams

this is just the beginning of a golden age

1995 vibes

simply the best

 

[Diesel]

Definately the best for a long time. Just look at the crowds or tv numbers if you’re unsure

 

[Eion]

Yes, and Nicho has only played 1 game

 

[Nealo 12]

So you think the referees are making less mistakes

 

[No1_Eel]

So you think the referees are making less mistakes

Can you please quote where I actually said that? I said people are getting on with it, not they are making less mistakes.

Sorry but I did get a bit bored of hearing “this is the worst year for officiating” for 20 years. Ironically it’s happened in this post but at least this year is positive from league fans for once!

 

[Pneuma]

Yes, and Nicho has only played 1 game

He’s caused movement in my pants tonight. First time for thirty years. Forgot it was there.

 

[Perth Red]

They’ve largely put their 6 agains away meaning teams arent getting big leg ups and running up big scores on lessor opposition Like recent seasons.

 

[No1_Eel]

Closest games since 1908 draw record attendances​

AuthorBrad WalterNRL Senior ReporterTimestampMon 27 Mar 2023, 05:41 PM

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Games have never been closer in the 115-year history of the code in Australia and fans are responding by turning up to action packed matches in record numbers.
With 78 per cent of matches so far this season decided by 12 points or less, the NRL has more games within that range after four rounds of any premiership year since 1908.

In addition, crowds are their highest since the establishment of the NRL in 1998, with 612,093 fans attending the 32 games in the opening four rounds at an average of 19,128 per match.
Crowds for Round 4 matches averaged 20,336, with Friday night’s inaugural Broncos-Dolphins clash being the biggest turnout for an NRL match at Suncorp Stadium.

Annesley discusses Manly forward pass ruling
Annesley discusses Manly forward pass ruling
TV ratings have also been strong, according to footyindustry.com, and the introduction of the Dolphins this season has resulted in a 25 per cent increase in Brisbane viewers, headed by the match against the Broncos, which drew an overall audience of 1.3 million.
NRL head of football Graham Annesley said games this season were more evenly contested, remained closer for longer and featured more action.
“Obviously we want to see games as close and as competitive as possible, we want to see fans go to games knowing that their side is competitive, and knowing that their side is a chance of winning all through the game,” Annesley said.
“We are getting deeper into the season now and although the standard has been incredible since Round 1, we are just seeing the intensity and the competitiveness of our games continue to improve.
“Our games are competitive right to the end this year and that is a significant change over the last few years.”
Annesley showed a graph at his weekly media that highlighted how matches were remaining close until the end, with the average margin of matches so far this season being just 8.8 points.

Sloan, McInnes contact call correct says Annesley
Sloan, McInnes contact call correct says Annesley
He said the ball was in play for longer (62.6%) and the elapsed time per match, which is how long a game takes from kick-off to full-time, was significantly less (91.48m).

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

The start date to the year has been an abomination.

 

[jpw2511]

Won't be long crowds will drop once the above average IQ people realise it's a no talent sport.

 

[nick87]

*looks at the table*

nope, this season f**king sucks.

 

[I Bleed Maroon]

The Broncos are undefeated and coming first, so yes lol

 

[flippikat]

I'm biased to a degree because I cheer for the Warriors, so seeing some consistency & determination from the club is fantastic.

That aside, it's refreshing to see some of the usual top-4 teams in recent seasons (Storm, Roosters, Panthers) not dominating to the same degree - it just became boring seeing those sides always heading-up the table.

Also cool to see some regular top 8 sides (Raiders, Eels, and to a degree Sharks & Rabbitohs) having a shaky start too, which opens the door a little for other clubs.

It's nice to see the Broncos back as a force again - it felt bizarre seeing them become a husk of what they were, the promising form so far of the Bulldogs has been encouraging too (I like seeing a positive turn-around story!), and the strong start by the Dolphins warms this expansionist's heart.

All in all, a great start I think - would love to see the Knights, Tigers & Titans all snap into gear though.. as seeing them get a bit of a roll-on would be good for the game (and their long-suffering fans).

 

[flippikat]

Definately the best for a long time. Just look at the crowds or tv numbers if you’re unsure

A "Changing of the guard" is well overdue - and I hope the Eels, Roosters & Storm get nowhere near a Grand Final for a few years now.