With Origin over for another year and NSW off to bask in the win for a few hours before heading back to club land, it’s worth checking in on just how much clubs are affected by the pause in regular programming.
Historically, Brisbane are decimated throughout Origin and the Origin-free Warriors capitalise on their advantage. This year, the Broncos have held form, with a bye and a shock win over Cronulla the only bright spots during an injury-hit campaign that included losses to the Titans, Eels and Knights.,
But, they are 14th after a round start. It’s just not their year – though they do own the fourth-best record (6-4) over the past 10.
Cronulla, on the other hand…
“I think Cronulla,” The Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie told Sporting News. “It’s a team that has lost three in a row, obviously goal kicking has been the significant issue down there but, certainly in terms of Origin, they’ve slid down the ladder."
There's also Wade Graham's suspected torn hamstring.
While languishing in 15th place and, 3-7 over the last 10 games on a two-game losing streak, the Titans are also underperforming, considering their circumstances.
“They’ve hardly had anyone in Origin,” The Australian’s Brent Read told Sporting News. “They’ve been abysmal during a period where they were hardly affected. They should have made some inroads but instead they’ve gone backwards.”
Interestingly, neither news hound mentioned the Rabbitohs, who have lost four on the trot – the worst active losing streak in the NRL.
On the flip side, Penrith have had two playmakers in at least one Origin game, and are on a five-game winning streak.
“Certainly, teams they’ve faced in this Origin period have been significantly weakened – although the Panthers have been without Cleary and Maloney at different points,” Ritchie said.
“They’re my success story of the Origin period.”
And then there’s Melbourne, owners of a seven-game winning streak and 9-1 over the last 10.
“I’m going to with Melbourne for a team that’s benefitted,” Read said. “They’ve kicked six points clear, so they’ve clearly had a strong Origin period – even though they’ve had plenty of players involved.
“It’s a pretty remarkable feat – even by Craig Bellamy’s standards.”
While other teams have a better record over the Origin period, consider Manly, currently equal on points with Souths but one spot further back on the ladder, at fifth.
“They’ve got a big game against Souths this weekend, but have been without their three big stars for most of the Origin period so Manly are due an honourable mention,” Ritchie said.
Surely, those three players add more to their team than any combined trio in rugby league.
NEWCASTLE WILL BENEFIT – BUT NOT IN THE USUAL WAY
According to Knights coach Nathan Brown, Newcastle will see benefits down the track now that they have rep players.
“It might not benefit their salary cap because those guys will have to be paid more,” Read said. “But certainly, when you’ve got guys coming out of Origin and going back to club footy, players around them tend to grow another leg.
“There’s no doubt it will help them, but Newcastle need to get better. Everyone has been raving about them but they got pumped by Melbourne a few weeks ago.”
Newcastle are 8-2 over the last 10 games and face Canterbury and the Roosters in the next fortnight.
WOULD CLUBS BAULK AT BUYING ORIGIN-CLASS PLAYERS?
Would clubs baulk at buying players because the six-week toll it takes on them mentally and physically? Could they perhaps look at Pacific Island or Kiwi players because they can’t play Origin? Or, as Canberra are doing, go for English players.
“Clubs are always going to want the best players and the best players are playing Origin so, they might miss them for a few weeks but they get some great players for the rest of the year,” Read said.
“Can you imagine the Roosters not picking up Tedesco? It’s unrealistic.
“It helps your club having players in Origin. It makes it more attractive to other players and makes coaches look better.”
