NRL

[Dan1986]

Please excuse me if there is already an established thread.  I did search and couldn't find one.

With the 2025 National Rubgy League (NRL) competition kicking off tomorrow, I thought it timely to raise this as a topic.  For non Aussies the NRL is a hard contact sport, unlike the non-contact 'football' played by the pretty boys in Old Blighty.  This season is played over 27 weeks.  The competition comprises 17 teams (16 Australian and 1 from New Zealand).  The game is similar to Rugby Union except is a quicker game (less stop/start), and has smaller teams (13 players compared to 15).  For our American friends think fast gridiron without the helmets and padding, and no throwing the ball forward!

Its's a great game to watch - Quite a few bars in town broadcast the NRL live (for good reason!)

Looking forward to the season start, in Las Vegas tomorrow! Go Canberra!

Edited March 1, 2025 by Dan1986

[Gatestar]

Glad to find this thread!

 

The offseason always seems to take forever. I'm a Sharks fan, and while the first round loss to Penrith was painful I'm impressed with how much better our forward pack looks this year.

 

Some storylines in general I think are fun this year:

* Wayne Bennet coaching back at Souths. Can he work the magic and turn it around again.

* Brisbane with a real coach. They had the best team on paper but couldn't get it done with Kev coaching rhem. Is this this year.

* A slightly weakened Penrith and a stronger Melbourne. I hope the grand final isn't a repeat of these 3 but they are still the class of the competition.

 

Should be a cracking year. Really curious if some of the bottom feeders from last year will improve.

 

Definitely going to be watching from a sports bar in Patts when I'll be there in May. Seems like a lot will put the NRL on.

[Wingeing Pom]

I have watched every NRL game since I discovered it about 12 years ago. It is addictive.

An NRL subscription allows me to watch live or stream later to watch as if it was live.

 

Cost is less than 200 baht a week to watch every game .. 8 a week

 

Some very good comedy and factual support programmes on the channel too.

In contrast I cant stand Rugby League from my own country of England.  

 

There is an awkward big time difference of course ... and no way to stream the match later.

 

But the biggest spoiler are the commentators are so freaking annoying ... way way way too intense and serious. (And excessively northern .. ha ha).

 

The Aussie's have much lighter and comedic slant to the commentating, and is very much better. 

 

Edited March 11, 2025 by Wingeing Pom

[murrinman]

Go the sharks