Manly were the big winners of Round 17 after muscling out a big victory against the Eels in their usual roughing it up style. Parramatta certainly did hit back, sadly that was not on the scoreboard and the Sea Eagles won 50-10 in a Monday night fizzer.
But the unbalanced games began on Friday night when Melbourne Storm blitzed the struggling Broncos 32-0 and the Sharks played a more interesting encounter against the Tigers also that night finally running out winners 36-22 after leading 24-0 early in the game.
It didn't get that much interesting on Saturday either as two out of three games were also lop-sided beginning with the Roosters who smashed the disappointing Dragons 36-0. This was followed by the Panthers surprising the top 8 Titans 40-18 and pushing their way into the Top 8 themselves. Canberra continued their Home Ground dominance and remain unbeaten at Canberra after beating the Cowboys 26-18.
Sunday brought personal disappointment for me as the Bulldogs were very disappointing at Mackay playing against the Knights. Whilst it was nothing like the 44-8 smashing we copped at Newcastle, the Bulldogs just couldn't gain control of the game even though they did have the lead just into the second half 12-8 but the knights came home far too keen and far too strong and won 18-12.
Many questions go unanswered after the game including 'Will the Bulldogs make the finals?' After what we have seen so far the answer must be - NO. They lack far too much discipline and eagerness and to be honest they lack guidance on the field, particularly in attack but they constantly sit back and wait for the teams to come to them. The Knights were up in the Bulldogs face every time and we were sitting back and waiting to see what they would do. That's not how you win games.
But what happened to Trent Hodkinson? That's what I want to know. The man went into the game with a near perfect Goal Kicking record. He'd kick them from anywhere on the field, ugly yes, but accurate. Yet in Mackay, he missed them all. 0/3. It proved to be the difference in the scoreline as well. Is that why the Bulldogs have been winning? Trent's goal kicking?
It's not rocket science to say that the Bulldogs season comes down to this Sunday's game against the Storm. Due to the loss against the Knights it is now a MUST WIN to have any hope of the finals this year. But do we fancy our chances? Not confidently.
So far this season every team that beat us once, has beaten us again when we faced them twice. With one exception, Manly. That game was 30-all at Full Time and a penalty goal to Hodkinson won the game for the Bulldogs.
Which brings me back to the last question, were the Bulldogs only winning because of Hodkinsons kicking?
Last year when the Bulldogs won the Minor Premiership we beat every team at least once. That is, no team beat us twice.
The only other game left was between Rabbits and Warriors who finally had their unbeaten run ended by the Rabbits 30-13. Not a bad showing when the Bunnies have all but won the competition this year.
I can't see any other team coming close to them yet I'm certain they will face the Roosters in the Grand Final.
So that's Round 17, check out the major changes to the ladder below.
30 RABBITS
26 ROOSTERS
25 STORM
21 SEA EAGLES
20 SHARKS
18 KNIGHTS (+77)
18 PANTHERS (+58)
18 TITANS (-5)
18 Bulldogs (-29)
18 Raiders (-58)
16 Warriors
14 Cowboys
14 Broncos
14 Tigers
12 Dragons
10 Eels
* ALL TEAMS IN BOLD WILL GET 2 POINTS IN ROUND 18 FOR A BYE
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