Monday 18 September 2017 12:46, UK
Jenna Brooks has the latest from the NRL as the Finals Series heat up, plus Wayne Bennett praises Super League and hits out at the bunker.
Finals Series
The Minor Premiers, Melbourne will host Brisbane on Friday, for a place in the Grand Final. Wayne Bennett's team beat Penrith 13-6 to secure a seventh-straight finals win at Lang Park in front of almost 40,000 spectators.
The win came at a cost with a number of injuries to key players. Much of the focus was on Corey Oates, who collided with team-mate Anthony Milford, and was knocked unconscious.
Oates was restricted to light training away from the group on Monday. He is a doubt for Friday, with the team doctor making the final call on his availability. Sam Thaiday and Jai Arrow also failed to finish the game due to head knocks.
When the Storm and the Broncos played in Melbourne in round three, it was the home side who completed the 14-12 win. Melbourne football director Frank Ponissi admitted the club are preparing for everything.
"Whether it is another physical battle we will see, there is some talk people think moving the ball around is the best way to attack us, we will prepare for that as well," said Ponissi.
When the Cowboys lost their star playmaker Johnathan Thurston for the season to a serious shoulder injury, the odds were stacked against the North Queensland side.
Leading into the finals they were fifth, but lost five of their last six games to drop down to eighth place, and their finals hopes hung in the balance.
However, when St George Illawarra lost their final game, the Cowboys sneaked into the top eight and were given another chance.
They have made the most of it, booking their place in this week's preliminary final against the Roosters, after they outplayed Parramatta 24-16.
Despite speculation, Thurston has confirmed he will not play.
"Zero chance of me making a return," Thurston said. "I'll just ride the wave with the boys."
Ban the Bunker
Wayne Bennett has called for the NRL to get rid of the video review bunker and believes it's time for the game to revert back to just one referee.
The bunker, which was introduced to the NRL at the start of the 2016 season, has come under intense criticism this year and Bennett believes it's time for the sport to follow the likes of football and eliminate technology.
"I would scrap the bunker, I certainly would, I'd do it tomorrow," said Bennett.
"I didn't want it to come in the first place personally. The most popular sport in the world is soccer and they have no technology unless if the ball goes in goal.
"We have lived with decisions for 90-odd years. We got on with life and didn't carry on like we carry on now, we are just giving too many people an opinion."
Bennett also praised Super League and said the NRL could learn from it.
"I have been watching a fair bit of English football and they do a good job with one ref," he said. "I'm a fan of that too. The less [referees] we have the better."
Warrington Interest
It's been over a week since Tony Smith and Warrington parted ways and the club have turned to Australia and the NRL for his replacement.
I understand David Furner, Steve Price and John Cartwright are all in contention for the head coach position at Warrington.
As for Michael Maguire, we have learned that the former South Sydney coach has turned down an offer from the Wolves, but he still remains their No 1 target.
Watch this space...
