The Obstruction Rule

The latest NRL news, intelligent rugby league analysis, and innovative NRL statistics

The Obstruction Rule - Rugby league analysis, news, and VOA NRL statistics

The Weekend Wrap: 29/4/18

By Leave a Comment

The Rabbitohs are concerned that the season of centre Richie Kennar could be over, due to an ankle and foot injury suffered in their loss to the Broncos.

There’s no timeline yet for the return of Broncos forward Josh McGuire, after scans revealed he tore an ankle ligament in the Broncos’ win.

Despite still being under contract until the end of 2019, the Broncos have already commenced negotiations to extend rookie for Payne Haas, who exploded onto the scene on Thursday night.

The Sea Eagles injury crisis deepened on Friday night, this time losing five-eighth Lachlan Croker for the year to the third ACL tear of his career.

The Panthers have revealed that fullback Dylan Edwards suffered a labral tear and damage to the ball of his humerus, when his shoulder was dislocated in the win over the Bulldogs; and he’ll visit a specialist to determine how long he’s out for.

Cowboys coach Paul Green has revealed that Michael Morgan could be shifted to fullback in an effort to spark their sputtering attack.

Eels forward Tony Williams has had his season ended early, after suffering a second ACL injury in his side’s win over the Tigers.

It’s believed that an announcement will be made this week that the Auckland Rugby League have purchased the Warriors, after an agreement was reached with current owner Eric Watson.

Having failed to buy the Warriors, Richard Fale has said that he and his consortium remain on the hunt for another opportunity to buy an NRL club.

The NRL have announced the first 25 candidates up for selection in the NRL Hall of Fame.

Share:

Related NRL News & Posts:

Panthers lose Blake for final

By Leave a Comment

The Panthers have received mixed news on the injury front, with fullback Dylan Edwards expected to make an early return from injury, but centre Waqa Blake lost for the season.

According to nrl.com, Blake has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury. 

His place will then be taken by Dean Whare, who’ll vacate the fullback spot for the returning Edwards.

Losing a starter is never ideal, especially ahead of an elimination final. However, in this particular case, there’s an argument to be made that this combination is the best back line Penrith can roll out, anyway.

Share:

Related NRL News & Posts:

Panthers lose Edwards for 3 weeks

By Leave a Comment

The Panthers’ Cinderella story has been dealt a huge blow, with superstar rookie Dylan Edwards ruled out for the next three weeks, after scans confirmed a Grade 2 medial ligament tear.

Fortunately for Penrith, they’re stacked for outside back depth, with five-eighth (and former Origin fullback) Matt Moylan still to return from a hamstring injury, and Kiwi Test centre Dean Whare a healthy scratching the past few weeks.

The question will be firstly who’s available, and then secondly, how do they go about fitting them in (Whare played wing earlier in the year, with very limited success).

Whatever they do, it’s unlikely they’ll get the sort of contribution they got from Edwards, who’s been arguably among the best fullbacks in the game since starting there full time in Round 13.

Share:

Related NRL News & Posts:

The Weekend Wrap: 27/8/17

By Leave a Comment

Tigers pair Matt McIlwrick and Michael Chee Kam are both facing a week on the sidelines, after receiving charges from their loss to the Cowboys. McIlwrick received a dangerous contact charge, while Chee Kam has been charged with a shoulder charge on Cowboys half Michael Morgan.

Titans hooker Nathan Peats and centre Dale Copley are likely finished for the season, after failing to finish their side’s loss to the Bulldogs with a shoulder and a groin injury, respectively.

Titans prop Jarrod Wallace is also likely done for the year, as he faces a three week suspension for a shoulder charge on Moses Mbye. He’d risk getting five weeks if he were to unsuccessfully fight the charge.

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler has joined Tigers coach Ivan Cleary, and the man himself, Aaron Woods, in insisting that Woods is expected at the Bulldogs next year (so PLEASE, let it go).

Rabbitohs forward Zane Musgrove is facing a week on the sidelines, after being cited for a shoulder charge on Jordan McLean during his side’s pummeling at the hands of the Storm.

Storm skipper Cameron Smith says that fullback Billy Slater hasn’t indicated to him whether or not he intends to play on in 2018.

The Sharks will be sweating on scans for second-rower Wade Graham, after he failed to complete his side’s loss to the Roosters, with what the club are hoping is “just a deep cork”.

New Warriors CEO Cameron George has confirmed that coach Stephen Kearney will remain at the club next year, despite the club’s insipid performances in 2017.

The Panthers will await scans to confirm the severity of a knee injury suffered by fullback Dylan Edwards during Penrith’s defeat to the Dragons. At this point, the club believe it’s a “low-grade medial”.

The Dragons are expected to ramp up their pursuit of Broncos prop Adam Blair, after growing frustrated with the Bulldogs’ “dithering” over the release of forward James Graham.

Blues skipper Boyd Cordner and the man he replaced, Paul Gallen, have both backed Brad Fittler to take over from Laurie Daley as coach of New South Wales, as Fittler shapes as the early favourite for the job.

 

Share:

Related NRL News & Posts:

Panthers in talks to keep Edwards

By Leave a Comment

Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards may be the best young talent unearthed in 2017 (sorry, Nic Cotric), and the Penrith are wasting no time tying him down long-term.

According to Fox Sports, the Panthers are already in talks to extend Edwards, whose contract doesn’t expire until the end of next year anyway.

“Gus is working on that now with his management,” said Panthers coach Anthony Griffin. “He doesn’t want to go anywhere, and I’m sure that’ll happen.”

The explosive running game of Edwards has given the Panthers a new dimension in attack, as well as freeing up skipper Matt Moylan to move full-time to five-eighth. That pair, together with Nathan Cleary, shape as the future of Penrith, and possibly New South Wales.

Edwards has played 14 first grade games for the Panthers since his debut last year.

Share:

Related NRL News & Posts:

Contact Us