WELCOME back, rugby league, you beautiful thing!

What a cracking start it has been to the new season. It wasn’t all good news, but it was certainly compelling viewing on Fox League.

Here’s my verdict, featuring a star whose ‘me first’ acts are holding him back.

Sharks v Broncos

Round 19

I thought a good match to kick off the year, but not a classic. The two big points for me were the confirmation how tough it is going to be for Cronulla as they try to defend their title. And what about the form of Anthony Milford for the Broncos? We have a number of superstars in the NRL and this young bloke is one of them.

Bulldogs v Storm

Loved the intensity of this one. Superb start to the season by the professionals of the league, Craig Bellamy’s Melbourne Storm. It could have been 18-nil in the blink of an eye had Cameron Munster not lost control of a ball in goal. Credit to the Bulldogs for lifting, but obviously they still have plenty of work to do. Conditions turned tough in the second half, but tension remained.

Rabbitohs v Tigers

Superb from the Tigers. And more please. One sandwich doesn’t make a picnic but their fans have reason to be excited after the way Jason Taylor’s side dismantled the Bunnies. The loss for Souths was disappointing enough but the pain of the injury news on Greg Inglis was far worse.

Dragons v Panthers

I am so happy for Paul McGregor and the Dragons. If the Tigers were superb on Friday night, the Dragons matched that level of skill at Kogarah. They were good from the opening five minutes against a Panthers team that no one could have predicted would be so lacklustre. To concede over 40 points in round one is a real worry.

Cowboys v Raiders

I have witnessed a classic. Terrific match but the finish in extra time was outrageous. I can’t recall ever seeing a ball hit the underside of the crossbar and then not go dead. I thought Canberra were fantastic as they restricted the Cowboys to just six points for much of the game, but North Queensland with their two JT’s were magnificent and relentless. 10 out of 10.

Titans v Roosters

Sorry, but I have to trot out the cliche, “a game of two halves.”

The Roosters statement in the first forty minutes was outstanding. The Titans resilience in fighting back in the second was all we came to learn of Neil Henry’s team in 2016. I really enjoyed the performances of the four halves, Pearce, Keary, Elgey and Taylor.

Warriors v Knights

We learned a little about both teams from their opening hit out. It won’t be for a lack of effort if the Knights don’t improve greatly on last year, meanwhile the Warriors still have plenty to prove if they are to be considered a genuine threat. I saw enough from Shaun Johnson to think he will rebound to his best this year, and the return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was excellent.

Shaun Johnson of the Warriors congratulates teammate Ryan Hoffman on his try. Source: Getty Images

Sea Eagles v Eels

... And welcome to Lottoland. But not the result the home side wanted. Don’t get me wrong, Manly was gallant, however the Eels were very impressive.

Halves Clint Gutherson and Corey Norman were a constant threat and what a relentless forwards effort spearheaded by journeyman Suaia Matagi. This match also featured maybe the best 40/20 we’ve ever seen with Norman’s effort in the first half.

Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover are joined by Raiders director of recruitment Peter Mulholland to discuss Canberra’s season-eve wheeling and dealing as well as all the big headlines from the off-season transfer bonanza.

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LIKES

Jason Taumalolo: Of all the player performances I witnessed in round one, this powerhouse was a standout. If his game is an indicator of the season ahead, we might be talking about a player winning the Dally M medal in consecutive years.

The Cowboys/Raiders finish: I love my job. For over a quarter of a century I have been in commentary for so many fabulous and memorable moments. The finish to the match in Townsville on Saturday night is right up there with the best.

Gareth Widdop: Welcome back mate. I always call it as I see it, and Gareth had a poor season in 2016. His effort against the Panthers though, among many good ones in the Dragons side was first class.

Gareth Widdop of the Dragons celebrates a try. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

Ryley Jacks: The first time I’ve ever mentioned in commentary that a player was a Canadian international. Jacks is quite a story and he should be proud of his debut with the Storm. Well done.

The Tigers: Can I redo my tips for the top eight based on one week? It was just brilliant rugby league to watch on Friday night. I wonder who would have beaten them based on that.

DISLIKES

Injuries: Greg Inglis and Dylan Phythian were the worst of them, but Melbourne was also dealt a blow with Jesse Bromwich, albeit not a season-ending injury.

Joey Leilua: Come on Joey, cut the rubbish. He can be such a star player, but can also produce some ill-disciplined play where the only one who suffers is his team. Should have been sin-binned in Townsville for throwing a punch at Gavin Cooper.

The Panthers: Incredibly underwhelming start to the season from a team most of us have highly rated for 2017.

Tripping: It was a problem last season and we’ve already seen it again in round one. I can’t believe that we have decided a fine is a sufficient penalty for this offence.

No Monday night football: Four days of rugby league is just not enough in the Vossy world! Thank heavens we now have the Fox League channel 24/7.

I can’t wait for round two to kick off on Thursday night at Allianz.

Giddy Up!

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