Tyrone not May… but WILL be back!
He hasn’t played a first grade premiership match since 2018 but Panthers utility Tyrone May is set to be offered a Panthers contract for 2021. There is strong support for Tyrone in the coaching ranks and first grade coach Ivan Cleary is keen to have the popular utility on board next season. He impressed club officials with a strong showing in the trial against the Tigers earlier this year. While his dedication on the training paddock over the last 18 months has been second to none. He would have been in the mix for a spot in the first grade team this year had the NRL ban for his role in the sex tape scandal elapsed – it still had four games to run. He also received a further two-game suspension, along with his housemate Nathan Cleary for being untruthful to the NRL Integrity Unit, after breaching social distancing laws on April 25. May just needs to keep putting in the hard work at training and not put another foot wrong – off the training paddock – and he will be rewarded with a contract extension.
What caught my eye last week…
The performance of the Warriors in their 37-26 defeat of the Cowboys last Friday. The boys from across the ditch showed plenty of courage and determination to keep hitting back every time North Queensland scored a try to edge ahead on the scoreboard. They also kept Cowboys metre-eater Jason Taumalolo quiet, only allowing him to run for a grand total of 123 metres, well down on the 300-plus metres he achieved in his previous two games.
What game I’m looking forward to…
The clash between the Premiers and the Eels this Saturday night. Parramatta are receiving plenty of attention for their impressive start in 2020 and are the only team undefeated after five rounds. They are the side who many good judges believe will take out the premiership this year. I’m not one of those ‘good judges’ but I could become a believer if they can knock over the Roosters this weekend.
My tips for the week…
Knights, Rabbitohs, Panthers, Dragons, Tigers, Roosters, Raiders, Sharks.
The final word…
The Storm continue to rule the roost when it comes to favourable refereeing decisions. While many thought the new ‘six again’ ruck rule would see Melbourne come undone when the competition restarted three weeks ago, they have shown that once again, they have the best referee in the comp IN their side to help them out. Take a bow Mr Smith!
Peter Lang is an experienced sports writer, who has been covering rugby league for several decades.
