Buzz Rothfield’s highlights, lowlights: Wayne Bennett’s ordinary attack on ARLC over Kangaroos rules

HIGHLIGHT

There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of biffo in rugby league, as long as it’s not over the top thuggery. We put a poll up on social media on Saturday night and 86.4 per cent of punters said they loved the stink in the Roosters v Dolphins game at Suncorp. No king hits, no broken jaws and no harm done. Four offending players in the sin bin and play on. The referee and bunker handled it perfectly.

LOWLIGHT

Another knockout blow for Manly Sea Eagles warhorse Jake Trbojevic – his third category one concussion this season – against the Canberra Raiders on Friday night. Jurbo is now 31 years of age.

At the very least Manly should stand him down for the remainder of the season. Forget about their shortage of middle forwards, his health is most important.

He has given absolutely everything to his club, state and country over 12 seasons. Sadly, the back end of his career appears to be heading in the same direction as old Roosters legends Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend, who were forced into early retirement.

HAYWARD EXTENDS

Canterbury have extended the contract of utility star Bailey Hayward until the end of 2028. Hayward started at hooker on Saturday night when Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo benched North Queensland-bound Reed Mahoney. Hayward is now seen as the club’s long-term hooker.

WAYNE WHINGE

Why was Wayne Bennett blowing up over the weekend about missing out on the Kangaroos coaching job? This guy is paid more than $1 million a year by the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Surely he owes it to the club to spend October as part of a full review of the Rabbitohs’ dismal season, rather than spending a month in the UK coaching Australia.

SHOOSH

We rang Rugby Australia over the weekend to ask if there was any interest in signing the Sydney Roosters’ three-try hero Mark Nawaqanitawase for the 2027 World Cup. A spokesman said: “It’s an exciting time for Australian Rugby with a once-in-a-generation home Rugby World Cup just two years away.

“Rugby Australia is happy with the depth we’re developing across the system but is always open to meeting with players interested in playing our game.”

That means yes, they are keen.

SHOOSH

Wayne Bennett loves an experienced old forward. He’s had them at all his clubs over 38 years of NRL coaching. This is why he’s making a play for unwanted Newcastle Knights forward Adam Elliott. This would be Elliott’s fourth club after stints at the Bulldogs, Raiders and Knights. Elliott is not a world beater but a good, solid player.

SPOTTED

A couple of handy Indigenous five-eighths – Cliffy Lyons and Cody Walker - at Greg Inglis’ Goanna charity dinner at the Sofitel on Friday night.

360 VIEW

Catch you Monday on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm with Braith Anasta, Gorden Tallis and Brent Read as we dissect all the drama and issues out of round 23. Special guest on heavy hitters is former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who one day wants to coach an NRL side.

Originally published as Buzz Rothfield’s highlights, lowlights: Wayne Bennett’s ordinary attack on ARLC over Kangaroos rules