Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has praised Penrith for paving the way for the NRL’s attacking revolution and for jolting the game out of the dreaded wrestle-fest of recent times.
Ahead of their round-three clash at Pepper Stadium on Saturday night, Robinson tipped his hat to the Panthers as the game’s best exponents of throwing the football around inside their own territory and early in the tackle count.
It’s a trend that was being adopted more by other sides including his own and has led to plenty of tries to open the season.
Over the opening two rounds, 723 points have been scored – the most over that period since the introduction of the 16-team competition in 1999.
Robinson said the game had changed and sides were now willing to chance their hand, a welcome departure from the dour defensive grinds that had turned off fans.
“I think it has,” Robinson said when asked if the NRL has evolved.
“It’s only been two rounds but there’s been a choice by teams to move the ball a bit more. We saw Melbourne (on Thursday night) move the ball really early against Brisbane so they had a lot more passing.
“I think it’s created a bit of unstructured play which is good to see in our competition.”
The Roosters have at times been error-riddled during their opening two wins over Gold Coast and Canterbury however Robinson has been far from critical, safe in the knowledge it’s a by-product of his side’s newfound flare.
They sit in equal first for points scored – 60 – which is on par with Cronulla.
Robinson said the Panthers deserved praise for their willingness to break the mould, crediting it as a major reason why they had been so heavily backed to break their 14-year premiership drought.
“Penrith have been the best and definitely been doing it for a few years,” he said.
“They’re a very good eyes-up team, they play a lot of footy and they’ve got the players to do that.
“It’s been one of their strengths and why people have talked about them being favourites for the competition because the game is going there and they’re playing that style.”
