By STEVE MASCORD
OLD timers at EnergyAustralia Stadium shook their heads and called it a ‘Generation Y scoreline”: Newcastle 42 Bulldogs 42.
But Knights Toyota Cup coach Rohan Smith has rejected the notion that impatience and short attention spans were behind the Sunday ledger that easily eclipsed the highest ever draw in first grade, 34-34, which has been registered three times.
“I don’t think you are going to see a ripple effect when these players go to NRL,’’ Smith, son of head coach Brian, said.
“The biggest differences between the grades are the defensive intensity of the games and the fitness of the players.
“First grade players are better conditions to back up their defensive efforts and then back it up again. The kids are still learning that.’
The average scoreline in the NRL this year is 26-14 while the average Toyota Cup score is 34-19
“Unless there are big changes in the rule interpretations around the ruck, I don’t think this means you’ll be seeing scorelines like that in first grade.’’
Smith said the most disappointing thing about the scoreline was the fact the Knights controlled most of the game. “Sometimes you get away with a draw and it feels like a win – but this felt like a loss,’’ Smith said.
This story appeared in Rugby League Week on June 3, 2009
