What do I know about rugby league? Not a lot (though more than I did a few weeks ago), but I do know that tonight’s game — Eels vs. Knights — was nail-biting, edge-of-the-seat stuff. It all culminated in a 24-23 victory for Parra over Newcastle, with the final deciding point scored by a field goal during extra time. The whole thing was amazing to watch.

Sure, there were some pretty big stuff-ups, but… at the end of the day, I don’t really care.

This is, of course, in direct contrast to the rather tedious (and embarrassing) Warriors vs. Eels game last Sunday. When the game is good, it’s gripping, but when it’s bad (i.e. one-sided, particularly if your team is on the wrong side), it’s coma-inducing. But I suppose that’s true of most forms of entertainment. (I wanted to self-immolate while clawing my eyes out when I went to see The Matrix Reloaded, for example.)

Next Saturday, it’s Cowboys vs. Eels: surely an easy win?

Last week I watched the Warriors vs. Eels game, and a few thoughts came to mind:

1. the Eels defence was pretty appalling at times, at one point totally opening up for the Warriors to score a try;
2. during the second half, the writing was well and truly on the wall, making the game more-or-less an exercise in monotony from then on; and
3. the Auckland crowd were terrible, booing, etc. and trying to be as obnoxious as possible.

The result: the Warriors won 30-16, though Parra didn’t let the game end without putting up a fight, scoring a converted try in the closing minutes.

Tonight it’s Eels vs. Knights — the Knights have won both of their games in the previous two rounds, but if Parra want to retain at least a modicum of dignity, they’ll put in all they’ve got for this. I’ll be watching carefully.

With no hint of bias, I’m tipping the Eels to win.

In other news, yes, Dion has been replaced by a pod-person — stay tuned!