Finally, I have the vision to add to the notes I took in real time during Eels v Rabbitohs on Thursday night.

The influx of six again infringements³ have taken out a lot of the set play and patient elements of the game this season.

Games so often come down to runs of momentum and who can pile up the most points with it. However, as the expected impact of the rule changes over the off-season plays out on the field, and the response by those at home trends similarly to 2021, we’re starting to see a change and an overall reduction in infringements waved².

Despite this being a Gerrard Sutton-officiated game, we managed to see it flow at times. Both teams were able to play to their points, manipulate the defensive line, and get the looks they wanted.

For the Parramatta Eels, that look consisted of Jye Gray defending around the ruck on the goal line. He was a clear target throughout the first 40 minutes. The diminutive fullback was asked to make 11 tackles in his 63 minutes on Thursday night. He’s not made more than seven in a game all season.

He’s not an uncommon target on the goal line for attacking teams. While brave, Gray is at a disadvantage when big bodies are running straight at him with no grass in behind. But while he might present as a cue, he shouldn’t always be the cue.