We're all thinking it – what about Royden's cut?!
We already knew Freddy was unpredictable and that Royden was in a bit of strife after his big night out, but to be cut on the spot like that showed in order to be The NRL Rookie, you need to be disciplined off the field as well.
This left the rangy centre, who was a real favourite to win the competition, distraught especially coming off the back of a strong week as captain.
His fellow Kiwi bash brother in Gary-John also bid goodbye to the rookies, after his inability to adapt to the rules of rugby league, coupled with his age, deterred any further progress.
With now only four players remaining and experiencing the atmosphere of a jam-packed stadium on Grand Final day, there will be no lack of motivation to go all the way.
And with everybody up for elimination, the NRL Rookies must take any chance that comes their way, which starts by preparing well and playing the best they possibly can.
With everything now based on current form and consistency, it's no coincidence that the last week's Captain’s Challenge was one of the hardest, as all of the boys were thrown into the deep end.
While Jordan was the favourite to win due to his surf lifesaving background, surprisingly he pulled out early and Reece's calmness under pressure was exactly what the coaches wanted to see.
For his case, luckily so, because according to Freddy, his below-average performance against the Indigenous rep team would have sent him packing if he did not have immunity for the week.
That game was the most physical the rookies have played and it really separated the men from the boys.
Based on both the match and consistency throughout the competition, there are two favourites and two uncertainties to win the competition.
Lou Goodwin – an ever-reliant, hard worker that will do his job, week-in-week-out. He is yet to see the bottom three and is described constantly as ‘that player you always want to have in your team'. Lou has had his crack at first grade after captaining the Roosters under 20s, but at such a young age it was all too overwhelming. Perhaps it's his time now.
Chris Hyde – another one of the favourites to win after being one of the most consistent players throughout the competition. Chris's sharpness out of dummy-half and ability to put a player in space makes us question what has held him back. At 28, it's now or never and his age might be what crucifies his chances.
Jordan Martin – the youngest of the bunch with stacks of potential. Injury clouds have proved to be a problem and as a result he has lacked game fitness and positional awareness. One of the more unpredictable players, who has no trouble finding the line.
Reece Joyce – similarly to Jordan, Reece is a dark horse of the competition. He displays good leadership qualities and strong edge defence but often goes missing during the games. For a half, he needs to control each match on a consistent basis.
Well we know one thing is certain – from the above four, our inaugural NRL Rookie will be named. He will live out his dream as a rugby league professional, going up against the very players who have guided him a long the journey.
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AUSTRALIAN BROADCAST DETAILS:
Each episode will air five times during the week on free to air television across the Nine Network:
• PREMIERE – Tuesday – GO! 7.30PM (SYD/MEL/BRIS)
• ENCORE 1 - Wednesday - CH9 10.30PM (SYD/BRIS)
• ENCORE 2 - Saturday - CH9 1PM (BRIS)
• ENCORE 3 - Sunday - CH9 2.30PM (SYD)
• ENCORE 4 - Monday - GO! 11.30PM (SYD/MEL/BRIS/ADE/PER)
Please note: these time may vary from week to week so be sure to check your local guides.
