International rugby league is back and Andrew Voss could not be more excited! He also looks at James Tedesco as a centre option, dangerous tackles and the contentious diving debate.
Who wins Friday night at Suncorp Stadium?
It's an even money bet for mine.
The Kiwis squad, despite a few injuries, looks stronger than ever. However there has to be pressure on halves Shaun Johnson and Keiran Foran to play at their best to match the current club form of Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk.
I believe the side with the most dominant playmaker will be the winner.
The biggest frustration for me is that this is the only Test between the two this year.
When is someone going to recognise the tip of this iceberg? A two-Test series following State of Origin each year is a must in my book. One game in Australia and one in New Zealand.
I love my Test match footy!
How good will Saturday night be on the Gold Coast?
Sensational… and I'm not talking about a night out at Surfers!
Cbus Super Stadium is going to be rocking with some fearsome contests.
If you are not excited by the line-ups that have been selected for the Junior Kangaroos v Junior Kiwis game, the Fiji v PNG clash, and the Samoa v Tonga blockbuster, then perhaps rugby league isn't the sport for you.
Throw in the extra element of unique passion that these teams will bring to the occasion and we are in for something special.
I think it is wonderful for the international game that the matches will be televised, giving a different feel to the usual Super Saturday.
Tune in… I promise you will not be disappointed.
Should players be sent off for dangerous throw tackles?
Yes, but don't hold your breath.
Incredibly we are coming up to the 20-year 'anniversary' of the last send off for a dangerous throw.
The match was between South Sydney and Western Suburbs at the Sydney Football Stadium on May 27, 1995.
Rabbitohs prop Peter Driscoll was sent from the field 10 minutes into the second half by referee Mick Lewis for an upending tackle on Magpies half Steve Georgallis.
Driscoll was later suspended for two matches. 20 years ago!!!
Putting aside the fact I have always been a fan of Chris Heighington, I believe he should have been sent off for his tackle on Penrith's Jeremy Latimore last Sunday.
However given that we have allowed these tackles to go unpunished in matches for the last two decades, can we at the very least introduce the sin bin for such an offence?
Can someone please put up any sort of argument as to why that would be a problem?
How do we deal with 'divers'?
Eliminate the involvement of the video referee.
I'm not the only one who believes this should be the case, but it is the most obvious system to stop players staying down in a bid to draw a penalty. And its effect would be immediate.
The situation is getting out of hand as highlighted in our most recent round of the Telstra Premiership. Why wouldn't coaches encourage their players to stay down? We have allowed things to reach this point.
However if players know there is no video review of tackles in the run of play unless specifically called for by the referee in the most extreme of cases, I guarantee they will be getting to their feet and playing the ball.
Basically, if the two referees and two sideline officials don't see a high tackle as it happens, then that is the way it goes. Play on!
Should James Tedesco be the centre of attention?
Listen up NSW and City.
Don't discount the prospect of Wests Tiger James Tedesco being a genuine contender for a centre spot.
Let me remind you at the 2013 World Cup final the Australian backline featured four fullbacks: Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Jarryd Hayne and Greg Inglis. The fifth member of the backline, Brett Morris, now plays fullback at the Bulldogs.
At the same tournament, I watched young Tedesco play outstanding football in the centres for one of the tournament surprise packets, Italy.
James was named there with the Italian side skippered from fullback by Anthony Minichiello.
Tedesco's club form is great. He had a late call up to the City team as a winger.
Hey Lozza, hey Freddie… just give him a chance.
Is too much footy never enough?
Umm… I can't believe what I am about to write.
Despite the fact I have pushed previously for a 51-week season giving the players Christmas off.
Despite saying we should only have Tuesday nights game-free of rugby league during a season.
And even though I was brought up in the good old days of four and five Sunday games, and you used to sit by the radio on edge waiting for the scores from around the grounds.
As much as I congratulate the NRL and all the clubs for the way they staged their matches on Anzac Day.
(Deep breath…)
From a pure football watching point of view, in 2015, five NRL games back-to-back on the one day was too many, in my opinion.
Mind you I watched the lot and even woke up early on Saturday to catch the Super League on Fox Sport!
Giddy Up!
Follow Andrew Voss on Twitter: @AndrewVossy
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of the NRL or NRL.com.
