Round 8: Bye from Adelaide

While 8 NRL teams (or, at least, their non-representative players) are about to enjoy their first weekend off for season 2010, the Tuesday Roast enjoyed a bye weekend in Adelaide during Round 8.
Adelaide has a small but loyal core of rugby league followers (who enjoy the one game per season (in most years) played there), the Tuesday Roast spotted rugby league posts on two occasions and even found a pub in the city which was promoting the upcoming State of Origin series, but any full-time return by the NRL to Adelaide (the Adelaide Coopers perhaps?) looks a very long way off.

In any event, it's time for a very brief summary of Round 8's events pieced together from smidgens of information gathered over the weekend:

* Parramatta continued their improvement with a solid win over an understrength Bulldogs. The Bulldogs may not have been at their best but Parramatta can struggle in such situations; they are accumulating enough points now to struggle for a few more months and start their late-season charge.
* The other Friday night game saw Newcastle defeat Brisbane in a battle of the early season strugglers.
* On Saturday afternoon, Canberra's injury-hit squad made the Warriors think a win would be easy. The Warriors woke up to find themselves 16-nil down. Despite a late comeback, Canberra held on for a much-needed win.
* Gold Coast's run of form continued with an impressive win over fellow high-flyers Penrith. Penrith failed to exploit the weary Titan legs after a very tough Monday night game and Gold Coast gave a very professional display in recording a strong win.
* Melbourne toyed with the Cowbores on Saturday night. Their task was made easier by another injury to Feral Thurston (which, rumours suggest, was deliberately inflicted by Melbourne players who wanted Cooper Cronk to be Australia's halfback) but Melbourne's ability and carefree attitude meant they were far too good.
* The final Saturday game saw the Dragons thrash Cronulla.
* On Sunday, a late Braith Anasta bomb and Beau Ryan fumble brought the game to life after 70-odd minutes and gave the Roosters a 12-8 win over the Tigers.
* Lastly, it was another impressive first 50 or so minutes by Manly before another late collapse allowed their opponents a sniff of a chance. However, Souths could get no closer than 8 points on this day.