Round 5: The NRL Twitterati

The term ‘social media’ is fairly new to the great game of rugby league. Before a few years ago, it might only have been used to describe a chance encounter with a chatty Ray Warren or Peter Sterling after a game. Now, NRL teams, players and personalities are all over the likes of Facebook and Twitter and not just to replace traditional, conservative vehicles for publicity or promotion. During last year’s finals series, Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah engaged in an online slanging match on the micro-blogging site Twitter with a Dragons supporter after the Tigers lost in the epic quarter final against the Roosters.

Another recent example here was Parramatta rookie Jacob Loko, who announced on Facebook last Thursday that he was to make his debut against the Storm – this was well before any rugby league media or anyone but the most devoted/fixated of Parramatta supporters would learn of this news.

To celebrate the arrival of social media into the rugby league lexicon – and the occasional circumvention of the traditional news corridor by savvy players – here are descriptions of the Round 5 NRL action from the NRL Twitterati.

Wests Tigers v. Souths – our reporter is @LoteTuqiri

What a win that was by our boys! Built on great defense.. Go #weststigers!!

North Queensland v. Gold Coast – our reporter is @birdman_013

You don't wanna know bruz it wasn't the prettiest! @thisismc: How's my TITANS goin.. No footy on in WA

New Zealand v. Sydney Roosters – our reporter is @steevprice

@ikabaaby yeah we won the Vulcans, 20's and the first's. Lewis (Brown) had a big game. He terrorized Toddy Carney. Great night weather wise

Penrith v. Canberra – our reporter is @davidsimmons84

@Jesus couldn’t have done it without you bra, 3 big ones, all for you. PS nice work with their halfback #mattawful

Cronulla v. Manly – our reporter is @gorgeousgrose

What a game! What a finish! Scoring tries is fun! I could really get used to that! #NRL #gomanly Sorry sharks but thanks for the tough game

Worst thing from last night @brendancowell and his smug grin as we walked in at half time down 7 nil, If only I saw him at full time too

Melbourne v. Parramatta – our reporter is @BeauChampion_4

Up nice and early ... 38 reasons to be smiling !!!

@CoryPaterson12 yeah lad seen u score one last week it inspired me lad !!

St George Illawarra v. Canterbury – our reporter is @RealBigDell

@mbrinky Gaz is starting to hit his straps & Beau Scott just has a red hot go,i love the way he plays #RedV....

@Shananay32 because they don't like twitter it's a personal choice & the #RedV players aren't into it.

(I guess this means the Newcastle players Bennett disposes of before next season are the ones who won’t give up Twitter)

Brisbane v. Newcastle – our reporter is @CoryPaterson12

Thanks to everyone for ur support really appreciate it. Boys gave ultimate effort just bit unlucky. Still shattering tho

@Nath_Ryan didn't do anything mate. I slipped over. Would be filthy if something came of it

Wk on the side line for nothing. Filthy!!

See you next week.