The focus during the opening match of the double-header at Optus Stadium often shifted from the field to the stands. The real shotcaller wasn’t Nicho Hynes or Braydon Trindall, although both Cronulla playmakers came up with deft touches that ultimately proved the difference. No, all eyes were on Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, who holds the future of rugby league in his hands. Expansion was being debated during a game in which, after a dour start, some expansive football broke out. Even if the two best tries of the game, to Will Kennedy and opposing fullback Lehi Hopoate, were (correctly) rubbed out by the Bunker. All the while, Cook watched on, pondering whether more taxpayer dollars should be allocated to ensuring the Greatest Game of All enjoyed a more permanent place in the west.