Manly, Manly, Manly. You have really done a number on yourself. The only team in the NRL who can win a premiership and have it overshadowed by off field dramas. 2009 they get on the drink at the season launch, Anthony Watmough punches a sponsor in the face and Brett Stewart (the new face of the game) become entangled in sexual assault charges.
2011 they win a premiership and not even 48 hours later the empire begins to unravel. Des Hasler is revealed as the new Canterbury coach of 2013 and William Hopoate signs with long time rivals Parramatta to a deal commencing at the end of his mormon missionary.
Hopoate was a huge loss as it ended a 20 year association between Manly-Warringah and the Hopoate family. The Sea Eagles at one stage even paid 100k to Will to keep him at their club and not to lose out to rivals.
The major blow came when it was revealed that several Manly stars had 'get out' clauses in their contracts should Hasler leave. Canterbury also made it clear they wanted to gain the services of recruitment guru Noel Cleal and video analyst expert Will Badel. The Eagles were going to be ripped apart and now they have.
Des Hasler was stood down last night after a ridiculous 7 hour board meeting. Hasler was thought to be in serious breach on contract by trying to take other players to the Bulldogs.
Fare enough Hasler can get more money at Canterbury and secure his financial future but to potentially tear apart a club that has given him an enormous amount is ludacris.
Hasler won premierships as a player in 1987 and 1996. Manly paid him good money to make the move from Penrith to the Northern Beaches and gave him a chance to become the clubs coach in 2003. After 2 years of failing to make the 8 he would have been sacked by other clubs. Yes Manly stuck their neck out for him and he repaid them in the best possible way but if he is indeed trying to lure some of his top stars out of the Sea Eagles camp then I'm a bad judge of character.
As someone who supports whoever Manly is playing its good to see that they might not be a force next. On the other hand its a shame he couldn't be kept and he feels as though he had to go down in a blaze of glory.
Damage Out.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
A Look at Everything
Rugby World Cup 2011 is over for another 4 years and even with the IRB trying to ruin it in every way possible. Samoan players lead a revolt with Fuimaono Sapolu leading the charge via twitter where he has not been afraid to voice his concerns. His first post that got the attention of the world was when he compared the World Cup scheduling for minnow nations to the Holocaust. If you are on twitter follow him @eliota_sapolu he is worth following. I have to agree with him, not with the holocaust comparison but the scheduling for the minnow nations needs to be addressed. Namibia played 4 games in 16 days while New Zealand had at least 7 days break between each game. Not fair at all.
Four Nations Rugby League will start early tomorrow morning in England with Australia heavily favoured to win back the trophy. They might have flogged the Kiwi's on a really dry track in Newcastle but the English conditions play into the hands of the Kiwi's. A team full of Warriors who play every second week in similar conditions will surely make it a more playing field. We cant forget that New Zealand is a great tournament team, they improve with every game they play. We will all get a better track of how things will pan out by about 8:30 tomorrow morning.
England can seriously challenge New Zealand but not Australia. That being said they are on their own turf and the games in the northern hemisphere are refereed by a different rule book in terms of a short defence and quick ruck. That will help them out and minor miracles will help the cause of Wales.
Todd Carney back in the NRL a good thing? I will say yes. On this site not that long ago I implied that Carney may be an alcoholic. Looking back it was a foolish thing to say and here's why. He's 25 years old and entitled to a drink and since coming to Sydney he has really done nothing wrong. Yes he got caught for DUI but his blood alcohol content was .05 which is the legal limit of a fully licensed driver. Carney being on his P-Plates was the thing that got him in trouble. I dont know how many times we have all run the gauntlet driving home after a night on the drink. You'd be lying if you said you hadn't done it. He has also said before that if he is asked by his new club to stop he will. The newspapers use the phrase 'boozy night out' so much to the point it has become a cliche and if I have learnt anything its lazy journalism.
International Rules in Melbourne. Who really gives a crap. AFL is the one football code in Australia that doesnt really have an international presence and thats the way it should be kept. I think the first game is in Melbourne tonight and they have only pre-sold 10,000 tickets. Great Response from the sporting capital of the world.
The Aussie cricket team is in South Africa and will play the 3rd ODI tonight. The find of the tour so far has been young Pat Cummins. When I say young he is the same age as this blogger but his pace and variation has the experts saying he should be playing test cricket during the Australia Summer against India. Why not give him a game in South Africa where he can learn the conditions. South Africa is the only place in the world with conditions similar to Australia hence being the reason why we haven't lost a test series in 42 years. If the selectors do give him the chance they must make him the long term solution. In 6 or 7 years this guy has the ability to be spearheading the bowling attack and if the selectors believe this why wait getting him into the team.
Damage out.
Four Nations Rugby League will start early tomorrow morning in England with Australia heavily favoured to win back the trophy. They might have flogged the Kiwi's on a really dry track in Newcastle but the English conditions play into the hands of the Kiwi's. A team full of Warriors who play every second week in similar conditions will surely make it a more playing field. We cant forget that New Zealand is a great tournament team, they improve with every game they play. We will all get a better track of how things will pan out by about 8:30 tomorrow morning.
England can seriously challenge New Zealand but not Australia. That being said they are on their own turf and the games in the northern hemisphere are refereed by a different rule book in terms of a short defence and quick ruck. That will help them out and minor miracles will help the cause of Wales.
Todd Carney back in the NRL a good thing? I will say yes. On this site not that long ago I implied that Carney may be an alcoholic. Looking back it was a foolish thing to say and here's why. He's 25 years old and entitled to a drink and since coming to Sydney he has really done nothing wrong. Yes he got caught for DUI but his blood alcohol content was .05 which is the legal limit of a fully licensed driver. Carney being on his P-Plates was the thing that got him in trouble. I dont know how many times we have all run the gauntlet driving home after a night on the drink. You'd be lying if you said you hadn't done it. He has also said before that if he is asked by his new club to stop he will. The newspapers use the phrase 'boozy night out' so much to the point it has become a cliche and if I have learnt anything its lazy journalism.
International Rules in Melbourne. Who really gives a crap. AFL is the one football code in Australia that doesnt really have an international presence and thats the way it should be kept. I think the first game is in Melbourne tonight and they have only pre-sold 10,000 tickets. Great Response from the sporting capital of the world.
The Aussie cricket team is in South Africa and will play the 3rd ODI tonight. The find of the tour so far has been young Pat Cummins. When I say young he is the same age as this blogger but his pace and variation has the experts saying he should be playing test cricket during the Australia Summer against India. Why not give him a game in South Africa where he can learn the conditions. South Africa is the only place in the world with conditions similar to Australia hence being the reason why we haven't lost a test series in 42 years. If the selectors do give him the chance they must make him the long term solution. In 6 or 7 years this guy has the ability to be spearheading the bowling attack and if the selectors believe this why wait getting him into the team.
Damage out.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Its Showtime.
And here we are once again 29 weeks down and just one game left for season 2011. The Grand Final. 16 started, 2 remain and quite honestly no one could have predicted a Manly vs New Zealand decider at the start of the year. I thought Manly might struggle a bit this year after having a very good 5 seasons previously but they proved me wrong big time. The Warriors always had the talent but lacked composure when it counted against tough opposition. Their defence lacked desperation but the last fortnight they have recitified that issue also.
So who will lift the trophy when its all said and done? I think the Warriors in a close game. Admittedly I hate Manly as much as the next league fan but I just think the Warriors have too much class all over the park. Feleti Mateo will have a big bearing on the fortunes of his team. He was a vital part of the Parramatta team that went to the GF 2 years ago and its no coincidence he is once again a focal point for New Zealand. Shaun Johnson, James Maloney will steer the forwards around and get them through their sets much like they did against Melbourne. And we cant forget the beast, Kevin Locke following the big forwards and creating havoc. This is a football team that is incredibly dangerous and Manly will have to play extremely well to win.
While everyone hates Manly its hard not to be impressed with what this team has achieved this year with the youngests halves combination in recent memory. The return of Brett Stewart, career best form of Jamie Lyon and Glenn Stewart on the right edge has the opposition on red alert. Watmough is due for a 'DNA Freak' performance, the under-rated workers in Shane Rodney, Joe Galuveo and the exciting young talent that comes off the bench. There is plenty of reason for Silvertail fans to get excited as they play their 3rd Grand Final in 5 years.
I think we will see a cracker-jack game of footy as New Zealand attempt to win their first premiership and Manly gun for their 8th title. Regardless of the result it will be a memorable end to season 2011.
So who will lift the trophy when its all said and done? I think the Warriors in a close game. Admittedly I hate Manly as much as the next league fan but I just think the Warriors have too much class all over the park. Feleti Mateo will have a big bearing on the fortunes of his team. He was a vital part of the Parramatta team that went to the GF 2 years ago and its no coincidence he is once again a focal point for New Zealand. Shaun Johnson, James Maloney will steer the forwards around and get them through their sets much like they did against Melbourne. And we cant forget the beast, Kevin Locke following the big forwards and creating havoc. This is a football team that is incredibly dangerous and Manly will have to play extremely well to win.
While everyone hates Manly its hard not to be impressed with what this team has achieved this year with the youngests halves combination in recent memory. The return of Brett Stewart, career best form of Jamie Lyon and Glenn Stewart on the right edge has the opposition on red alert. Watmough is due for a 'DNA Freak' performance, the under-rated workers in Shane Rodney, Joe Galuveo and the exciting young talent that comes off the bench. There is plenty of reason for Silvertail fans to get excited as they play their 3rd Grand Final in 5 years.
I think we will see a cracker-jack game of footy as New Zealand attempt to win their first premiership and Manly gun for their 8th title. Regardless of the result it will be a memorable end to season 2011.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sydney City's Horror Year (oh and the semi finals arent too fary away)
Are the Roosters the most poorly behaved club in the NRL? Do they have a bad drinking culture?
After what has transpired this week, the answers to both questions would be yes.
Coach Brian Smith says in every press conference after the games that they "give away too many penalites and drop too much ball". The main theme I am trying to get across to you is that the problems at the Roosters is discipline.
I get the vibe that maybe some of the players feel as though they are bigger than the club and that they have no respect for the jersey on and off the field. Nate Myles in every game club game this year has looked a shadow of the player everybody knows he can be. Is it a case of complacency or just no respect for the Roosters. The Daily Telegraph revealed on Thursday that Nick Politis just plain doesnt like Myles which was the reason why he was free to negociate with rival clubs with a year still to run on his current contract.
Has this affected his form? Showing up to work each day knowing your'ne not wanted must be a tough spot to be in. Surely he could find some motivation in playing for his mates until years end. Despite a bad year a club level for Nate Myles he had an awesome State of Origin series for Queensland where he looked very comfortable and more like the Nate Myles of 2010.
Take Myles away and there is a bloke Named Todd Carney. Everyone knows the troubles that he has had off the field and we could talk about them all day.
I will say this though. When the Roosters signed Carney from purgatory in 2009 they knew full well the baggage that he brought with him. He gets sober for a year along with some of his teammates and they have a stunning year with Carney winning the Dally M Medal. Everyone knows the talent that is Todd Carney but I get the feeling that the Roosters though the problem was fixed.
Being an alchoholic is a fight that is never truly won and over the ensuing off season it had been reported that Carney was back on the drink. Knowing the baggage that he had, Nick Politis and Steve Noyce had a chance to try and steer Carney back to sobriety. I believe if the Roosters acted early they could have maybe had a chance at stopping the drink-driving case in February, the all night drinking session with Anthony Watts and the latest indiscretion with Myles and Frank-Paul Nuuausala.
On a positive note, Darren Lockyer plays career game 350. Possibly the biggest milestone the game has ever seen and the papers are filled with the Hollywood horror story that has become the Sydney Roosters 2011 season. Broncos v Cowboys is a sell-out for the occasion as it should be and it could determine which club will make a top 4 finish pending on what the Dragons can muster for the final 4 weeks before the playoffs.
Knights and Warriors play an important match across the ditch. This is another match that will have a big bearing on the final make up of the top 8.
Wests Tigers will attempt to win their 5th game on the spin as they take on Penrith at Centrebet Stadium where they haven't won in 5 years. They will need to win to get out of the dreaded 8th spot.
If the Rabbitohs defeat Canberra which they should, they will keep their September hopes alive.
All in all the game is in an awesome position and just about any team on their day can win the premiership come semi final time.
Up The Knights!!
After what has transpired this week, the answers to both questions would be yes.
Coach Brian Smith says in every press conference after the games that they "give away too many penalites and drop too much ball". The main theme I am trying to get across to you is that the problems at the Roosters is discipline.
I get the vibe that maybe some of the players feel as though they are bigger than the club and that they have no respect for the jersey on and off the field. Nate Myles in every game club game this year has looked a shadow of the player everybody knows he can be. Is it a case of complacency or just no respect for the Roosters. The Daily Telegraph revealed on Thursday that Nick Politis just plain doesnt like Myles which was the reason why he was free to negociate with rival clubs with a year still to run on his current contract.
Has this affected his form? Showing up to work each day knowing your'ne not wanted must be a tough spot to be in. Surely he could find some motivation in playing for his mates until years end. Despite a bad year a club level for Nate Myles he had an awesome State of Origin series for Queensland where he looked very comfortable and more like the Nate Myles of 2010.
Take Myles away and there is a bloke Named Todd Carney. Everyone knows the troubles that he has had off the field and we could talk about them all day.
I will say this though. When the Roosters signed Carney from purgatory in 2009 they knew full well the baggage that he brought with him. He gets sober for a year along with some of his teammates and they have a stunning year with Carney winning the Dally M Medal. Everyone knows the talent that is Todd Carney but I get the feeling that the Roosters though the problem was fixed.
Being an alchoholic is a fight that is never truly won and over the ensuing off season it had been reported that Carney was back on the drink. Knowing the baggage that he had, Nick Politis and Steve Noyce had a chance to try and steer Carney back to sobriety. I believe if the Roosters acted early they could have maybe had a chance at stopping the drink-driving case in February, the all night drinking session with Anthony Watts and the latest indiscretion with Myles and Frank-Paul Nuuausala.
On a positive note, Darren Lockyer plays career game 350. Possibly the biggest milestone the game has ever seen and the papers are filled with the Hollywood horror story that has become the Sydney Roosters 2011 season. Broncos v Cowboys is a sell-out for the occasion as it should be and it could determine which club will make a top 4 finish pending on what the Dragons can muster for the final 4 weeks before the playoffs.
Knights and Warriors play an important match across the ditch. This is another match that will have a big bearing on the final make up of the top 8.
Wests Tigers will attempt to win their 5th game on the spin as they take on Penrith at Centrebet Stadium where they haven't won in 5 years. They will need to win to get out of the dreaded 8th spot.
If the Rabbitohs defeat Canberra which they should, they will keep their September hopes alive.
All in all the game is in an awesome position and just about any team on their day can win the premiership come semi final time.
Up The Knights!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
New Scheduling
'Television Rights' seems to be the topic on the tip of every League fan's tongue. As a Rugby League tragic I was thrilled to read in the Daily Telegraph today about the '27th' and '28th' rounds that could be included in the 2013 season.
This will mean that these rounds will include stand alone representative weekends as well as a 'Super Round' that will see triple header NRL Fixtures being held at Suncorp and ANZ Stadium respectively. State Of Origin will also see mass change as it could move to a Monday Night in order to lighten the load on our rep players as well as maintain the standard of NRL Matches.
It will also see "state against state" move across the Tasman and for the first time we could see an Auckland vs Counties fixture as well as at Toyota Cup level. I will say by seeing the possible line-ups for the Kiwi fixture it would be an awesome concept that would give the New Zealand players a chance to represent their place of 'Origin' and give them a good mid year hit out for their Test team.
The array of talent on display can only benefit the game and give guys on the fringe of Test selection a chance to prove themselves for inclusion in the national team.
The 'Super Round' is another really good idea that the new Independant Commissioners will look at. Sydney fans will have the chance to see three games back to back at ANZ Stadium. As a Sydney resident I would be very quick to get a ticket that will allow you to watch some of the best entertainment the country has to offer. Not just once, but three times which could be the beginning of an annual tradition.
Queensland fans wont be dissapointed as they will get the chance to see all three Queensland teams and possibly the new Brisbane Bombers all on one day at Suncorp Stadium. These fixtures will allow the game to create even more revenue for the clubs involved.
If we cast our mids back to 1999, on the opening weekend a double header at the new 'Stadium Australia' as it was known then saw 104,000 fans come through the gates. In recent years, Brisbane has been holding an annual double header for Bronco's and Titans fans which has seen crowds of up to 50,000 in attendance.
I'm not sure why the NRL haven't talked about this concept more before but with the TV rights being negotiated next year, its come into conversation at a really good time.
On another note, I heard this week that West Tigers star Simon Dwyer's career is in massive jeopardy after the horrific nerve damage suffered against the Bulldogs. If he is forced to retire it will be a sad day not only for Tigers fans but League fans in general. His future in the game looked to be huge with Tim Sheens once claiming "he's the closest backrower I have seen to Bradley Clyde at his age". As far as compliments go, they don't get any bigger. He had become my favourite player to watch this season.
I shudder to think that we have seen the last of Dwyer, but if it is he has left an indellible mark on the game in a short time. No one will forget his shoulder charge on Jarred Waerea-Hargreaves in last years epic Qualifying Final. His game against South Sydney at the SFS earlier this season was as dominant performance I have seen from a backrower this year. From all League fans I hope he can recover and continue to play for the Wests Tigers.
This will mean that these rounds will include stand alone representative weekends as well as a 'Super Round' that will see triple header NRL Fixtures being held at Suncorp and ANZ Stadium respectively. State Of Origin will also see mass change as it could move to a Monday Night in order to lighten the load on our rep players as well as maintain the standard of NRL Matches.
It will also see "state against state" move across the Tasman and for the first time we could see an Auckland vs Counties fixture as well as at Toyota Cup level. I will say by seeing the possible line-ups for the Kiwi fixture it would be an awesome concept that would give the New Zealand players a chance to represent their place of 'Origin' and give them a good mid year hit out for their Test team.
The array of talent on display can only benefit the game and give guys on the fringe of Test selection a chance to prove themselves for inclusion in the national team.
The 'Super Round' is another really good idea that the new Independant Commissioners will look at. Sydney fans will have the chance to see three games back to back at ANZ Stadium. As a Sydney resident I would be very quick to get a ticket that will allow you to watch some of the best entertainment the country has to offer. Not just once, but three times which could be the beginning of an annual tradition.
Queensland fans wont be dissapointed as they will get the chance to see all three Queensland teams and possibly the new Brisbane Bombers all on one day at Suncorp Stadium. These fixtures will allow the game to create even more revenue for the clubs involved.
If we cast our mids back to 1999, on the opening weekend a double header at the new 'Stadium Australia' as it was known then saw 104,000 fans come through the gates. In recent years, Brisbane has been holding an annual double header for Bronco's and Titans fans which has seen crowds of up to 50,000 in attendance.
I'm not sure why the NRL haven't talked about this concept more before but with the TV rights being negotiated next year, its come into conversation at a really good time.
On another note, I heard this week that West Tigers star Simon Dwyer's career is in massive jeopardy after the horrific nerve damage suffered against the Bulldogs. If he is forced to retire it will be a sad day not only for Tigers fans but League fans in general. His future in the game looked to be huge with Tim Sheens once claiming "he's the closest backrower I have seen to Bradley Clyde at his age". As far as compliments go, they don't get any bigger. He had become my favourite player to watch this season.
I shudder to think that we have seen the last of Dwyer, but if it is he has left an indellible mark on the game in a short time. No one will forget his shoulder charge on Jarred Waerea-Hargreaves in last years epic Qualifying Final. His game against South Sydney at the SFS earlier this season was as dominant performance I have seen from a backrower this year. From all League fans I hope he can recover and continue to play for the Wests Tigers.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Glory Bound Rounds!
State Of Origin is over for another year and again Queensland are just too good on the night. While the excitement of Origin is gone for another year we must remember that semi-final football is only 8 weeks away.
The rep period allowed teams less affected by Origin such as Newcastle, Cronulla and Penrith to close the gap and move into the top 8 with Cronulla just outside after their season looked dead and buried.
Teams like the Tigers, Bulldogs and Warriors werent able to capitalise despite each team only having one player committed to Origin duites. The Bulldogs in particular have been poor while the Tigers lost 3 in a row and young backrower Simon Dwyer for the season. The Warriors lost 4 on the trot but got back on track with a solid win over the Gold Coast Titans.
The top 5 looks to be all but a certainty just the places have to be finalised. Melbourne, St George Illawarra and Brisbane all looking in good shape after being heavily affected by Origin. North Queensland will have to make the finals without Johnathon Thurston and look the worst for wear coming into the back end of the year.
The Bottom half of the 8 will be an interesting battle week to week. For and against will become a big factor and positions 6, 7 and 8 will be changing every week and at times every couple of hours.
I'm going to make a bold prediction and say the West Tigers will not make the 8 despite being tagged as a competition heavyweight before the season started.
I also thought that if Cronulla could win 8 games this year that it would be somewhat of a successful season. I'll go one better and say they will finish in 8th position. They will need to win at least 13 games for the year equating to 6 wins from their last 8 games.
There is still a lot of football to be played until we get to the magical month of September and almost anything can happen. If it gets as exciting as last year did, we are in for one hell of a rollercoaster ride.
Knights to win the comp in 2011?
The rep period allowed teams less affected by Origin such as Newcastle, Cronulla and Penrith to close the gap and move into the top 8 with Cronulla just outside after their season looked dead and buried.
Teams like the Tigers, Bulldogs and Warriors werent able to capitalise despite each team only having one player committed to Origin duites. The Bulldogs in particular have been poor while the Tigers lost 3 in a row and young backrower Simon Dwyer for the season. The Warriors lost 4 on the trot but got back on track with a solid win over the Gold Coast Titans.
The top 5 looks to be all but a certainty just the places have to be finalised. Melbourne, St George Illawarra and Brisbane all looking in good shape after being heavily affected by Origin. North Queensland will have to make the finals without Johnathon Thurston and look the worst for wear coming into the back end of the year.
The Bottom half of the 8 will be an interesting battle week to week. For and against will become a big factor and positions 6, 7 and 8 will be changing every week and at times every couple of hours.
I'm going to make a bold prediction and say the West Tigers will not make the 8 despite being tagged as a competition heavyweight before the season started.
I also thought that if Cronulla could win 8 games this year that it would be somewhat of a successful season. I'll go one better and say they will finish in 8th position. They will need to win at least 13 games for the year equating to 6 wins from their last 8 games.
There is still a lot of football to be played until we get to the magical month of September and almost anything can happen. If it gets as exciting as last year did, we are in for one hell of a rollercoaster ride.
Knights to win the comp in 2011?
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Origin III
Its so close you can almost feel it. Origin III is here and Phil Gould said it today, this could be the biggest one of all.
The Blues seem to have the most concerns injury wise with a 20 man squad named this afternoon with Stuart retaining all of the team from Game II.
Keith Galloway gets a call up into the squad with a chance to make his debut if players are ruled out. He gets the nod over Tom Learoyd-Lahrs as a reward for his fantastic form. Glenn Stewart earns a recall to the squad and will play if Beau Scott succumbs to injury.
Justin Hodges is all but a certainty to play his first Origin game in two years and Dave Taylor could face a nervous wait with the judiciary.
Now the teams have been sorted, lets fast forward to Wednesday night. It will be your typical Origin game, but there is so much more at stake. Darren Lockyer's last game will bring out the best in Queenslanders and they will be extremely tough to beat. They will be a lot better side than the one we saw in Game II. There is no more motivation needed to win this game of football and to continue 'the streak'.
New South Wales, well they dont need much motivation to get up for the game either. They know what they have to do to win at Lang Park, they came so close only one month ago. They will continue to play an expansive game which will play into their hands with the dry conditions in Brisbane.
Ricky Stuart has also said this group of men have exceeded his expectations with the commitment and desire shown to win back interstate supremacy.
Its almost like a classic Heavyweight Boxing match.
Queensland- the powerful, well oiled machine who dont think they can win they expect to. Under the reign of Meninga, its become a culture so deeply ingrained that winning football games is as automatic as brushing your teeth in the morning.
New South Wales- The challengers, on the trail and so close to winning back the shield. The past five years have tested the character and resilience of this football team. At times they have passed the test but more often then not they have failed in the big moments. Now the tide has turned, you can sense that anybody can win and its a talking point with every league fan.
Only ten more days and NSW will face their biggest test and more than ever they need to pass. If they fail it will be another case of 'here we go again'.
GO THE BLUES!!!
The Blues seem to have the most concerns injury wise with a 20 man squad named this afternoon with Stuart retaining all of the team from Game II.
Keith Galloway gets a call up into the squad with a chance to make his debut if players are ruled out. He gets the nod over Tom Learoyd-Lahrs as a reward for his fantastic form. Glenn Stewart earns a recall to the squad and will play if Beau Scott succumbs to injury.
Justin Hodges is all but a certainty to play his first Origin game in two years and Dave Taylor could face a nervous wait with the judiciary.
Now the teams have been sorted, lets fast forward to Wednesday night. It will be your typical Origin game, but there is so much more at stake. Darren Lockyer's last game will bring out the best in Queenslanders and they will be extremely tough to beat. They will be a lot better side than the one we saw in Game II. There is no more motivation needed to win this game of football and to continue 'the streak'.
New South Wales, well they dont need much motivation to get up for the game either. They know what they have to do to win at Lang Park, they came so close only one month ago. They will continue to play an expansive game which will play into their hands with the dry conditions in Brisbane.
Ricky Stuart has also said this group of men have exceeded his expectations with the commitment and desire shown to win back interstate supremacy.
Its almost like a classic Heavyweight Boxing match.
Queensland- the powerful, well oiled machine who dont think they can win they expect to. Under the reign of Meninga, its become a culture so deeply ingrained that winning football games is as automatic as brushing your teeth in the morning.
New South Wales- The challengers, on the trail and so close to winning back the shield. The past five years have tested the character and resilience of this football team. At times they have passed the test but more often then not they have failed in the big moments. Now the tide has turned, you can sense that anybody can win and its a talking point with every league fan.
Only ten more days and NSW will face their biggest test and more than ever they need to pass. If they fail it will be another case of 'here we go again'.
GO THE BLUES!!!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Issues In The Game.
Another week and there seems to be more and more controversies creeping into the great game of Rugby League.
The question on everyone's lips is whether or not representative players should stand down for 2 club games instead of one to better prepare for the decider in State Of Origin?.
In a perfect world the answer is yes. But is club success more important that NSW winning a State Of Origin Series?. Ricky Stuart would say yes. This was highlighted when he asked the St George-Illawarra and Manly players to consider standing down from the round 16 Monday night game which will see at least half his team in action and risking injury.
Had the Sharks lost today, Paul Gallen said he would have given a lot of thought to standing down from his club duties with Cronulla.
With half the NSW team expected to play on a Monday night 9 days before the game with the other half of the team already in camp. This will mean that Ricky Stuart wont have half his team to train until the Thursday or Friday before the game. If game two of the series was the most important game in a couple of seasons, then the decider could arguably the biggest clash in the history of Origin such is the importance of the game.
Its very easy to see where Ricky Stuart is coming from but its almost certain the clubs will not let their rep players stand down. The NRL clubs are responsible for paying the players bills and making them the players that they are today. Not to mention their team mates who rep players owe a lot of their personal success to.
A solution possibly, could this be the way of the future?
Like Cricket, the NRL could adopt a top 25 or 30 player central contract system that is linked with their club and respective state. With the Independant Commission set to come into action within the next year, I think this is an idea that could be looked at for the future.
Stand alone State Of Origin was trialled in 2001 on a Sunday night and it was quickly axed due to ratings and other circumstances. Wednesday night Origin works and I dont think that the fans should be robbed of a whole weekend of club football.
People will argue that the quality of Rugby League suffers when rep stars are missing. This might be true but it gives clubs a chance to blood young players and give them some experience which can only be a benefit in the long run. Had the Dragons had all their rep stars available, would Alex Mckinnon have had a chance to score a double on debut.
There is many ways of looking at this issue and I'm sure that changes will be made in the coming years to the representative schedule.
The question on everyone's lips is whether or not representative players should stand down for 2 club games instead of one to better prepare for the decider in State Of Origin?.
In a perfect world the answer is yes. But is club success more important that NSW winning a State Of Origin Series?. Ricky Stuart would say yes. This was highlighted when he asked the St George-Illawarra and Manly players to consider standing down from the round 16 Monday night game which will see at least half his team in action and risking injury.
Had the Sharks lost today, Paul Gallen said he would have given a lot of thought to standing down from his club duties with Cronulla.
With half the NSW team expected to play on a Monday night 9 days before the game with the other half of the team already in camp. This will mean that Ricky Stuart wont have half his team to train until the Thursday or Friday before the game. If game two of the series was the most important game in a couple of seasons, then the decider could arguably the biggest clash in the history of Origin such is the importance of the game.
Its very easy to see where Ricky Stuart is coming from but its almost certain the clubs will not let their rep players stand down. The NRL clubs are responsible for paying the players bills and making them the players that they are today. Not to mention their team mates who rep players owe a lot of their personal success to.
A solution possibly, could this be the way of the future?
Like Cricket, the NRL could adopt a top 25 or 30 player central contract system that is linked with their club and respective state. With the Independant Commission set to come into action within the next year, I think this is an idea that could be looked at for the future.
Stand alone State Of Origin was trialled in 2001 on a Sunday night and it was quickly axed due to ratings and other circumstances. Wednesday night Origin works and I dont think that the fans should be robbed of a whole weekend of club football.
People will argue that the quality of Rugby League suffers when rep stars are missing. This might be true but it gives clubs a chance to blood young players and give them some experience which can only be a benefit in the long run. Had the Dragons had all their rep stars available, would Alex Mckinnon have had a chance to score a double on debut.
There is many ways of looking at this issue and I'm sure that changes will be made in the coming years to the representative schedule.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Who Said Origin Was Dead
I hate to say it with so much Origin football still to play but I Told You So!!!
It was "The Night To Fight" and the Blues did New South Wales Proud. 82, 000 fans showed up to see a contest in the truest sense of the word and they werent dissapointed. Two teams fought for what they believed in and on the night the better team won. NSW for the first time in 2 years defeated the Maroons.
I said before the concept of Origin might have been questioned if Queensland won in Sydney, But once again we have a decider.
Remember: There is no finish line in Origin.
Gallen said all week he would lead from the front and look every bit a prop. He did that and more. His performance was nothing short of phenominal. He ran the ball more than 20 times for a whopping 234 metres. It will be up there with one of the most damaging performances in New South Wales history alongside the likes of Andrew Johns in 2005 and Anthony Watmough in 2009.
I predicted that the Blues would play to the strengths of their back row. They did and it worked so a big pat on the back goes out to the coach Ricky Stuart. It was the variety on the edges and in the middle that got them home.
Lewis was outstanding once he came onto the field. Scored a try and looked dangerous with every touch of the ball. His biggest moment in the game came when the Maroons were looking like breaking the heart of the blues and scoring another come from the dead try. Lewis saves the game as he comes from nowhere and hammers Cooper Cronk on the last tackle to give possession back to his team. As Gus would say, "it was an Origin play".
Watmough did what he does best. He ran very well on the edges and looked to promote the football with every touch. He tackled very well and most importantly kept his discipline in line.
Beau Scott played a majority of the game with a perforated ear drum and was solid as a rock. There wasn't a moment where he looked like a liability. His commitment in doing the hard work for his team is second to none.
Greg Bird again just keeps proving why he should be playing Origin football. Although not his best game by his standards, it was a work-man like performance. Continually showed up to get the Blues out of their half.
Ben Creagh looks strong again. He played most of the game up front when Tim Mannah was off the field and did a great job with Gal. You know what you get every time Ben Creagh turns up to play.
Enough about the back row.
Pearce's defence was simply awesome. He proved once again he belongs in the Origin arena.
Minichiello on return with a try to top it all off was the 'Mini' of old. Safe as a house and never too far from the ball.
Hopoate is to be congratulated for an outstanding debut. Uate continues to Flourish.
Finally. For anyone who believes Kurt Gidley should not be in this team, think again. He comes onto the field and starts at hooker. In the last half hour of the game he was playing at left centre and packing in at lock in the scrum. He might not be the best player in any one position but guys like him are invaluable to a teams success.
Cattledog!!!
Bring on Game 3.
It was "The Night To Fight" and the Blues did New South Wales Proud. 82, 000 fans showed up to see a contest in the truest sense of the word and they werent dissapointed. Two teams fought for what they believed in and on the night the better team won. NSW for the first time in 2 years defeated the Maroons.
I said before the concept of Origin might have been questioned if Queensland won in Sydney, But once again we have a decider.
Remember: There is no finish line in Origin.
Gallen said all week he would lead from the front and look every bit a prop. He did that and more. His performance was nothing short of phenominal. He ran the ball more than 20 times for a whopping 234 metres. It will be up there with one of the most damaging performances in New South Wales history alongside the likes of Andrew Johns in 2005 and Anthony Watmough in 2009.
I predicted that the Blues would play to the strengths of their back row. They did and it worked so a big pat on the back goes out to the coach Ricky Stuart. It was the variety on the edges and in the middle that got them home.
Lewis was outstanding once he came onto the field. Scored a try and looked dangerous with every touch of the ball. His biggest moment in the game came when the Maroons were looking like breaking the heart of the blues and scoring another come from the dead try. Lewis saves the game as he comes from nowhere and hammers Cooper Cronk on the last tackle to give possession back to his team. As Gus would say, "it was an Origin play".
Watmough did what he does best. He ran very well on the edges and looked to promote the football with every touch. He tackled very well and most importantly kept his discipline in line.
Beau Scott played a majority of the game with a perforated ear drum and was solid as a rock. There wasn't a moment where he looked like a liability. His commitment in doing the hard work for his team is second to none.
Greg Bird again just keeps proving why he should be playing Origin football. Although not his best game by his standards, it was a work-man like performance. Continually showed up to get the Blues out of their half.
Ben Creagh looks strong again. He played most of the game up front when Tim Mannah was off the field and did a great job with Gal. You know what you get every time Ben Creagh turns up to play.
Enough about the back row.
Pearce's defence was simply awesome. He proved once again he belongs in the Origin arena.
Minichiello on return with a try to top it all off was the 'Mini' of old. Safe as a house and never too far from the ball.
Hopoate is to be congratulated for an outstanding debut. Uate continues to Flourish.
Finally. For anyone who believes Kurt Gidley should not be in this team, think again. He comes onto the field and starts at hooker. In the last half hour of the game he was playing at left centre and packing in at lock in the scrum. He might not be the best player in any one position but guys like him are invaluable to a teams success.
Cattledog!!!
Bring on Game 3.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sport in the eye of an expert (or so he thinks): Origin II "The Night To Fight"
Sport in the eye of an expert (or so he thinks): Origin II "The Night To Fight": "We are now just 48 hours away from not only one of the biggest games of the year, but potentially the biggest game in the last 20 years. It ..."
Origin II "The Night To Fight"
We are now just 48 hours away from not only one of the biggest games of the year, but potentially the biggest game in the last 20 years. It might sound crazy but here's why.
1995, 2001 and 2006 the concept of Origin was labelled dead. Everytime it was due to NSW dominance and Queensland not having a big enough "talent pool' to dip into. History shows that Fatty's Maroon's won 3-0 in 1995 and Origin was back. 2001, Tallis and Lockyer lead 10 debutants with their old mate Alfie Langer to win back the trophy. 2006, the Blues had won the past 3 series and Queensland hadnt won a series outright in 5 years. NSW look to have the game wrapped up before Lockyer turns the tide for the Maroons and wins back the bragging rights. Its something they havent given up in the last 5 years.
If Queensland make it 6 series in a row on wednesday night, I dare say there will be calls that the concept isnt 'dead', but a forgone conclusion.
There is more than enough talent in the Blues team to win the game and force the series to a deciding match. Forget the fact that we have 2 specialists front rowers in the team with only 1 hour of origin experience between them. Tim Mannah and Trent Merrin are a look at the future of the NSW front row. Experience they lack yes, but they will be well prepared and have the rest of the team ready to do the hard yards with them.
Its no secret the Blues have an abundance of talented backrow forwards. Football games are won when teams play to their strengths. So on that diagnosis, picking all of the best backrow forwards we have to offer seems to be the logical thing to do.
Anthony Watmough might have been a contentious call but no one can deny he is ready made for Origin football and tougher than a $2 steak.
Greg Bird is in my view the difference in NSW being in a close game and being blown out of the water by the Maroons.
Paul Gallen- Runs hard, tackles hard, nothing short of inspirational.
Ben Creagh- Talented ball player and line runner on the left edge who improves with every game he plays.
Beau Scott- Tough, uncompromising and gets through a mountain of work. If that isnt 'Origin' I dont know what is.
Luke Lewis- Mr Fix-it, plays anywhere, whole hearted performer, strong ball runner.
All of the Backrowers are brilliant players and as you can see have a lot of different attributes. NSW will utilise all of these guys, along with a potentially devastating backline to get them over the line.
Desperate times call for desperate and that time is wednesday night. There comes a time when something has to give and the momentum swings. There also comes a time when NSW think that "gee, Queensland arent that good, we can beat them".
THAT TIME IS NOW
1995, 2001 and 2006 the concept of Origin was labelled dead. Everytime it was due to NSW dominance and Queensland not having a big enough "talent pool' to dip into. History shows that Fatty's Maroon's won 3-0 in 1995 and Origin was back. 2001, Tallis and Lockyer lead 10 debutants with their old mate Alfie Langer to win back the trophy. 2006, the Blues had won the past 3 series and Queensland hadnt won a series outright in 5 years. NSW look to have the game wrapped up before Lockyer turns the tide for the Maroons and wins back the bragging rights. Its something they havent given up in the last 5 years.
If Queensland make it 6 series in a row on wednesday night, I dare say there will be calls that the concept isnt 'dead', but a forgone conclusion.
There is more than enough talent in the Blues team to win the game and force the series to a deciding match. Forget the fact that we have 2 specialists front rowers in the team with only 1 hour of origin experience between them. Tim Mannah and Trent Merrin are a look at the future of the NSW front row. Experience they lack yes, but they will be well prepared and have the rest of the team ready to do the hard yards with them.
Its no secret the Blues have an abundance of talented backrow forwards. Football games are won when teams play to their strengths. So on that diagnosis, picking all of the best backrow forwards we have to offer seems to be the logical thing to do.
Anthony Watmough might have been a contentious call but no one can deny he is ready made for Origin football and tougher than a $2 steak.
Greg Bird is in my view the difference in NSW being in a close game and being blown out of the water by the Maroons.
Paul Gallen- Runs hard, tackles hard, nothing short of inspirational.
Ben Creagh- Talented ball player and line runner on the left edge who improves with every game he plays.
Beau Scott- Tough, uncompromising and gets through a mountain of work. If that isnt 'Origin' I dont know what is.
Luke Lewis- Mr Fix-it, plays anywhere, whole hearted performer, strong ball runner.
All of the Backrowers are brilliant players and as you can see have a lot of different attributes. NSW will utilise all of these guys, along with a potentially devastating backline to get them over the line.
Desperate times call for desperate and that time is wednesday night. There comes a time when something has to give and the momentum swings. There also comes a time when NSW think that "gee, Queensland arent that good, we can beat them".
THAT TIME IS NOW
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)