Roar Rookie
Joined March 2013
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Most memorable match would have to be Australia enforcing the follow-on against India at the Eden Gardens. VVS Laxman's 281* and Rahul Dravid's 180 truly was one of the most amazing changes in momentum I have ever seen in a cricket match.
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Despite an agonising 14-run loss, Australia have raked in some respect from English critics. Let's be frank, the DRS is useless; regardless of what…
Well, it isn't really next week, but a couple of months turnaround after a demoralising loss to the Lions might just antagonise the Wallabies…
When it comes to discussing State of Origin, do we tend to take our eyes of the facts? Do we read too much into…
It's funny how people read into the last seven years of this great rivalry and come to the conclusion Queensland is just too good.…
With the second Test in Hyderabad all said and done the embattled Aussies will now have to win the last two Test matches to…
Hughes I’d imagine. Which I don’t agree with. It’s hard to score runs when:
a) Your team is struggling.
b) Your batting position changes every match.
However, Warner needs to play.. For who? I don’t know.
My Aussie team for the third Ashes Test
Exactly Rodney. In addition to this, people have to understand this is a once in a lifetime team, New South Wales have numerous players in every position queuing up for a crack. Queensland do to a certain extent, but if you think about the players that miss out each series for New South Wales, you’ll understand my point.
State of Origin has never been an even contest
Fair enough, agreed on Pearce. Wonder if Loz’ will pick him before the season starts!
Four observations from the 2013 State of Origin series
Agree there Pomoz. I would’ve had Grant and Mason ahead of Woods, and maybe even considered Mannah, mind you, Mannah’s play the ball is of concern. There are plenty of good props for NSW to choose from, which left me a tad confused as to why Gal played in no.8.
Four observations from the 2013 State of Origin series
1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Brett Morris
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Blake Ferguson
6. Todd Carney
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Robbie Farah
10. James Tamou
11. Greg Bird
12. Anthony Watmough
13. Paul Gallen
14. Jamal Idris
15. Luke Lewis
16. Tim Grant
17. Trent Merrin
I just like the thought of those pin-point kicks Reynolds over to Ferguson’s wing. Utility player on the bench un-required and I thought Daly Cherry-Evans was wasted by Queensland despite their triumph. Jamal’s aggression and Luke Lewis’ natural versatility covers a few positions anyway. Grant was absolutely awesome in Origin 2012. Trent Merrin could come on and dance through the defensive line for New South Wales a few times. Fifita deserves a starting spot and if ‘execution’ is that important, pick someone who can catch the ball in Carney and Reynolds. Maloney was alright without demanding further selection. Jenning’s looked like a blur when he ran and outdid Hodges in the series, whilst the Morris boys and Hayne complete a good back line.
All in all, well-oiled and skilful back line, aggressive forward pack and mobile bench.
I have no doubt that my thoughts may change, but, in the wake of 8 straight, I’m thinking this would be a good side to pick for next year.
Lastly, without showing any disrespect towards Gidley, but if NSW were going to pick a utility, Josh Reynolds would be my man.
2014 State of Origin: the best NSW lineup
Ryan, I ask your honest opinion. With Reynolds (both), Sutton, Carney and maybe even Mullen challenging for a spot next year, what will be the halves pairing? We know selectors don’t look at club form. Pearce has been mediocre for the Roosters and Adam Reynolds has been bashing the house down. So based on the events, who will wear the 7, 6 and maybe even 1 for NSW? And, if Hayne isn’t at fullback, where is he? Keen to know your thoughts…
Four observations from the 2013 State of Origin series
Are you serious? Dugan was one of NSW’s best in the two games he played. Tamou went forward, and Jennings had a crack. I agree with you on Woods and Pearce.
Four observations from the 2013 State of Origin series
Oikee, mate state of origin is far different from playing on Sund’y arvo up on the Gold Coast. He isn’t up to this level.
Four observations from the 2013 State of Origin series
James Maloney was not touted as the 5/8 before the season had kicked off. He played well and deserved a crack. Mitchell got ANOTHER go because his surname is ‘Pearce’.
Four observations from the 2013 State of Origin series
Or because he feels comfortable and averages more as an opener, he feels he can offer the team more there.
We must stick steady with steady Eddy
Khawaja bats left handed as well doesn’t he?
LAWSON: Tough one Australia, but better required at Lord's
He doesn’t look like scoring a run unless he is bowled a rank ball outside off-stump. I feel sorry for him because he seems like a good guy, but Khawaja is the future and needs to be in there for the next test. Cowan was dismal in India (as they all were) but he was the only batsman besides Clarke who didn’t score runs in either innings of Trent Bridge. Clarke should bat at 5. Cowan played an awful shot to Steve Finn and then was over-adventurous in the second innings, edging a part-timer! He just looks uncomfortable.
We must stick steady with steady Eddy
Haha, respect? Myles twisting Gallen’s leg? Myles leading with the head, nearly crushing Robbie Farah’s whole face? Brent Tate punching Paul Gallen in the play the ball last season, and then hitting Greg Bird when he was on the ground? Lockyer bombing Kurt Gidley because New South Wales won game 3 back in 2009? Greg Inglis holding onto Beau Scott and then punching him when he has something to say about it? Brent Tate pushing Gallen in game 2, and having a whinge because Trent Merrin stood up for his mate? Justin Hodges smacking Merrin across the face twice when he had a confrontation with Tate?
Smith grinds my gears too much with the way he carries on during origin, good player, and I find him fine at club level and for Australia. But, Queensland can tell New South Wales are close, and they can’t handle it. If New South Wales have won the game before the final 10 minutes in game 3, Queensland will niggle them and then complain when New South Wales win the fisty cuffs. Ricky Stuart said it last season, it is just Queensland rubbish. Don’t buy into it New South Wales, go about your business your way; THE CLEAN WAY.
Merrin shot shows disrespect: Smith
My main concern is the young-guns. Cordner and Woods. I think Woods is a little out of his depth at origin; AT THE MOMENT. Cordner should be solid off the bench, I suppose.
Maroons unconcerned about ANZ hoodoo
Nervous about wednesday week.
Queensland Maroons squad for 2013 Origin Game 3: Expert reaction
Jarryd Hayne being out is a huge blow, bigger than people think. McManus I don’t think was the best option. Taufua for sure! Not too confident about this team. Why is Cordner there? Solid player but surely Watmough into the starting team and Grant on the bench would be scarier?
NSW Blues squad for 2013 Origin Game 3: expert reaction
I’m open to new ideas mate. I just thought my ideas were a good basis, that’s all. I like Tapaui.
How the Wallabies should line up in the Rugby Championship
I tend to think that Australian Rugby, with Ewen Mackenzie as coach, will really crack down on off-field indiscretions. And yes, Burger King at 4am incident was not an extreme mistake, but what are they doing out? O’Connor on the wing and Beale at Fullback. That is my selection, I am open to other ideas.
How the Wallabies should line up in the Rugby Championship
The rivalry that is origin will not die. The hatred New South Wales and Queensland share is at time relevant in every day life. Australians love their footy and most people see it as the ultimate way to gain bragging rights. The space between matches is designed to give teams a chance to turn around, and think about what they will change for the next game, designed for the ultimate preparation. Furthermore, if games were jammed together like you seem to desire, selectors and coaches would have no time to have a look at new players… Look at Nathan Merritt for example, if origin 3 was the weekend after 2, McManus wouldn’t have had the game he did against the Titans and Merritt would have remained. I do believe origin should be played on a stand alone weekend, (aside from the NRL competition, that is)… But how about a Pacific Nations tournament to be played here in Australia along with it? NSW Cup teams vs Intrust Super Cup teams? There are teams and concepts already existing. The NRL along with former players have long discussed the fact there needs to be a change in the way the origin series is structured… But never do anything…
I have always thought that players should have the choice to play for their club even after selection for origin, reason? Teams playing a side like Melbourne with Smith, Cronk, Slater and Hoffman have a distinct disadvantage to a team that doesn’t, it’s just unfair.
My paragraph structure was terrible, but I feel my points are pretty strong.
Extend Origin to create NRL stand alone representative weekend
Interesting concept. With your broadcasting idea, origin should be played on Saturday, if it was on a Sunday night, crowds would decrease due to people staying at home getting ready for the working week. Sunday night is not a great time for television companies.
Extend Origin to create NRL stand alone representative weekend
Agree with you. O’Connor, whilst at 10, I don’t feel gave the outside backs great opportunity… Cooper loves passing the ball wide, if he is back in there, the outside backs will flourish, you watch.
How the Wallabies should line up in the Rugby Championship
After Sunday night’s match, I am a huge believer in the Warriors, love seeing Matt Elliot do well with them. Shaun Johnson starting to get his mojo back.
WIZ: Souths are good, but it'll still be a Storm-Bulldogs grand final
I like what I see in Speight, he has been very strong for the Brumbies this season.
How the Wallabies should line up in the Rugby Championship
Souths are my obvious favourite. Inglis at the back, Sutton and Reynolds in the halves, Luke at Hooker, the Burgess Boys and players such as McQueen who has just begun his origin career. Not to mention players such as Dylan Walker, Ben Te’o and Andrew Everingham, power and dynamic abilities. And, as much as I do not think he is an origin player, Nathan Merritt, who is the best finisher in the competition. If all these boys play anywhere near their potential, Souths will win. Storm are another frontrunner in my books, although to the naked eye they appear tired (32-0 on friday night not a great example). I think Souths can handle Melbourne, despite a 17-10 loss earlier in the year. The Bulldogs are playing at 60%, Des is an unbelievable coach, they will turn around and be there at the end of the season. Manly seem to only turn up when they want to, and aside from the 10-all draw with Melbourne, I am yet to see an 80 minute performance this year. The Roosters have the strike power, but not the mentality. They are getting their, maybe in the next few season we will see them bring home the hardware. The Warriors are my dark horse, they will make the finals and be beaten in the preliminaries.
All in all; Souths will win the minor premiership, Bulldogs will win the competition, Parramatta (my beloved Eels) will settle for another wooden spoon, and Cronulla and the Warriors will provide some of the better sides an almighty scare.
WIZ: Souths are good, but it'll still be a Storm-Bulldogs grand final
The problem Australia has for the rest of the series, is that they have left some guys at home which they should have taken. To be honest, out of the guys there, they have picked the right team in my opinion.
My Aussie team for the third Ashes Test