Well maybe it isn’t going to match Origin for intensity, but the NRL All Stars game certainly looks like it is here to stay.
I’ll going to throw a cut out pass over this race based issue which seems to have cropped up on the Roar.
For what it is worth, when the players, clubs and fans give the game the thumbs up I’m happy to run with it.
Rugby League in Australia has searched for a while for the best way to kick off its season, the knockout and sevens competitions were disliked intensely by the clubs whereas this game has been supported across the board, raised a stack of cash for charity, and picked up the momentum the code gathered at the end of last year.
The concept as a whole looks like a winner.
There were some things that stood out.
1. George Rose’s haircut. Hell’s teeth, if there is one thing professional sport has to answer for it is disastrous haircuts. Come on George, when you have your name on the back of your jumper you don’t need it carved into the side of your head.
George’s frame is also pretty hard to mix up with other players as well if the truth be told. Thank god, Clinton Schifcofske never tried the same thing.
2. The Double Try. Farce. If the introduction of that concept is inevitable as Wayne Bennett argues, then there is something seriously wrong in the world. I couldn’t see any real value in it.
3. Wendell Sailor’s try celebration. Wendell certainly got the party started with his didgeridoo act, it summed up the atmosphere of the night beautifully. And while his ego doesn’t need it, it was nice to see Big Dell go out with a try.
4. Jonathan Thurston. If Thurston can provide that sort of passion and leadership for the Cowboys this season then maybe they could surprise a few people.
At club level he’s blown hot and cold the last few years, it would great to see him put in a season worthy of his billing as one of the world’s best players.
The only problem with the match is that it has made me realize we still have four long weeks before the action starts properly.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
That's poor promotion if that's the case. I'm at North Strathfield, and I didn't see anything other than the Dogs training, and some early setup for AC/DC going on at homebush.
Jannerboyuk
Guest
Unfortunately Steve it was only available on bigpond (quite possibly the worse online service ever created) and we don't even know who will have the NRL this year. Hopefully an independent commission would have the nous to understand that it would be better to give it to say channel 5 over here on fta and build the brand rather then haggle for pennies from espn who will then treat it with contempt anyway.
Steve Kaless
Roar Guru
Thanks again for your comments. I agree that the game shouldn't be on Grand Finalday, that is like having a birthday on Christmas. Burgress didn't look out of place, does anyone know if the game was broadcast on sky in the UK? Would have neeb nice for them to see their boy in action.
Gilbank
Guest
Momentum! Damn right! We're back to where we left off. How about that pommy, Burgess?
Springs
Roar Guru
Considering they won without Inglis they probably would have won pretty convincingly with Inglis. The NRL All Stars showed that the best in all positions won't necessarily work, but the Indigenous side showed that a great and passionate team will. And so it will continue...
oikee
Guest
To be honest, i dont think the NRL realises what a huge event this can become. We have Aboriginals in every state and i am sure that by taking this game to any stadium in this country, not to mention NZ with the boys also playing, will become huge. I know if it ever gets played at Suncorp, i will be rushing to get tickets, my fingers cant type quick enough for tickets. That is why my mrs will be getting them. :) No, but yeah, it will be huge.
Dogz R Barkn
Roar Guru
I sort of agree with DOW here. This was a great concept as a one-off, but I'm a little uncomfortable about it becoming a permanent fixture. To be honest, I'm not really sure we want the idea emerging that we have NRL all stars on one hand, and then indigenous players on the other - I just don't think that's a good idea in the long run.
Jay
Guest
im sure they said the same thing about qld in origin.
oikee
Guest
Hey Dogs of War, i think you had better get out more, their is a 9's event now in Sydney, where are you located.? There are teams from the islands playing in this event. And that shows you why playing 9's is a bad idea, you did not even know it was on. :) I just finished reading about it at International rugby league, otherwise i would not have known it was on. :( At the moment i do know that the Clydsdales are taking on the Beirleigh Bears in a trail game this week-end, at least i know what is happening in my own backyard. :)
King of the Gorganites
Guest
league sevens has never worked. lets not make that mistake again
Rod
Roar Guru
Excellent game and thoroughly enjoyed it. 1 thing I think they could change is the playing at the Gold Coast all the time. Maybe an idea would be to have the state governments bid for it, would help bring in more money and give others who live too far away a chance to see it. Also, they could let touring teams play them as a warm up, but I don't think the touring teams would like to be smacked by 40 before they play a full strength Australia haha. Great game and a great night! Can't wait for the next game. Tis just a pity channel 9 done their usual thing and only showed it in NSW and QLD, this mob needs a rocket big time. Didn't like the power play, leave the rules as they are please.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
I still think a sevens or nines tournament would be better. Mainly cause the Indigenous team are having a purple patch talent wise is all the key positions. I don't think it will always be like that, and would much prefer to be able to enjoy teams from around the world coming to Australia, and celebrating all the different cultures that make up this country.
M1tch
Roar Guru
I dont like the idea of this game being moved to grand final day...dont fix what aint broke. it was a wonderful event and is a great way to start the year.
Springs
Roar Guru
I would have been happy to let Thurston go to Union until the game last night. For me he never really dominated in tests or Origin, mainly because te teams had Lockyer, Inglis and co. in them. But last night, against a team full of superstars and with Inglis and Hodges out of the Indigenous side, he managed to control the game completely, something tha none of the NRL All Stars could do. The NRL All Stars probably suffered from too many stars, neither Hayne, Lockyer or Marshall could control the match. Finch seemed to be everywhere without actually doing anything. In a normal game there are players you don't notice who are young or inexperienced but in this game you were flat out seeing Vatuvei, Bird, Morris, Webb etc as there was so many stars.
oikee
Guest
I heard the game raised over 2 million dollars for community projects, cant complain about that.> ? Something the wallabies would never do because they only play for big dollars, and their indigernous programs are non exsistant, :) I was told yesterday to only write facts. Hard to refute my claims, it has been in all the papers. :)
AGO74
Guest
It was a resounding success and long may it continue. Sailor's try celebration was brilliant! Adrian's article yesterday got treated with the contempt it deserved. The work that all sides have done in promoting the game and all the accompanying programs and initiatives has been outstanding as well as raising a stack of $$$$ for community programmes. I think 4 weeks out from 1st round is perfect way to start as it gets fans a taste for the footy. Round 1 will be here soon enough. By the way - how good does Sam Burgess look? Should be an interesting year for Souths now that they finally have a decent coach. @Tifosi - Very unfortunate for Gidley and that is always the risk in any sort of pre-season match. Let's hope he's ok, but every team plays at least 2 or 3 trials and this could just as easily have happened then. I hope its not too serious and that he only misses the Round 1 match against my team the Bulldogs ;-)
Jay
Guest
I read an article on SMH which said this representative game was not played under the ARL banner. The article also pointed out this game had all clubs on board and was a sign as to how successful RL could be under an independent comission. All I have to say is that if this is how the game of RL is managed without the ARL, then bring on the independent commission!
ilikelollies
Guest
having the restart for the power-play in the middle of the field is what killed. Start it near touch will allow teams to set deep backlines and run various decoy-plays
EA
Guest
Oh dear, a positive Rugby League article at the roar. What will happen next, the planets align and world peace overnight?
katzilla
Roar Guru
How Ironic a knights teammate took him out hey? But maybe he injured his leg just before the hit. The game and concept was great. Every fan had a stake in it because every team had a player. Looking forward to Burgess throwing some more hits this winter. The 2 try rule could work out with a bit of tweaking. Maybe take off the fullback and wingers? Make it a bit easier. Or not let the defence come beyond the 15 metre line, allowing the attacking team to attack the line rather then throwing hail mary passes whilst running backwards to halfway because of the rush defence.