It has been a wretched time for league fans since our game was hijacked by the Crime Commission – we have been robbed of the game’s traditional pre-season hype and hope.
The Wizard has always loved the air of expectation from the clubs and the fans as we approach a new competition.
Who has had the best build-up? Can the premiers go back-to-back? Are last year’s pop-guns about to shed that tag and return as heavy artillery?
Instead rugby league has been shrouded in clouds of fear and uncertainty, even though no-one has actually been named, let alone found guilty of any wrong-doing.
I realise some good might eventually come from these investigations but it’s terribly unfair. Depressing is probably a better word to describe it.
Anyway, enough about that, it’s time to get excited.
I cannot wait for the season kick-off and there is one game in particular that is highlighted on my footy fixture card. Round six, Roosters versus Bulldogs on Friday, April 12 at Allianz.
SBW v the Doggies. It won’t get any bigger or better than that.
I reckon the venue manager should go hunting for the ‘Ground Full’ sign already. Is there a league fan who would not have some interest in this game?
No doubt, Sonny Bill Williams is going to have a mighty impact on the Roosters and the NRL this year. He is a wonderful athlete, supremely gifted in both league and union, and he goes pretty well as a boxer on the side.
I watched him in action against Francois Botha last week. This guy is a super competitor, he has an awesome physique into the bargain, and he’s as big a crowd magnet as you will find anywhere on the planet.
When he lines up against his former club it’s going to be big. Maybe not from the players’ point of view – there is a new crop of Dogs since he walked out of Belmore in July 2008 – but the supporters will give him everything they’ve got.
Honestly, I can’t wait for this one. I’d walk to the joint if I had to.
While on SBW, we know he can handle himself in the ring. So has Sharks’ star Paul Gallen.
Wouldn’t it be sensational watching these guys fight a charity bout a couple of weeks after the grand final?
The sports public and maybe The Childrens Hospital could be handsome winners if such a promotion came off.
There are a few other things on The Wizard’s mind as we fasten our seat belts for 2013:
* I loved the Indigenous v NRL All Stars game, especially the cameos from Jonathan Thurston and Greg Inglis. If JT plays like that for the maturing Cowboys, this could be their breakthrough year for sure.
* I hardly noticed the referees in that game. If that’s an indication of how the officiating will be under new boss Daniel Anderson, I’m rapt. This year, referees will undoubtedly make mistakes – just like the players – but I liked what I saw. Some instinctive, decision-making and not an over-reliance on the man upstairs. And their profile was generally low-key, as it should be.
* One wonders how some of the coaches are going to handle almost unbearable pressure, week-after-week, in the 2013 comp. I see the men under most pressure as Steve Price (Dragons), Mick Potter (Tigers), Trent Robinson (Roosters) and Matthew Elliot (Warriors).
OK, so now you know The Wizard is back on duty at The Roar. Watch for my column every Friday.
I’ll give you plenty of food for thought and, even though you’ll agree with me 99 per cent of the time, your comments are more than welcome.
Damien
Roar Guru
"With the NRL still negotiating a New Zealand broadcast deal, Fairfax has been told that representatives of Sky TV have been asking for confirmation of Williams signing with the Roosters as his return increases the value of the rights by A$1m" is from the article linked above. Whatever the fraction is, $1 Million is still an impressive number. Sky TV is paying extra not Channel 9. And word is its closer to the $100 Million mark. http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/kiwi-nrl-tv-deal-is-likely-to-be-modest-20120922-26dn5.html
Rod
Guest
As a bunnies fan, the only problem with the SBW v Burgess match up, is they both will need to use there arms, not there normal method. In union Sonny, decided that trying to strip the ball was the way to go, That wont work quiet as well in league with more than one in the tackle. It will be interesting to see which is the better conventional tackler. Can't wait for the game though, should be a cracker!
peeeko
Roar Guru
there is nothing in that article stating that how his presence has contributed to an extra million in television rights. even if true, its only 1/1000th of the total value of rights
Lucas
Guest
More importantly when is The Balmain Wiz back on Foxsports?
Damien
Roar Guru
I think the NRL is banking on both. He's already provided an extra $1 Million for the NRL and he hasn't even played yet. This may be why the NRL registered his contract even though Nasser negotiated it (unoffically of course). Imagine that the difference of $1 Mil on a TV Deal all down to one player. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/7950079/SBW-raises-NRL-TV-rights-by-1m
Dayer
Guest
I seem to think you could be right ANNA, the hype will disappear if and when they start losing more than they win ....
Dayer
Guest
hope you are right ... wait and see
Australian Rules
Guest
You're right of course, but there's very few athletes in Australia that are genuinely feted internationally (in Europe, Asia, Africa and America). Greg Norman is probably still our most well-known athlete...which is a bit depressing. But the real question is (with respect to the "crowd magnet" claim) will SBW actually get more bums on seats, or just more eyes on tellies?
Edward Kelly
Guest
Please excuse the repost from another stream but this is my take on the expected foaming Nine commentary of the game. “Sonny runs on, isn’t he looking God-like” “Yes Stirlo he looks fantastic” “Just look at him standing there, isn’t he majestic” “he’s running around now, isn’t it exciting” “No now he has stopped, he’s having a drink, just look at the way the sweat glistens on his muscles” “Wow, did you see that, he actually looked our way” “Amazing, I have goosebumps” “Now he’s running off the field, it must be time for Sonny to have his half time break.” “Lets cross to Locky who is on the sideline, Locky you got pretty close to the action” “Yes Gus, I was within about a metre of Sonny, I could almost smell him. Doesn’t he look like a super athlete.” “It is as if there are no other players, lets look at his stats, Stirlo” “Well as we saw Sonny was really in the action this half, although he has yet to touch the ball or make a tackle his impact in this game is huge, in fact I cannot remember calling the name of any other player this whole half. Amazing”
Maroon Blood
Guest
Couldn't believe my eyes Thursday last week when I rocked up to the Rockingham Coastal Sharks Rugby League Club ground (that's here in WA by the way) and there's none other than Gary "The Wiz" Freeman chatting with coaching staff and running his gaze over our junior development squad of which, I am proud to say, two of my sons are members. Fantastic to see someone of The Wiz's profile and standing supporting Junior RL in the far flung regions of the country and everyone at the Sharks were extremely appreciative. Your alright in my book Mr Freeman!
Boydy
Guest
Well said sunshine! I was thinking the same thing but not before they've sold all the tickets. This bloke will have people interested initially and then everyone will remember what he was really like, a forty minute footballer in the 4 out of 10 games that he wasn't injured.
Mals
Guest
You are right Wiz, apart from Ben Barba who was a 4 game rookie that season & he made his debut after SBW left, there is not a single Bulldogs players left from the 2008 team. Amazing! Welcome back SBW, I look forward to seeing you play.
Wotsit
Roar Rookie
I can see the NRL improving the profile of the game worldwide because of Sonny Bill. The guy is known throughout the world by the help of Union's worldwide presence. Between Sonny Bill, the State of the Origin and this years worldcup in the UK, this time next year, they might have to give Sonny Bill a little extra in his Xmas Hamper. The World Club Challenge game is close to sold-out as well. I was watching a super league game last weekend, Wigan verse the Warrington, if this is the standard of superleague, then rugby league is going well in 2 major places in the world. I am looking forward to the season start Sir Wizard, and the Bronco's Warriors trail game is live next weekend after the World Club Challenge on the Saturday morning. Will be a great season i think. Maybe best ever if NSW win state of the origin.
Anna
Guest
Once the Dogs v Roosters match is over with, Roosters home matches will go back to their below par crowd averages...
Brendon
Guest
SBW OMG, lol.....Great footy player, but the lamest ad I've ever seen
Pot Stirrer
Guest
SBW v S.Burgess Round 1, Borh will be looking to make a statement with a big hit or 2.
eagleJack
Guest
True. He is struggling for coin.
sunshine
Guest
I actually have a feeling that SBW will pick up a niggling injury that will keep him out of the rd 6 match.
Will Sinclair
Guest
Yeah, but he might have borrowed that shirt, EagleJack.
turbodewd
Guest
I agree that SBW will be a big drawcard all year. Fingers crossed he doesnt get injured! It is star players who really bring the crowds and draw youngsters to a sport. It is TV that recruits kids, not 'development officers' visiting schools.