Sportswriters Brett McKay and Ryan O’Connell are bearing the scars of a grand final thumping in Episode 55 of the Cheap Seats Podcast.
In this episode, Ryan opens up with the worst intro in Cheap Seats history, while Brett’s attempted positive spin on Michael Hooper’s captaincy quickly falls apart.
Episode 55 talking points
– Ryan’s #YouBloodyIdiots revenge;
– #AskTheCheapSeats: unfit Wallabies and Michael Hooper, NRC player development, and an NBA question that Brett was absent for;
– NRL finals: Souths and Canterbury to face off in the grand final, after a contrasting weekend of prelim finals, the boys’ GF preview and predictions, and a surprise drawn Dally M medal count;
– AFL: Hawthorn hand down the mother of all grand final thumpings to Sydney, which these two Swans supporters didn’t particularly enjoy, the legend of Luke Hodge grows, and all demographics covered in grand final day entertainment;
– Rugby: the Wallabies let one slip, the All Blacks don’t, and a quick NRC wrap;
– Brett’s Tweet of the Week, and Ryan’s bricks-and-mortar certainty for the weekend.
Get us on Twitter at @CheapSeatsPod and use the tag #AskTheCheapSeats and/or #YouBloodyIdiots.
And stay cheap.
Jacob
Guest
Its not the count, dave its where they are given, what the score is and when in the tackle count and whether they let go forward passes, illegal strips and knock ons. The refs in NRL have unlimited power to change a game.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Hey Ryan, Completely agree it's a little strange, however for some reason thoughts of putting it in the hands of any other body reminds me somewhat of the old saying about things that ain't broke.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Proudly, no!
Leaguecoach101
Guest
Ever watched the TV Week Logies?
cronulladave
Guest
Souths will win if the refs keep on their side. Their for and against in the pen count this year is 57 better than the dogs. And a huge 103 better than the Roosters!
Brett McKay
Expert
Cheers Astro, some really good points there..
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Cheers Astro. I don't have a major issue with Hooper's captaincy, but I do take some of your points, especially about rallying the troops at key times.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Hey Alex, Yeah, as soon as I mentioned the Immortals, I remembered that they have a wide array of judges. However, it remains a little strange that a magazine runs it/owns the concept.
astro
Guest
I'd never thought about Hooper having to carry around the Wallaby mascot...It seems like it could be a bit undermining, don't you think? Part of Argyle's question (and I'm only guessing) around Hooper as a captain, could be his ability or inability to 'lead' or focus the Wallabies when they need it. In the two (yes, two) losses, it seems like the team has lost concentration or failed to respond well to falling behind. Even against Argentina, the Wallabies seemed to lose concentration in the second half, and it's felt as though Hooper hasn't really been able to turn those situations around, as the captain. Maybe that's asking too much of him or any captain, but one aspect of his captaincy which we're not really privy to is what he's like in a huddle, after the opposition have scored against the Wallabies. Would love to know...Still can't help but feel that carrying a stuffed Wallaby everywhere doesn't help him! But another great podcast, gents!
Brett McKay
Expert
Exactly Digger, exactly!
Alex L
Roar Rookie
On the Immortals / Rugby League Week, RLW has typically brought in judges from other media outlets as well as coaches and players to make the calls on who is inducted, I think they've done a good job of keeping bias out of it (though I am sure some Queenslanders and/or old St George fans will take issue with this remark). It is interesting just from a perspective of how little the NRL does in terms of the peripheral activities of promoting the sport relative to the AFL though.
Digby
Roar Guru
1 loss, 2 losses, meh, whos counting? ;)