Let me start by saying I am open to the idea that I might be a bit weird.
I love my sport, my kids (most of the time) and my wife (some of the time). As it is the quietest part of the year I thought I would write about the weird sporting loyalties I have built up over a lifetime and put it out there to The Roar community.
Some boring background. I was born in Christchurch and now live happily on the beautiful Gold Coast. There are not many of us Kiwis on the Gold Coast so sometimes I feel isolated and alone in my loyalties.
Obviously I’m a Crusaders and All Blacks fan first and foremost. Now come the odd ones – and some of the reasons why.
Aus/NZ
Super Rugby: Crusaders…then any Kiwi team especially against the Aussie teams, even Auckland.
NRL: QLD in Origin and Cowboys, Tigers because I rated Big Paul Sironen back in the day and the Warriors when they are in form.
AFL: Lions/Swans and in the final I cheer for the non-Victorian team… I still struggle with the Eddie McGuire factor. And I just can’t get on the Suns/Titans footy train. The Suns are that bad and the Titans signed Jarryd Hayne.
A-League: Roar and the Phoenix – I know, the Pheonix. I was nearly a Mariner this year so it could be worse.
Sheffield Shield: Who cares… I joke – QLD. In fact if I could I would support the QLD team over the Australian team, but thats another article.
USA
NFL: Green Bay Packers: I was on the Brett Favre bandwagon despite his performance in There’s Something About Mary.
NBA: Chicago Bulls…back in the Jordan/Pippen/Rodman glory days.
Major League Baseball: New York Yankees, because I’ve been to Yankee Stadium. I saw a college football game there but thats beside the point.
NHL: The New York Islanders because I went to a game where they got pumped but hey I’m a loyal fan.
English football
Fulham: Only tickets I could afford when I was living there, the MJ statue that used to be there was spectacular (strange but spectacular) – it’s already been a tough season.
Wigan: My Grandad was there goalkeeper centuries ago, they’ll be up in the PL next season.
I think that about wraps it up. What do you think roarers? What are some of the weird loyalties you’ve built up over the years? I think my next piece might be the opposite… who do you love to hate and why?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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