I knew Australia's bunch of 'no-hopers' couldn't win the World Cup, right up until I knew they would
Personally, I never doubted them for a second. Although in the interests of strict transparency I suppose I should make clear that that first…
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Joined August 2011
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Ben Pobjie is a writer and comedian whose promising rugby career was tragically cut short the day he stopped playing rugby and had a pizza instead. The most he has ever cried was the day Balmain lost the 1989 grand final. Today he enjoys the frolics of Wallabies, Swans, baggy greens, and Storm.
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Personally, I never doubted them for a second. Although in the interests of strict transparency I suppose I should make clear that that first…
OK, so Eddie Jones has reaffirmed his total commitment to Australian rugby and made it clear that he has never even heard of a…
There are reasons. Of course there are. Hundreds of them, at least. Eddie Jones? He's a reason, for sure. Say what you like about…
It's often said that to win a Test match, you need to take 20 wickets. At Lord's in 2023, Australia proved that this is…
Bazball's care factor is a curious beast where winning and losing is not the be-all and end-all.
If you think Ben Stokes' declaration was the sole deciding factor in England losing, you need to think again.
The credits on Folau, the two-part documentary airing on the ABC this week and next, include a disclaimer making it clear that Israel Folau…
You've got to hand it to Stuart Broad: perhaps more than any other sportsman of our age, he has the ability to penetrate to…
The golden point system in extra time sucks the life out of rugby league.
Being a sports fan can do funny things to a person. And plenty of not so funny things.
In 1989, Australia won the Ashes, 4-0, against an England side that had been supremely confident of a third straight series win over an…
The NRL has outdone itself by floating the possibility of a Respect Round in 2023, whatever that means.
Rugby league has taught us so much in 2022, perhaps.
I had planned to write an article that comprehensively answered, one by one, the arguments put forward by those who claim the 'mankad' -…
Two things happened in the past week to cause me to think long and hard about the issue of concussion in rugby league. One…
James Tamou didn't deserve a downgrade for being a "good bloke" but he did deserve one.
Following the Wallabies nowadays sometimes feels more like following a machine that is constantly in need of repair or new parts, rather than following…
Ricky Stuart needs to fully explain himself over his rant against Jaeman Salmon.
When a footballer inflicts serious injury on another footballer it's often said that it's totally unintended. "Nobody goes out there wanting to cause injury"…
On the 8th April, 1990, the Brisbane Broncos and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles played out a tough, close game at Lang Park. The Broncos were…
Well that came out of the blue!
Eddie Jones set to be appointed Japan coach six weeks after walking out on Wallabies
To open everything. Batting, bowling, ikea flatpacks.
Marsh's Test career will end in the swamp if Australia pitch him into opener's role: 'It's a possibility'
Neser to open.
Marsh's Test career will end in the swamp if Australia pitch him into opener's role: 'It's a possibility'
He’s played with Suli Vunivalu, he knows all about rushing in to let your man score unmarked.
Welcome to the NRL, Mark - here's everything you need to know about The Greatest Game of All
One does rather yearn for the days when there was prestige in winning a tour match.
Banging down the door? Renshaw makes selectors sit up and take notice in Warner race with classy century
Good to see the Roosters finally catch a break
Good news for Roosters' salary cap with rugby raid - but a potential body blow as well
He can’t be fullback, that’s Latrell’s spot
The A-League could learn a little from rugby league – but not in the way you think
Looking at the Rebels’ history, I doubt that coming second is anything they need worry about.
'Not here to come second': Why Tupou's arrival at the Rebels shapes as most important moment in club's history
Not really. People speaking on background and specifying they’re not to be quoted or identified is an accepted part of journalism.
'Open minded': Waugh backs foreign Wallabies coach - but with one non-negotiable
Basically.
'Open minded': Waugh backs foreign Wallabies coach - but with one non-negotiable
Oh I’m absolutely serious. I’m particularly frustrated by forwards who stand still, catch the ball and then slowly lumber into the oncoming defence to end up two metres behind the gain line. But yes, the backs do it too. It’s like the only way they can think of to make ground is shovel it out and hope someone can break a tackle with a solo run. Bodies in motion, it’s so important, in pretty much every code of football.
'Open minded': Waugh backs foreign Wallabies coach - but with one non-negotiable
“ ball caught by someone stationary”
This has been driving me nuts for years.
'Open minded': Waugh backs foreign Wallabies coach - but with one non-negotiable
Not since they made Wests merge.
If Kiwis and Poms are allowed to play, Origin might be about to stumble into eligibility rules that work
Love this piece.
The secret to Australia's World Cup success: Rating the best-ever partnerships by position
I think at the age of fifteen every player should be asked whether they like blue jumpers or maroon jumpers better. Then they play for whatever team’s colour they prefer.
If Kiwis and Poms are allowed to play, Origin might be about to stumble into eligibility rules that work
If you hate wokeness I’ve got some really bad news about those women you like to watch.
‘Quite disgusting, childish, condescending’: Johnson blasts Bailey over mental health comment as Warner feud gets nastier
I reckon if the Wallabies field the same XV they did in 1984, they’re half a chance of winning a test on that tour.
Rugby News: RWC final TMO quits over 'torrent of abuse', Wallabies Grand Slam tour touted, Fiji lock facing jail
Warner hasn’t sought a special send off either.
‘Quite disgusting, childish, condescending’: Johnson blasts Bailey over mental health comment as Warner feud gets nastier
Disagree. Best possible comment he could’ve made, having been asked to comment.
‘Quite disgusting, childish, condescending’: Johnson blasts Bailey over mental health comment as Warner feud gets nastier
This just makes Bailey’s comment look even more apt.
‘Quite disgusting, childish, condescending’: Johnson blasts Bailey over mental health comment as Warner feud gets nastier
Not that much more, though.
Moving the goalposts: Should the Rugby codes look to the USA for a new type of upright?
“Remarkably bitter” and “standard clickbait fare” aren’t mutually exclusive.
'Bunnings would sell out of sandpaper': Bailey reacts after Johnson delivers brutal sledge over 'arrogant' Warner's farewell
Oh I think the percentage of Queenslanders who care deeply about Origin is definitely higher than the percentage of NSWers. But that’s fans, not players. Queensland wins by playing better, not by wanting it more. Sometimes NSW wins, and that’s not because Queensland temporarily wanted it less either.
Madge is an outstanding choice for the Blues – but only if he embraces the difference of rep footy
I look forward to seeing his wild rumpus
Australia Test squad: Why Morris should be rushed in for injured star, Warner gets his wish, Marsh nudges out Green
He didn’t say they had a good relationship with Eddie, but with the JRFU.
'Good relationship': RA boss plays down Jones' betrayal, welcomes Tests against Brave Blossoms