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A Queenslander that bleeds maroon, gold and red... and a little bit of teal. Was at Lang Park for the can throwing, the Gabba for Fatty's catch, and on the couch for everything I can get away with...
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Brad Fittler is on his last legs as NSW coach. Or so we’re led to believe. If the Blues do the unthinkable and win…
In early January, I wrote about my thoughts that Wayne Bennett's refusal to recruit a specialist halfback had essentially consigned Brisbane's 2018 season to…
These are not easy days to be a Queensland Reds fan. Sitting through the debacle that was the humbling 63-28 demolition at the hands…
In part 2 of my interview with Lucas Browne, hear the Australian heavyweight's memories of the fateful trip to Chechnya, his plans for the…
Australian heavyweight Lucas Browne is on a redemption mission, heading back into the ring two years after he was crowned, momentarily, this country's first…
The greatest redemption story in Australian sport is perhaps about to be written. It's certainly the best story of 2018. It involves climbing a…
This year's NRL premiership is likely to come down to two men, who will both be wearing the number 7 jersey, and looking to…
Wayne Bennett's refusal to admit that he has bungled the Broncos' recruitment efforts over the summer has effectively written off the powerhouse club's 2018…
New Queensland Reds head coach Brad Thorn would've bristled with barely contained rage when he heard the news that Karmichael Hunt had again found…
Take yourself back to this time two years ago, with the Cowboys to face the Broncos in the NRL grand final. The talk at…
As a fanatical Wallabies and Reds supporter, it has been a delightful relief to watch the British and Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand…
The recent to and fro between Dragons coach Paul McGregor and Recruitment Director Ian Millward regarding the future of Josh Dugan has been interesting…
A little over a year ago, after another insipid Reds loss to the Waratahs, I banged out an open letter to the Queensland Rugby…
While State of Origin morning is no time for interstate niceties, and in the shadow of some fantastic cross-border baiting from Paul Gallen yesterday,…
Reports that Quade Cooper has taken a significant step towards signing with a French club at the end of this season should send shivers…
North of the Tweed, it's never too early to start thinking about State of Origin, particularly when the three Queensland clubs have had a,…
My name is Cameron, and I have a problem. I am addicted to fantasy sports. I don't care what it is... rugby league, rugby…
The success of several cross-code superstars has proven that the borders that used to divide our sports are no longer watertight. Moves between the…
So Eugenie Bouchard was asked by Channel Seven interviewer Ian Cohen to “give us a twirl”. My first reaction was mild horror that a…
For some time now I have become increasingly concerned at what I consider to be the new scourge of rugby league. Almost every time…
I’m interested in the idea that “no alteration could make it better”, and the assumption that “even if an Australian team won it would scarcely interest fans”.
I feel like the evidence has shown that Australian teams winning most definitely brings the fans in. Full houses for SR finals in Australia seem to be the proof. I don’t think at this point we’re aiming to bring all of the NRL/AFL fans over, we just need to reengage with the rugby fan base to get those numbers back.
I agree SRAU had a feel-good factor to it, I’m still not sure why the simplest answer isn’t to just run SRAU (minus Wallabies to give a fresh look to squads and more pro game time to fringe players) while the Tests are running after SR. Bringing geographical names back to all SR clubs would be a good start, but ultimately I think competitiveness from Aust teams, and winning a comp every 3-5 years, will keep a lot more fans engaged. Easier said than done, I know, but I guess the point I’m trying to make is I think our lack of competitiveness has been the main issue, and there actually is a way to make SR work if we think about it.
'Definition of madness': Rugby reform must start with total cleanout of RA board - and this should happen next
Fin Review – “She was most recently the chief customer and digital officer of the NRL and also sits on the board of ASX-listed Global Traffic Network”
“Reporting the traffic” is a cheap shot, pretty unbecoming muckraking and doesn’t fill me with confidence in your approach…
'Definition of madness': Rugby reform must start with total cleanout of RA board - and this should happen next
Honestly, this is just exhausting. I’m no governance expert, so I’m not going to sit and opine over which model is better, my cynicism tells me any board has the ability to rest on its laurels and protect itself when it gets into power, so why should I have any confidence this new one will be any better? I really just want Waugh to come out and paint a detailed picture of the short term future of the game, no corporate speak, actually tell us what you’re going to do, what’s the plan for a third tier, what are you doing about the coaching pathways, what does our funding model actually look like, what do you think rugby in Australia looks like in 5 years… given he’s put good people in place across the high performance areas, if he gives us some detail and I think everyone will opt for stability to see how they go. Because for god’s sake I’m sick of talking about governance…
'Definition of madness': Rugby reform must start with total cleanout of RA board - and this should happen next
We pull the drip out and get off our death bed to play… And we don’t do maths….
'Attitude and loyalty surpass strength and speed': The Blues need to 'out-Queensland' the Maroons to have Origin success
Agree on Jurbo, he’d have played 30 Origins for Qld by now…
'Attitude and loyalty surpass strength and speed': The Blues need to 'out-Queensland' the Maroons to have Origin success
Well done Maso, you’ve very neatly wrapped up the difference in mentalities when it comes to selection. As a Qlder, I’ve always had a wry grin whenever NSW get their noses out of joint about “not getting origin”, because it’s not about them not having passion (although 80 years of beatings by our own players does something to ignite our northern passion that NSW will always struggle to match)… it’s that we know how valuable Dallas Johnson, Rueben Cotter and the like are, and going back it was Gary Larson (never would have played for NSW!) or Bryan Neibling, Gary Coyne etc… One thing I will say though, and other commenters have picked it up, Cam Murray would be first picked if he was a Qlder. He MUST be NSW 13, Yeo is a great club player, but Murray is an Origin player through and through. Great article though!
'Attitude and loyalty surpass strength and speed': The Blues need to 'out-Queensland' the Maroons to have Origin success
I have everything crossed for the bloke. I had him tagged as a potential future Wallaby captain 5 years ago, really hoping he can stay fit and put a few good years together, he’s the type we could build a pack around.
Wallabies star set to make timely return against Crusaders in must-win clash for Force
I love a bit of positivity in the morning!
The option to have pure speed on both wings is exciting. Defences will have to spread and that creates space inside for others. Harrison could well be the perfect combination of running and goal kicking we need, though I’m also hopeful Lynagh continues to improve as he has, he could absolutely have it all. I was always an advocate that Tupou had to start, but I’m converted, maybe he can just be the most impactful bench weapon in world rugby for the next 5 years, destroying scrums in the last 25 mins. Give Bell as long as he needs off to get his issues right, he still has a long career ahead of him and can be World XV for a long time. And as much as I love seeing McReight and Wilson combine, the idea of McReight and Cale running amok together in a couple years makes me very excited…
There will be some players in bloody good form miss out on the 23 this year, which is great, I just hope it’s because we’ve picked other form players, not because we’ve stuck with the tried and failed brigade.
Enough of realistic expectations, let's get excited about future Wallabies
Really, really hoping he can string a few games together. Go well!
Inspirational Harrison set for first Super Rugby match in 707 days as Tahs out to snap 'frustrating' run
Sounds like our best option back 3 to me, playing in their correct positions. Took us a few weeks to get there but happy we’ve arrived.
Vunivalu set to be dropped for Brumbies clash as Reds recall off-contract Wallabies star
I can only hope this is the loss the Reds had to have… lethargic, lack of detail and execution, beaten in the effort areas… just sending us back to the bad old days, trying to be cute before we’d won the right… we have to see a turn around from all staff, players and coaches, if we want to be the real deal… we were way off the pace tonight….
Reds' 'unbelievable, unfathomable' double disaster sums up shocker as Force spring stunning upset
Huh? No , Thorn had run his course… not sure what you’re suggesting…
Deja vu for Tane as Drua deliver another heart-breaker to under fire Coleman
No, cheika not the same….
Deja vu for Tane as Drua deliver another heart-breaker to under fire Coleman
As a Reds fan, I’m feeling for you Tahs… feels like where we were 2 years ago… keep at it. Let Coleman and Gilmore keep working, they’re both quality.
Deja vu for Tane as Drua deliver another heart-breaker to under fire Coleman
I’m as Red as they come, born and bred to hate the Tahs, but jeez that was good to see, so happy for Aussie rugby to get one over the Kiwis… well done Tahs 👍
'No one backed us': $8 outsiders Waratahs upset Crusaders AGAIN as Edmed steps up to deliver famous win
Brilliant! Of all the things I didn’t think I’d see on the Roar this morning, a call for MORE rugby referees was top of the list!! 😂
Legalising foul play, laneway bars and Molly Meldrum: Ten ways we can conquer Melbourne for rugby
We don’t need to “claim” underdog status, it is duly bestowed upon us each year by the Sydney media who focus solely on how the Blues will manage to fit all of their preposterous talent into one team, and completely ignore QLD as a participant in the series. Seriously, you’d think there was only one team playing… when the Blues win they’re amazing, when QLD win the Blues were terrible…
Now, I’m off to polish the chip on my shoulder… 😁
Fearless 2024 NRL predictions: Blues' revenge, Storm star wins Dally M, Knights miss finals despite Ponga
Flower of Scotland looked (and sounded!) unbelievable… I’ve experienced it at Murrayfield twice, but that one looked next level! You’d run through walls after that!!!
England conquered, Irish in their sights and 'the only holes Ireland have are exactly where Scottish swords fit'
Definitely a fan of a JC/JP/MG back three, and I’d give Floyd Aubrey a run before a hobbling half paced Suli… I really want them to persist with Flook at 13, I think he can really make it his own over the next few years, and JOC is a perfect 23.
Five things we learned: Aussies given early Super Rugby warning, Lolesio's timely reminder
Really enjoyed the weekend, as a QLDer with Scottish blood getting up over both old enemies makes for a cracking weekend! Can’t wait to see where Les Kiss takes this side, still lots of room for improvement and a real test this weekend. But there is definitely something brewing in the team. The upward trend of Lynagh is really encouraging, taking on the line more and surely the most assured boot of the young flyhalves (though I thought Noah looked sharp as well, want to see him keep ticking along against some stronger defences). Wright looks bigger and stronger, exactly what he needed, I still hope he can kick on to stake a real claim for the gold 6. But the highlight of the weekend was surely Flower of Scotland at Murrayfield, check the footage and just try to stop the goosebumps!
The Wrap: Opening round of SRP a case of the more things change, the more they stay the same
What’s the disincentive then? If the only repercussion of trying to stop a try illegally is to award a try that would’ve happened anyway, what incentive is there not to do something illegal? I’m not saying a card is the answer, but it has to be more than just the try being awarded, otherwise why wouldn’t you do something illegal? Nothing to lose…
'Tough call': Reds too good for Tahs in cracking Aussie derby, as controversial penalty try, yellow to Jorgo proves telling
Pretty happy with the Reds.
Lynaghs kicking was superb, knocking it up over halfway consistently, and he has started to look for more opportunities to run, which will keep defenses guessing. I love Flook, a real footballer, McReight great, and the forwards toiled well. Liam Wright looks significantly bigger, hope he’s gained that physicality most thought he needed.
Still need to send Suli packing, JP to the wing and JC to 15. Suli can barely run, he almost hobbles. Very happy with a first up W and excited to see Kiss continue to build this team.
'Tough call': Reds too good for Tahs in cracking Aussie derby, as controversial penalty try, yellow to Jorgo proves telling
Thought Sulis effort defensively on the Pietsch try was abysmal… like he’s still protecting that hamstring. Can barely run, definitely not hitting top pace. That worries me.
'Tough call': Reds too good for Tahs in cracking Aussie derby, as controversial penalty try, yellow to Jorgo proves telling
I’m really hopeful for Less Kiss and my Reds, but for the life of me I just can’t work out what Jock Campbell has to do to impress a coach. Dominated the trial against the Waratahs, our only natural out and out fullback, but we keep wanting Petaia to be the saviour in 15. I get JP probably has a higher ceiling, so maybe it’s just coaches thinking that they’ll be the one to get him there. I wish him the best, but I can’t help but feel for Jock. Jock, Jordy and Mac looks like a much better back 3 to me.
Super Rugby teams round 1: Fresh Rodda blow, Tahs forced into backline move after Foketi drama
Yeah, I largely don’t disagree , I guess my concern goes back to what we saw in SRTT, after SRAU, where we were even less competitive against NZ teams than we are now. That was a disaster. I think SRAU is easier to get some quick fan engagement, but I still worry if we get too insular, then we’ll go even further back internationally. I’m trying to get the best of worlds I guess. Which may be impossible.
'Definition of madness': Rugby reform must start with total cleanout of RA board - and this should happen next