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Howzat

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Joined July 2015

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opening batting partner of Zoltan’s McKay Oval late ‘80’s (Nic T); Rooster-man

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Spiro, so glad to see you’re still writing. Always enjoyed reading your articles, hope there’s many more to come.
Fond memories of walking out to McKay Oval opening the batting with Zoltan (1989), and seeing you in the stands with a SMH spread out.

SPIRO ZAVOS: The best team in the tournament, not necessarily the best team, will win the 2023 RWC

Great article, very insightful! Helps to de-mystify why my Roosters are off the boil. Perhaps they’re also making much less effort in listening to Robbo. Never thought I’d say this, but his message might be getting stale to the team.

Blame the supporters: The damning stat that is holding James Tedesco and the Roosters back

Well said!

ANALYSIS: Dolphins fairytale continues as Bennett's 900th game ends in Sharks smash-up - and is it even a shock anymore?

Great article Michael, really enjoyed it. Never saw Artie play live unfortunately, but love seeing the old videos and reading about his impact and legacy. Truly a larger-than-life legend.

MICHAEL HAGAN: How Beetson's Immortal Origin legacy still lives large in Queensland ... and NSW

Great article and analysis, way more insightful than most clichéd, highly paid TV commentators.

Who's in the running to replace Barrett – and what do they need to fix first?

Well said! Totally agree. The dumbing down of breath-taking rugby league to stats is a curse of the modern age. Stats don’t tell the whole story, that’s why true fans love to read articles that make us feel something and have an opinion about. If you’re relying on stats to make you passionate about the game… you’ve missed the point.

Take your stats and shove ’em: Why I rate Benji the greatest player of his era

Interesting read. Whilst it’s likely Bellamy will sort it out (and returning players will help), right now it appears their spine has ‘too many cooks’ (or at least players who aren’t as clear anymore what their roles are)… which has always been a huge strength at the Storm. Ironic that most teams would kill to be in their position, but there are obviously challenges in managing all that talent. When Paps was out, Hynes was shooting the lights out and deserved his big payday contract. Since Paps returned, neither of them look like they know how they fit in. I hope Paps makes a great recovery next year, but for now, I’d be starting Hynes at full back and Paps at 14.

Melbourne Storm: Proof you can have too much of a good thing

Totally agree with these rule change suggestions. If these changes were brought in the games would be far better to watch. PVL pandering to TV execs is sad to see, and the game is suffering for it, unfortunately.

'It's left me bewildered': The silly season rules

100% correct… that sound? … South’s premiership window closing

Another crazy chapter in the Book of Feuds as Mitchell's moment of madness stuns Manu

Good to see bandwagon jumping (when your team’s not playing) acknowledged as a time-honoured finals tradition.
As a Roosters fan I realize we’ve had more than most to cheer about in recent years, but when we’re not in contention I cheer for the underdog or the team that’s had the least success in recent times. It’s my way of ‘giving back’ to the rugby league gods – good footy karma 🙂
Hoping for a few surprises during the finals. Anyone but Melbourne really – which is intended as a huge compliment to them and their on-going success.

The fine art of bandwagon jumping

Completely agree! Great article Lady League. Glad someone finally had the courage to say it. Interesting to see genuine footy fans all agree too.

We don't need to see what happens in the dressing room

Fantastic to see Ponga prove his champion qualities in a big game, and also to see Hunt play so well. I vomited a bit when Rabs last night mentioned his enduring memory of Hunt will be his dropped ball in the GF… how about give the guy some praise when he’s clearly playing a superb game! Special mention to DCE for overcoming adversity and leading his team to a most unexpected win against all odds. Credit where it’s due. Can’t wait til next year.

Without Cleary and Luai, are the NSW Blues really that good at all?

I don’t hate DCE, he’s a fantastic player, and I like how he challenges the stereotype of a ‘dumb’ footy player. I imagine he is a smart guy… but NOT so smart that he could get away with a contract backflip then go on TV and transparently lie about it – in so doing insulting the intelligence of followers of the game. Of-course he’s entitled to do what’s best for him, but the consequences of it regarding people questioning his attitude continue to linger (haunt him). Deservedly or not some believe he didn’t have a proper dig or at least step up to the level of responsibility required of him in SOO2. Unfortunately for him, given his past, you don’t have to be a ‘hater’ to sometimes question his attitude.

Give it a rest haters: Daly Cherry-Evans is awesome

What we’re seeing now is momentum possession football leading to blow-out scorelines. One team retains the ball for a chunk of time and scores as many points as possible. Then, if they can, the other team does the same. In the end just see who went on the bigger tear. More entertaining? No. Hyperactive scoring is like fast food… seductive but ultimately unsatisfying. Ironically, I think this new style of football was heavily influenced by the broadcasters trying to sell more Big Macs… and PVL pandering to them.

Are you not entertained?

As a casual AFL fan I can say sadly that the disgraceful on-going boo-ing that forced AG out of the game was when I decided not to take my young kids to watch another game. The obvious racism was too upsetting. Whatever AFL leadership said or didn’t say at the time, the overall tone of silence and indifference was deafening. They squandered the opportunity to lead with integrity, shape the dialogue, and maybe even try to improve things. This shall be how I remember the ‘legacy’ of people like Gillon McLachlan and Eddie McGuire. I stand with Adam.

We need to respect Adam Goodes' Hall of Fame rejection. Here's why

Sure, get a range of input. Just seems like Channel 9 has the biggest say atm, and I don’t think that’s good for the game.

Revolution or V’Landys: The only chances to get good leadership for the NRL

I agree with the premise of this article that PVL’s heart is in the right place, and that he genuinely wants to improve the game. However, the implementation of changes concerns me. I would prefer to hear that respected figures in the game atm eg Wayne Bennett, Craig Bellamy, Trent Robinson had been consulted in shaping policy and rule changes… rather than the suspicion that Ch9 has a disproportionate influence on shaping the game ie a faster game = a better game. Simply not true.

Revolution or V’Landys: The only chances to get good leadership for the NRL

Agree, the stupidest / most annoying moment in Australian sports commentary, and he thought it was cute and clever so continued saying it. We the fans are watching because we want to watch and enjoy the game and the teams playing, not because we want to listen to you… you’re not the stars!” That was so self-indulgent, and in a sad way kind of set the tone for how a lot of commentators see themselves.

Some gentle advice for commentators

Enjoyed the article, Tim. I believe the most important ingredient in staying out of the media is the player culture, usually enforced by the senior leaders amongst the group. I saw a newspaper article in 2008 about how the Manly team took it upon themselves to be very disciplined and low key with socializing during that season ie not going out and putting themselves in harm’s way. There was even a photo of them all playing cards at a private / secure house + minders. I’m not a Manly fan, but I was impressed by their focus and determination to let nothing risk their shot at the premiership. Lo and behold, look what happened. Hats off to that playing group and the sacrifices they made to make history. Maybe other teams should be inspired by that.

It is time to name and shame the people who take and share the videos

Agree. Not satisfying as a fan seeing random 6-agains awarded with no explanation. Don’t like to see ref-bashing, but fans and players deserve more clarity.

Six more! Sure... but what for?

EM’s behaviour towards Adam Goodes was the most disgusting and disappointing thing I’ve witnessed in Australian sport. It was a blatant ‘dog whistle’ to like-minded others. Adam Goodes was a champion of the game, and a wonderful example of Australia at it’s best. On that occasion (and other occasions, sadly) the opposite could be said about EM.

Eddie McGuire quits as Collingwood president

Epic game last night, one that will be remembered. Congrats to Raiders, Sticky has done a fantastic job with them. They’ve achieved being consistently competitive, and their best game is as good as any of the other top teams.

Roosters looked like they ran out of gas these past few weeks, and injuries finally caught up with them. Losing Taukeiaho early (and no Collins) meant they lacked firepower in forwards. Enjoyed watching SBW play well last night, in the twilight of his career. He proved his doubters wrong, again. Take a well earned rest boys.

Three-peat over! Roosters dream ends after loss to Raiders

I enjoyed reading this Jackaroo. Completely agree that Aubo represents all that is good in rugby league, and has been such an important and valuable player for the Roosters. I hope he remains with the club in an off-field role.

A tribute to Mitch Aubusson

Has Nathan Brown carved out a new type of coaching role? One where results aren’t promised / expected / delivered… but very effective at re-building a failing club’s roster.

Warriors set for more years of disappointment with Nathan Brown at the helm

Ryan Hall from the Roosters showed a little more against the Dragons than he has previously, but he’s not far off that list atm. Not quite sure what they see in him.

A team of the NRL's most disappointing players

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