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Two grand final meetings, several other finals clashes and a game that saw an all-out brawl so infamous it is now simply referred to…
This Sunday, competition heavyweights the Sydney Roosters do battle with the Warriors in a game which will undoubtedly prove crucial at season’s end. The…
When fans think of the term ‘supercoach’ as it relates to the game of rugby league, the shortlist of names which immediately come to…
The Sydney Roosters have picked up right where they left off in 2018, defeating the Wigan Warriors 20-8 at DW Stadium to win the…
The St George Illawarra Dragons have retained Matt Dufty for a further two seasons, after the fullback signed a contract which will see him…
I’ve looked at the draw for the upcoming NRL season so many times now I’ve almost memorised it. Coming off a season full of…
In the annals of rugby league, there haven’t been too many players like Andrew Johns. One of the greatest players to have ever pulled…
A congested Road to WrestleMania pay-per-view schedule continues this Sunday (Monday 11:00am AEDT in Australia) as WWE presents its Elimination Chamber event from Houston,…
The 2019 World Club Challenge will see the most successful team in the history of the competition take on the side with the second-most…
Round 1 of the English Super League is in the books, so let's look over the first weekend of action. St. Helens down defending…
All these years later I still have the DVD. Picked up at a garage sale for the bargain price of $0.50, the NRL -…
It was a ‘gimme’. Round 1 of the inaugural National Rugby League season in 1998 could kick off no other way. Surely, there was…
Following one of the most controversial and eventful off-season perhaps in the game’s history, rugby league is in desperate need for some on-field action…
Patrick Mahomes has become the youngest winner of the NFL MVP award since Dan Marino in 1984, taking home the title by a landslide…
Oh great, an article about Johnathan Thurston’s retirement. Didn’t those become passé several months ago? I offer my sincerest apologies, for it was only…
Ever seen the Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind? Basically, it's about this guy undergoing some process whereby he attempts to erase a woman…
There aren't too many ‘fairytale' stories in rugby league similar to the Penrith Panthers' 2003 campaign. The Panthers' premiership triumph that year seems to…
It is just as true in sport as it is in movies – the hero is only as great as their villain. There are…
The latest pay-per-view offering from World Wrestling Entertainment, Money In The Bank will take place next Monday (10:00am AEST), and is an eagerly anticipated…
Fear not, Tigers fans. There is still light at the end of the tunnel that is the 2017 season, according to Wests Tigers CEO…
I think it’s important to have a club on the Northern Beaches, they have a great nursery of young talent over there and junior comps that’ll be negatively affected by having no team. But I definitely agree that a reduction of teams is necessary.
There are too many NRL clubs in Sydney
I think that Manly fans shouldn’t anticipate an immediate return to the glory days of yore just because Des is back in charge. It’s not just the team but the club as a whole which needs a changeup. It’ll be a slow process in my opinion, but a necessary one nonetheless.
Season preview: Can Des revive the Eagles?
There’s no real one singular moment for me. Just always loved the competitiveness and spirit of the game. No better feeling than knowing a new season is right around the corner.
What made you fall in love with rugby league?
I’m glad they took this stance. Hopefully the NRL continue to crack down on this kind of behaviour.
Cowboys sack Ben Barba for 'significant' breach of contract
Thanks for reading. While professional wrestling is far more theatrical and performance-based than mixed martial arts, as well as predetermined, it still requires a great degree of athleticism. There are have been many professional athletes who have tried their hand at pro wrestling, and have failed due to their underestimating how physically demanding it is. Furthermore, Rousey’s success in the film arena really has very little to do with her success within the WWE environment. It’s one thing to be able to recite lines in an entertaining manner within a closed setting. It’s a whole different ballgame to connect with a live audience. Furthermore, If boxing actually incorporated some elements of the so-called ‘circus act’ – i.e. promotional nous – than it wouldn’t be in the shape it’s in right now. Professional boxing at the moment could learn a lot from the WWE, and if you looked back at the history of both you’d find they actually have a lot in common. They both promote certain matches, and try to create intrigue so as to attract the paying audience. The only real difference is that one is predetermined, and the other is not. Look back at some of the biggest draws in boxing history, and you’ll see they have a lot more in common with professional wrestlers than you think. In fact, three of the most famous boxers in history have made appearances at WrestleMania during it’s thirty-plus year history (Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr.). It doesn’t come down to ‘real’ and ‘fake’, it’s about what people find entertaining.
Money In The Bank 2018
She was very impressive in her debut outing at WrestleMania which helped her tremendously in how she was perceived by the fans. There are some critics, but the majority – which includes myself- are pretty excited about her being in the WWE, mostly because she seems really dedicated and focused not only on her in-ring performances, but entertaining the fans. Safe to say that nobody has called her an ’embarrassment’ to WWE, unlike CM Punk in UFC. She has that intangible ‘it’ factor and is able to connect with the audience, plus her athleticism is on another level from her peers.
Money In The Bank 2018
Haven’t been paying much attention to the Tournament thus far, but I expect things to ramp up going forward, especially as the stakes get a little higher. I could be wrong in saying this, but it seems to me that there’s just been a lack of intriguing stories going in, at least for the casual fan. I was pretty surprised when I heard about Russia’s 5-0 win, though. I hope the host nation continues to do big things for the rest of the World Cup.
Best of the Greatest Show on Earth: The 2018 World Cup so far
Brought back a funny memory for me as a kid. If I didn’t like the commentary, I’d get out a tape recorder and do it myself. Seemed a lot more exciting that way. Mind you, not everyone has that much time – or energy – on their hands.
A petition to Fox Sports: No more Kearns and Marto
I really hope England can come away with the victory in Denver, it’s important they build on their success from the World Cup last year.
The Roar's NRL expert tips and predictions: Representative round
It’s been an interesting season to say the least. Once again, expectations have proven to be Parramatta’s downfall. I hate using this word, but they are the definition of ‘chokers’ when it comes to rugby league, unfortunately. I hope they can be more successful in future seasons, but at least the Panthers are doing well because the game always flourishes if there’s success out West.
Of course, like most seasons, the best parts of the story will come during the second half, and I can’t wait.
2018 NRL season: The story so far
Nice preview, looking forward to this game with a lot of intrigue.
2018 State of Origin: Game II preview
Interesting article here mate, and you presented some intriguing ideas. The problem is, the NRL has so many issues on its plate – mainly of its own doing – that they don’t know where to start. They just have to implement some kind of direction and stick with it. They tried the Nines, and discontinued it for a number of factors, so they shouldn’t even entertain the idea again (I personally was a fan though). In terms of marketing campaigns, I definitely agree with the idea of going ‘back to the future’ as it were. It’s difficult to highlight one particular player to focus on in terms of promoting the game, and this #TalkTheGameUp just reeks of ignorance because it gives the idea that the problems of the game don’t matter, and are offset by the positives. False. ‘That’s My Team’ was one of the most successful campaigns in the game’s history, and the NRL is in dire need of that kind of publicity again. Focus on the traditional values and attributes which make the game of rugby league great (and no, a stupid hashtag on social media doesn’t accomplish this), instead of trying to introduce specific ideas like ‘Magic Rounds’ and one off partnerships; undoubtedly they have a place in the game, and should still play a part in the season, but they’re band-aid solutions as far as fixing the litany of problems faced by the game.
Fresh ideas to market rugby league
I think having the women’s origin game as a standalone fixture provides it with the spotlight it deserves. If it were played as an opener to the men’s game, it will be overlooked and won’t be given much attention. Playing it on a separate day at a different venue will also reflect the strength of the women’s game, to whatever level that may be, and if North Sydney Oval has an impressive crowd, then the players will feel more enthusiastic knowing that fans bought tickets specifically to see them play. And it will give reason for those in power to continue supporting the women’s game and it’s development. For the women’s game to gain traction and momentum going forward, it should be taken out from under the shadow of one of the biggest sporting events on the Australian calendar.
Should Women's State of Origin be a standalone event?
Thanks for the read. I did mention in that last paragraph that the Maroons had lost some key talent, but that doesn’t mean you can ever write them off. Go back to the very beginning of the current Queensland ‘dynasty’ – 2006. That year, on paper at least, the Queenslanders had a lineup which seemed greatly inferior to the Blues, and were also coming off three consecutive series losses. We all know what happened there. You highlighted that one mistake from Game 2 last year, and you’re right, it was a pivotal moment in not just that match, but the entire series. It’ll take just one mistake again this year for NSW to lose this series. Hopefully it doesn’t happen though.
Blues fans and optimism: A dangerous combination
Hey mate, thanks for reading. Yeah, the future seems brighter than it has in some time, but in saying that I remember feeling the same kind of confidence after the Blues won the 2014 series. That being said, there’s a great crop of young talent in the current lineup which should provide a level of consistency going forward that hasn’t been seen in the NSW origin side for some time.
Blues fans and optimism: A dangerous combination
Nice history lesson and overview of what is a nice, yet flawed concept. I’ve always been wary of comparing players from different eras. There’s too many extenuating circumstances, from the changing rules and increasing athleticism, and even the different clubs for which the individuals play. I’m glad that the game’s greats get to be honoured, and I agree with the list of Immortals thus far, but if it’s going to continue then the criteria needs to be changed somewhat. One suggestion I have is to pick one player from each decade going forward. You already had ‘Joey’ representing the 2000’s (I know, he reitred in 2007) and Thurston should be the “2010’s” inductee. Then you apply that rule for each inductee from now on. It’s not without it’s flaws, but I think it’d be the best way to make the whole ‘Immortals’ thing as consistent as possible.
The Immortals: A concept drenched in wine
Hilarious insight my friend. Yes, we should all keep our eyes on FIFA – can’t afford to lose that Russian audience and their nursery of young talent! I find it bizarre that their taking a New Zealand – England game to America when it wouldn’t even sell out a stadium in either of the countries being represented.
CRISIS: Why the standalone Origin weekend is already killing rugby league
Nice article mate. I myself was a bit worried when I heard about the Tigers signing Farah. In my opinion, he should be used to help others coming up through the system. Like you said, he needs to adapt to them, not vice versa. This shouldn’t distract the Tigers from finding a future replacement at no. 9, and in fact Farah’s signing could help them in this quest if he is able to take a backseat. Playing Farah off the bench would be ideal in doing this, and having him work closely with the younger talent would help tremendously. But he is no longer in a position where he should be dominating the Tigers style of football and calling plays.
Farah needs to adapt to the new Tigers
That should be a wrap as far as CM Punk’s UFC – even MMA – career is concerned.
UFC 225: Whittaker vs Romero 2 live blog, round-by-round updates
This is like something out of The Benny Hill Show
Oops! NRL's "magic round" at Suncorp double-booked with Super Rugby
There should be one or two immortals from each ‘era’ of the game. There are two many extenuating circumstances at play to judge one player’s career against every other player from throughout rugby league’s rich history.
Ten players shortlisted to become next rugby league Immortal
I personally don’t think Simona should be employed by the NRL in any position, let alone by an NRL club. What he did not only broke the law, but breached the game’s code of ethics. If rugby league and those in charge expect people to take them seriously they need to crack down, and hard.
Back them or don't: NRL must set a precedent
Great read and interesting insight. Nonetheless, stats don’t really matter a whole lot come game time, especially in Origin. I think a 20 point win – as much as I’d like to see it happen – may be a little too optimistic.
State of Origin 2: The definitive stats preview
You’ve missed the point of the article. Obviously, I’m aware ‘post retirement stress disorder’ isn’t a real ailment, it was simply a means of emphasizing the affect Andrew Johns’ retirement had on me. It was a metaphor of sorts, not supposed to be taken literally.
Also you seem to be really upset about an article you claim to have not even finished fully, because you’ve commented at least five times. I appreciate the fact you’ve looked at it and expressed your opinion, but perhaps condensing your thoughts into one comment would suffice.
Coming to terms with the retirement of 'JT'