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Roar Guru
Joined January 2014
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Big fan of cricket and rugby league. Studying Post Grad in Sports Media at UTS.
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A quick lap of Hurstville Oval’s hedge-square perfect gardens is all it takes to lift the lid on the prestigious St George District Cricket Club. Now a regular host of state and WBBL matches, the boutique ground is flush with tributes to over a century of club success.
With the gates locked to fans and players alike, here’s a team to tackle the elephant in the room.
You don’t have to be Brad Arthur to know what lies around the corner. Hell, you don’t even have to be Craig Bellamy. Anyone with half a footy brain knows that Melbourne’s finals strategy is locked into their DNA.
The cover of last week’s Big League magazine screamed ‘1,000 not out’. The image of 400-gamer Cameron Smith stood at the forefront of triple centurions Benji Marshall and the understated Gavin Cooper.
Busted bunkers, cross-eyed referees and unlucky eye gougers. We’ve heard it all and had a sook.
Last Saturday night in Newcastle, Mitchell Pearce found himself friendless in no-man’s land.
In my Steeden-esque world, the countdown to this season’s opening round was shaping up like any other.
As the preseason rolls into February even some of the biggest names pause to assess the tailgating talent.
Aussie Test cricket fans might be hurting but plenty have shown the heart to keep the turnstiles spinning. If only Justin Langer could say the same about his fragile top order.
Melbourne Cricket Ground curator Matthew Page was on a hiding to nothing despite his positive spin leading into day one of the Boxing Day Test.
David Morrow had lost his lollies; my tiny Corolla speakers throbbed on life support in tune with his booming venom. It was 2010 and Steve Matai had just smeared Michael Ennis across the Brookvale turf with a callous high-shot.
The frustration in Matt Nable’s voice said it all, “this is rubbish”.
As a global collective all red-heads reckon they have more fun. And, if you’re like me, then who’s to argue? I’ll drop anything to watch red-heads for fun.
Imagine if rugby league hall of fame nomination was based on attributes aligned to the game’s head-down, bum-up blue-collar building blocks.
No one wears their heart on their sleeve better than Sam Burgess. And mixed with adrenaline-fuelled mayhem, there’s none more explosive.
How do you reckon you would have gone at Allianz Stadium last Thursday night trying to convince a rugby league novice the Rabbitohs vs Roosters match they were about to witness is the NRL’s oldest and most bitter rivalry?
If I supported the Canberra Raiders, I’d want the ballistic Ricky Stuart and his busted plastic chairs over his apologetic alter ego every day of the week.
If players knew then what they know now, how many would rip up their contract for an opportunity to play elsewhere?
In just over a month you’ll be punching holes in the air as your team cross for their opening try of the season. Chances are though, your precious moment will be shattered by a needless hearing before Judge Bunker.
On ya Scotty. I’ve got two tips: May 28, 2020 and Manly ????
How to play rugby league in 2020 without the NRL
Great point Aaron. The issue did come up in discussions in both areas I covered. In particular, the shortfall in grade cricket numbers being filled by juniors and the impact that has on u16/17 competitions. Looking back I probably should have covered this. That said, the issues are many and varied, there’s easily enough relevant points to warrant a follow up article.
The disconnect tugging at Sydney cricket's grassroots
Cheque’s in the mail kk.
Long term I feel contact league has much more to worry about than cricket at the entry level. Cricket will get it done, plenty to be excited about.
The disconnect tugging at Sydney cricket's grassroots
Thank you Billy, I’m guessing these are questions you’ve already followed up with appropriate representatives.
The disconnect tugging at Sydney cricket's grassroots
Any runs left in the willow Sheek, I’ll find a spot for you ????
The disconnect tugging at Sydney cricket's grassroots
Kind words Paul, thank you very much.
The disconnect tugging at Sydney cricket's grassroots
Special thanks to Daniel Jeffrey and the Roar team for their superb work in glossing this one up. Much appreciated guys. Cheers Jason
The disconnect tugging at Sydney cricket's grassroots
Thanks Paul. Agree, I think the u17 example shows the merit of shorter comps in non-traditional time slots as a way to accommodate different schedules.
The disconnect tugging at Sydney cricket's grassroots
My experience is similar PP, returned after my used by date but it’s so much fun. It’s always great when a youngster fronts and shows up the oldies.
The disconnect tugging at Sydney cricket's grassroots
I’m not sure Favell represented via St George, but yeah, formidable lineup.
The disconnect tugging at Sydney cricket's grassroots
Rugby league is also struggling in the city and bush. Although I’ve heard cases in western NSW where there are plenty of juniors wanting to play cricket but not enough adult volunteers to cover the demand.
The disconnect tugging at Sydney cricket's grassroots
Thanks Scoop, glad you enjoyed it.
The disconnect tugging at Sydney cricket's grassroots
Great feedback ojp. Demand and acceptance of social offerings is certainly on the up and clearly acknowledged by NSW Community Cricket. I don’t think there is a right of wrong, so long as there are formats that keep more individuals in the game for longer.
The disconnect tugging at Sydney cricket's grassroots
I’m a believer in May 28. I gotta believe in something to keep me going.
Why the 2020 NRL premiership will be forever tainted
Oh yeah, for sure Ben, if your team wins then all premiership tainting bets are off.
A GF with no fans, plenty of water to flow under the bridge yet. Let’s just find a way to get the show safely back on track.
Why the 2020 NRL premiership will be forever tainted
I like May 28, a proactive stance and educated punt that isolation restrictions will be somewhat reduced in 7 weeks. Conditions are far better now than the govt expected. Much better to take a position than miss an opportunity. The alternative come late May is the usual NRL whinge with hindsight – they should’ve done that in April. Fairdinkum, cut these guys some slack, they’re more business savvy than the media and punters give them credit for.
Lack of details a cause for concern in NRL return
I like May 28, a proactive stance to stay ahead of the curve so to speak. In many respects this is a punt that restrictions will be eased during the next 7 weeks. I’m all for it rather than the standard NRL media hindsight whinge – they should done that back in April.
FFS give these guys a break, they are far more business savvy than the majority of us punters.
Lack of details a cause for concern in NRL return
I agree but having said that, I would argue the best team almost always wins the title.
Why the 2020 NRL premiership will be forever tainted
Too right TIGER, horse before cart, let’s get them back on the park – anything.
Why the 2020 NRL premiership will be forever tainted
Wow. I love the photos from that day, insane. A cracker to have on the resume. Fabulous memories for you!!
Why the 2020 NRL premiership will be forever tainted
Hang in there TB3, I’m sure it’s something easily fixed. You’re good value mate, be good if you hang about.
Why the 2020 NRL premiership will be forever tainted
Fair enough, plenty don’t see it that way. Fans have a different mind set to players.
Why the 2020 NRL premiership will be forever tainted
Will history translate that as an asterisk?
Why the 2020 NRL premiership will be forever tainted
Yeah, Glenn Burgess was fullback. Turvey bombed him all day prompting the rule change regarding catching the pill in-goal.
Why the 2020 NRL premiership will be forever tainted
Thanks mate, happy to take you back.
The disconnect tugging at Sydney cricket's grassroots