Roar Guru
Joined January 2014
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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.
Is the Australian cricket captain switched on and, more importantly, what is his message?
Waxheads with years of salty repute reckon the quest for the perfect ride never ends. It’s why they keep suiting up, just like the thirsty and desperate hypnotised by the sign, ‘Free beer tomorrow’.
Sadly, last Sunday morning’s lazy league read was soured by the news of Malcolm Young’s passing – the unsung AC/DC guitarist whose thumping chords struck with the ferocity of a Trevor Gillmeister shoulder.
So the World Cup match review committee found Aaron Woods had no case to answer. Well, wax my ’70s mo and turf player safety under the bus.
What would you do if State of Origin was on your watch? Seriously, the behemoth cash cow couldn’t fit through the gate even if it wanted to watch itself.
With Round 16 of the NRL kicking off tonight, the similarities between now and 12 months ago offer a useful insight in the race to this year’s finals.
Apart from the obvious two competition points, what else did Canterbury’s growing list of disgruntled fans take away from Monday’s victory over St George Illawarra?
This weekend sees State of Origin officials camped under their respective selection caps. But as The Roar‘s BigJ can attest, any list smothered in Steeden is subject to slice, dice and rank whenever the fans choose.
For a utility with the skills of Watson I don’t reckon his contract should be aligned to the dollars of a specific position. I’m not a fan of ‘fullback and centre money’. Like Radradra would earn more on the wing than just about any fullback. Some players are better value on the wing than fullback…horses for courses.
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
cheers mate. I forgot about Dugan as an option, I still prefer him at centre. Also probably a bit late in Johnson’s career to switch – hard to believe he’s been around so long, played in the 2011 GF.
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
Hey Nat, do you reckon Johnson could cover fullback if Moylan ever shifts back to 5/8?
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
Nice list Larry. I didn’t realise Boyd had 3 to go. I’d be surprised if he gets through another two.
I wouldn’t classify Elgey as a big name but as an Eagle I sure hope he finds his shoulders.
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
Fair play Sports, Salmon’s performance is critical to how Parra settle on a line up. Lot of pressure on him and I’m not sure Arthur has worked out if Gutho adds more value from 1 or 6 – he really needs two of him.
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
Haha, Emcie has you covered. Yep yep, I recall the talk now that you mention it. Cheers guys.
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
I expected to see more of him at the end of last season. His impact off the bench brings so much energy. A smaller version of Dave Taylor, hopefully he makes full use of his unlimited potential.
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
And alongside Sam Williams there’s not much to be inspired out. Be interesting to see how the recruits go about covering the potency void left by Austin and Rapana.
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
Staggs a ripper, what do you reckon his best position is?
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
That ability to develop a passing game from not much to elite across his career is awesome in itself. I’m glad he is back assisting at the club, hopefully that killer instinct rubs off on the current group.
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
Great call BA. French goes missing in his own 20, Fergo will earn his money trying to make Bevan look good.
I guess Brown intends on making Watson his permanent #1 but he’ll fill gaps for sure. Nothing wrong will making your name as utility either, didn’t hurt Craig Wing.
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
Spot on Emcie, I agree. Injury aside, centre is his only option and that is reliant on Bird playing elsewhere. I’d much rather Bird closer to the ball where he has more of an impact. The longer he is starved the more disinterested and lethargic he looks.
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
G’day JB, he’s already surprised me with his beard – Chuck Norris I tell ya.
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
Snake won’t fade from my memory. As physically imposing as Tom Turbo is, I reckon Snake’s superior acceleration and positional nous has him in front.
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
Where does Corey fit in?
Deliver or bust: Five big NRL names at a career crossroads in 2019
Agree. The Aussies had a blessed run for so long. Your Usman point is a perfect reminder of how tough and taxing Test cricket must be. Even through the latest turmoil, for me Test cricket still remains compulsive viewing.
Australia v NZ Black Caps, Boxing Day Test: An early preview
Good fun mate. I ventured to the MCG Test the other week and had a chuckle at the Trevor underarm poster on the bottom level. Made up for the day-3 Aussie collapse.
I was a sunburnt tacker in the outer the day Dyer grassed Jones. I didn’t understand all the fuss until catching that night’s evening news.
Speaking of sub-fielder blinders, Labaschagne held a ripper 2-3 years ago at the Gabba…seems a world away now.
The 1989 touring Ashes side was labeled the worst to visit England, it’ll be interesting to see what the Poms have to say about the current mob. I can’t see another miracle taking place, they look mentally shot.
Australia v NZ Black Caps, Boxing Day Test: An early preview
Are you right, Geoff? You Kiwi’s certainly love the smell of blood. If slamming the Wallabies on a weekly basis isn’t enough, now you’re picking strips off the cricket carcass!!
Well good for you, next you’ll be telling us Greg Dyer unfairly claimed Andrew Jones at the MCG too!!
If you’ll let me back in through the door of reality, you’d have to say the well oiled Kiwis are MCG favourites. Well balanced and play to their strengths – our blokes could take some tips.
Australia v NZ Black Caps, Boxing Day Test: An early preview
Yeah, funny how it works Brett. My son and I were in agreement the other night that Tye’s tricks were being picked apart more regularly than last season.
BBL batting isn’t great, and Twenty20 cricket might be to blame
Confusion against leg spin a major factor. I for one miss the ball flying over the fence like previous years but watching the leggies cast spells over bamboozled targets is still pretty exciting too.
BBL batting isn’t great, and Twenty20 cricket might be to blame
Meditation, you watch Bancroft now. It’ll be a key finding in the next Aust Cricket review.
Tough love pivotal to Australia’s batting revival
I didn’t forget anyone, the list is too long for one article. It’s a given, the good ones always get dropped and the hungry return better.
Tough love pivotal to Australia’s batting revival
There’s processes in place to ensure the same logic should apply. There are more specialised coaches these days and many make use of County cricket.
The effectiveness of each process at present is questionable or the current crop simply aren’t up to it.
I reckon the talent is there, Australia’s best batsman have all the strokes, what they lack is the temperament. It’s almost at the point where heart should be picked ahead of stats.
Tough love pivotal to Australia’s batting revival
The Gabba will always host an Ashes Test. Day-1 of an Ashes series in Brisbane a must, it’s the only long form game Queenslanders mark on the calendar.
Manuka Oval’s Test debut 95 years in the making