Roar Guru
Joined January 2014
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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.
Here we go again, another year, same script. You know, the one that reads Queensland is busted and New South Wales is wiser yet privately acknowledge their only hope relies on the Maroons being busted.
What is it with Michael Jennings? Either he can’t count or he thinks Semi Radradra is away having his bonce measured for a Toulon beret.
Anthony Griffin’s team of black cats are once again tipped to purr, but with an overabundance of quality outside backs some might be lapping from a different bowl before the season is out.
Fabulous Test. So many what ifs for Aussie fans but the big one…if we just had someone capable of a Pujara-like dig.
When it’s all said and done though, India just have too much class with bat and ball. I reckon Perth will suit them and Australia will do well to once again get close.
Australian batting woes, Mitchell Starc's form, India's potent attack and more: Five talking points from the first Test
“pork sword of justice” – wow, better than Usman’s screamer!!
India thought they were batting in India. But they were not. It was Adelaide
You won’t see a Manly fan in a hatchback, especially ’97…plenty in Newcastle but
The perfect Skivvy blindside to a television makeover
Marsupial!! Kinda like Tony Greig under the Advance Hair hat.
The perfect Skivvy blindside to a television makeover
Agree, his attack most definitely underrated, a real handful off his left foot. Yeah, he was guilty of charging out of the line and leaving a hole but like his wayward high shots it was a facet that improved over time.
Down the track, I really hope he makes an appearance with his teammates at premiership reunions.
The perfect Skivvy blindside to a television makeover
I recall that too, Bill. From memory it was a major reason why he almost joined the Warriors.
The perfect Skivvy blindside to a television makeover
Haha. I want to see you interviewed by Vossy on The Fan.
The perfect Skivvy blindside to a television makeover
Gee, you blokes are harsh. Can you find a place for him in your 10 best centres from 2006-17?
The perfect Skivvy blindside to a television makeover
Manu has plenty of tricks, I really enjoyed his battle with Latrell in the Auckland Test. Similar skills and both held the advantage for one half.
Not sure we’ll see another like Jamie Lyon again. Far removed from the modern NRL buff but with the skills to compensate – there’s probably a message there.
The perfect Skivvy blindside to a television makeover
Haha. Good form, good form BA !! Bozo fans are dwindling but Arko still leads the pack.
The best thing about Nable is that I can like him and still laugh at ripping comments like yours. It’s the likes of Nable, Matai and Bozo that maintain the code’s credibility.
I bet you can name 3 similar from your favourite club (Parra?) who i’d equally despise.
The perfect Skivvy blindside to a television makeover
Yep, except punch drunk Buzz was the target.
The perfect Skivvy blindside to a television makeover
2005 Ascent purchased second hand in 2007. Considered a good luck charm with Manly making the GF then cracking 40 in the same game a year later. Despite the kids out growing the back seat and demanding an upgrade, I just couldn’t let it go. Then the Eagles got up in 2011 and DCE pinched the Churchill in 2013…by then it was cramped teenagers whinging about small cars. Still got it, more reliable than an Unbreakable Hilux. My eldest is now on the road herself…so there’s 2 Corollas in the garage. The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.
The perfect Skivvy blindside to a television makeover
Gday Paul, but the rate of cheap shots decreased with time…his shot for the Kiwi’s on Gasnier was one of the worst. His execution improved over the years without losing his fear factor. His absence at Manly remains to be plugged.
Wazz sounds good to me, clear without forcing the issue, likes a sly laugh.
The best thing is that all the commentators are different. Plenty sledge Matt Nable but I enjoy him for all the reasons people dislike him – key is, he only covers one game a week so there’s no overdose.
The perfect Skivvy blindside to a television makeover
Thanks Emcie. I like your last line. NRL360 was a real drag over the closing months, same old topics everyday made everyone look silly.
The perfect Skivvy blindside to a television makeover
Cheers BA. Hey, it’s the off-season, nothing wrong with a little stretch.
I just wanted to highlight how players are remembered and the fact tv can distort the truth.
Matai was as polarising as he was unique. One of my favourites. However I reckon if I was unlucky enough to follow another club he’d top my most dispised list.
The perfect Skivvy blindside to a television makeover
That twin-scoop, big heavy lump, was it a Hurricane?
Roll on summer of cricket, roll on
Great read. Memories flooding back from a great day I spent in the Lillee Marsh stand.
I just assumed the hat-trick ball thudded off Jimmy’s hip so I was late going up with the players and fans. It was a full house that day although a thousand or so were still outside while McGrath ran amok.
Bing was also sharp that day. I recall Hinds ducking a bouncer that flew off his helmet, bang, one bounce into the site screen.
I went to every day of the Test, Australia won their 12th in a row – a record at the time. Great days.
Some people have all the luck Ronan, I was also at the Gabba for Siddle’s hat-trick.
How I ended up just metres from the WACA for Glenn McGrath's hat-trick
With the Morris boys siding for what could be the last time together I’d like to see Canterbury call their bluff. I still can’t separate the twins and I’m convinced they’ve played in each others jumpers over the years.
Time for the Doggies to get one back and have both run out with the #2 on their backs.
What I wouldn't give to see this before the NRL season's out
I’ll pay that. You can race Johny and Baz for the other ticket.
Eight talking points from NRL Round 22
No good. I can’t copy and paste it here – is there a simple alternative?
Eight talking points from NRL Round 22
I felt overall India were more disciplined with the ball. Starc’s figures read well but his leg side byes/wides almost account for the final deficit. India’s paceman should be commended, easily the most fittest and committed trio that we’ve seen bowl on Australian soil – prior to day 1 I thought that was where we had them covered, not to be.
Australian batting woes, Mitchell Starc's form, India's potent attack and more: Five talking points from the first Test