J Joseph's Roar Profile

Jorgensen is such an exciting talent, and would be great in either code. However, if he wants to see the world and experience the richness of a part-global culture, he would be better suited to rugby.

Sorry. You must be Victorian. I did love the Rebels when Dave Wessells was coaching them.

Exclusive: Rebels threaten Civil War as peace talks with RA end in another blow for Super Rugby

Perhaps it is time for Victoria’s great saviour… oh, he appears to have walked out the door. Pity about that.

Poise and pace are hard to resist, and when the Brumbies are on song they are a pleasure to behold. How they handle a much more aggressive Queensland rush defence will be a sterner test for them. Lolesio will not have as much freedom as he enjoyed last night.

'Statement game': Brumbies smash Moana Pasifika as Lolesio, Wright and Toole light up Canberra

Is this a money thing? What would he earn at Leicester compared to playing at the Waratahs and possibly Australia? Same question about Nawaqanitawase (gone before most people have worked out how to pronounce his name). What would he earn at the Roosters compared to rugby? Is it money, or is there something else?

Fresh Wallabies blow as Waratahs lose gun centre to complicate selection ahead of Lions tour

Fantastic analysis, and so much food for thought. Thank you for a great column.

The question of referee relations is such an important one. Never mind just the captain speaking, as a whole Australian players never shut up. They are openly critical of the referee while play is in progress, making calls for the referee at virtually every breakdown. They whinge and carry on, and it is pathetic. Surely this is not helpful to playing the game and concentrating on their tasks.

That virtuous team, often held up as the model for all our provinces, the Brumbies, are chief offenders. No wonder referees like Angus Gardner hate refereeing them. The result is almost always a penalty count that runs against these rude, obnoxious players. Unless you are a superstar, then you can say whatever you like apparently. Joe, tell the players to just shut up.

Joe Schmidt's search for a 'cold-hearted bastard' - and the issue he'll lose most sleep over

Just wondering if this player operates under a different set of rules to others in the competition. Seems he says quite a lot that might have been better unsaid, or at least modified to indicate that he is aware that he is not the only player in the universe.

'I don't care if I'm swearing': Latrell set to escape NRL sanctions despite foul-mouthed radio interview

Not to mention ego stroking.

V'landys may as well be executive chair because he's doing both jobs but league needs to fix lack of female leadership

Feb

These are two completely separate but equally important issues.

The Board Chair should never be involved in the day-to-day operations of the organisation. The Board’s role is to appoint the CEO, deliver policy and set the strategies through a far-sighted vision. If the Chair wants to be involved in the operational process then he needs to do so in close connection with the management executive team, and even then he/she allows the CEO to make and spearhead the important decisions. If V’Landys won’t allow Abdo to do this he is undermining his own CEO, and this is appalling governance. Something has to change very quickly, otherwise succession planning is muddied and pointless. I feel very sorry for the CEO in this situation, but it seems the Chair can’t help himself.

As to female board representation, common sense tells me that there should be an approximate 50-50 split. This must not be legislated because that smacks of ridiculous DEI thinking. However pathways needed to be wide open so that female candidates can fully demonstrate the strength of their candidacy without having to cross barriers that do not exist for their male counterparts.

The madness of the Rennie sacking remains a sore point with many of us, underlined by the sensible insights of Matt Toomua. It is further emphasised by the gracious wisdom of Laurie Fisher. The aftermath of Rennie’s departure resulted from an administration that had no clear idea of what was going on rugby-wise, and we invited in the disaster that ensued. All very forgettable.

'Laurie brings that': Why 'there's no one better' to help Joe Schmidt restore key trait to Wallabies

Melbourne is a really dumb choice for such a great festival. Might as well play it in Las Vegas.

Super Round is a celebration of rugby - that's why it should have never been held in Melbourne

Egos. Dollars. Rugby. And the winner is…..Egos.

'He screwed our state': The act that still angers Twiggy Forrest and why he's not ready to jump back in

Please, some common sense here. The law is an ass in situations like these.

'Tough call': Reds too good for Tahs in cracking Aussie derby, as controversial penalty try, yellow to Jorgo proves telling

This match was encouraging for Australian rugby. It was up-tempo, both teams took some risks and tried hard to be inventive. As for the penalty try, it looked a fair decision even at normal speed, however there is no doubt that the double whammy of a penalty try AND a yellow card is too harsh. It was line-ball, so the penalty try should have been all. Common sense and the letter of the law are often mutually exclusive it seems.

Here we go again.

Hurricanes pump Western Force as Achilles heel exposed again in early reality check

I understand the apostrophe in “men’s”, but “son’s”?

Exclusive: Rugby Australia makes sweeping redundancies as governing body braces for 'economic headwinds'

So much to like about this article; really interesting analysis of this terribly hard role. Andy Friend makes a lot of sense as usual, and he raises the idea of four pillars that make up a rugby community. The ineptitude of the fourth pillar in Australian rugby — the administrators — seems to be a major contributing factor in the overall malaise. We need more women and men who are genuinely interested in the well-being of the game rather than big noting themselves.

'Our system is failing': The 'crisis' sinking Australian rugby - and the 'crucified' coach that shows it

Quade’s best chance is off the bench. Bring him into the game when things are opening up in about the 65th minute, and not a moment before. He is not fond of tackling and rush defence panics him, but when the defence is a little weary he can be deadly.

Carter 'stitched up', Noah's 'blessing in disguise': Ex-Wallaby 10's verdict on 'personal' duel and World Cup fallout

Well Abraham sired a son when he was about 100 and Sarah was maybe 90, so who knows?

Bollocks to the doom merchants - Super Rugby 2024 offers Australian rugby its most glorious opportunity

My perception of Deans, Rennie and Schmidt is that they are quiet, determined and thoughtful. None are “know-alls” and they certainly don’t carry on like Jones and Cheika. What they know is in their blood, but they don’t trumpet that.

Poaching NZ coaches won't solve the Wallabies' woes - the real solution is a lot less sexy

Maybe this is all true, but you need a national coach who has a vision and a plan. You need a national coach who is honest and prepared to be transparent. And you need a national coach who will assemble high calibre assistants who are all on the same page. That is the first piece of the puzzle and I suspect the new appointee fills the bill.

Perhaps a new genre: Slap-stick Tragedy. Imagine what the Monty Python crowd could have done with this material.

'Stands out like dog's balls', 'set up for failure': Wretched Eddie-Slips moment that explains World Cup disaster

Interesting article, illustrating how little there is to cheer about if this is the best our provinces can do.

Super Rugby Pacific 2024: The best new signing for each Australian side

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