Roar Guru
Joined April 2014
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Men are born for games. Nothing else. Every child knows that play is nobler than work. He knows too that the worth or merit of a game is not inherent in the game itself but rather in the value of that which is put at hazard. Games of chance require a wager to have meaning at all. Games of sport involve the skill and strength of the opponents and the humiliation of defeat and the pride of victory are in themselves sufficient stake because they inhere in the worth of the principals and define them. But the trial of chance or trial of worth all games aspire to the condition of war for here that which is wagered swallows up game, player, all. What man would not be a dancer if he could? It's a great thing, the dance.
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The 2017 season may end up as a testament to what could have been for North Queensland. After two dramatic golden point victories to…
After a three-year sabbatical, I have decided to return to writing Roar articles. I believe there is a greater opportunity now than there was…
We are gathered here today to hear the case of Inglis v Slater, with the judgement to decide who will play fullback for Queensland…
Have the Cowboys addressed your concerns regarding their attack Scott? It was a much improved performance, and with Thurston putting kicks on a platter not many teams will be able to hold them out. Considering his handful of performances before injury were mixed bags it was great to see the veteran put on an exhibition.
Twelve talking points from NRL Round 14
Tall poppy syndrome I suppose. I dislike him as a person because he comes across as arrogant on the field, Hayne is trademarked, a brand now. And he has games like against the Cowboys on the weekend where he walks the walk, but can’t talk the talk. He has a good performance every now and then, and can’t back it up.
Some of that has to do with the terrible Titans coach playing him out of position. I respect him as a footballer though, as a player I do fear seeing in the opposition lineup, and admire him when he dons the Green and Gold.
Decoding enigmatic legend Jarryd Hayne
He’s worth top dollar as a fullback, Henry needs to bite the bullet and ditch Roberts as fullback, play him as a bench utility or drop him. His form has been decent but, when you have a certified weapon like Hayne languishing in the centres, you need to increase his involvement. Hayne’s best position is fullback, and the difference between having him in top form @ 1 as opposed to Roberts is daylight. Sarginson or Copley to centre to replace Hayne, and the Titans will reap dividends once he regains his best form.
Decoding enigmatic legend Jarryd Hayne
I’m a purist, I hate showboating, but the kids and casual observers tend to enjoy it so power to them. It’s part of the entertainment package.
Decoding enigmatic legend Jarryd Hayne
Well the messiah certainly played a blinder for his club side on the weekend. Getting pumped in defence by Morgan and Feldt (he really Feldt that tackle!), bundled into touch and dropped a bread and butter pass. I remember the fans in the Eastern stands gave him an absolute bath when he went off with concussion. He has been a bit of a mythic figure since returning from the NFL, in the sense his presence on the field has been illusive, more spiritual if anything.
I will not deny he is a big game player, but part of being a legendary player is being a ‘small’ game player too. Having a week to week influence on the outcome of your team’s performance. Getting them over the line because you’re the best player. Hayne has not done this since he left the Eels. That’s what separates him from people like Thurston, Smith,Lockyer, Johns, Fittler, etc. If he leads the Titans to a successful playoff series, I’ll revise my critique, but with their injury list and sans Neil Henry as coach, nah, it’ll never happen.
Decoding enigmatic legend Jarryd Hayne
Hey Scott. I do agree the Cowboy’s attack hasn’t quite hit its straps yet this year. Last season comparatively they had racked up several 30+ point games. I think you can put this down to team cohesion, constant chopping and changing of positions.
Given the amount of possession they had, yes, they probably should have scored more points. I think they might be playing within themselves a bit, more conservatively. Perhaps having Thurston back on the park will allow them to break the shackles so to speak. Hopefully he makes a return against the Eels.
Ten talking points from NRL Round 13
I think Coote needs to become a bit more involved for next week’s match against the Eels. I’m tipping him to have a big one. That being said, the Cowboys let a handful of tries go begging with cutout passes that the Titans players intercepted. Perhaps when Thurston retires they should invest big money in a strike centre, because I don’t think either Linnett or O’Neil have crossed the chalk yet this season. Morgan and Granville are managing the team well though, combining for two assists last night. I don’t think they’ll be too concerned about their attack, there’s enough options around to keep the opposition guessing, and 12 points for more than enough to win that game. When in doubt, throw it to Hess close to the line.
Ten talking points from NRL Round 13
A try and try assist in Game III of the 2015 series. But that game was a romp, not like it was a match winning performance. I’m not downplaying the effort, but in the last couple of games where the Blues have turned up, his ‘impact’ on the game has been minimal. He’s a quality player, no doubt, but his role for the Maroons isn’t working. Morgan isn’t a ball running and hard tackling forward. If Thurston is fit for Game 2, Qld should go with 4 forwards on the bench.
Highlights: Morgan stars as Cowboys beat Titans
Good to see that Hayne was given the treatment. The messiah was smacked in defence, dragged over the touchline, and concussed by a rampaging Lowe. Praise you. It was a solid win for the Cowboys who controlled the game in the second half very well. Another good sign is that Granville played 65 minutes and was on for the crucial stages of the game. Green has learnt from the Sharks debacle and realised we need Granville out there when the game is in the balance.
Highlights: Morgan stars as Cowboys beat Titans
This dynasty, yes is pretty much over. It was their last hurrah anyway with Thurston and possibly Cronk retiring. I’d say it would have been Scott’s last also. It might be a bit to and fro for the next few years but NSW have a great forward pack and fantastic depth, whereas Queensland are stocked for backrowers but light in props.
The Queensland Origin dynasty is over? Not bloody likely
Everyone is susceptible to criticism, and naturally people are going to rank the worst performers in a particular field, as they do the best. Worst actors, musicians, presidents, etc. It’s a part of life, no-one should be exempt from it. I do agree with you on the part of people overestimating their abilities, but my criticism of O’Neil isn’t attributed to some Freudian envy complex. Or is it?
Justin O'Neill's a much better footballer than you'll ever be
Wouldn’t be the first time Dane, ;).
State of Origin: Maroons in perfect shape for Origin with whole squad in doubt for opener
He will provide valuable experience up front, and typically plays his best three games of the year for Queensland. Put that head to good use son!
Veteran Myles looms as unlikely Qld hero
The team I expect to run out around 8:30 tonight:
1) Billy Slater
2) Kyle Feldt
3) Tautau Moga
4) Dale Copley
5) Valentine Holmes
6) Matthew Bowen (called out of retirement a la Fittler)
7) Daly-Cherry Evans
8) Brenton Lawrence
9) Andrew McCullogh (c)
10) Jarrod Wallace
11) Gavin Cooper
12) Ethan Lowe
13) Korbin Sims
14) Jake Granville
15) Chris McQueen
16) Scott Bolton
17) David Mead
State of Origin: Maroons in perfect shape for Origin with whole squad in doubt for opener
If Gus brings back the final word, lord, who knows. He scrapped it after he delivered the “NSW have to win, they just have to” and they unsurprisingly lost. 8:20, why do we have a national anthem for a contest only two provincial teams take part in?
State of Origin 2017 kick-off bingo: When will Game 1 actually start?
Saved them from and embarrassing loss against NQLD? I thought the Cowboys played really well that night.
Fifita tells NSW teammates to get arrogant
I like these pieces, controversial. I get a bit tired of people saying league players are exempt from criticism. Far out, not everyone is a Thurston or Johns but you have to admit there have been some very ordinary Origin players through the years. People will judge them by their performances. That’s life, that’s footy.
The worst players to ever play State of Origin
Blues only scored one try in game two? But he was the man that let Hodkinson through.
The worst players to ever play State of Origin
Champion bloke and player, glad to see the Ironman, Gal-dog, G-Train, stay on for years to come.
Gallen plans to play well into late 30s
I think the Blues will win this year. Their forward pack is leagues ahead of Queensland’s. How powerful is the Blue’s backrow? Cordner is cancelled out by Gillett, but Jackson is a certified weapon and Frizzell is a fully natural 100% beast. Throw in Fifita with his second phase close to the tryline, and they will be very hard to contain. Fortunately, we will have some respite with Woodsy the Wizard being in the run on side.
On a side note, I can’t understand the infatuation with jack of all trades bench utilities. Another specialist forward should be the way to go. Expect Morgan to come on and not exactly cut the mustard as a ball playing lock and miss a couple of tackles or get concussed like he did last year.
Cowboys don't need Thurston to win and neither do Queensland
Indeed, the piggery.
Kevin Walters reduced to tears over Billy Slater's Origin dismissal
It’s a phenomenal program. I think the advertisements are pure gold. Justin Hodges does like the sound of his own voice though.
Mal shows impartiality headlining propaganda show 'Queenslanders Only'
1) Billy Slater
2) Darius Boyd
3) William Chambers
4) Cameron Munster
5) Valentine Homes
6) Johnathan Thurston (99.9% confident he will ‘miraculously’ recover in time)
7) Cooper Cronk
8) Nate Myles/Jacob Lillyman
9) Cameron Smith
10) Dylan Napa
11) Josh Papalli
12) Matt Gillett
13) Josh McGuire
14) Michael Morgan
15) Jacob Lillyman/Nate Myles
16) Sam Thaiday
17) Jarrod Wallace
18) Korbin Sims
19) Dane Gagai
Have your say: Pick your Queensland Maroons team for State of Origin 1
It’s coming down to a case of last man standing this season, with key players suffering season ending injuries in several teams. Who will be next?
Trbojevic and Hayne in doubt for Blues
Loyalty is dead? Not when you’re a winner.
NSW Blues team for State of Origin Game 2, 2017: Expert reaction