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Joined June 2016
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If you’re looking for an unbiased, analytical piece citing statistics, this is not the read for you. This is raw emotion – frustration, indignity and bitterness so vast you could add it to your lemon and lime for years.
Phil Gould said the New Zealand Warriors wouldn’t win more than four games this year. They’ve already won seven and with four games to go, have a reasonable run home.
Moments can define careers; moments of brilliance, pain, achieving the seemingly impossible on the biggest stages.
A vasectomy. Israel Folau’s Instagram feed. Ricky Stuart after a Canberra loss. Adam Sandler’s entire filmography back to back.
The Warriors hype machine was at full noise leading up to Simon Mannering’s 300th match, and rightly so for a player who has given so much to club, country and game.
Finals football is almost upon us, and for many NRL clubs the fairytale is over before it could really begin. But before September kicks in, here are a few things I’d love to see.
Some turn a blind eye, some condemn it; others say it’s the nature of competition. Why can’t Australians stop cheating?
Reports are filtering in of a spectacular crash in Penrose, Auckland, where a huge bandwagon has slammed into the harsh brick wall of reality.
Do you like balls to get plenty of air, or do you prefer them to be held tightly to avoid popping out in heavy contact?
Office tipping rivalry aside, this year’s NRL competition has been fantastic – even more so if you’re a Dragons or Warriors fan, like me. Not so much for the lone Melbourne fan at work, who has gone quiet. Very quiet.
Among the maelstrom of indignation, there’s at least one group of people who must be feeling a quiet debt of gratitude towards the Australian cricketers: The English.
I promised myself I wouldn’t take them back; they’ll only hurt you again.
What is going through David Warner’s head? Not much it seems.
Sporting rivalries are a funny thing. Everyone has that mate or that team they just can’t stand to lose to. At anything. Ever.
There’s something unusual happening in New Zealand cricket: we’re winning.
There were ominous signs. It was steadily raining and we were trudging to the Lions versus Blues match at Eden Park, a stadium often referred to as a concrete jungle.
I tried selling my Warriors jersey on-line, without luck. So I re-listed it with the ‘caution, flammable material’ label on the outside. It sold within minutes.
For a long time Auckland sports teams and residents have received a bad rap among New Zealand’s provinces, particularly those from the South.
Knowing that you jumped on the Melbourne bandwagon late, after years of disappointment following the Warriors, I’ll take your comment for what it is: a cry for help. Let it out Steel Panther. Let it out.
You’re right, the litmus test will be when they play the teams you mentioned and the season could still go pear shaped. But after nine consecutive losses and disappointing season after disappointing season, it’s awesome to see them offloading and showing some defensive steel.
Last year they didn’t do either, even against the lesser lights. So I’ll enjoy it while it lasts and maybe we’ll see you swap allegiances again when it suits you later in the year.
Warriors fans have reason to be cautiously excited
You may well be right Paul, but they have already shown more bottle in three games than all of 2017. Last year was so frustrating, not just for the losses, but the way they lost matches and with talent in key positions.
For now I’ll just celebrate the wins (prematurely or not) and enjoy the fact they look vastly improved from previous efforts.
Warriors fans have reason to be cautiously excited
Yes, I think they did have four. And there was a Max zone down the ground which doubled the runs scored to encourage hitting straight.
The top five former Test batsmen we'd love to see play Twenty20
Martin Crowe. Had all the shots and tried something similar with his cricket maxx shortened format.
The top five former Test batsmen we'd love to see play Twenty20
Gold.
It’s not Rattue, but he is a big fan of his column.
Which teams aren't good enough to hate?
I agree, and his goal kicking is a real asset particularly considering neither Barrett or Cruden have been first choice kickers this season for their franchises.
Chiefs vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby, live scores, blog
I have to say the cynical play for the Lions whenever they are in their own territory is pretty frustrating and disappointing.
I understand it slows the game and plays to their strengths, but this is a Chiefs side stripped of many of its first picks.
Is that all they’ve got? Penalties, barge-overs and constant infringing?
Weak.
Chiefs vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby, live scores, blog
A certain irony that the first chance their winger gets to score is because he charged into a ruck and dived over.
Chiefs vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby, live scores, blog
Plenty in the northern hemisphere it seems.
Chiefs vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby, live scores, blog
Cheap shot. Yellow card!
Chiefs vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby, live scores, blog
And their scrum!
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
Good call. Huge match.
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
Cracking game. Dunedin will be humming tonight.
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
Drop goal?
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
Will be amazing if he can nail this.
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
Wow – couldn’t hook it. Huge.
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
I can’t tell if there’s a strong wind in that (indoor) stadium or Farrell’s having a mild stroke while taking the kick.
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
Don’t you hate it when they do that? But I agree – should be accumulating; will also reduce temptation to infringe.
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
Great counter ruck under pressure. Huge play. Well done BIL.
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
Much more wobbly than wonderful. Lets hope they avoid woeful and get wedemption.
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
Angus Gardner called the Lions that time – have to say I quite like the way he controls his matches.
He seems to have a good feel for the game too.
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
Love your work Digger.
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
Always a risky option, regardless of how easy Beauden Barrett makes it look.
Highlanders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International rugby scores, blog
And it is appreciated thanks Duncan. You could have included Kearney in there too, although to be fair, we returned Hoffman.
The players on our current roster are performing, but I imagine we would always have room for Nelson and Bromwich – who wouldn’t?
Top tip: Don't Warrior, be happy