Roar Pro
Joined November 2013
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A watcher, player and writer of all kinds of sport.
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International rugby league has slowly been over shadowed by State of Origin and fallen into the darkness of irrelevancy. Last Saturday night we saw…
Every week that an NRL match ends in golden point, complaints of injustice are heard from everywhere. Well, usually from the losing team, but…
Yesterday I talked about the highs of the wrestling spectacle, WrestleMania 32. The show is always a fantastic occasion and much look forward to…
On Sunday night in America (Monday here in Australia), the ATandT Stadium in Dallas, Texas hosted the WWE wrestling extravaganza that is WrestleMania. Totalling…
There have been many questions and debates raised over whether or not the A-League should have finals series or not. Really there's only one…
Due to my extreme passion for rugby league and the NRL, I can't help but feel frustration with the way that the league is…
The NRL has just kicked off and many a fan would be relieved that footy is back on our TV screens. The above statement…
The new extended version of the World Club Challenge is about to take place in England. With three of the best teams from the…
As many have stated before in previous articles, Phil Rothfield proposed a plan to change the NRL to a conference system to boost ratings…
The scores were 26-18 favouring the Brisbane Broncos with just six minutes remaining. I felt it was 'game-over'. However, their opponents, the Sydney Roosters,…
Much has been made in recent years of the NRL's mid-season lull when a State of Origin comes around. Many of the top clubs…
As we come to the end of the torturous yet anticipation-inducing ordeal that is the NRL pre-season, there have been many discussions about what…
With the 2014 NRL season fast approaching, I have read many articles and alike mainly predicting what was going to happen in the 2014…
As we head into the 17th season of the National Rugby League, it came to my attention that we actually have less teams than…
Receiving various criticism and scrutiny, the Rugby League World Cup captures the attention of viewers around the world, whether that be in a positive…
Shorter State of Origin periods; the expansion of the NRL into more cities around Australia; the return of the shoulder charge; the reinstatement of…
A player who has been on the tip of every rugby league fan's tongue of late is Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans. When Cherry-Evans started…
Have to disagree with some of the statements made there. Michael Jennings should not be dropped. He’s still one of the best centres in the game and to say he ‘bombed’ two tries is a little rough. His defence was a little shaky, but his offence is always explosive.
I do agree that unless Daley makes some substantial changes to next year’s team, he needs to go. Those changes include although mainly sticking with the team, ridding the team of older players or players that just don’t suit origin. Greg Bird, Dylan Walker, Robbie Farah all need to make way for players such as Cartwright, Jack Bird and Peats. I do believe though that winning teams are created on winning combinations and in order to make these combos we need to allow players the time in the squad. Say after 2 years these players are still not performing with one another, then bring in others who will.
Losing is a disease. Does Laurie have the cure?
I’m a fan of potentially loaning players – that has upside. The other two ideas do in ‘theory’ but aren’t realistic. Fans would definitely mind if their team fell into a second division! So would sponsors! As for having Origin on stand-alone weekends. For me, Wednesday suits better. It’s traditionally always played on Wednesday and it always rates well for broadcasters due to its mid week scheduling. Also broadcasters want as much footy being shown as possible, having 3 weekends where only 1 game is played would not please them and they ultimately fund the league.
Rugby league can learn from the English Premier League
It’s a good idea, however I think the Auckland Nines provides an adequate enough ‘carnival-like’ event for the NRL. Broadcasters want games scheduled across the whole of the weekend and it’s true money does talk.
Also I think it’s important to note; how would the quality of the ground look come the last game in 2 days? As a coach, I certainly wouldn’t want my team playing on that field.
A Magic Weekend for the NRL?
My proposal would be to keep the NRL going every week as they do now. Broadcasters want consistent games, each week.
So why not just have Origin have on 3 consecutive Wednesday nights? And then each team gets one bye out of those weeks. Then after 4 weeks of byes and Origin, it’s all done and we move on to the club footy. I’m sick of Origin affecting 8 weeks of the NRL. Don’t get me wrong, I love it! But it’s time to end its effect on club footy.
The conundrum of Origin scheduling
Origin needs to be played over 3 consecutive weeks. Each team receives one bye (similar to the AFL Bye weeks) and then we just get on with the normal club season. I’m sick of Origin affecting 8 weeks of club footy.
Why State of Origin is great for the premiership competition
Good article,
I believe those 2 need to be the next two also. Two much opportunity there to pass up. Expansion isn’t ‘needed’, but if they want to grow the game both domestically and internationally, then it is.
I would suggest after that, that a 2nd NZ team and potentially a CQ team (if they can build a stadium in time) would be the next way to go.
Rugby league expansion pack: Where to next for the NRL?
I think this team is a solid side that is gunna give QLD a real hot go. However, like a lot of you it seems, I would have made a couple of changes.
For starters, Gallen should be at 13, with Tamou and Woods up front (some sites I’ve seen think he’ll play upfront to start). This then would leave Klemmer, Fifita and Jackson on the bench, that’s a solid forward pack on the bench.
The changes I would make next would be, as pointed out, Ennis in for Farah. But I think a huge one should be Josh Reynolds in for Walker. Josh has been great this year and can play a vast range of positions. His ‘mungrle’ off the bench would be awesome as well!
NSW Blues team for State of Origin Game 1: Expert reaction
I like the idea of a 6-team finals series. 10 teams are way too many. And with a reduced amount of teams qualifying, you prevent the idea of clubs resting their players towards the end of the year, similar to what North Melbourne did last year. It ensures that only the best clubs qualify. However the downside is we get less games, which broadcasters would not enjoy.
An alternative schedule for the AFL finals
If I were Everton, I’d be looking at someone from a different league who knows how to win leagues and cups. They need someone who has that winning mentality. Perhaps Frank de Boer from Ajax? Or even Manuel Pellengrini since he’ll be needing a job now.
Regardless of who it is, it needs to be someone whose had experience in winning trophies, not someone who they think has the potential to.
Who will fill the vacant Everton job?
I thought it was revealed a few months ago? Although it may not be official, I think the general assumption around the football world is that he will live, and if he doesn’t on his accord, he may get the tap on the shoulder to. Either way I think if Arsenal are to move into that ‘new era’ of European and English dominance, they do need a new and fresh manager. Maybe someone like Ronald Koeman or Frank De Boer?
Is it time for a change at Arsenal?
Well he’s leaving after next season anyway when his contract expires. After what he’s done for the club, and the level of consistency Arsenal have always shown in a hard league like the EPL, it would be downright disrespectful for them to sack him with one season to go. He’s already said it’s probably time to retire after his contract. So I say no way in hell should they let him go yet.
Is it time for a change at Arsenal?
Good article Tim. I definitely agree we need to blood some new players and this is year to do it following last year’s flogging. I don’t completely agree with the team you’ve picked but.
For this year, I’d have Tadesco on the wing and either Moylan or Dugan at the back. Give him time to get to acquainted with the speed and toughness of Origin. I think however, Moylan could withstand that pressure on debut (I don’t like Moylan at 6 until He plays it in the NRL)
I’d then have Sezer at 6 and Pearce at 7 (that’s if he wants to play) I think having 2 completely new halves isn’t a good idea. But if Pearce isn’t good to play, I’d want Adam Reynolds there. He’s a strong player and has a tremendous kicking game.
I agree with the rest of the team, except would have Tamou in for Bird. Tamou has been fantastic all year for the Cowboys and deserves a spot. Imagine both him and Klemmer coming off the bench as well. That’s dangerous.
A Blues dynasty will begin if Daley picks the right team
Thanks for the comment Epi,
The only reason I thought 5 tests would be good, is because it 1. Makes it different from Origin and 2. Would correlate well with the other Cups going on at the same time.
In regards to your comment about the higher ranked sides versing the lower ranked, it does have its merits (ie. we still get to see the stars of the top nations, which ultimately draws broadcasters, and we still get to see developing talent), however I think that’s where the Six Nations and World Cup would work. The year before would still be useful, as the matches would essentially be a lot closer I think then they would against The Big 3.
As much as I would love to see International footy be played over the course of the year, I just don’t think it’s smart. Leave Origin to be played throughout the season and leave the end of the year specifically for International matches. I think one of the reasons international footy is considered so irrelevant now is because of the way it’s been scheduled.
A proposal for an official, meaningful international schedule
Thanks for the comment Turbo,
I agree with you on that front that international footy isn’t very high on most people’s priority list. But I think that’s due to the lack of games that are featured each season. The only time we ever really see a proper competition between nations is the World Cup. I think with this proposal, the fact that there’s actual competition between nations every year would encourage fans to get behind their country.
A proposal for an official, meaningful international schedule
I have only just recently created a Twitter profile also, so if you would to follow me at @TheQConners that’d be great.
A proposal for an official, meaningful international schedule
I think it’s hard for anyone else to be able to decide if somebody else feels they are Australian. I have many Sudanese and Pacific Islander friends that play sport at a high level and have represented Australia as they call Australia their home and love everything about it. Who are we to say Semi doesn’t feel the same? If he is eligible it’s his decision, not ours.
His showing tonight will also be a huge promotion for rugby league in Fiji and those Pacific Island countries. They’ll see him as a local boy who chased a league dream and will promote them to do the same.
Slamming Semi Radradra's Kangaroo selection is un-Australian
I am all for taking the grand final to Brisbane until ANZ is good to go. Brisbane has become the heartland for rugby league and theyve deserved to host a grand final.
As for Melbourne, you have go to be kidding me… It’s bad enough we take State of Origin there every now and then, let alone our other biggest spectacle. Definitely not a fan of that.
Grow the game by taking the grand final north and south
Insightful article Barry.
I agree with this team. I’ve always thought putting Tadesco on the wing is a smart move for NSW. The only thing I have an issue with is both Reynolds in the halves. I’d agree that Adam Reynolds should be there. His kicking game is fantastic and will put QLD under a lot of pressure. However I’d like to see how Blake Austin would go. Having said that, I do understand your decision as having two fairly inexperienced halves may not be the best idea. But I think Austin/A.Reynolds would make a great future combo.
The other change I’d consider is Trent Merrin for Paul Vaughan. Merrin is such a strong forward and always performs in Origin. Although I too would like to see how Vaughan goes, because I do agree with the statements you’ve made about him.
NSW selections should follow Queensland's lead
It could well become like that, Ian. But I guess we won’t know until we try it? (Pardon the pun).
I’m not exactly saying we should do golden try, more that it would just be very interesting to see how it pans out. If it did turn out like this, then I would change my opinion.
NRL's options for fixing extra time
I would suspect that if they were to introduce golden try, that penalty goals and field goals wouldnt be allowed or rewarded, as then you can have that scenario.
NRL's options for fixing extra time
I think you’ve misunderstood my statements in the article Turbo.
I don’t mean to say it’s affecting the interest in the game, rather it probably does the opposite. I mean there are people that complain about the current method of extra time and it’s unfairness. I do agree you that extra time has a place in our game, hence my opinion of golden try.
NRL's options for fixing extra time
Completely agree. The idea from The government just seems unnecessary and unthought out. I would agree that the SFS needs a refurbishment, but that’s all it needs. Not rebuilding. I like your idea of putting the money into stadiums in Western Sydney and more suburban grounds around NSW. The stadiums in the CBD are of good quality. It’s the stadiums outside the CBD that are needing new adjustments.
Leave Allianz Stadium alone
Yes totally agree with that. Although I do believe Moylan would make a great five-eighth, when you have talent such as Martin and Cleary coming through, I would be keeping Moylan in fullback and attempting to create a strong, sensational spine for the future.
The time is right for a Matt Moylan move