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Joined February 2011
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"Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard of all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence: in other words, it is war minus the shooting." - George Orwell
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I’ve waited a week to write down my thoughts on what the New South Wales Blues should do in response to their loss in the opening game of the State of Origin series.
It was an innings few Australian cricket fans will forget, for a variety of different reasons. I refer to, of course, Andrew Symonds’ brilliant 143 not out versus Pakistan in Australia’s opening game of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.
Oh great, another piece about Ben Simmons and his jump shot. Or, more specifically, his lack of one. Surely it’s all been said by now, and there is nothing new to discuss on this topic.
The 2019 NRL season is in diapers, still only weeks old, and yet I’m already being forced into saying something that I know I’m going to get criticised for.
For the last few seasons, I’ve written an overreactions piece after the first round of the NRL, as a tongue-in-cheek way to poke fun at those that read too much into one, early-season, round of footy games.
I don’t know about you, but I think 80 minutes of football from each of the 16 clubs in the NRL is more than enough evidence to make some sweeping assessments and adjudications for the entire season.
The Los Angeles Lakers 2018-19 season may well be remembered as the worst in the franchise’s long history.
Fans across the country are optimistically proclaiming “It’s our year!” The News Limited scribes are frothing at the mouth, ready to unleash thousands of ‘crisis’ articles. Off-season scandals will now give way to scandals of the in-season variety.
When you sign the best player in the league – and arguably the greatest player of all time – while he’s still in his prime, your goal for the season should be the NBA championship.
With Australia’s loss in the Gavaskar-Border series complete, the post-mortem on what went wrong has already begun.
With stories circulating that Carmelo Anthony’s time with the Houston Rockets will “soon be ending”, and few – if any – teams in need of his services, it’s an appropriate time to look back on the career and legacy of the man they call ‘Melo’.
The first week of the 2018-19 NBA season has been completed, and it’s always hard to not overreact to what you’ve witnessed after just three or four games played by each team.
This annual tradition – where I revisit my pre-season rugby league predictions – is both my most dreaded piece to write each year, yet also the one I most look forward to.
After Penrith’s crushing, one-point loss to the Sharks on Friday night, there was footage of Ivan Cleary consoling his son, Nathan, in a show of family support.
There is no real way to prove it, but there is an undeniable feeling that 2018 is the year a large portion of the rugby league community said “enough” to News Corp journalist Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield.
In the battle for the attention of rugby league fans, there’s a sure-fire way to appeal to as many of them as possible: bash the refs.
With six rounds to go in the 2018 NRL season, the Telstra Premiership is well and truly up for grabs.
Yesterday, NBA superstar LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year deal worth $153.3 million.
Given LeBron James’ epic performances in the 2018 NBA Playoffs, the debate about who is the greatest basketball player of all time has really heated up of late.
Thank you BA, I’ll correct that.
Sadly, after just six rounds it’s already a two-horse race in the NRL
It’s been a long time since I’ve had a hot take! It feels good to get one out there!
(And to be fair, I honestly believe it.)
Sadly, after just six rounds it’s already a two-horse race in the NRL
When Joey breaks down a play in detail, I go weak at the knees.
Eight simple rules for enjoying the NRL more
(Apologies for the lack of paragraphs in that reply – something weird going on with the formatting!)
Big off-season decisions already haunting the Panthers and Warriors
How can you say that the comment “It’s a decision that may come back to haunt the Warriors, if it hasn’t already” is incorrect? How can you be so definitive, especially on something that hasn’t really happened yet? It could very well be correct. Maybe already. The fact is Johnson is a very talented player. Inconsistent, yes, but talented nonetheless. For all in inconsistency (and reports of a bad attitude), he’s a very good player. If he should address the flaws in his game and become a great player – even win a Dally M – that will haunt the Warriors. It will be a greater reflection on them than him if he fulfils his potential elsewhere. As for the point that Johnson wanted a new deal, all the tells me is that he’s young, wants some job security, and would like to get paid a lot of money. Which makes him like the vast majority of 28 year olds. I actually commend the Warriors for making a tough call, and it could be the right one for the club. But in no way does that mean it couldn’t also lead to regrets. Both things can be true, and don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Big off-season decisions already haunting the Panthers and Warriors
Bizarre!
Have a look at his record here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Cleary
Big off-season decisions already haunting the Panthers and Warriors
Um . . . I never said those things . . .
Big off-season decisions already haunting the Panthers and Warriors
Hey BA – where did you get your Cleary coaching stats from?
I struggled to get definitive numbers, and ended up using Wikipedia, which I admit isn’t always correct.
Big off-season decisions already haunting the Panthers and Warriors
Good to see someone ‘gets’ it! Thank you, Wayne!
Five massive overreactions and scorching hot takes after Round 1 of the NRL
I have to pull you up on one thing there. Lue actually did get some credit for the Cavs championship. And Spoelstra is mocked? Really? For mine, he’s widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the game, gets credit for meshing the Heat’s talent into championships, and most importantly, still has his job!
I don’t disagree that coaches get a raw deal when LeBron is in town. That’s true and fair. But it would also be pretty hard to turn down the chance to coach him.
And it’s an old basketball saying that “Players won games, and coaches lose them”. Apart from a few quality examples, it usually holds true and is a reality of professional coaching.
Who’s to blame for the Lakers’ most disappointing season in franchise history?
Sure, the roster seemed capable on nights – they did have talent. But there could have been a lot more cohesive squad put together, that’s all.
Who’s to blame for the Lakers’ most disappointing season in franchise history?
I’m going out on a limb here and saying you didn’t read past the headline?
Who’s to blame for the Lakers’ most disappointing season in franchise history?
I can’t argue with a well reasoned and valid argument like that. Jordan wins.
Who’s to blame for the Lakers’ most disappointing season in franchise history?
Toovs has become incredibly underrated as a coach. He did some good things at Manly, under difficult situations.
Five fearless predictions for the 2019 NRL season
Because Michael Morgan is back; mainly.
To be honest, I could be talked into the Tigers or Cowboys for that 8th spot, and went with the Cows, because I like to rag on the Tigers.
Five fearless predictions for the 2019 NRL season
It all makes perfect sense. In my head.
Five fearless predictions for the 2019 NRL season
Given my maths, 7 out of 5 is always in play!
Five fearless predictions for the 2019 NRL season
This is why I love rugby league. You’ve got me getting zero, while below I’m getting 4 and haven’t been all that fearless!
Five fearless predictions for the 2019 NRL season
Nice one, Nat. I look forward to reviewing at season’s end, and seeing who has the most egg on their face!
Five fearless predictions for the 2019 NRL season
Paul, you’re probably right. But you could say that about any team with an elite half, I think?
Five fearless predictions for the 2019 NRL season
Papi, I know it was a fairly long article, but you clearly didn’t read it all. Specifically this part: “The bench situation was another in which I was a little harsh, particularly on Murray. He actually played pretty well and deserves to retain his spot.”
Turning emotional outbursts into calm, rational selections for the NSW Blues