Roar Rookie
Joined August 2020
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Qualified Sports Journalist - never quite had the confidence to try and make a career from it. Now just sharing my own views/opinions with what are hopefully thought provoking or discussion inspiring pieces.
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It's that time of year when we regular folk might have the Christmas tree up and presents wrapped and, for those with little ones,…
For eight years, the Big Bash League has been the benchmark for women’s domestic T20 cricket around the world. One of the key drawcards…
With the opening week of the Women’s Big Bash League season done and dusted, we recap the biggest talking points. Sixers hit formThe Sydney…
Finally, something you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand. With the Dolphins entering the NRL in 2023 as the 17th franchise,…
The 2022 NRL season marked the fifteenth campaign by the Gold Coast Titans, their last being able to carry the 'Newest Franchise’ tag which…
Traditionalists, sharpen your pitchforks! Karens, get ready to demand the manager! But let's first take a moment to discuss the National Rugby League, player…
With the 2022 NRL Season done and dusted, the Penrith Panthers are the champions, the Wests Tigers have taken out the club's first wooden spoon and it is the fifteenth year with no success for the Gold Coast Titans.
Cricket fans, sit back and strap yourselves in.Tthe 12th edition of the Big Bash League will soon be hitting our screens and this year…
Heading into the 2021 NRL season, there was a lot of hype around the Gold Coast Titans. Star recruit David Fifita was poached from…
No matter the sporting code you hold dear to your heart, your passion for that game has come from somewhere – fond memories have…
"Let's get ready to rumble!" For many Australians, that immediately makes you think boxing. The famous line that introduced millions of people around the…
The Gold Coast has long been regarded as a rugby league graveyard. The transient supporter base throughout Australia’s most popular tourist strip is blamed…
Completely agree with everything you said Clear as Mud – obviously this is a couple days old, some big matches/results already and on the horizon.
Trying to ‘up’ the WBBL coverage here so appreciate the input.
WBBL08: Round 1 wrap-up
Sounds like a me thing to do… but you know trying to have people like me before pitchforks and stuff 🙂
Where should the NRL's 18th franchise go?
I am completely with you Rossi (relating to not enough players/coaches).
Unfortunately pretty sure common sense and the wording coming from NRL HQ says after the 17th-side in 2023 – an 18th will follow due to the $$$ the extra match brings over the bye.
Is quite interesting to see the opinions from people as to where that side should go.
Where should the NRL's 18th franchise go?
Thanks for your comment Sam,
But being Kiwi-born and bred I know more than map and evenly spaced out. It wasn’t my suggestion I was merely writing about the front runners and the smokies. There was a report earlier, wont link it as it’s not from this site, where Former Kiwi International Hugh McGahan suggested linking a new NRL Franchise with the Crusaders.
Completely different demographic, yes. But the argument that was put forward there is what was repeated here for all to discuss.
Suggesting people don’t know anything because they don’t agree with your opinion really doesn’t help in having a discussion and sharing opinions on where the 18th NRL Franchise should go.
Where should the NRL's 18th franchise go?
Roberto,
Another fantastic suggestion. Something I honestly hadn’t thought off as an option ‘when the time came’ to call for potential franchises.
This will definitely be something I personally look into more so I myself am more informed of the potentials when there is no doubt further conversation on this subject.
Where should the NRL's 18th franchise go?
My bad pretty sure I had 16 everywhere – including 16 on the list. (in all of my notes) Hospital + Lots of spare time + small iPad screen = lots of mistakes so may back off for a couple days.
Really do appreciate the feedback etc
Embarrassment awaits for Titans if Dolphins experience success first
Well said and point well respected David (hey there, big fan by the way).
I really have nothing more I can add, or say or even mention – your first paragraph (after the minority part) is exactly … exactly the point.
The current system as it is now is far from ideal… but really is there any system that could!
And (I don’t know if it is just me but) throughout the comments and replies from everyone I have seen altering views, opinions, and points like this put forward, I have learned more, and my eyes have been opened on things I previously haven’t even thought about.
Thank you for your response.
Is this the best way to fix the NRL's free-agency model?
The more you know aye!
As I said I’m not pretending to have all the answers or the wisdom, just simply a man with a keyboard and opinion.
I hate the current system, and even though it didn’t involve the team I follow (as my profile articles show – the Titans), it irked me to see the likes of Brandon Smith publicly flaunting he was going elsewhere and being paraded out like the new-monarch, while at the same time advertising is being sent out and promoted featuring him urging people to Become a Member and be Part of the Team.
In my opinion, there is still great great talent out there that is not being seen for one reason or another. The draft was simply an idea after seeing the success of the BPL (Brisbane Premier League Cricket – albeit a completely different sport + amateur) and with players like Josh Mansour in mind – keen to play on but no contract on offer.
By the time the ‘Draft’ came along with no contract ol’ mate may decide “Hey, playing anywhere for $[insert CBA agreed minimum wage here] is better than ZERO”.
I don’t know – I guess this is why I am not paid the big bucks and working at NRL HQ (or Newscorp for that matter) I just love hearing what others would picture ‘the perfect system’ being! Is there such a thing?
I truly appreciate you taking the time to comment throughout the day and to provide your insights. To me this, and all other comments, is why I write the articles – to promote discussion, learning and simply sharing opinions around.
Is this the best way to fix the NRL's free-agency model?
Thanks – I’m not an NBA fan so IDK their system. Cant be too scared for change, and no harm in discussing alternative options that may be available to overhaul the system.
Is this the best way to fix the NRL's free-agency model?
Fair enough!
Thank you for sharing your opinion. I more than definitely pointed out my system was flawed, and did admit that this was more towards provoking discussions around the system and what us ‘fans’ would be open to in the unlikely event the system as a whole gets a revamp.
Thanks.
Is this the best way to fix the NRL's free-agency model?
Your point is valid, and something my mind didn’t truly think off when rambling in the article. I truly thank you for commenting your view today as it has added more to me to ponder 😁
Is this the best way to fix the NRL's free-agency model?
Absolutely can’t wait to read the article. I’m simply some dude that threw my 2c in an attempt to spark discussion to see, as fans, what systems others have thought about that ‘could’ work.
Is this the best way to fix the NRL's free-agency model?
Very good point, and it wasn’t until well after I submitted this article that details came out today of the current proposal on table from the NRL that had following the grand final – start of the season or something… guess that is an option, however the catch to that is clubs start pre-season training November and you’d obviously want to be building combinations over still filling roster spots. I, honestly, just wanted to start a discussion to see as fans what our own thoughts, ideas on the ‘perfect’ system would be 🙂
Is this the best way to fix the NRL's free-agency model?
Maybe for some of the players their egos between what they think they are worth could see them accept a contract to play football and get $$$ in rather than having no contract and earning zero. Agents + Clubs paying overs for some players create a false economy and idea to some players as to what they are worth.
If their agent has been floating pie-in-the-sky figures having no contract by the time the draft comes around they can either back their agent to get the $$$ and contract he has been spruking or could elect to take a punt and nominate for the draft.
As the article said it is not the perfect answer, but the draft isn’t just about the players off contract its about those fringe players look at the likes of Jamal Fogerty, something like this introduced earlier could have seen him nominate and thus possibly getting a start earlier etc.
It’s about players at tournaments such as the Kori Knockout to nominate, it seems there is little interest from current NRL Scouts despite the talent that is on display each year – players being able to nominate into the draft… if their local pathways (or in some cases their is none) don’t want to recognise them it’s an opportunity for these players to try and be seen.
Is this the best way to fix the NRL's free-agency model?
Completely agree with you @mushi and @Maxtruck – fingers crossed for a healthy year (for all players although realistically we know it’s not going to happen) but the experience he could bring to the other players, from his experience playing under Friend etc; premiership winner etc., could hopefully provide a little bit more guidance than what was on offer at times throughout 2022.
With Foran there as well, providing direction and taking pressure off some of these other players could be what some of these players need.
Embarrassment awaits for Titans if Dolphins experience success first
My thoughts exactly. And if there is anyone who can get a club off to a stable start it’s Wayne Bennett. As along time suffering Titans supporter it has now become my greatest fear that The Dolphins will do just that – beat us in the Premiership race, lol!
Embarrassment awaits for Titans if Dolphins experience success first
Fingers crossed up at least 🙂 They have plugged some holes they just need to gel as one and everything else will take care of itself… hopefully. Thanks for the comment Dave much appreciated.
Embarrassment awaits for Titans if Dolphins experience success first
Really we have to wait until Wednesdays? Some players loose their heads mid-game!
Global Round: Sharks CEO wants to see NRL play on four continents in same week - Dubai, Oceania, Europe and US
I thought this idea sounded like he had taken too much of his meds Tony 🙂
Global Round: Sharks CEO wants to see NRL play on four continents in same week - Dubai, Oceania, Europe and US
That’s the unfortunate landscape we face ourselves with Tim – you are not wrong.
Global Round: Sharks CEO wants to see NRL play on four continents in same week - Dubai, Oceania, Europe and US
This… this exactly. At least it’s something different. At least it’s something put on the table.
Taking on your lightning round idea (great idea btw) what if they were set up like the NRL Magic Round.
All the teams descend and in action over one weekend before moving to the next state/region type of thing.
TBH anything different lol!
Why CA needs the BBL Draft to be a success
Appreciate your points Don Freo. The retention of the 5 players were if BBL looked at adding additional teams and to bring some interest to the game.
Last night (IMO) the Draft was a failure. I, personally don’t see the point with BBL squads being so big with so much decent talent just sitting on the sidelines during the season, teams have their preferred 11/12 that they want to have on the field to win – it’s understandable – but when you have 46 players on the rosters who featured in 2 games or less last season, the fact they have a chance to open up more picks in the draft and hence more talent on the field, and teams will be forced to use draft picks rather than PASSING.
Do I think it’s the perfect answer? No!
But to just drive the point home of how nothing has changed – WA Warriors in the Big Bash became the Perth Scorchers filled with WA players (and people like yourself wanting those types of players) further proves the point that in both in its previous incarnation and 12 years ago as the new and exciting product… nothing really changed!
Why CA needs the BBL Draft to be a success
Picture – annual BBL Draft – two new teams (for now) added and teams are only able to retain 5 of the BBL12 squad ALL other players go into the draft (new clubs a couple additional draft picks added into the mix to catch up on the five players they are behind).
You add to that double headers, family friendly ticket prices again, and a review of the amount of matches played – something to bring the interest back in the competition.
Why CA needs the BBL Draft to be a success
You are right – It was more the entire product is the same. Admittingly, it is the same product as the KFC Big Bash just instead of state based teams we have clubs.
Bat Flip/ Boost Point/ XFactor Subs – did they add anything to the game. I actually originally liked the idea of the Boost Point as we have seen (in many sports) you can have an off day and be completely blown away on the field – that boost point gave teams at least something to chase.
A proper draft, a couple new teams added allowing current teams the ability to only retain 5 of their current squad each season. There are international players etc and even players no one would’ve thought of before hand who are at least interested in coming to play Domestic T20 in Australia!
Why CA needs the BBL Draft to be a success
Still disappointed there is no statue out the front of Robina of the Don!
Remember (the top try scorers for) the Titans