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Roar Rookie
Joined September 2015
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After looking at the clubs that defected to Super League and those that remained loyal to the ARL, this time, I want to review the fates and fortunes of the representative teams as well as Super League’s World Club Championship.
Following Part 1, which focused on the clubs aligned to the Super League, I’m now going to look back on the ARL and their clubs, including the joint ventures that followed the Super League war.
Due to COVID-19, the 25th anniversary of the last great disruption to the game – the Super League war – has passed with little comment.
Michael Lamonato penned a recent article about the excessive Formula One schedule.
On the week before the AFL finals six teams must travel interstate for their clashes. Facing a potential elimination match the following week against an opponent who may have had a much more restful preparation, it is an unfair situation that must be rectified.
I felt like I only scratched the surface too.
Super League revisited: Rep teams and World Club Championship
Couldn’t catch, couldn’t tackle. And Warren Ryan had already worked with him,so he had no excuse.
Super League revisited: Rep teams and World Club Championship
But what has happened season after season with trainers is not a loophole, rather rules limiting their presence simply not being enforced. The specific rules are listed on every second Tim Gore article. 😉
Roosters coach urges NRL to rethink rule changes
Wouldn’t John Hopoate-era Wests Tigers be a better ‘fit’?
Tool's company: Why the Knights are a progressive rock band from California
I associate John Hopoate-era Wests Tigers with Tool.
Relax, turn around, and take my…
Tool's company: Why the Knights are a progressive rock band from California
The end of three grades in a day completely kills it from happening again.
Super League revisited: The ARL clubs
You’ve given me an idea for another article. When (if) I ever finish this series, I want to do an article called ‘Why Your Side is the Best (and Worst) Ever’, with each team’s claim to fame (and shame). I don’t mind if someone uses the idea first. For Manly, you could point to the longest ever run without a wooden spoon, and making at least one grand final every decade. St George would focus on 11 straight premierships, Souths on 21 premierships, Gold Coast on having the best theme parks within an hour of their stadium… I’ll keep quiet on my team until then.
Super League revisited: The ARL clubs
You’re right; there has to be a balance, and Canberra went way too far in the size category, sacrificing agility. For NSW, there were just too many times that the starting side and bench would be stuffed with 80 minute second rowers who just didn’t have the explosiveness required as a collective for SOO. For Manly, I am likely being harsh on Fulton, given that they were probably getting squeezed by the salary cap, but it seems strange to sacrifice the front row so much as opposed to spreading the pain across all of the positions. If you look at Wayne Bennett’s career, he has a similar blind spot (Civonoceva, Lazarus, and Webcke notwithstanding).
Super League revisited: The ARL clubs
Thanks. Honestly, I didn’t follow the Crushers saga enough to provide any more detail. Maybe the podcast at the top of the comments sheds further light on them.
Super League revisited: The ARL clubs
And I can’t name a NSW side as good as the Qld sides, because Fulton kept selecting inferior teams… I know that’s not what you meant.
It was common for the Blues , under Fulton and others, to go with a “mobile forward pack” despite Origin history not supporting that approach. I can’t be bothered to go through the talent pool during those seasons and highlight props who should have been in the 17, but I stand by my remark.
Super League revisited: The ARL clubs
Fact: Manly won 15 straight games.
Fact: Sydney Bulldogs and Brisbane Broncos won 20 team comps.
Fact: I didn’t romanticize the Tigers, Wests, Illawarra and Norths.
Fact: Manly were damn good and had many admirable players (in particular, Daniel Gartner was massively underrated), but I had a lot of fun writing their section.
Super League revisited: The ARL clubs
Quality post, and I’m going to cover a few of the topics in upcoming articles. I almost feel like copying and pasting your remarks.
Super League revisited: The ARL clubs
I got told about it after part 1, but if I listen to it before I finish the series, it’s going to creep into the content.
And I know I was harsh on the Tigers, who had some players I really liked, but it was a shocking start to their life. Bellyache might have created a dynasty, or he may not have seen out his contract.
Super League revisited: The ARL clubs
Thank you. Loving the trip down memory lane with everyone.
Super League revisited: The ARL clubs
Not quite, because Hopoate wasn’t endangering others.
Cartwright can say no to his flu shot, but the NRL should say no to him
Was that Bob Ferris? Hope he was paid well!
Super League revisited: The Super League clubs
Correct me if I’m wrong,but didn’t basketball just restrict professionals rather than nations? A college US basketballer is much different than, say, a NZ Aussie rules player
Should cricket be included in the Olympics?
Would the IOC tolerate the inevitably lower standard of play?
Should cricket be included in the Olympics?
Name a single instance of a player getting a suspended sentence from the NRL. Obviously not a supporter.
Players partying and going camping risk blowing it for all of us
Would anyone be truly shocked if the ex-players were going on fan forums to sway public opinion?
Michael Lynagh withdraws signature from captains' letter as Eales, Shaw voice their support of Rugby AU
A very enjoyable look back at the best season of the last 20 years, thank you.
Schumacher on Rubens on the start/finish line was one of the most disgraceful acts I have seen in F1. Ten years on, I still believe that Schumacher should have been banned for life and faced attempted murder charges. I know how extreme that sounds, but the footage says it all.
Racing revisitations: 2010 F1 season - Part 2
I imagine Wigan must’ve been seen as a threat pre-tournament, and they did win their first game, creating a bit of false hope.
Super League revisited: Rep teams and World Club Championship